Prayer Request 5/29 - 6/4

Tuesday
It is very difficult for older Chinese believers to completely trust others because of baggage from the past. This lifelong distrust of others is rooted in high suspicions about a police infiltration or a "snitch" in the church who would report to the authorities. We pray for all believers who have been betrayed and persecuted that they will be able to regain a trust in others, and especially those who are younger, through the grace of God. May we all learn to accept our brothers and sisters in Christ without condition.

Wednesday
It is nearly impossible to gain the deep trust of an older Chinese Christian because of the deep psychological wounds of persecution in the past. Such a lack of trust makes it quite ordinary for ten years of "friendship" to evaporate over a minor disagreement. We pray for healing, acceptance, and a feeling of security from God to heal the emotional wounds from past persecution. Only the Lord can give us true love and passion to overcome the distrust, fake lives, and self-serving superficiality of the past.

Thursday
The most common kind of missionary work the churches in China do is that of cross-province and cross-subculture (to Chinese ethnic minorities). Some churches in the cities send workers to and build churches in the more remote regions within China. There are young workers sent to Muslim regions in the West where they set up shops or work long term in order to gain opportunities to share the gospel with their neighbors. Praise God! We continue to pray for vision and passion for missions in the church in China.

Friday
A great obstacle for churches in China when it comes to training missionaries is the deep-rooted idea of "You do you own thing and I will do mine."This is far more serious than secularism, moral decline or even the resurgence of Chinese nationalism. Genuine interaction between churches is rare because of the great fear of having their "sheep" stolen. We pray that we all will have a kingdom perspective through working together and sharing events among churches so the suspicion and inability to accept others will go away.

Saturday
"You do your own thing and I will do mine" is a very common attitude among Chinese believers. Although we all preach "love one another", practically speaking few Chinese believers really take that to heart and practice it. In most churches, caring for the members is done by a few dedicated members rather than the pastors because of the lack of workers. So we want to remember these lay people who help others and willingly care for them thus showing Christ's tender mercy. May the Lord reward them abundantly.

Sunday
Keeping a distance from others for safety is a common phenomenon for leaders at all levels in Chinese churches. People like to talk about spiritual things but invariably this is only superficial talk. May the Lord have mercy on us and give us the willingness to be transparent by removing the spiritual pride that turns our teaching into mere slogans and "canned" talk. We pray for more leaders who can be examples of humble servants and foster an atmosphere of true sharing in the churches.

Monday
The compartmentalization of faith and life is particularly acute among both Chinese believers and leaders. This division makes it very difficult to influence people or to share Jesus with them through one's lifestyle. We pray for all Chinese believers that they will not have such an erroneous view of sanctification. All of us should live out our faith, not merely on Sunday or by putting up a facade of a perfect piety but by living a life close to the Lord.

星期二
這些年來面對政治上的變化，中國信徒長期處於不完全信任身邊人的狀態，因為人永遠不能確定身邊的人是否是異端？是否是公安派來刺探臥底的？求主幫助教會信徒，特別是那些曾經被他人背信、出賣、付出慘痛代價的人，能靠著主奇異恩典的醫治，撫平心底的傷痕，重拾對他人的信任，尢其是消除對年輕一代的戒心。願信徒靈命成熟地能以身作則活出典範，將基督無條件接納的愛，傳播給他們的會友。

星期三
中國年長的肢體，曾經長期活在驚恐的環境下，培育出對他人深層的信任，非常艱難。因此許多海外華人投訴國內信徒隨時變卦，十多年培養的感情一朝便翻臉，沒有任何形跡可尋。事實上，整個大氣候所造成的後遺症，要在一個極安全及被接納的環境裡才能復原。我們需要主大能的醫治，信徒需要走出彼此不信任、虛假、做表面工夫的自我保護傘外，用信心去建立彼此間的信任。願主賜我們都有一顆真誠的愛心和熱心，能真心地去愛人。

星期四
現今最興旺的宣教事奉就是跨地區的同文化或次文化的宣教工作。通常一些城市教會會差派傳道人往偏遠地區傳福音和建立教會。感謝主!在華中地區，正積極推動年輕人往伊斯蘭地區宣教，現已有數十位青年以經商或打工的身份在當地居留，積極向伊斯蘭信徒傳福音。我們為每個教會都有同樣傳福音的異象及心志來祈求主，願主來祝福他自己的工作。

星期五
中國教會要培訓宣教士，目前最首要的困難是不讓社會甚至民族的文化偏見繼續影響教會，這不僅指對物質的追求或道德標準方面的成見，更是指較深層的，例如「各家自掃門前雪」。中國教會彼此之間的互動來往是非常少的，總是有「我的羊會被偷」的恐懼，求主給我們有寛廣的神國觀，改變教會之間彼此猜忌，無法真誠接納的心態，藉著更多的聚會、事工的合作，建立信任。

