Tuesday
Churches in Beijing are considered as new and the shining stars of all the churches in China. Beijing is known for her well-educated believers who work in politics, finance, education, the arts, law, the humanities, and in academics. They are able to influence the upper levels of society and the churches there often receive public exposure. In the past several years the goal of house churches in Beijing has been to gain a legal status and the their bold actions have surprised the government. We lift these churches up in our prayers, asking for God's wisdom, a boldness to share the gospel of Christ, and that they will have God's favor as they enjoy revival.
Wednesday
Churches in China need to teach more deeply the meaning of missions so every believer will be truly convinced that it is essential for them to become involved in spreading the gospel just as they have embraced the teaching about the centrality of the cross of Jesus. However, for these churches to emphasize missions, they must avoid the mentality of the Great Leap Forward political movement of the 1960's with only shouting slogans such as "To the Middle East" or "Let's Go to Africa". May the Lord help each of us to begin with the very basics and avoid the mistake of the "Haste makes Waste" mentality. Chinese believers have a tendency to make every idea into a slogan so we pray the churches will be humble enough to prepare well in the areas of language, knowledge of culture, vision sharing, and fund raising before they embark on a mission, and above all will learn to trust God to lead and guide them in their planning.
Thursday
Hong Kong is now the mission center of the world. As the decline of the Western church continues and the global economy weakens, Hong Kong has attracted many mission agencies and Christian organizations expanding the role they play in the area of sending out missionaries. We are thankful to the Lord for the churches in Hong Kong that they are willing to give toward sending out these ambassadors. When the time comes that the door to China is open wide for the gospel, we believe many mission agencies will find their homes inside China and the churches there will be a major force in sending out missionaries.
Friday
In the past the churches in China have been known for having many women, peasants, old, and illiterate people but very few young people. However, in the past decade as the urban churches have become more important, the make-up of the believers has become more diversified. We praise the Lord that young intellectuals have now become a key part of the churches in China. We praise Him, too, that even though there are still many unresolved issues, there is growth in youth ministries and Sunday schools for children that have made the churches younger and more vibrant.
Saturday
The children of China's one-child generation enjoy far better lives than their predecessors and also receive the undivided attention of their parents. Many of those parents spoil their children turning them into self-centered beings with poor inter-personal skills. Some have so much materially that they have a messed-up value system and others lack the drive or ability to endure difficulties. At present the vast majority of the young people in the churches in China are from the one-child generation. Let us pray for Christian parents to teach their children God's way and have wisdom to know how to rear and discipline them so they will not stray from the Lord.
Sunday
Many Chinese pastors spend so much time on ministry in their churches that they neglect their own families. Their children do not understand why their parents spend so much time serving God and taking care of the problems of others but neglect them. Often the relationship between church workers and their children is strained at best. We should pray for pastors to find a good balance between church and family so they can care for and counsel their own children as well as give them the love and attention they deserve to be able to grow up in a healthy family and realize that their parents are blessed because they serve the Lord.
Monday
Since the number of foreigners in Beijing, the capital of China, has recently increased greatly officials are asking that by the year 2015 eighty percent of the taxi drivers have a minimum English vocabulary of 300 words and that 90% of the subway attendants be able to pass the practical English exam. Those who work at major attractions must know 100 phrases of English for basic conversation. As the educational level of Chinese believers increases many pastors feel inadequate or pressured to improve themselves academically. We pray for more opportunities for these pastors to learn so they can be better equipped to do their work. We also remember those who may not have much education (often just junior high school) but need wisdom from above to minister to those who are more highly educated than they are.
星期二
北京教會是中國教會大家庭當中的後起之秀,也是中國教會的一顆不可多得的閃耀新星。北京教會以知識分子為主體,信徒分佈在政治、經濟、教育、藝術、法律、人文、學術等各個領域,他們的願景是讓教會走向公共領域,能影響上層社會。北京家庭教會合法化是近幾年最響亮的口號,以守望教會為代表的維權與正名的運動驚動了政府,試圖以此獲得合法的身份。我們在禱告中記念他們,願主賜下智慧及傳福音的膽量,教會因著復興得蒙神的喜悅與保守祝福。
星期三
中國教會需要普及宣教的教導,加強宣教知識的傳播,讓每位基督徒像認識「十字架」那樣切身實地去投入宣教,從而改變教會的總體面貌。同時務必要杜絕「大躍進」式的粗糙思維方式,如很多華人教會高喊的口號「走向中東」,「走進非洲」等。欲速則不達,求主幫助我們願意在最基本的裝備工夫上付上代價,宣教不能流於一個口號或一面旗幟,而是在語言、文化適應、心志、經費等有全面的預備,專心仰望和信靠恩主對教會宣教計劃的引領。
星期四
香港現已成為當今世界宣教的中心。在西方教會不斷走向疲軟、經濟不斷走向衰退的國際背景下,香港吸引了不少福音機構和宣教差會的留駐,這將進一步壯大香港教會的宣教力量。我們特別為香港教會感恩,記念他們願意在宣教上出人出力,成為福音走向全球的管道。也祈求恩主,當有一天,中國向福音開放時,眾多華人宣教差會也能歸根神州大陸,使中國真正成為宣教大國,是面向世界輸出福音的主力軍!
星期五
昔日教會的印象是「婦女多、老人多、農民多、文盲多」,就是缺乏青少年。然而,近十年來,中國教會的發展由農村進入城市,信徒結構更趨多元化。我們感謝神,隨著城市化步伐加快,進入教會的不再只是上述四類人,還有青年和知識分子,他們現已成為教會的中堅。我們也為教會的兒童主日學及青年團契日漸增多,教會變得朝氣蓬勃感恩,但同時也存在著有待解決的問題。願主賜下智慧與謀略給教會領袖因應事工需要,帶領教會更成長、造就更多成熟的信徒。
星期六
目前中國教會下一代大部分是獨生子女,生活水平比上一代提升,他們大都能享受到父母全力的照顧和愛護。一些父母過分寵愛孩子,養成孩子以自我為中心的性格,人際關係處理能力低下;有些孩子過分注重物質享受,形成錯誤的價值觀;還有的孩子意志薄弱,毅力不強,無法堅忍以達成理想。讓我們為所有基督徒父母禱告,求主幫助他們以聖經原則教養子女成人,有真智慧教養孩子從小遵守主道,能一生跟隨主的腳踪,到老也不偏離。
星期日
有些教牧同工因為服侍繁多,心力和時間大都放在事奉上,很少有時間照顧兒女。 兒女無法理解父母的疏忽,令家庭關係緊張。 有的孩子抱怨說:「爸媽整天在教會服侍主,我很少見到他們,我的爸媽好像是別人的爸媽一般。」我們要為教牧人員子女的關懷和輔導工作禱告,求主幫助教牧們能平衡在教會事奉和在家庭的角色,讓子女得到應有的關愛和照顧,也幫助孩子從小擁有健全的家庭,也明白神因著父母忠心的事奉而大大賜福父母親。
星期一
為了提高北京市外語人口的數量和質量,到2015年,北京規定八成出租司機要會300句英語;地鐵客運服務員工90%通過地鐵實用英語考核;公園景點一線員工掌握日常英語對話100句以上。中國信徒的教育水平日日升高,許多牧者在牧養及教導上常覺不足,也滿有壓力。我們為牧者們有更多的機會裝備自己,加增自己的學識來禱告。尤其是那些只有初中教育水平的傳道人,願主在他們忠心的事奉中,加添來自祂自己的智慧,使他們能好好地牧養比他們學問高的會友。
2012年1月31日星期二
2012年1月17日星期二
Prayer Request 1/17 -1/23
Tuesday
According to a official survey, only eight percent of the people in China believe the charities of the country are transparent enough. Half of those surveyed said they donated money or materials to charity regularly but ninety percent of them said they never received a response from the organizations. The report showed that people expected to be told how their donations were used. In general Chinese believers have a trust issue with the way their offerings are being used by their churches. We pray for a new beginning, for church leaders to desire to regain the confidence and trust of their members by being more open and transparent with their church finances. We pray, too, that there will be a rebuilding of trust between lay people and their leaders in the church, especially in the area of offerings and the appropriation of funds.
