Tuesday
Very few children who grow up in rural China want to become teachers. Chinese farmers hope their children will get out of being farmers by getting college degrees and few farmers want their children to return to the countryside. They definitely do not want them be become poor teachers there. Very few Christian Chinese parents will encourage or allow their children to serve the Lord because of the lack of respect and low wages they receive. Let us pray about this problem and that the churches in China will honor God's workers and treat them fairly.
Wednesday
There are about forty million Chinese peasants who have lost their land but a mere ten percent of the migrant workers who once were farmers are willing to return to the villages. There are, however, two main obstacles that keep migrant workers from being residents in the city--there are residence restrictions and public services are not available to them. They really have no land to return to but still eighty percent of them want to stay in the cities. We want to remember those seminary students who want to return home to serve in their home churches but since they know the salary is so meagre they struggle to fulfill God's will. How will they support their families? Often they are criticized and their ministry efforts go unappreciated also.
Thursday
According to a survey 35-45% of the new generation of migrant workers between the ages of 16-30 no longer have their homestead land back home to cultivate so they essentially are not able to support themselves in the villages. Only 8.8% of migrant workers desire to return to the villages and of the young migrant workers only 7.7% have that desire. Although the harvest is plentiful the workers are have always been few. Rural churches have constantly lacked shepherds and scarcely any Christians parents in rural areas want their children to be church workers. Rarely do young people now consider serving full time in rural churches. May the Lord have mercy on them, especially those pastors whose faith is wavering and they are thinking of stopping their work in the villages altogether.
Friday
Chinese men from the villages leave their wives at home to care for the children and elderly parents as well as to do the farming so they can go to the cities and work. As one travels throughout rural China it is alarming and frightening to find it so difficult to see any young men around. The villages are left with mostly the children and old people. Many leaders in the rural churches are still trying to spend their limited resources to build the church building rather than investing in future talents for the kingdom. We pray that the Lord will burden these leaders with a true desire to raise up new leaders, not merely keeping them busy working in the church but entrusting them with real responsibilities and training them for making critical decisions.
Saturday
In the rural areas of China children are left behind with elderly grandparents when their parents go to work in the cities. Far more important than meeting the basic needs of the children is how the grandparents could have the energy and knowledge to help the children do their school work. There are many stories of juvenile crimes, elderly abuse, and robbery. Some of the rural church leaders whether intentionally or unintentionally "abuse" their pastors by giving them extremely low wages because they claim they themselves are volunteers who do just as much work as the pastors do. This is a common practice. May the Lord convict each of us so we will know how to treat His workers with respect and encourage them by supporting their families financially.
Sunday
Chinese people are fond of the number 8. For example, the 2008 Beijing Olympics started on August 8 at 8:08 p.m. It is pronounced like the word for "getting rich". The same zeal is found in getting an 8 on one's license plate, phone number, and even in the price of food. Merchandise and hotel room rates are set in 88 yuan, 888 yuan, or 1888 yuan. Sadly there is a lot of this competitive mentality among the churches in China also. Many are engaging in building bigger and prettier church buildings to show off. Unfortunately this saddles churches with large debts and high interest rates. May the Lord be gracious to His church and help us to be good stewards knowing we should invest in people (future leaders) rather than mere outside things.
Monday
In the past churches in the cities of China have helped support rural churches by sending pastors to them to preach or give special training. These efforts are good but lack long-term impact. In terms of team work, there is a big gap between the believers in cities and those in the villages in overcoming the differences in their life styles, their sentiments, and how they do things, We pray there will be more urban churches, especially those in the wealthy regions, that will be willing to support the impoverished rural churches. We need leaders with vision and broad shoulders to bring about a partnership between rural and urban churches and to help the poor and smaller churches to be self-supporting.
星期二
中國很少有農村孩子長大後想當老師。現在大部份的農民都希望自己的孩子接受教育，考上大學進而脫離農夫這門行業。少有人願意自己的孩子再回到農村，尤其回來當窮教書的。大多數信徒家長不鼓勵或允許自己孩子全職事奉主，在他們的觀念裏，牧者不受尊重，且多是清貧困苦。讓我們為這種現象和錯誤的觀念來禱告，求主改變中國教會, 讓信徒敬重神的工人，並以愛心照顧他們的生活需用.
星期三
中國失地農民約4千萬，願回鄉民工不足1成。現在農民工入城的主要難題，一是戶籍限制和公共服務的城鄉分割，二是老家的宅基地和承包地，「八成農民工即便不放開戶口也將長期留在城鎮。」我們特別紀念許多來自農村想回鄉服事的神學生，他們家鄉的教會無力供養，不回去又於心不忍，一邊是神的託付不能不做，一邊是家庭的重擔——做不下去，有時還會面對這樣那樣的批評和論斷。
星期四