星期六
信徒間「各家自掃門前雪」的觀念仍根深蒂固。雖然在屬靈教導上常「說」要彼此相愛，但是落實在生活層面上，仍是事不關己則少管為妙，免得「多管閒事」沾惹事非。在有牧者的教會，因為同工不足 ，關懷工作通常都是落在少數有負擔的肢體肩上，。在沒有牧者的教會，有時只能靠幾位愛主的弟兄姐妹盡心力而已。我們為這些將關懷別人當做神的托負的信徒感恩，求主大大使用他們的恩賜，也因著他們滿有憐憫，樂意助人，蒙神更多的賜福。

星期日
在教會各個團隊裡，提到屬靈的事往往說得很動聽，但常常只是一些表面功夫，因為在生活層面上大家都會跟他人保持一定的安全距離，沒有真正將聖經裡的教訓落實到生活中。求主憐憫、幫助信徒能彼此坦誠，挪去屬靈的驕傲，也不把屬靈的教導政治化，淪為口號沒有行動。但願恩主賜給我們更多謙卑僕人的榜樣，使弟兄姊妹能有典範效法，真實經歷到在神家中彼此愛心的扶持及真誠的生命交流、成長。

星期一
信徒中，尤其是負責講台教導的，許多是有所謂教導與生活分割的，因此很難真正達到以生命影響生命，用生命去為主做見證。主憐憫我們，不該有如此錯誤的成聖觀。 我們的信仰不應該只有在周日上教會時才表現一下，或僅在人前有個非常屬靈的外表，但在每一天生活的各個層面中卻沒有與主親密同行。求神幫助每一個信徒，靠著聖靈天天活出神生命的樣式。

Prayer Request 5/22 - 5/28

Tuesday
Since the economic reform in the 1970's, Christianity has undergone a huge change. Practically speaking, the tension of the past between officials and churches has diminished except for that in smaller cities. We praise the heavenly Father for the rapid numerical growth in believers in both the Three-Self and house churches. We pray that more believers will rise up to get involved in the churches, especially in the areas of visitation and caring for others which is greatly needed since there is a short supply of full-time church workers. May the Lord bless each one who serves Him without titles or recognition.

Wednesday
Recently the government in China has promoted the policy of the "harmonious society" which translates into a bit more liberal and relaxed atmosphere between the government and Christianity, Islam, Tibetan Buddhism, and Catholic churches. We do need to give thanks that believers can worship without interference despite reports that certain churches still have "conflicts" with local authorities. We pray for wisdom and patience from God for churches as they deal with their local officials. It is our prayer that believers will have their prayers answered and will give the glory to God.

Thursday
The official Three-Self churches have seen a huge growth in their membership and it seems that the house churches are no longer a threat to them. In fact, both groups have grown in numbers as the tension between them has lessened. There are many believers who attend worship in the Three-Self churches but participate in fellowship in house churches. Let us pray for solid teaching and discipleship training in both the open and house churches. May the Great Shepherd feed His sheep not only on Sundays but also in their daily walk with Him.

Friday
There is a large community of Wenzhou people in Rome where they are active in missionary work and they also often return to China to train lay leaders. The people in Wenzhou are entrepreneurial by nature and band together so when they set up their businesses one can expect to find a group of them. Many believers who are not from Wenzhou find themselves excluded from the inner core that makes decisions because they do not speak Wenzhou dialects. We pray that the unity of Chinese believers will rise above region, dialect, or even denomination with all becoming one loving accepting group.

Saturday
Many Christian businessmen from Wenzhou are not shy in telling others they are Christians, maybe even giving their company a Biblical name. Many of them rent their shop space and apply to use it legally as a religious meeting place. They invite their workers to worship on company time and they are glad to attend. Let us pray for all the Christian businessmen who reach out and share Jesus with their employees. May the Lord bless their efforts by giving them much fruit.

Sunday
Xian was once China's glorious capital for almost eight decades, but it has slipped significantly in terms of GDP output and average per capita income (even coming behind Urumqi in the Western China). Islam came to Xian in the seventh century, till this day, there is a large pocket of Muslim neighborhood. Today, Xian is a city known for its many colleges and the gateway to China's Northwest- the legendary Silk Road. Let us pray for the vibrant college ministries throughout the city and believers willing to share the Gospel with their Muslim neighbors.