Wednesday
A survey interviewed ninety-nine charitable organizations in China and sixty-four percent of them admitted that they have never published any information about how the donations are distributed. Most said it was due to staff shortages and the fact that there is no legal requirement to do so. In the past year there has been a series of major scandals which have significantly damaged people's confidence in all public charities. Mistrust or a lack of confidence in the way the churches handle finances if one reason that people who work in churches in China are not adequately compensated. We pray that believers will take great pride in treating God's servants properly and well. We also pray that Christians in China will not only trust God but will find a restoration of faith in their church leadership.
Thursday
The incumbent held on to win the reelection in the closely contested Taiwan's presidential election. This bodes well for the future development of China-Taiwan relationship in the near future, and people expect everything to stay the course. Judging from the election results, Taiwan is clearly split into two halves, the north-central and the southern half according to the party affiliation. Unfortunately, election politics does spill into churches as well. We pray that Christians will put aside political differences and come together in a genuine unity, seeing how the Lord has done a great things among believers of different backgrounds in dialects, denominations, cultures and political preferences.
Friday
A fictional character, Du Lala, has become the embodiment of China's new female middle class. As the first novel ended, she was already the manager of human resources and earned an annual salary of 230,000 yuan. In the third novel she was earning an annual salary of 300,000 yuan, an amount rivaled by few elite Chinese (men or people?).People who work for foreign or international companies have become China's new middle class in recent years. Churches in China should seriously reach out and minister to and equip these young professionals. We pray they will be a bridge for churches to minister to young people helping to provide resources and context so the churches can attract the younger generation.
Saturday
A couple of years ago there was no such thing as a novel depicting the work place. Then Du Lala's Promotion became a runaway bestseller. Now there are many readers who buy books written about professionals. The author who started this genre was actually a seasoned manager in an international company himself. Churches in China are known for having many female believers, old people, peasants, and illiterates but lacking workers. We ask the Lord to raise up workers who have a burden for young professionals, are able to understand them, and will reach out to them.
Sunday
The year 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-Japanese diplomatic relationship. However, even yet the anti-Japanese or anti-Chinese sentiment in each respective country is almost palpable. Little sensitive incidents can quickly trigger widespread protests and evolve into confrontations. It is fair to say that even Chinese believers, especially those who lived through World War II and witnessed the brutalities during the Japanese occupation, do not have a high view of Japanese. May the Lord help us and remind us of the love of Jesus Christ so we are able to forgive those who hurt us and bless even our enemies.
Monday
It is hard for the Japanese and Chinese to come to terms with each other. Japanese people as a whole have difficulty accepting the size of China and Chinese people cannot really accept Japan as a more affluent, stable, and orderly country than theirs. There is a persistent knot in the minds of the citizens of both countries. The recent economic boom in China has given the people there much of which they can be proud and such pride is often seen in the churches as well as outside of them. We pray for humility in church leaders with the Holy Sprit removing ethnic pride and replacing it with the compassion of Christ. May they see how much Japan needs the Good News of Jesus and how the churches in China can be a part of God's plan in taking it to them.
星期二
在慈善信任風暴背景下,只有8%受訪民眾對中國慈善組織的帳目公開狀況表示滿意。約有一半表示他們有固定捐贈,但高達90%的民眾對慈善捐款透明化的程度是介於不滿意和不太滿意之間。一般而言,中國信徒對教會管理奉獻有某種程度的不信任。求神給我們一個新的開始,讓教會領袖們運作教會財政更公開及透明,重建信徒與教會領袖們之間的信任。尤其是能信任教會在神的帶領下, 能有效運用奉獻的款項在神的事工上。
星期三
每年中國政府對99家慈善組織,有固定的跟踪監測,其中64%的組織宣稱從未公佈如何使用捐贈,乃因無足夠的人手來發表報告。再者,政府也沒要求將資料透明化。今年官辦慈善機構陸續曝出醜聞,使得民眾對慈善機構產生全面性的質疑。會眾對教會財務處理缺少信任,是中國教會傳道人沒能得到好供應的一大原因。求神幫助信徒們能以厚待神的僕人為自豪,基督徒除了信靠上帝外,也應對神的僕人有相當程度的信任。
星期四
台灣大選塵埃落定,國民黨繼續執政,選舉結果可以預料對台灣與兩岸關係發展,未來大的政策不會發生過激的變化。從選舉的結果看南北台灣選民的政治觀點很不同。教會裡也常受政治選舉的影響,我們禱告所有信徒能在主裡有真正的合一,雖然我們有不同的方言,文化背景及政治理念 總是要心存謙卑,看別人比自己強,也看見神在我們當中做了奇妙的大事。
星期五
小說主角杜拉拉成為中產女性的典型。首部小說收尾時,她升至人事行政經理,年薪稅前二十三萬。到小說第三部時,她的年薪已達三十萬,步入由中產向上層的過渡階段。外企中產階級是近年來中國的新生力量。教會必須靠主來造就這些靈性與知識並進的一代,幫助他們成為神國合用的器皿,使神能藉著他們供應神家中資源上和屬靈上的需要 。能成為承先啟後、世代交替間引導年輕一代的重要橋梁
星期六
中國在文學區塊中,一直沒有「職場小說」的分類,直到《杜拉拉升職記》的出現才橫空出世。從「杜拉拉」開始,人們逐漸接受「職場小說」這一概念。該小說的作者是位在外企工作的職業經理人。一般中國教會常有「四多一少」的困境﹕「婦女多、老人多、農民多和文盲多」,而「一少」是「工人少」。願主幫助我們知道如何向職青傳福音,對他們的需要有更多了解,引導他們看到主耶穌才能真正滿足他們心靈上的需要。
星期日
2012年是中日建交四十週年。然而,中國人的「厭日」和日本人的「厭華」,或說中日兩國民眾對對方的「抵觸」和「警惕」隨處可見,無時不有。一旦「敏感事件」突發,就立即浮到水面上來,民眾護國情緒迅速升溫,並開始盲目攻擊對方。許多信徒對日本或日本人有負面的感受,尤其老一代經歷中日戰爭,親睹日軍殘暴占領的信徒們。求主幫助、提醒我們,能以基督的愛來寬恕曾傷害我們的人,更能有主的恩慈,為他們祝福。
星期一
從現狀看日本人難以接受正在崛起中的中國,中國人也受不了比自己更加富裕、穩定、有序的日本。在此情況下,兩國國民之間的相互認知很難「正常化」,中日民眾的「心」還在掙扎中,此結仍有待解開。中國近年的經濟發展帶來的民族自豪,也常在教會裡出現。我們求神賜給教會領袖們有謙卑的心,挪走不合祂心意的民族驕傲,而能體會基督的心腸,看到日本實在多麼需要中國教會承接神的使命,去分享福音。
According to a official survey, only eight percent of the people in China believe the charities of the country are transparent enough. Half of those surveyed said they donated money or materials to charity regularly but ninety percent of them said they never received a response from the organizations. The report showed that people expected to be told how their donations were used. In general Chinese believers have a trust issue with the way their offerings are being used by their churches. We pray for a new beginning, for church leaders to desire to regain the confidence and trust of their members by being more open and transparent with their church finances. We pray, too, that there will be a rebuilding of trust between lay people and their leaders in the church, especially in the area of offerings and the appropriation of funds.