根據研究數據顯示，新生代農民工中，16至30歲，百分之35到40在老家沒有地；無法在農村養活自己。願意回農村定居的農民工只占8.8%。只有7.7%的新生代農民工願意回農村定居，而老一代農民工的比例為13.3%。農村教會「羊多牧人少」，「莊稼多，作工的人少」，但有多少父母願意、敢將自己健全的兒女奉獻為傳道？ 又有多少青年基督徒樂意去教會全職事奉？求主憐憫，也幫助那些現在信心動搖，想放棄服侍的農村教會傳道人。
星期五
農村年輕人到城市打工，多半是男人出去打工，太太在家裡照顧孩子、老人甚至幫助種地。在很多省份，鄉下幾乎沒有年輕人了，家裡就剩老人和孩子，問題相當嚴重。今天農村教會不少負責同工「重基建、輕人才」- 願意花錢在教會硬件建設上，但缺乏「人才」建設的認識。 求主幫助教會領袖們真有心栽培接棒的年輕一代，而不只是說說，或是只讓他們有很多的工作，卻沒有擔負實質的責任。
星期六
中國內地許多年輕人留下自己的子女給父母照顧，自己進城工作。老年人除了照顧孫子的衣食住行，最困難的則是教育問題，根本沒有精力照顧到這個層面。再加上社會問題，犯罪問題，欺負老年人，有的老年人有些錢，鄉下的流氓地痞可能就敲詐老年人，種種對老年人不利的情形。有的農村教會負責人因自己多年來一直是「義工」，就有意無意地在生活上壓低專職傳道人的待遇，此現象在農村教會司空見慣。我們為教會能以合乎聖經的教導，尊敬神的僕人，照顧神的工人來禱告。
星期日
中國人對數字「8」的喜愛程度超乎想像。從2008年北京奧運會開幕式的時間—8月8日晚上8時零8分就能看出。「8」和「發」財發音相似。不只車牌號，電話號碼，從食物價格到商品，酒店客房價格，經常會看到88元、888元、1888元 。教會也會有攀比心態，不少教會把資金盲目投放在「大教堂」建築上，甚至為了滿足虛榮心而不惜借高利貸，使得教會債台高築。求主恩待祂的教會，知道如何當個好管家，願意在教會人才上投資更多，培養願意事奉的後續人才。
星期一
過去城市教會對農村教會的支援， 大多是教牧人員來農村教會證道或主持特別節目，雖然立意可嘉，但效果卻是短暫的。 團隊在與農村信徒情感上、生活習慣等諸多方面的認同還有許多間隙。我們求主感動更多的城市教會，尤其是經濟相對發達地區的教會，更有負擔支援農村教會， 有異象的領袖們更多鼓勵城市和農村教會成為夥伴，為教會能自給自足而出力。
2011年11月22日星期二
2011年11月14日星期一
Prayer Request 11/15 - 11/21
Tuesday
Every day sixty skilled Chinese apply for immigration to Canada. Over the past ten years many of the wealthy elite from China have obtained citizenship in Australia, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, and the United States. It is estimated that in the decade after 1999 two million mainland Chinese have received green cards from other nations with 400,000 of them from Canada alone. The Chinese churches that have ministered to these new immigrants have been blessed with a bountiful harvest of souls. We praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity and pray He will give these new believers a true desire to grow deeper in His word and not go to church merely as a social opportunity to meet with other Chinese people and keep the Chinese language and culture alive for their children.
Wednesday
In the countryside in China, many teachers feel their status is inferior to that of the migrant farmer since despite their education, they earn far less than the laborers in the cities. Although there has been some improvement in this problem, still rural teachers are underpaid. There is a false attitude about church workers in China since they feel that the less money the pastors get, the more spiritual they will be. May the Lord have mercy on each of us and help us to have a Biblical attitude that will balance wealth and faithfulness, not claim false spirituality nor be greedy.
Thursday
Most of the teachers in rural China earn about $155 - $330 US monthly. Elementary and secondary school teachers earn about the same amount but pay is higher in the towns than in the villages. Regionally, teachers in Eastern China earn more than those in Western China. The central area has the lowest pay for teachers in all of China. Pastors in rural churches receive less salary than school teachers do so many pastors must have a side job to make ends meet. We pray for strength, both physical and emotional for them. May the Lord give them focus and wisdom in preparing for their ministry.
Friday
Many people think that teachers in China have extra income from a source other than teaching. In reality, fewer than thirty percent of the teachers have such perks. Many teachers say their salaries now approach those of civil servants but they are without bonuses or benefits. Many Chinese believers do not know how their church workers support themselves. One reason for this is a lack of financial transparency in the churches. On the other hand, many people regrettably do not care. We pray that revival will come again and believers will care passionately about God's work and His workers.
Saturday
Newly graduated teachers in China earn about $200 US monthly which is enough to live but they still help from their parents at times. Actually a teacher should receive $500 US monthly considering the skyrocketing prices of housing. No one is able to buy a house on a teacher's salary. The attrition rate of young pastors in China is very high because they are asked to do many things with very little compensation and besides that they receive very little recognition and encouragement. Let us pray for these who feel disappointed and even disillusioned about serving God. We ask for God's comfort and His strength for them and their families.
Sunday
Currently teachers in China are judged by how many of their students advance to high school or college. Rural teachers are handicapped by lack of facilities and many of them must spend extra time with their students to boost their performance on examinations. We remember all those who teach in rural churches. Many of them are actually self taught and learn from whatever materials they have and teach accordingly. We thank the Lord for them. May He bless them with more than Biblical knowledge and the ability to apply it to their students' lives.
Monday
The Chinese government is requiring teachers to be more informed in many subjects from speaking proper Mandarin to computer knowledge, and even psychology. The minimum educational requirements for teachers are rising also. When in the past post high school institutes were enough, now a university degree is required. In the past twenty-five years there has been much training in the churches in China to improve the teaching system and provide more systematic learning for those who serve there. We continue to pray for all those who are doing teaching in the churches and the students who will in turn learn and apply these lessons in their churches.