Wednesday
A survey interviewed ninety-nine charitable organizations in China and sixty-four percent of them admitted that they have never published any information about how the donations are distributed. Most said it was due to staff shortages and the fact that there is no legal requirement to do so. In the past year there has been a series of major scandals which have significantly damaged people's confidence in all public charities. Mistrust or a lack of confidence in the way the churches handle finances if one reason that people who work in churches in China are not adequately compensated. We pray that believers will take great pride in treating God's servants properly and well. We also pray that Christians in China will not only trust God but will find a restoration of faith in their church leadership.
Thursday
The incumbent held on to win the reelection in the closely contested Taiwan's presidential election. This bodes well for the future development of China-Taiwan relationship in the near future, and people expect everything to stay the course. Judging from the election results, Taiwan is clearly split into two halves, the north-central and the southern half according to the party affiliation. Unfortunately, election politics does spill into churches as well. We pray that Christians will put aside political differences and come together in a genuine unity, seeing how the Lord has done a great things among believers of different backgrounds in dialects, denominations, cultures and political preferences.
Friday
A fictional character, Du Lala, has become the embodiment of China's new female middle class. As the first novel ended, she was already the manager of human resources and earned an annual salary of 230,000 yuan. In the third novel she was earning an annual salary of 300,000 yuan, an amount rivaled by few elite Chinese (men or people?).People who work for foreign or international companies have become China's new middle class in recent years. Churches in China should seriously reach out and minister to and equip these young professionals. We pray they will be a bridge for churches to minister to young people helping to provide resources and context so the churches can attract the younger generation.
Saturday
A couple of years ago there was no such thing as a novel depicting the work place. Then Du Lala's Promotion became a runaway bestseller. Now there are many readers who buy books written about professionals. The author who started this genre was actually a seasoned manager in an international company himself. Churches in China are known for having many female believers, old people, peasants, and illiterates but lacking workers. We ask the Lord to raise up workers who have a burden for young professionals, are able to understand them, and will reach out to them.
Sunday
The year 2012 is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-Japanese diplomatic relationship. However, even yet the anti-Japanese or anti-Chinese sentiment in each respective country is almost palpable. Little sensitive incidents can quickly trigger widespread protests and evolve into confrontations. It is fair to say that even Chinese believers, especially those who lived through World War II and witnessed the brutalities during the Japanese occupation, do not have a high view of Japanese. May the Lord help us and remind us of the love of Jesus Christ so we are able to forgive those who hurt us and bless even our enemies.
Monday
It is hard for the Japanese and Chinese to come to terms with each other. Japanese people as a whole have difficulty accepting the size of China and Chinese people cannot really accept Japan as a more affluent, stable, and orderly country than theirs. There is a persistent knot in the minds of the citizens of both countries. The recent economic boom in China has given the people there much of which they can be proud and such pride is often seen in the churches as well as outside of them. We pray for humility in church leaders with the Holy Sprit removing ethnic pride and replacing it with the compassion of Christ. May they see how much Japan needs the Good News of Jesus and how the churches in China can be a part of God's plan in taking it to them.
星期二
在慈善信任風暴背景下,只有8%受訪民眾對中國慈善組織的帳目公開狀況表示滿意。約有一半表示他們有固定捐贈,但高達90%的民眾對慈善捐款透明化的程度是介於不滿意和不太滿意之間。一般而言,中國信徒對教會管理奉獻有某種程度的不信任。求神給我們一個新的開始,讓教會領袖們運作教會財政更公開及透明,重建信徒與教會領袖們之間的信任。尤其是能信任教會在神的帶領下, 能有效運用奉獻的款項在神的事工上。
星期三
每年中國政府對99家慈善組織,有固定的跟踪監測,其中64%的組織宣稱從未公佈如何使用捐贈,乃因無足夠的人手來發表報告。再者,政府也沒要求將資料透明化。今年官辦慈善機構陸續曝出醜聞,使得民眾對慈善機構產生全面性的質疑。會眾對教會財務處理缺少信任,是中國教會傳道人沒能得到好供應的一大原因。求神幫助信徒們能以厚待神的僕人為自豪,基督徒除了信靠上帝外,也應對神的僕人有相當程度的信任。
星期四
台灣大選塵埃落定,國民黨繼續執政,選舉結果可以預料對台灣與兩岸關係發展,未來大的政策不會發生過激的變化。從選舉的結果看南北台灣選民的政治觀點很不同。教會裡也常受政治選舉的影響,我們禱告所有信徒能在主裡有真正的合一,雖然我們有不同的方言,文化背景及政治理念 總是要心存謙卑,看別人比自己強,也看見神在我們當中做了奇妙的大事。
星期五
小說主角杜拉拉成為中產女性的典型。首部小說收尾時,她升至人事行政經理,年薪稅前二十三萬。到小說第三部時,她的年薪已達三十萬,步入由中產向上層的過渡階段。外企中產階級是近年來中國的新生力量。教會必須靠主來造就這些靈性與知識並進的一代,幫助他們成為神國合用的器皿,使神能藉著他們供應神家中資源上和屬靈上的需要 。能成為承先啟後、世代交替間引導年輕一代的重要橋梁
星期六
中國在文學區塊中,一直沒有「職場小說」的分類,直到《杜拉拉升職記》的出現才橫空出世。從「杜拉拉」開始,人們逐漸接受「職場小說」這一概念。該小說的作者是位在外企工作的職業經理人。一般中國教會常有「四多一少」的困境﹕「婦女多、老人多、農民多和文盲多」,而「一少」是「工人少」。願主幫助我們知道如何向職青傳福音,對他們的需要有更多了解,引導他們看到主耶穌才能真正滿足他們心靈上的需要。
星期日
2012年是中日建交四十週年。然而,中國人的「厭日」和日本人的「厭華」,或說中日兩國民眾對對方的「抵觸」和「警惕」隨處可見,無時不有。一旦「敏感事件」突發,就立即浮到水面上來,民眾護國情緒迅速升溫,並開始盲目攻擊對方。許多信徒對日本或日本人有負面的感受,尤其老一代經歷中日戰爭,親睹日軍殘暴占領的信徒們。求主幫助、提醒我們,能以基督的愛來寬恕曾傷害我們的人,更能有主的恩慈,為他們祝福。
星期一
從現狀看日本人難以接受正在崛起中的中國,中國人也受不了比自己更加富裕、穩定、有序的日本。在此情況下,兩國國民之間的相互認知很難「正常化」,中日民眾的「心」還在掙扎中,此結仍有待解開。中國近年的經濟發展帶來的民族自豪,也常在教會裡出現。我們求神賜給教會領袖們有謙卑的心,挪走不合祂心意的民族驕傲,而能體會基督的心腸,看到日本實在多麼需要中國教會承接神的使命,去分享福音。
2012年1月10日星期二
Prayer Request 1/10 - 1/16
Tuesday
A wealthy infertile couple in Guangzhou has successfully delivered eight babies through in vitro fertilization and the use of two surrogate mothers who have given birth to four boys and four girls. This has instantly become a huge sensation in a county that has a one-child policy. Government officials have vowed to investigate because, first of all it is illegal to be a surrogate mother, and secondly it is a violation of the family-planning policy to implant multiple fertilized eggs. The feeling that anyone who is rich can do any outrageous thing permeates all of the Chinese society. Let us pray for believers who find themselves feeling they are really unimportant and are resigned to feel that way. May the Lord help us all to see that we are greatly loved by our heavenly Father, that we are His chosen people and richly blessed because we belong to Jesus.
Wednesday
At the present time the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is very high in China. This procedure usually involves implanting several embryos at the same time to ensure a high rate of success. Therefore, the possibility of a multiple-birth pregnancy is highly possible. The Ministry of Health in China has a guideline which says that women under the age of thirty-five should not have twins and for those over that age, the maximum is triplets. Once a young couple is married, there is always pressure or a high expectation to become pregnant so their parents can play with a grandchild. Let us pray for believers who are looking forward to being grandparents. May the Lord make them a true blessing to their grandchildren, not only in sharing the story of Jesus but also in showing the little ones how much they love and serve God.
Thursday
Incidences of infertility are rising in China for various reasons including the delayed age of having children. In order to have children some couples are resorting to surrogate parenthood. Some medical experts have suggested that giving birth is a natural right and the government must consider the legalization of surrogacy for these couples. Otherwise, surrogate parenting will flourish in the legal gray zone finding women who are willing to do so for money to meet the demand. Confucius taught that infertility was the greatest dishonor possible to one's parents and even to this day having no children carries a stigma in China. We lift up in prayer all couples who are believers and are waiting for their babies or have given up trying to conceive and ask the Holy Spirit to bring His own comfort to them, to renew their marital relationship, and to make them a blessing to many others in their churches.
Friday
Many Christian believers in the cities in China encounter financial hardship once they are laid off from their work. Those who have an unbelieving spouse find it easy to be critical and wonder why their wives still spend so much time in church rather than putting more effort into finding a job. These are special challenges for the sisters whose husbands are non-believers and we need to remember them often because they serve in the church with opposition from home and their marital relationship is often very tense. We pray for these Martha and Mary in the churches in China as they serve with tears but have joy within.
Saturday
Back in 2003, China's Three-self churches reported a grand total of 378 ordained women pastors and that 95% of them became pastors after 1980. Women pastors accounted for 24% of all ordained pastors (in 2003), in addition to that there were 2000 other female elders, teachers, and staff people in the open churches. Obviously this does not include the untold tens of thousands of volunteers and co-workers in those churches. The percentage of lady pastors and co-workers in the house churches is definitely higher than that of open churches. We pray for all the sisters who serve in all levels of church ministry. May the Lord bless and use them mightily. It is our prayer that God will use them in the area of visitation to show His love and share the Christian faith to strengthen those who have not been in church for a while.
Sunday
For the married women believers in China, those live in the city usually work while those who live in the villages do farm work. In order for them to be able to work in the churches they must use whatever time there is left after they have taken care of their families. In eastern China many of the women who teach Sunday school have to literally abandon their children in order to teach or visit their students. We praise the Lord for the sisters in the Chinese church who pay a huge price to serve the Lord despite the tremendous tension of the demand from their families and that of the ministry. We pray for strength for them so they will be faithful to and rely on the Lord always knowing that what they do will definitely bring glory to God.
Monday
Many of the sisters in the churches in China were already married when they accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. The differences in values and lifestyles with their unbelieving spouse naturally cause tension. Some of their husbands adamantly oppose their wives in their Christian faith even to the point of traumatizing them and so weakening their resolve to be involved in the church. We pray for the special care and protection of the Lord for the families of these sisters. May the Lord have special mercy and love for them so they will have the love and patience they need and trust God to open the spiritual eyes of their husbands.