星期二
中國每天約有60名精英遞交加拿大移民申請。近10年來中國的高知識分子和富裕人士紛紛入籍澳大利亞、加拿大、新加坡、美國、新西蘭等國。據估計中國內地有200萬人合法獲得了外國居留證，其中獲加拿大「綠卡」者超過40萬人。感謝神，海外華人教會因著關心中國新移民，己有美好的豐收，願主引領新信徒在真理上更有追求，而非把教會當作社交場合，或單單為了子女能接觸中國的文化和語言。
星期三
中國農村的教師常感嘆社會地位不如在城市的民工。薪資低是導致他們自認不如別人的主因。儘管中國政府一直努力提高教師待遇，但鄉村教師的收入依然不盡如人意。教會對神的僕人也有種錯誤看法，覺得牧師要越窮才越屬靈。求主憐憫我們，能有合乎聖經教導的見識，有個平衡的財富和服事觀，追求的不是屬靈的外表，也沒有絲毫貪財的動機。提供一個合情理的養生環境來支持教牧同工專心事奉。
星期四
農村教師的收入平約每月1000-2000元。小學與中學教師的工資相差不大，縣城的要高於鄉鎮和農村。整體來說，東部地區教師的月工資總收入最多，西部地區教師次之，而中部地區的教師收入最少。農村教會的傳道人薪資常低於小學老師，常需兼另一份工來維生，無法專心全職在教會服事。讓我們禱告，求主加添恩典和精力，幫助他們專注在講章預備，並在日常的服事中也滿有智慧和喜樂。
星期五
很多人覺得中國教師收入中補貼(或津貼)佔很大一部分，但是實際上有補貼的教師不到30%。調查顯示，教師的專項補貼普遍不高。很多教師表示，在沒有獎金和其他福利之下，現在教師的工資和公務員的差距不大。許多信徒根本不知他們的傳道人如何維持生活。教會財務不公開是一大原因，但也有許多信徒不在乎傳道人是如何養家的。求主復興教會，信徒不單關心神的國度廣傳，更要關心他們的牧者。
星期六
現今剛畢業的年輕教師月薪水約人民幣1400元，僅夠個人消費，有時還需跟家裏人拿錢花用。據合理估算，教師工資應漲到每月約人民幣3500元左右，若照現在房價，一般教師僅憑個人現有工資真不知何年何月才買得起房子。中國年輕傳道人的流失率相當高，一旦進入服事，他們發現教會的要求多又高，但肯定及實際的鼓勵卻極少。讓我們紀念那些對服事失望，甚至感到無力繼續事奉的牧者，求神記念他們的各種需要並賜下安慰和力量給他們和他們的家庭。
星期日
目前在中國，升學率仍是教育部考核教師的主要指標。農村中學在資源相對落後和不足的情況下，教師們不得不犧牲自己的時間，為學生補習加強他們的學習狀況。極大多數農村教會牧者的教導講章多是自學而來,有什麼材料就教什麽。我們記念所有農村教會有教導服事的同工，為他們的忠心和勞苦感恩，願主保守他們，不單是在聖經知識上的傳授，更是將真理解釋活潑地應用在日常生活當中。
星期一
現今中國教育部對老師要求越來越多，從考普通話到計算機，甚至還要考心理學。相對的對學歷的要求也提高了，以前中專畢業就可以當老師，現在大專，甚至本科學位都是基本要求。過去25年裡，中國教會受惠於許多培訓課程，改善了傳道人在學習真理及牧會上有一系統性的學習。我們繼續為所有服事與培訓的老師們禱告，也祝福所有的學員，能將所學的實際應用在他們的教會服事。
Every day sixty skilled Chinese apply for immigration to Canada. Over the past ten years many of the wealthy elite from China have obtained citizenship in Australia, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, and the United States. It is estimated that in the decade after 1999 two million mainland Chinese have received green cards from other nations with 400,000 of them from Canada alone. The Chinese churches that have ministered to these new immigrants have been blessed with a bountiful harvest of souls. We praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity and pray He will give these new believers a true desire to grow deeper in His word and not go to church merely as a social opportunity to meet with other Chinese people and keep the Chinese language and culture alive for their children.
Wednesday
In the countryside in China, many teachers feel their status is inferior to that of the migrant farmer since despite their education, they earn far less than the laborers in the cities. Although there has been some improvement in this problem, still rural teachers are underpaid. There is a false attitude about church workers in China since they feel that the less money the pastors get, the more spiritual they will be. May the Lord have mercy on each of us and help us to have a Biblical attitude that will balance wealth and faithfulness, not claim false spirituality nor be greedy.
Thursday
Most of the teachers in rural China earn about $155 - $330 US monthly. Elementary and secondary school teachers earn about the same amount but pay is higher in the towns than in the villages. Regionally, teachers in Eastern China earn more than those in Western China. The central area has the lowest pay for teachers in all of China. Pastors in rural churches receive less salary than school teachers do so many pastors must have a side job to make ends meet. We pray for strength, both physical and emotional for them. May the Lord give them focus and wisdom in preparing for their ministry.
Friday
Many people think that teachers in China have extra income from a source other than teaching. In reality, fewer than thirty percent of the teachers have such perks. Many teachers say their salaries now approach those of civil servants but they are without bonuses or benefits. Many Chinese believers do not know how their church workers support themselves. One reason for this is a lack of financial transparency in the churches. On the other hand, many people regrettably do not care. We pray that revival will come again and believers will care passionately about God's work and His workers.
Saturday
Newly graduated teachers in China earn about $200 US monthly which is enough to live but they still help from their parents at times. Actually a teacher should receive $500 US monthly considering the skyrocketing prices of housing. No one is able to buy a house on a teacher's salary. The attrition rate of young pastors in China is very high because they are asked to do many things with very little compensation and besides that they receive very little recognition and encouragement. Let us pray for these who feel disappointed and even disillusioned about serving God. We ask for God's comfort and His strength for them and their families.
Sunday
Currently teachers in China are judged by how many of their students advance to high school or college. Rural teachers are handicapped by lack of facilities and many of them must spend extra time with their students to boost their performance on examinations. We remember all those who teach in rural churches. Many of them are actually self taught and learn from whatever materials they have and teach accordingly. We thank the Lord for them. May He bless them with more than Biblical knowledge and the ability to apply it to their students' lives.
Monday
The Chinese government is requiring teachers to be more informed in many subjects from speaking proper Mandarin to computer knowledge, and even psychology. The minimum educational requirements for teachers are rising also. When in the past post high school institutes were enough, now a university degree is required. In the past twenty-five years there has been much training in the churches in China to improve the teaching system and provide more systematic learning for those who serve there. We continue to pray for all those who are doing teaching in the churches and the students who will in turn learn and apply these lessons in their churches.