星期二
據媒體報導,廣州富商夫婦因多年不孕,借助試管嬰兒技術,一次成功孕育八個胚胎。他們聘請兩位代孕媽媽,於去年先後誕下四男四女八胞胎。官方立刻追查此事,因觸及幾方面的問題:第一、在中國代孕是非法的;第二、人工有意多胎是違反計劃生育政策。整個中國社會瀰漫著有錢能使鬼推磨的價值觀,不少信徒亦覺得自己窮,比不上別人,甚至覺得沒有什麽價值。讓我們禱告,每位信徒都能深刻體會天父的愛,祂揀選我們,更寶貴我們每一個,「祂未嘗留下一樣好處不給那些行動正直的人。」(詩84:11)
星期三
在中國做試管嬰兒的收費非常昂貴,胚胎移植也不能保證百分百成功。為了增加成功率,一般會移植多個,故此多胚胎是不可避免的。衛生部也明確規定,35歲以下婦女第一次做移植胚胎不得超過2個;35歲以上或第一次助孕不成功的,最多不能超過3個。年輕夫婦成婚後,上一代想含飴弄孫,常寄予早生貴子的期盼及壓力。讓我們記念期待做祖父母的肢體,都能成為孫兒女屬靈的祝福,不僅能講述主耶穌的救恩,更常在日常生活中,讓孫兒女看見他們愛主的心而從小羨慕聖工。
星期四
目前中國盛行試管嬰兒的原因很多,包括人們延遲生育年齡。為了「有後」,不少夫妻採取「借腹懷孕」一途。有些醫學專家建議政府尊重人們的「生育權」,讓「代孕」合法化,以杜絕不孕夫婦硬闖借腹生子的法律灰色地帶,助長婦女為錢「出租子宮」的風氣。子曰:「不孝有三,無後為大」影響迄今,沒有子女仍是中國社會觀念裡的一種缺憾。讓我們用禱告托住正嘗試生育或已放棄再試的信徒,求聖靈親自安慰他們,能更新夫妻之間及與神的關係,成為教會多人的幫助和祝福的管道。
星期五
有些城市教會的姊妹「下崗」,家庭經濟出現困難。她們當中有些有未信主的丈夫,常會質問信妻子,與其花時間禱告,為何不多花時間和經歷出去找工作?她們在教會的服事更可能得不到體諒,與丈夫的關係容易出現問題。讓我們常在禱告中記念這些帶著眼淚,心中仍有喜樂服事主的馬大及馬利亞們,願主的安慰與信實的供應。
星期六
據2003年中國基督教婦女事工委員會的部分統計,三自教會按立的女牧師共有378位,其中95%以上是文革後按立的,佔全國牧師人數的24%;還有2,000多位女長老、教師和教職人員;上面這些統計佈告括千千萬萬家庭教會默默服事的姊妹。相信家庭教會中的女傳道人及同工數量更多。求主記念並繼續重用姊妹在教會各層面的服事,拓展聖工。尤其是探訪工作,使人能通過弟兄姊妹的愛心,認識基督信仰,對許多中斷教會生活的信徒也能使信心再次得到堅固。
星期日
大多數城市已婚的姊妹要上班、農村姊妹要做農活。此外她們還要料理家務或照顧孩子,因此在參與教會服事時,格外地吃力和辛勞,存在著時間和精神上的張力。婦女面對家庭與服事的挑戰, 在中國教會十分明顯,華東地區有些主日學老師,為了在週六、日探訪主日學學生的家庭,更是不得不把自己的孩子留在家中。我們為姊妹們付出如此大的代價仍忠心服事主來感恩。並為教會的姊妹所面對的各種困難和挑戰禱告,求主堅固祂的眾使女,在困難中仍緊緊倚靠主,深知手中的工是為了彰顯神的榮耀。
星期一
不少姊妹是婚後才信主的,但配偶仍未歸主。由於雙方形成的價值觀和生活方式不同,分歧和矛盾日漸增多。有些丈夫更是公然反對、批評妻子的信仰,帶給她們不同程度的傷害,削弱了她們事奉主的投入程度。求主賜福眾姊妹的家庭,使她們經歷神信實的看顧和保守。也求主特別賜下更多的恩典及愛心給姊妹們,能不住仰望基督,在家庭有美好見証,以忍耐等候丈夫歸主,深信主會打開丈夫屬靈的眼睛,看到神的恩慈與榮美。
A wealthy infertile couple in Guangzhou has successfully delivered eight babies through in vitro fertilization and the use of two surrogate mothers who have given birth to four boys and four girls. This has instantly become a huge sensation in a county that has a one-child policy. Government officials have vowed to investigate because, first of all it is illegal to be a surrogate mother, and secondly it is a violation of the family-planning policy to implant multiple fertilized eggs. The feeling that anyone who is rich can do any outrageous thing permeates all of the Chinese society. Let us pray for believers who find themselves feeling they are really unimportant and are resigned to feel that way. May the Lord help us all to see that we are greatly loved by our heavenly Father, that we are His chosen people and richly blessed because we belong to Jesus.
Wednesday
At the present time the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is very high in China. This procedure usually involves implanting several embryos at the same time to ensure a high rate of success. Therefore, the possibility of a multiple-birth pregnancy is highly possible. The Ministry of Health in China has a guideline which says that women under the age of thirty-five should not have twins and for those over that age, the maximum is triplets. Once a young couple is married, there is always pressure or a high expectation to become pregnant so their parents can play with a grandchild. Let us pray for believers who are looking forward to being grandparents. May the Lord make them a true blessing to their grandchildren, not only in sharing the story of Jesus but also in showing the little ones how much they love and serve God.
Thursday
Incidences of infertility are rising in China for various reasons including the delayed age of having children. In order to have children some couples are resorting to surrogate parenthood. Some medical experts have suggested that giving birth is a natural right and the government must consider the legalization of surrogacy for these couples. Otherwise, surrogate parenting will flourish in the legal gray zone finding women who are willing to do so for money to meet the demand. Confucius taught that infertility was the greatest dishonor possible to one's parents and even to this day having no children carries a stigma in China. We lift up in prayer all couples who are believers and are waiting for their babies or have given up trying to conceive and ask the Holy Spirit to bring His own comfort to them, to renew their marital relationship, and to make them a blessing to many others in their churches.
Friday
Many Christian believers in the cities in China encounter financial hardship once they are laid off from their work. Those who have an unbelieving spouse find it easy to be critical and wonder why their wives still spend so much time in church rather than putting more effort into finding a job. These are special challenges for the sisters whose husbands are non-believers and we need to remember them often because they serve in the church with opposition from home and their marital relationship is often very tense. We pray for these Martha and Mary in the churches in China as they serve with tears but have joy within.
Saturday
Back in 2003, China's Three-self churches reported a grand total of 378 ordained women pastors and that 95% of them became pastors after 1980. Women pastors accounted for 24% of all ordained pastors (in 2003), in addition to that there were 2000 other female elders, teachers, and staff people in the open churches. Obviously this does not include the untold tens of thousands of volunteers and co-workers in those churches. The percentage of lady pastors and co-workers in the house churches is definitely higher than that of open churches. We pray for all the sisters who serve in all levels of church ministry. May the Lord bless and use them mightily. It is our prayer that God will use them in the area of visitation to show His love and share the Christian faith to strengthen those who have not been in church for a while.