星期二
中國每天約有60名精英遞交加拿大移民申請。近10年來中國的高知識分子和富裕人士紛紛入籍澳大利亞、加拿大、新加坡、美國、新西蘭等國。據估計中國內地有200萬人合法獲得了外國居留證，其中獲加拿大「綠卡」者超過40萬人。感謝神，海外華人教會因著關心中國新移民，己有美好的豐收，願主引領新信徒在真理上更有追求，而非把教會當作社交場合，或單單為了子女能接觸中國的文化和語言。
星期三
中國農村的教師常感嘆社會地位不如在城市的民工。薪資低是導致他們自認不如別人的主因。儘管中國政府一直努力提高教師待遇，但鄉村教師的收入依然不盡如人意。教會對神的僕人也有種錯誤看法，覺得牧師要越窮才越屬靈。求主憐憫我們，能有合乎聖經教導的見識，有個平衡的財富和服事觀，追求的不是屬靈的外表，也沒有絲毫貪財的動機。提供一個合情理的養生環境來支持教牧同工專心事奉。
星期四
農村教師的收入平約每月1000-2000元。小學與中學教師的工資相差不大，縣城的要高於鄉鎮和農村。整體來說，東部地區教師的月工資總收入最多，西部地區教師次之，而中部地區的教師收入最少。農村教會的傳道人薪資常低於小學老師，常需兼另一份工來維生，無法專心全職在教會服事。讓我們禱告，求主加添恩典和精力，幫助他們專注在講章預備，並在日常的服事中也滿有智慧和喜樂。
星期五
很多人覺得中國教師收入中補貼(或津貼)佔很大一部分，但是實際上有補貼的教師不到30%。調查顯示，教師的專項補貼普遍不高。很多教師表示，在沒有獎金和其他福利之下，現在教師的工資和公務員的差距不大。許多信徒根本不知他們的傳道人如何維持生活。教會財務不公開是一大原因，但也有許多信徒不在乎傳道人是如何養家的。求主復興教會，信徒不單關心神的國度廣傳，更要關心他們的牧者。
星期六
現今剛畢業的年輕教師月薪水約人民幣1400元，僅夠個人消費，有時還需跟家裏人拿錢花用。據合理估算，教師工資應漲到每月約人民幣3500元左右，若照現在房價，一般教師僅憑個人現有工資真不知何年何月才買得起房子。中國年輕傳道人的流失率相當高，一旦進入服事，他們發現教會的要求多又高，但肯定及實際的鼓勵卻極少。讓我們紀念那些對服事失望，甚至感到無力繼續事奉的牧者，求神記念他們的各種需要並賜下安慰和力量給他們和他們的家庭。
星期日
目前在中國，升學率仍是教育部考核教師的主要指標。農村中學在資源相對落後和不足的情況下，教師們不得不犧牲自己的時間，為學生補習加強他們的學習狀況。極大多數農村教會牧者的教導講章多是自學而來,有什麼材料就教什麽。我們記念所有農村教會有教導服事的同工，為他們的忠心和勞苦感恩，願主保守他們，不單是在聖經知識上的傳授，更是將真理解釋活潑地應用在日常生活當中。
星期一
現今中國教育部對老師要求越來越多，從考普通話到計算機，甚至還要考心理學。相對的對學歷的要求也提高了，以前中專畢業就可以當老師，現在大專，甚至本科學位都是基本要求。過去25年裡，中國教會受惠於許多培訓課程，改善了傳道人在學習真理及牧會上有一系統性的學習。我們繼續為所有服事與培訓的老師們禱告，也祝福所有的學員，能將所學的實際應用在他們的教會服事。
2011年11月8日星期二
Prayer Request 11/8 - 11/14
Tuesday
An American magazine asked the big question: "Is the China bubble about to pop?" It is very apparent that there are new airports and high-speed railroads being built there wherever one travels. There are also many apartment that are dark at night indicating that no one lives in them as well as beautiful roads and bridges that are seldom used. What is driving this building boom? We need to pray for the churches in China because the once fervent desire to serve Jesus and the willingness to pay the price to do so is fast becoming cold. There is an increasing number of workers who have been trained for the ministry but are abandoning their churches and seeking better paying jobs elsewhere.
Wednesday
Last year 2.4 million new invesetors began trading stocks in the Shanghai exchange--a 250% increase over 2009. That is an increase of about 7,000 san hu (as the Chinese call the small investors) daily. Experts say, "When you see shop assistants and taxi drivers racing out to borrow money to buy stocks you are in trouble. The market is sucking in a whole lot of neophytes just primed to get slaughtered." Prosperity has greatly dampened the spiritual life of many of the churches in China and this phenomenon is not in just the urban churches, such as Wenzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing but also in rural churches. The stock market is attracting even church workers. May the Lord quicken our hearts to trust Hm for all of our needs.
Thursday
CCTV, the government TV network recently aired a show warning citizens not to put their homes up as collateral for loans to buy stock. They banned banks from lending for stock purchases last month and regulators have temporarily halted the sale of new mutual funds. None of us likes the feeling that we are "missing the opportunity" to make easy money but as believers in Jesus, we all need to be thankful for what we have, content, and not greedy. We pray for the guarding of the hearts of all Chinese believers who are thinking of making easy and fast money in dangerous ways.
Friday
The China National Tobacco Corporation which is a state-owned cigarette monopoly and the largest tobacco company in the world is one reason why China cannot enforce the smoking ban there. In 2009 more than 7.5% of the government's revenue came from taxes and profits related to tobacco. Most churches insist that new believers must stop smoking as a sign of their true commitment to Jesus. Unfortunately, churches have very little to offer to help people rid themselves of their nicotine addiction. We pray for many believers who still struggle with addictions of all kinds: alcohol, gambling, smoking, and adultery.
Saturday
A survey shows that 12-18% of parents in China often resort to beating their children as a way to discipline them. Rural parents and especially fathers in general believe harsh beating is an effective way to educate their children. Child beating actually happens far more frequently in China than in other parts of the world. The churches in China lack material for teaching children's Sunday school and training teachers to do it. Let us pray for those involved in training Sunday school teachers, especially that they will see children as people Jesus loves and they will know they are more than just baby sitters or mere teachers of religious knowledge.
Sunday
Since the founding of the People's Republic, every school child has been familiar with the pocket publication which at the present has more than 700 pages. With the total number of copies exceeding 400 million (behind the Bible) this dictionary is one of the four best-selling books in the world. Getting a copy of the Bible is no longer a problem in all parts of China. In fact, there is an abundance of copies, and even luxury and study versions are available. Let us pray that all who read the word of God privately may open their eyes to see His wisdom and have a humble heart that is willing to live out what it says.