Sunday
For the married women believers in China, those live in the city usually work while those who live in the villages do farm work. In order for them to be able to work in the churches they must use whatever time there is left after they have taken care of their families. In eastern China many of the women who teach Sunday school have to literally abandon their children in order to teach or visit their students. We praise the Lord for the sisters in the Chinese church who pay a huge price to serve the Lord despite the tremendous tension of the demand from their families and that of the ministry. We pray for strength for them so they will be faithful to and rely on the Lord always knowing that what they do will definitely bring glory to God.
Monday
Many of the sisters in the churches in China were already married when they accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. The differences in values and lifestyles with their unbelieving spouse naturally cause tension. Some of their husbands adamantly oppose their wives in their Christian faith even to the point of traumatizing them and so weakening their resolve to be involved in the church. We pray for the special care and protection of the Lord for the families of these sisters. May the Lord have special mercy and love for them so they will have the love and patience they need and trust God to open the spiritual eyes of their husbands.
星期二
據媒體報導,廣州富商夫婦因多年不孕,借助試管嬰兒技術,一次成功孕育八個胚胎。他們聘請兩位代孕媽媽,於去年先後誕下四男四女八胞胎。官方立刻追查此事,因觸及幾方面的問題:第一、在中國代孕是非法的;第二、人工有意多胎是違反計劃生育政策。整個中國社會瀰漫著有錢能使鬼推磨的價值觀,不少信徒亦覺得自己窮,比不上別人,甚至覺得沒有什麽價值。讓我們禱告,每位信徒都能深刻體會天父的愛,祂揀選我們,更寶貴我們每一個,「祂未嘗留下一樣好處不給那些行動正直的人。」(詩84:11)
星期三
在中國做試管嬰兒的收費非常昂貴,胚胎移植也不能保證百分百成功。為了增加成功率,一般會移植多個,故此多胚胎是不可避免的。衛生部也明確規定,35歲以下婦女第一次做移植胚胎不得超過2個;35歲以上或第一次助孕不成功的,最多不能超過3個。年輕夫婦成婚後,上一代想含飴弄孫,常寄予早生貴子的期盼及壓力。讓我們記念期待做祖父母的肢體,都能成為孫兒女屬靈的祝福,不僅能講述主耶穌的救恩,更常在日常生活中,讓孫兒女看見他們愛主的心而從小羨慕聖工。
星期四
目前中國盛行試管嬰兒的原因很多,包括人們延遲生育年齡。為了「有後」,不少夫妻採取「借腹懷孕」一途。有些醫學專家建議政府尊重人們的「生育權」,讓「代孕」合法化,以杜絕不孕夫婦硬闖借腹生子的法律灰色地帶,助長婦女為錢「出租子宮」的風氣。子曰:「不孝有三,無後為大」影響迄今,沒有子女仍是中國社會觀念裡的一種缺憾。讓我們用禱告托住正嘗試生育或已放棄再試的信徒,求聖靈親自安慰他們,能更新夫妻之間及與神的關係,成為教會多人的幫助和祝福的管道。
星期五
有些城市教會的姊妹「下崗」,家庭經濟出現困難。她們當中有些有未信主的丈夫,常會質問信妻子,與其花時間禱告,為何不多花時間和經歷出去找工作?她們在教會的服事更可能得不到體諒,與丈夫的關係容易出現問題。讓我們常在禱告中記念這些帶著眼淚,心中仍有喜樂服事主的馬大及馬利亞們,願主的安慰與信實的供應。
星期六
據2003年中國基督教婦女事工委員會的部分統計,三自教會按立的女牧師共有378位,其中95%以上是文革後按立的,佔全國牧師人數的24%;還有2,000多位女長老、教師和教職人員;上面這些統計佈告括千千萬萬家庭教會默默服事的姊妹。相信家庭教會中的女傳道人及同工數量更多。求主記念並繼續重用姊妹在教會各層面的服事,拓展聖工。尤其是探訪工作,使人能通過弟兄姊妹的愛心,認識基督信仰,對許多中斷教會生活的信徒也能使信心再次得到堅固。
星期日
大多數城市已婚的姊妹要上班、農村姊妹要做農活。此外她們還要料理家務或照顧孩子,因此在參與教會服事時,格外地吃力和辛勞,存在著時間和精神上的張力。婦女面對家庭與服事的挑戰, 在中國教會十分明顯,華東地區有些主日學老師,為了在週六、日探訪主日學學生的家庭,更是不得不把自己的孩子留在家中。我們為姊妹們付出如此大的代價仍忠心服事主來感恩。並為教會的姊妹所面對的各種困難和挑戰禱告,求主堅固祂的眾使女,在困難中仍緊緊倚靠主,深知手中的工是為了彰顯神的榮耀。
星期一
不少姊妹是婚後才信主的,但配偶仍未歸主。由於雙方形成的價值觀和生活方式不同,分歧和矛盾日漸增多。有些丈夫更是公然反對、批評妻子的信仰,帶給她們不同程度的傷害,削弱了她們事奉主的投入程度。求主賜福眾姊妹的家庭,使她們經歷神信實的看顧和保守。也求主特別賜下更多的恩典及愛心給姊妹們,能不住仰望基督,在家庭有美好見証,以忍耐等候丈夫歸主,深信主會打開丈夫屬靈的眼睛,看到神的恩慈與榮美。
2012年1月3日星期二
Prayer Request 1/3 - 1/9
Tuesday
"Regardless whether you believe it or not, I believe it anyway" is the top news quote in China for 2011. It was said by the China's Rail official after the Wenzhou high-speed rail collision. He gave the lame excuse of "the rescuers were burying the train with mud but insisting it was done to expedite the rescue", even though he was covering up the real reason. In the vast majority of churches in China, few people ever question the leaders. Words or explanations given are not to be questioned and dissenting voices are quickly suppressed. Let us pray for a healthy venue where voices or different ideas can be discussed and leaders are willing to foster an environment to allow such input in church.
Wednesday
Top news quotes are purposely chosen because people felt these statements were so ridiculous as to insult the intelligence of common people. Some of these include, "The price of houses shot up because people are too rich!", "My father is the law!", "You can call us cheaters!" and "10,000 yuan is no big deal". It is easy for many Chinese believers to feel rich because the general prosperity and run of real estate prices. Material wealth is the leading enemy of the growth of China's churches and the cause of spiritual decline. We pray for genuine thanksgiving for all believers, not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. (1 Tim 6:17)
Thursday
There are many established house churches and urban churches, who are beginning to plan on having full-time salaried positions for church workers. In the past, pulpit preaching and even members caring were done often by those who were "burdened by the Holy Spirit" can no longer sufficed. Believers today demand a professional approach to church ministry. Let us pray for more full-time and committed church workers, especially those who are better equipped and trained. Selecting or designating one person to be salaried while all others are volunteered can be difficult during this necessary transitional phase.