Monday
The word for slave (nu) has also been given a new modern usage—one that has long been in use in spoken Chinese. The terms “fang nu” and “che nu” are used to mean slaves to one’s home or car in the sense that one is a slave to the debt he or she has incurred to acquire that home or vehicle. Many young believers are indeed slaves of their material possessions including their only child. They often have many excuses for not having the time to attend church. May the Lord remind us all to really acknowledge Jesus as the Master of our lives and clearly know He is the One Who gives us all that we have. /font>
星期二
美國一篇關於「中國泡沫如果爆破」的文章，提到「無論到中國任何地方走走，都會看到建設中的新機場和高鐵，夜晚沒燈光的空置公寓樓，漂亮但未得到充分利用的公路和橋梁，新建鬼城…為何中國要維持建築繁榮呢？」中國教會也曾火熱地服事主，願意擺上自己；但現今已許多已經冷淡，甚至一些獻身並接受了培訓的傳道人轉身追求更高薪職業。懇求神再次挑旺祂兒女的心，能專一跟從祂，輕看今生短暫的名利，甘心揀選主，作永恒的投資。
星期三
去年上海證交所增加了240萬個「散戶」，相較於2009年，增加幾乎兩倍半，每天差不多有7000 名新投資者買進。一位金融專家說：「當小店員和出租車司機，都急著借錢買股票，麻煩就快來到，必定有許多新手要被屠宰。」物質豐富和經濟繁榮是教會最大的敵人，許多信徒把目光轉往世界，這種對神冷淡的現象不僅在溫州、上海、北京等城市教會，連農村教會也受影響，甚至有些傳道人亦被股票所擄。求主除去我們的貪心，認清「家主」快要回來，現今「豈是受銀子、衣裳、買橄欖園、葡萄園、牛羊、僕婢的時候呢？」
星期四
中央電視播出特別節目，警告老百姓不要將自己的房子抵押貸款去買股票。自上月起，銀行已不接受買股票的貸款項目，政府也暫停新合股投资基金的銷售。當我們看到別人賺了錢，而自己沒抓著機會時，是否也有酸溜溜的感受？求聖靈常提醒「貪財是萬惡之根，有人貪戀錢財，就被引誘離了真道，用許多愁苦把自己刺透了。」求主幫助我們以祂為滿足，今世有衣有食就當知足，並學習靠祂做一個有智慧的管家。
星期五
中國無法執行禁煙，是因「中國國家煙草公司」是國有捲菸壟斷企業和世界上最大的煙草公司。2009年政府財政收入的7.5％以上，達77.3億美元，來自與煙草有關的稅收和利潤。絕大多數中國教會堅持：若要信耶穌，停止吸煙就是生命改變的證據。可惜教會沒鮮少有資源能幫助信徒擺脫煙癮。我們特別為信徒及他們的家人禱告，求主釋放仍困在各種癮癖包括酗酒，賭博和姦淫的捆綁下，無力脫身的人。
星期六
中國有12％-18％的家長時常使用「打一頓」的方法教育孩子。相信「打一頓」管用的，農村高於城市，父親高於母親，「有時打孩子」和「偶爾打孩子」的，比率更高。中國教會缺乏主日學教材,培訓教導孩童師資的更是少之又少。我們要為兒童主日學事工禱告，求主提醒教會重視教養孩童，主日學並不是打發孩子，讓大人聚會的時間安心。願小孩子來到教會都能像提摩太，從小明白聖經，因信基督耶穌使他們有得救的智慧。
星期日
自從人民共和國建國以來，每個小學生都擁有一本《新華字典》。它已印行4億多冊，新的版本超過 700頁，是目前世界上發行量最大的工具書，與基督教的聖經是四大世界暢銷書。在中國各地，想要取得聖經已不再是難題。事實上，到處都能買到不同的版本，包括精裝及研讀版。讓我們在禱告中記念每一個打開聖經的人，求主打開他們屬靈的眼睛，看到祂的智慧，願意將神的教導活出來。
星期一
《新華字典》為「奴」字新增了 現代用法：「為了支付貸款等而不得不拚命工作的人」新意，譬如「房奴」，「車奴」。不少年輕信徒確實是物質、享受的奴隸，甚至被包括他們的獨生子女所奴役。他們往往有許多的藉口，沒有時間參與教會。求主時時提醒我們，我們當認定耶穌是我們生命的主，也清楚知道祂賜給我們一切，我們所擁有的都是來自神，當把心中的寶座還給主。
An American magazine asked the big question: "Is the China bubble about to pop?" It is very apparent that there are new airports and high-speed railroads being built there wherever one travels. There are also many apartment that are dark at night indicating that no one lives in them as well as beautiful roads and bridges that are seldom used. What is driving this building boom? We need to pray for the churches in China because the once fervent desire to serve Jesus and the willingness to pay the price to do so is fast becoming cold. There is an increasing number of workers who have been trained for the ministry but are abandoning their churches and seeking better paying jobs elsewhere.
Wednesday
Last year 2.4 million new invesetors began trading stocks in the Shanghai exchange--a 250% increase over 2009. That is an increase of about 7,000 san hu (as the Chinese call the small investors) daily. Experts say, "When you see shop assistants and taxi drivers racing out to borrow money to buy stocks you are in trouble. The market is sucking in a whole lot of neophytes just primed to get slaughtered." Prosperity has greatly dampened the spiritual life of many of the churches in China and this phenomenon is not in just the urban churches, such as Wenzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing but also in rural churches. The stock market is attracting even church workers. May the Lord quicken our hearts to trust Hm for all of our needs.
Thursday
CCTV, the government TV network recently aired a show warning citizens not to put their homes up as collateral for loans to buy stock. They banned banks from lending for stock purchases last month and regulators have temporarily halted the sale of new mutual funds. None of us likes the feeling that we are "missing the opportunity" to make easy money but as believers in Jesus, we all need to be thankful for what we have, content, and not greedy. We pray for the guarding of the hearts of all Chinese believers who are thinking of making easy and fast money in dangerous ways.
Friday
The China National Tobacco Corporation which is a state-owned cigarette monopoly and the largest tobacco company in the world is one reason why China cannot enforce the smoking ban there. In 2009 more than 7.5% of the government's revenue came from taxes and profits related to tobacco. Most churches insist that new believers must stop smoking as a sign of their true commitment to Jesus. Unfortunately, churches have very little to offer to help people rid themselves of their nicotine addiction. We pray for many believers who still struggle with addictions of all kinds: alcohol, gambling, smoking, and adultery.
Saturday
A survey shows that 12-18% of parents in China often resort to beating their children as a way to discipline them. Rural parents and especially fathers in general believe harsh beating is an effective way to educate their children. Child beating actually happens far more frequently in China than in other parts of the world. The churches in China lack material for teaching children's Sunday school and training teachers to do it. Let us pray for those involved in training Sunday school teachers, especially that they will see children as people Jesus loves and they will know they are more than just baby sitters or mere teachers of religious knowledge.
Sunday
Since the founding of the People's Republic, every school child has been familiar with the pocket publication which at the present has more than 700 pages. With the total number of copies exceeding 400 million (behind the Bible) this dictionary is one of the four best-selling books in the world. Getting a copy of the Bible is no longer a problem in all parts of China. In fact, there is an abundance of copies, and even luxury and study versions are available. Let us pray that all who read the word of God privately may open their eyes to see His wisdom and have a humble heart that is willing to live out what it says.
Monday
The word for slave (nu) has also been given a new modern usage—one that has long been in use in spoken Chinese. The terms “fang nu” and “che nu” are used to mean slaves to one’s home or car in the sense that one is a slave to the debt he or she has incurred to acquire that home or vehicle. Many young believers are indeed slaves of their material possessions including their only child. They often have many excuses for not having the time to attend church. May the Lord remind us all to really acknowledge Jesus as the Master of our lives and clearly know He is the One Who gives us all that we have. /font>
星期二
美國一篇關於「中國泡沫如果爆破」的文章，提到「無論到中國任何地方走走，都會看到建設中的新機場和高鐵，夜晚沒燈光的空置公寓樓，漂亮但未得到充分利用的公路和橋梁，新建鬼城…為何中國要維持建築繁榮呢？」中國教會也曾火熱地服事主，願意擺上自己；但現今已許多已經冷淡，甚至一些獻身並接受了培訓的傳道人轉身追求更高薪職業。懇求神再次挑旺祂兒女的心，能專一跟從祂，輕看今生短暫的名利，甘心揀選主，作永恒的投資。
星期三
去年上海證交所增加了240萬個「散戶」，相較於2009年，增加幾乎兩倍半，每天差不多有7000 名新投資者買進。一位金融專家說：「當小店員和出租車司機，都急著借錢買股票，麻煩就快來到，必定有許多新手要被屠宰。」物質豐富和經濟繁榮是教會最大的敵人，許多信徒把目光轉往世界，這種對神冷淡的現象不僅在溫州、上海、北京等城市教會，連農村教會也受影響，甚至有些傳道人亦被股票所擄。求主除去我們的貪心，認清「家主」快要回來，現今「豈是受銀子、衣裳、買橄欖園、葡萄園、牛羊、僕婢的時候呢？」
星期四
中央電視播出特別節目，警告老百姓不要將自己的房子抵押貸款去買股票。自上月起，銀行已不接受買股票的貸款項目，政府也暫停新合股投资基金的銷售。當我們看到別人賺了錢，而自己沒抓著機會時，是否也有酸溜溜的感受？求聖靈常提醒「貪財是萬惡之根，有人貪戀錢財，就被引誘離了真道，用許多愁苦把自己刺透了。」求主幫助我們以祂為滿足，今世有衣有食就當知足，並學習靠祂做一個有智慧的管家。
星期五
中國無法執行禁煙，是因「中國國家煙草公司」是國有捲菸壟斷企業和世界上最大的煙草公司。2009年政府財政收入的7.5％以上，達77.3億美元，來自與煙草有關的稅收和利潤。絕大多數中國教會堅持：若要信耶穌，停止吸煙就是生命改變的證據。可惜教會沒鮮少有資源能幫助信徒擺脫煙癮。我們特別為信徒及他們的家人禱告，求主釋放仍困在各種癮癖包括酗酒，賭博和姦淫的捆綁下，無力脫身的人。
星期六
中國有12％-18％的家長時常使用「打一頓」的方法教育孩子。相信「打一頓」管用的，農村高於城市，父親高於母親，「有時打孩子」和「偶爾打孩子」的，比率更高。中國教會缺乏主日學教材,培訓教導孩童師資的更是少之又少。我們要為兒童主日學事工禱告，求主提醒教會重視教養孩童，主日學並不是打發孩子，讓大人聚會的時間安心。願小孩子來到教會都能像提摩太，從小明白聖經，因信基督耶穌使他們有得救的智慧。
星期日
自從人民共和國建國以來，每個小學生都擁有一本《新華字典》。它已印行4億多冊，新的版本超過 700頁，是目前世界上發行量最大的工具書，與基督教的聖經是四大世界暢銷書。在中國各地，想要取得聖經已不再是難題。事實上，到處都能買到不同的版本，包括精裝及研讀版。讓我們在禱告中記念每一個打開聖經的人，求主打開他們屬靈的眼睛，看到祂的智慧，願意將神的教導活出來。
星期一
《新華字典》為「奴」字新增了 現代用法：「為了支付貸款等而不得不拚命工作的人」新意，譬如「房奴」，「車奴」。不少年輕信徒確實是物質、享受的奴隸，甚至被包括他們的獨生子女所奴役。他們往往有許多的藉口，沒有時間參與教會。求主時時提醒我們，我們當認定耶穌是我們生命的主，也清楚知道祂賜給我們一切，我們所擁有的都是來自神，當把心中的寶座還給主。
2011年11月1日星期二
Prayer Request 11/1 - 11/7
Tuesday
The development of churches in China has been diverse. In addition to the Three-self and house churches, there are also fellowships for Chinese businessmen and expats, for migrant workers, and for those who have returned from abroad. One needs to understand that the government does not legalize churches other than the Three-self churches. It merely condones their existence. We praise the Lord for all of these different types of churches in China and pray that all the leaders and those who teach in each of them will do so because of their love for God and that they will have the wisdom to lead the sheep He has entrusted to them. We pray that all leaders are kept from temptation to fame, power, and even financial gain but that they will commit to be good stewards after the Master's plan.