Friday
Taiwan is a relatively small island but one can find temples, shrines, and churches everywhere. Officially thee are more than 30,000 registered temples and this does not include the private temples dedicated to the Earth God. When candidates are vying for election, the religious gathering places naturally become the battle grounds for candidates to drum up votes. The political candidates visit and worship at the major temples so they will not antagonize any of the people who worship there. It is difficult to avoid any discussion of political party affliction or political beliefs in churches, especially when some of the election issues are truly controversial. We want to pray for unity for all Christian churches, not politically or by denomination or belief but a true spirit of unity that all are serving Jesus as Lord and we are merely His servants with Him as our Master.
Saturday
Most of the religious groups in Taiwan know full well that politicians are trying to collect votes from their people so they usually remain politically neutral to avoid being entangled politically. Some religious organizations or churches make it clear that they are not politically inclined and decline any visits from candidates or endorsement of them. However, among the Christian churches the Presbyterian church has historically aligned itself openly with a certain political party. It is difficult when Christian churches are divided along political lines whether it is in China or in Taiwan. Let us simply pray that believers will have the humility of Jesus Christ to always see that others are better than we are. May the Lord heal the rift, the unspoken hurt and wounds that believers and even churches may have.
Sunday
In Taiwan, Catholicism, Christianity, and Islam, the so-called major religions of the world have relatively few followers in comparison with Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. Although some Christians object to the practice of idol worship, most Christians n Taiwan simply accept that it is a fact of life. Taiwan has several mosques but the number of practicing Muslims is very small and found mostly among the people from Indonesia working there. It is much easier for Christians to talk about sending missionaries to foreign countries than to share the gospel with idol-worshipping neighbors. We ask the Lord to stir our passion to witness for Christ and show Jesus' love to our neighbors by our actions. We also pray for revival in all the Chinese churches in Muslim countries, especially those in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Monday
The vast majority of the country's 100 million religious adherents are Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Taoists, according to government statistics. Ethnic regions such as the Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have particularly high proportions of religious people. We praise the Lord for the recent improvement of relationship and increased freedom in worship, this is true in most of churches throughout China. Government still strongly discourage conversion of Muslims and any church work in Tibet. Let us pray for the safety and growth of Christians there.
星期二
中國2011年十大新聞語錄,「至於你信不信,我反正信了」高居榜首。這是負責官員在溫州動車追撞事故發生後對在場記者說的。當時他解釋將事故車頭埋在土裏,是因現場搶險環境非常複雜,下面是一個泥潭,施展很不方便,所以把那個車頭埋在下面蓋上土,便於搶險。大多數中國教會是不容質疑教會領袖,或有反對聲音的。我們禱告教會能有健康的管道讓弟兄姐妹提供意見,分享看法,而教會領袖也願意聆聽各種不同的建議。
星期三
所謂的熱門新聞話語,是因民眾認為它反映了不合理現象,深具反諷意味。例如:「房價上漲是因為老百姓錢太多了」,「我爸就是國法」,「我們就是騙你的」,「一萬塊錢,不算大事」。近年來,有些中國信徒因著經濟繁榮,房地產上漲而自覺富有。物質富裕是中國教會增長的首要敵人,更是許多教會荒涼的一大主因。求主賜信徒有真正感恩的心:「不要自高,也不要倚靠無定的錢財;只要倚靠那厚賜百物給我們享受的神。」(提前 6:17)
星期四
許多具規模的家庭教會和城市教會,開始考慮聘請全職牧者。以往由較成熟肢體按聖靈感動講道和牧會,已不能應付現今廣大禾場上的需要。我們為神帶領全職且受過更好裝備和訓練並願意委身牧養群羊的同工來禱告,也為長執們能有智慧過渡這段教會的轉型期。
星期五
台灣面積不大,卻處處可見廟宇及祠觀。政府登記在案的廟宇就有三萬多,還不包括土地公廟。每逢選舉,香火鼎盛的主流宗教和民間信仰的寺廟、祠觀成了政治人物的必爭之地。為了拉攏信徒,政治人物爭相上香、朝拜,爭取更多選票。在教會裡一般談論難免涉及黨派或政治理念,尤其是具爭議的議題。我們禱告地上眾教會能在主裡合一,順服耶穌基督為元首,專注作主的忠僕,活出榮耀的見證,而不是政治上或宗派的較力。
星期六
台灣的宗教團體都知道政治人物來訪必有所圖,所以盡可能保持中立,婉拒一切政治人物在選舉期間的到訪,更表明不在政治上表態,以免捲入政治旋渦。但也有些宗教團體有顯明的政治立場,如台灣長老教會因為歷史的因素常年持特定的政治主張。教會因著政治立場不同而彼此劃分。讓我們單純地求告恩主,清楚明白教會在地上的使命,遵主耶穌基督的教誨,看別人比自己強;願主醫治彼此 (甚至教會之間),因著立場不同所造成的嫌隙和傷害。
星期日
雖然天主教、基督教和伊斯蘭教是世界上的主流宗教,但這些宗教在台灣的信徒所佔比例卻遠不及佛教、道教以及民間信仰。台灣也有數座清真寺,信徒大都是來自印尼的外勞。有些基督徒拒絕一切拜偶像的事,但有些卻以此為現實生活的一部份。有些信徒關心如何差派宣教士到外國,卻對拜偶像的鄰居傳福音感到束手無策。求主給我們愛人靈魂的心,從近處著手把福音傳開,以愛的行動來見證主耶穌。我們禱告記念回教國家的基督教會,特別是東南亞的馬來西亞和印尼的華人教會,求主復興。
星期一
中國有許多宗教,主要有佛教、道教、伊斯蘭教、天主教和基督教。據宗教局不完全統計,各種宗教信徒已超過1億人,新疆與西藏兩個自治區是回教及佛教徒集中區域。近來中國教會與政府的關係緩和,各地聚會阻擾減少了,我們為此向主感恩。但政府仍強烈阻止穆斯林改教,教會事工在西藏也有極大的壓力,我們為這兩地區的信徒的安全和靈命成長來仰望神的保守與引領。
"Regardless whether you believe it or not, I believe it anyway" is the top news quote in China for 2011. It was said by the China's Rail official after the Wenzhou high-speed rail collision. He gave the lame excuse of "the rescuers were burying the train with mud but insisting it was done to expedite the rescue", even though he was covering up the real reason. In the vast majority of churches in China, few people ever question the leaders. Words or explanations given are not to be questioned and dissenting voices are quickly suppressed. Let us pray for a healthy venue where voices or different ideas can be discussed and leaders are willing to foster an environment to allow such input in church.