Wednesday
Technically all churches that are not registered with the government are house churches even though they may not be in a village. House churches in the cities often meet in office buildings or in an apartment in a residential building and the members come from all walks of life. There are many restrictions and inconveniences in conducting worship services in office buildings, apartments, or even hotels. It is difficult to promote ministry, especially to children. We pray for wisdom and a good personal relationship for all the leaders as they interact with neighbors, landlords, and even the police. We pray they will be a great blessing and a light to their community.
Thursday
There are revelations of a long-running scandal in Hunan province where officials are accused of brutalising parents who violate the one-child policy by confiscating "illegal" babies and putting them up for sale in the adoption market. In China, not having a child is not only a great social stigma but poses the risk of not having financial support when they retire. We remember the childless couples whether they are infertile or have lost their child. May the comfort of the Lord be with them always knowing that He is faithful and they do have many things for which to give thanks.
Friday
The family-planning bureaucracy is a vast and entrenched group defending the status quo at all levels of the government. Senior officials fear than any change would unleash a population boom despite predictions to the contrary by most experts. Hence, few expect significant reforms soon. May the Lord give church leaders vision and wisdom to know how to grow their church under the one-child policy. The vast majority of the church have little to offer children or young families with children. We pray Christian parents will know it is their responsibility to teach their children about God and not expect the church to do it.
Saturday
Beijing has 19.6 million residents and more than a third of them are migrant rural laborers with their families. Since 2000 Beijing's population has increased by six million people. Because of the residency restriction, children of migrant workers must now return to their villages for high school or chose to drop out of school. We praise God for those churches in Beijing that are trying their best to share the great love of Christ with the rural laborers in the outskirts of the city. We remember also all those who are Christians but are away from home living in squalid conditions and trying to keep their families together, especially when they have children who need schooling.
Sunday
During the past decade two hundred million rural laborers have gone to China's big cities. They are considered to be the "floating population" or the "engine of economic growth". They build skyscrapers and subways, pick up the trash and provide cheap laborers for Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities. Indeed it is easy for urban Christians to ignore and even look down on the "lowly" rural workers walking by them. May the Lord stir our hearts so we will not lose the compassion and mercy of Jesus and become arrogant or self-righteous.
Monday
China's hukou (residency) system prevents rural laborers from obtaining health care and education for their children. Some cities do provide education to children of migrant workers but Shanghai last year claimed to be the first to provide free education to children of migrant workers in either public or private schools. Let us remember those rural Christians who are in the cities. They work hard to save enough money to return home but many find themselves disappointed and disillusioned. May the Lord encourage them with His own word and answer their prayers.
星期二
除了三自教會與家庭教會外，還有華商團契、民工、海歸人士教會等等。從積極面看，教會多元性發展能更廣泛接觸不同對象。然而不同型態教會的存在，並不等於政府允許三自教會以外的教會可以合法聚會。感謝主使用不同類型的教會引領人來到祂面前，求主幫助每個教會的領導及教導同工，都有愛心和智慧照顧好神託付的羊群，不被名利引誘，做神良善又忠心的好管家。
星期三
按中國政府法例，凡未向政府登記的教會，在廣義上均屬非官方的家庭教會。這些教會聚集的地方，可能是城市的辦公大樓，或社區中的不同場所，參加成員也來自各行各業。在辦公大樓、旅館聚會有諸多不便，教會事工(尤其兒童事工)也不易推動。求主給教會領袖有聰明、智慧，能靈活使用場地，不但與公安、屋主、鄰居有好的關係，更能成為社區的燈台。
星期四
新聞揭發，有湖南官員政策，將超生的嬰兒非法沒收，接著竟然轉手高價出售給人收養。在「不孝有三，無後為大」的傳統下，沒有孩子不但大有傳宗壓力，也等於將來沒有「養老金」。我們記念沒有子女的信徒們，無論是選擇不生或是不能，或不幸失去了孩子的，願主的喜樂時時與他們同在，因為主是信實供應的，我們都要為擁有的一切感恩。
星期五
計劃生育是中國政府的一項龐大的官僚機構，也是政府不會輕易改變的政策，在短期中有明顯的改革似乎是不太可能。高級官員所擔心的是，任何改變會導發立刻的人口劇增，雖然大多數的專家持相反的看法。求主給教會領袖們有遠見、智慧，知道如何在計劃生育政策之下，保持教會增長。大多數的中國教會能提供給小孩或年輕家庭的造就也不多。主讓信徒父母明白他們的責任是教養孩子從小認識神，不能推卸給教會。
星期六
在北京的1960萬居民中，超過三分之一是內陸農民工。僅僅從2000年至今，北京的人口就增加了600萬。因戶口的限制，民工子女須回到父母的原籍上高中，從而與父母分居或選擇輟學。我們為北京教會，盡其所能向「外環」的農民工分享神感恩。同時也記念基督徒農民工們，他們離鄉背井辛苦打工，還有孩子教育問題無法解決，甚至要家人分離，求主憐憫。
星期日
農村居民大規模進入城市，兩億流動人口是中國經濟增長的發動機。中國城市經濟依賴民工勞動力，他們建摩天大樓，建地鐵，清理垃圾，為北京、上海、深圳和其他城市提供廉價勞動力。其實，城市的基督徒很容易忽略，甚至看不起天天擦肩而過 「鄉巴佬」農民工。求主攪動我們的心，不叫我們失去主耶穌的憐憫與慈悲，不要成為自大，甚至自以為義的「表面弟兄」。
星期一
戶口制度使民工很難在城里得到公平的子女教育權益和醫療服務。去年上海成為中國第一個為民工子弟提供免費教育的城市，不論就讀於公立學校或有政府津貼的民辦學校。我們城市中打工的農村信徒禱告。他們辛苦勞動，希望攢夠錢回老家，但不少人卻落在失望與美夢幻滅中。願主自己的話鼓勵他們，信實的垂聽他們的呼求。
The development of churches in China has been diverse. In addition to the Three-self and house churches, there are also fellowships for Chinese businessmen and expats, for migrant workers, and for those who have returned from abroad. One needs to understand that the government does not legalize churches other than the Three-self churches. It merely condones their existence. We praise the Lord for all of these different types of churches in China and pray that all the leaders and those who teach in each of them will do so because of their love for God and that they will have the wisdom to lead the sheep He has entrusted to them. We pray that all leaders are kept from temptation to fame, power, and even financial gain but that they will commit to be good stewards after the Master's plan.
Wednesday
Technically all churches that are not registered with the government are house churches even though they may not be in a village. House churches in the cities often meet in office buildings or in an apartment in a residential building and the members come from all walks of life. There are many restrictions and inconveniences in conducting worship services in office buildings, apartments, or even hotels. It is difficult to promote ministry, especially to children. We pray for wisdom and a good personal relationship for all the leaders as they interact with neighbors, landlords, and even the police. We pray they will be a great blessing and a light to their community.
Thursday
There are revelations of a long-running scandal in Hunan province where officials are accused of brutalising parents who violate the one-child policy by confiscating "illegal" babies and putting them up for sale in the adoption market. In China, not having a child is not only a great social stigma but poses the risk of not having financial support when they retire. We remember the childless couples whether they are infertile or have lost their child. May the comfort of the Lord be with them always knowing that He is faithful and they do have many things for which to give thanks.
Friday
The family-planning bureaucracy is a vast and entrenched group defending the status quo at all levels of the government. Senior officials fear than any change would unleash a population boom despite predictions to the contrary by most experts. Hence, few expect significant reforms soon. May the Lord give church leaders vision and wisdom to know how to grow their church under the one-child policy. The vast majority of the church have little to offer children or young families with children. We pray Christian parents will know it is their responsibility to teach their children about God and not expect the church to do it.
Saturday
Beijing has 19.6 million residents and more than a third of them are migrant rural laborers with their families. Since 2000 Beijing's population has increased by six million people. Because of the residency restriction, children of migrant workers must now return to their villages for high school or chose to drop out of school. We praise God for those churches in Beijing that are trying their best to share the great love of Christ with the rural laborers in the outskirts of the city. We remember also all those who are Christians but are away from home living in squalid conditions and trying to keep their families together, especially when they have children who need schooling.
Sunday
During the past decade two hundred million rural laborers have gone to China's big cities. They are considered to be the "floating population" or the "engine of economic growth". They build skyscrapers and subways, pick up the trash and provide cheap laborers for Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities. Indeed it is easy for urban Christians to ignore and even look down on the "lowly" rural workers walking by them. May the Lord stir our hearts so we will not lose the compassion and mercy of Jesus and become arrogant or self-righteous.
Monday
China's hukou (residency) system prevents rural laborers from obtaining health care and education for their children. Some cities do provide education to children of migrant workers but Shanghai last year claimed to be the first to provide free education to children of migrant workers in either public or private schools. Let us remember those rural Christians who are in the cities. They work hard to save enough money to return home but many find themselves disappointed and disillusioned. May the Lord encourage them with His own word and answer their prayers.
星期二
除了三自教會與家庭教會外，還有華商團契、民工、海歸人士教會等等。從積極面看，教會多元性發展能更廣泛接觸不同對象。然而不同型態教會的存在，並不等於政府允許三自教會以外的教會可以合法聚會。感謝主使用不同類型的教會引領人來到祂面前，求主幫助每個教會的領導及教導同工，都有愛心和智慧照顧好神託付的羊群，不被名利引誘，做神良善又忠心的好管家。
星期三
按中國政府法例，凡未向政府登記的教會，在廣義上均屬非官方的家庭教會。這些教會聚集的地方，可能是城市的辦公大樓，或社區中的不同場所，參加成員也來自各行各業。在辦公大樓、旅館聚會有諸多不便，教會事工(尤其兒童事工)也不易推動。求主給教會領袖有聰明、智慧，能靈活使用場地，不但與公安、屋主、鄰居有好的關係，更能成為社區的燈台。
星期四
新聞揭發，有湖南官員政策，將超生的嬰兒非法沒收，接著竟然轉手高價出售給人收養。在「不孝有三，無後為大」的傳統下，沒有孩子不但大有傳宗壓力，也等於將來沒有「養老金」。我們記念沒有子女的信徒們，無論是選擇不生或是不能，或不幸失去了孩子的，願主的喜樂時時與他們同在，因為主是信實供應的，我們都要為擁有的一切感恩。
星期五
計劃生育是中國政府的一項龐大的官僚機構，也是政府不會輕易改變的政策，在短期中有明顯的改革似乎是不太可能。高級官員所擔心的是，任何改變會導發立刻的人口劇增，雖然大多數的專家持相反的看法。求主給教會領袖們有遠見、智慧，知道如何在計劃生育政策之下，保持教會增長。大多數的中國教會能提供給小孩或年輕家庭的造就也不多。主讓信徒父母明白他們的責任是教養孩子從小認識神，不能推卸給教會。
星期六
在北京的1960萬居民中，超過三分之一是內陸農民工。僅僅從2000年至今，北京的人口就增加了600萬。因戶口的限制，民工子女須回到父母的原籍上高中，從而與父母分居或選擇輟學。我們為北京教會，盡其所能向「外環」的農民工分享神感恩。同時也記念基督徒農民工們，他們離鄉背井辛苦打工，還有孩子教育問題無法解決，甚至要家人分離，求主憐憫。
星期日
農村居民大規模進入城市，兩億流動人口是中國經濟增長的發動機。中國城市經濟依賴民工勞動力，他們建摩天大樓，建地鐵，清理垃圾，為北京、上海、深圳和其他城市提供廉價勞動力。其實，城市的基督徒很容易忽略，甚至看不起天天擦肩而過 「鄉巴佬」農民工。求主攪動我們的心，不叫我們失去主耶穌的憐憫與慈悲，不要成為自大，甚至自以為義的「表面弟兄」。
星期一
戶口制度使民工很難在城里得到公平的子女教育權益和醫療服務。去年上海成為中國第一個為民工子弟提供免費教育的城市，不論就讀於公立學校或有政府津貼的民辦學校。我們城市中打工的農村信徒禱告。他們辛苦勞動，希望攢夠錢回老家，但不少人卻落在失望與美夢幻滅中。願主自己的話鼓勵他們，信實的垂聽他們的呼求。
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