Wednesday
Top news quotes are purposely chosen because people felt these statements were so ridiculous as to insult the intelligence of common people. Some of these include, "The price of houses shot up because people are too rich!", "My father is the law!", "You can call us cheaters!" and "10,000 yuan is no big deal". It is easy for many Chinese believers to feel rich because the general prosperity and run of real estate prices. Material wealth is the leading enemy of the growth of China's churches and the cause of spiritual decline. We pray for genuine thanksgiving for all believers, not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. (1 Tim 6:17)
Thursday
There are many established house churches and urban churches, who are beginning to plan on having full-time salaried positions for church workers. In the past, pulpit preaching and even members caring were done often by those who were "burdened by the Holy Spirit" can no longer sufficed. Believers today demand a professional approach to church ministry. Let us pray for more full-time and committed church workers, especially those who are better equipped and trained. Selecting or designating one person to be salaried while all others are volunteered can be difficult during this necessary transitional phase.
Friday
Taiwan is a relatively small island but one can find temples, shrines, and churches everywhere. Officially thee are more than 30,000 registered temples and this does not include the private temples dedicated to the Earth God. When candidates are vying for election, the religious gathering places naturally become the battle grounds for candidates to drum up votes. The political candidates visit and worship at the major temples so they will not antagonize any of the people who worship there. It is difficult to avoid any discussion of political party affliction or political beliefs in churches, especially when some of the election issues are truly controversial. We want to pray for unity for all Christian churches, not politically or by denomination or belief but a true spirit of unity that all are serving Jesus as Lord and we are merely His servants with Him as our Master.
Saturday
Most of the religious groups in Taiwan know full well that politicians are trying to collect votes from their people so they usually remain politically neutral to avoid being entangled politically. Some religious organizations or churches make it clear that they are not politically inclined and decline any visits from candidates or endorsement of them. However, among the Christian churches the Presbyterian church has historically aligned itself openly with a certain political party. It is difficult when Christian churches are divided along political lines whether it is in China or in Taiwan. Let us simply pray that believers will have the humility of Jesus Christ to always see that others are better than we are. May the Lord heal the rift, the unspoken hurt and wounds that believers and even churches may have.
Sunday
In Taiwan, Catholicism, Christianity, and Islam, the so-called major religions of the world have relatively few followers in comparison with Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. Although some Christians object to the practice of idol worship, most Christians n Taiwan simply accept that it is a fact of life. Taiwan has several mosques but the number of practicing Muslims is very small and found mostly among the people from Indonesia working there. It is much easier for Christians to talk about sending missionaries to foreign countries than to share the gospel with idol-worshipping neighbors. We ask the Lord to stir our passion to witness for Christ and show Jesus' love to our neighbors by our actions. We also pray for revival in all the Chinese churches in Muslim countries, especially those in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Monday
The vast majority of the country's 100 million religious adherents are Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Taoists, according to government statistics. Ethnic regions such as the Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have particularly high proportions of religious people. We praise the Lord for the recent improvement of relationship and increased freedom in worship, this is true in most of churches throughout China. Government still strongly discourage conversion of Muslims and any church work in Tibet. Let us pray for the safety and growth of Christians there.
星期二
中國2011年十大新聞語錄,「至於你信不信,我反正信了」高居榜首。這是負責官員在溫州動車追撞事故發生後對在場記者說的。當時他解釋將事故車頭埋在土裏,是因現場搶險環境非常複雜,下面是一個泥潭,施展很不方便,所以把那個車頭埋在下面蓋上土,便於搶險。大多數中國教會是不容質疑教會領袖,或有反對聲音的。我們禱告教會能有健康的管道讓弟兄姐妹提供意見,分享看法,而教會領袖也願意聆聽各種不同的建議。
星期三
所謂的熱門新聞話語,是因民眾認為它反映了不合理現象,深具反諷意味。例如:「房價上漲是因為老百姓錢太多了」,「我爸就是國法」,「我們就是騙你的」,「一萬塊錢,不算大事」。近年來,有些中國信徒因著經濟繁榮,房地產上漲而自覺富有。物質富裕是中國教會增長的首要敵人,更是許多教會荒涼的一大主因。求主賜信徒有真正感恩的心:「不要自高,也不要倚靠無定的錢財;只要倚靠那厚賜百物給我們享受的神。」(提前 6:17)
星期四
許多具規模的家庭教會和城市教會,開始考慮聘請全職牧者。以往由較成熟肢體按聖靈感動講道和牧會,已不能應付現今廣大禾場上的需要。我們為神帶領全職且受過更好裝備和訓練並願意委身牧養群羊的同工來禱告,也為長執們能有智慧過渡這段教會的轉型期。
星期五
台灣面積不大,卻處處可見廟宇及祠觀。政府登記在案的廟宇就有三萬多,還不包括土地公廟。每逢選舉,香火鼎盛的主流宗教和民間信仰的寺廟、祠觀成了政治人物的必爭之地。為了拉攏信徒,政治人物爭相上香、朝拜,爭取更多選票。在教會裡一般談論難免涉及黨派或政治理念,尤其是具爭議的議題。我們禱告地上眾教會能在主裡合一,順服耶穌基督為元首,專注作主的忠僕,活出榮耀的見證,而不是政治上或宗派的較力。
星期六
台灣的宗教團體都知道政治人物來訪必有所圖,所以盡可能保持中立,婉拒一切政治人物在選舉期間的到訪,更表明不在政治上表態,以免捲入政治旋渦。但也有些宗教團體有顯明的政治立場,如台灣長老教會因為歷史的因素常年持特定的政治主張。教會因著政治立場不同而彼此劃分。讓我們單純地求告恩主,清楚明白教會在地上的使命,遵主耶穌基督的教誨,看別人比自己強;願主醫治彼此 (甚至教會之間),因著立場不同所造成的嫌隙和傷害。
星期日
雖然天主教、基督教和伊斯蘭教是世界上的主流宗教,但這些宗教在台灣的信徒所佔比例卻遠不及佛教、道教以及民間信仰。台灣也有數座清真寺,信徒大都是來自印尼的外勞。有些基督徒拒絕一切拜偶像的事,但有些卻以此為現實生活的一部份。有些信徒關心如何差派宣教士到外國,卻對拜偶像的鄰居傳福音感到束手無策。求主給我們愛人靈魂的心,從近處著手把福音傳開,以愛的行動來見證主耶穌。我們禱告記念回教國家的基督教會,特別是東南亞的馬來西亞和印尼的華人教會,求主復興。
星期一
中國有許多宗教,主要有佛教、道教、伊斯蘭教、天主教和基督教。據宗教局不完全統計,各種宗教信徒已超過1億人,新疆與西藏兩個自治區是回教及佛教徒集中區域。近來中國教會與政府的關係緩和,各地聚會阻擾減少了,我們為此向主感恩。但政府仍強烈阻止穆斯林改教,教會事工在西藏也有極大的壓力,我們為這兩地區的信徒的安全和靈命成長來仰望神的保守與引領。
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