Monday
Listening to radio is a favorite past time in China and there are countless radio stations and program. A whole gamut of radio shows are available, from advice on how to invest to commentaries on the Chinese literary classics, these programs attracts millions of listeners. Many believers are just Sunday churchgoers; they have a great void in their lives and are without divine guidance. Let us pray for Christians who are seeking true direction in their lives, those sincerely seeking wisdom in how to manage money and finding true gratification through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

星期二
70年代中國經濟改革開放後，基督教的發展也起了很大的變化。早期官方教會和家庭教會對立的情況，現在看來已經減緩了許多，不過有少數較小的城市仍然比較緊張。中國教會人數不斷增長，我們為此感謝天父。求主能興起更多弟兄姐妹來參與服事，尤其是在探訪及關懷事工上，以彌補全職同工短缺所產生的難處。也求神恩待默默為祂服事的人。

星期三
近期中國政府推廣「和諧」社會，基督教相對於伊斯蘭教、藏傳佛教和天主教較少涉及宗教組織，相對的活動比較寬鬆。我們為教會能平安無事，信徒敬拜不受干擾而感謝和持續代禱。少數教會仍然與當地官方有小小「磨擦」或意見分歧，我們為他們能有智慧、耐心來禱告，也求主賜福他們的事工，使信徒都能經歷禱告蒙應允，並將榮耀歸於神。

星期四
官方三自教會的信徒增長快速，因此家庭教會的存在對他們已經”不構成威脅”，中國境內兩種教會的發展都很興旺，張力自然就減少。不少信徒在三自教會參加主日崇拜，在家庭教會參加團契活動。我們為教會有好的門徒培訓課程禱告。也為主的羊都能得著餵養祈求，求主賜給眾教會在信徒靈命上，每天都能豐富供給,而不單單注重主日崇拜。

星期五
在羅馬有一個很大的溫州信徒群體，他們積極開展宣教工作，也常回國培育信徒領袖。溫州人大多不喜歡替人打工，他們分佈在不同的地區做生意，並且喜歡聚在一處，「不是溫州人，不懂溫州話。」所以不少信徒對於溫州教會總覺得格格不入，求主幫助中國教會能超越地域、方言或是宗派，因著 神的愛能彼此接納，看別人比自己強。

星期六
不少溫州基督徒是老闆，在路上常會看到與聖經相關的公司名稱,例如「約翰五金店」這類的工廠名字。這些基督徒會在工業城中租用地方，然後向當地政府申請批准他們合法聚會(但不歸官方三自會管理)，通常都會得到當地政府批准。這些溫州老板會邀請他們來自各地的工人聚會，聚會時間也會算為工時，是有工資的，工人自然樂意來參加。我們為這些有聚會的工廠及老闆禱告，求主大大使用他們，為主多結果子。

星期日
西安曾是漢唐故都，做了中國歷史上八百多年的老大，然而現在西安GDP總量在全國40名外，個人收入水平也被後起的烏魯木齊超過。伊斯蘭教於七世紀傳入西安，為回族的形成奠定了基礎。今日的西安是一個龐大的大學城，也被認為是通往中國西北部和絲路的大門，讓我們一同為西安的大學生事工禱告，同時禱告此地的穆斯林也能同得福音的好處。

星期一
中國有為數眾多的電臺，也有各式各樣的節目，有財經也有講古經，都廣受歡迎，電臺節目也許可以排解一時的寂寞，卻無法讓他們在心靈深處獲得真正安慰。許多信徒也無止境的金錢追逐之中迷失了心靈的方向，求聖靈適時打開他們的眼睛和耳朵，提醒他們，唯有基督能給我們真正的滿足。

Prayer Request 5/15 - 5/21

Tuesday
In China, the rate at which people saved money increased after the country liberalized its economy in 1992 and more people aspired to accumulate assets like homes and cars. The rate at which people saved money in 2005 was 49 % and is at 51% of disposable income now. This strong emphasis on saving money also affects how a Chinese believer gives to God and trusts Him to provide for his/her needs. We pray that believers will learn to give a tithe as God invited us to do to test Him so He can bless us.

Wednesday
The way people in China save money comes in part from the population-control policy of the government. China has more men than women so families with boys have an incentive to save to make their sons more marriageable. Christian parents want to save for their child's education and to help them buy an apartment. Let us pray that Christian parents will be great examples for their children in their stewardship of what God has entrusted to them and that they will teach their children the virtue of contentment and to trust God for their needs.

Thursday
It is difficult for a Christian in China to be a missionary abroad because of the language barrier and difficulty in obtaining a visa, but there are still some young preachers who are studying theology in Southeast Asia and are involved in short term missions using Mandarin to the Chinese locally. There are young Chinese preachers, from both official and house churches studying abroad and some of them stay and serve in the local churches. We pray that they will be greatly used by God, and bring revival to those churches.

Friday
Urban churches in China will be facing a great test from within in the coming years. It is much like a house enduring severe weather and the decision as to whether it will stand or not is determined by whether the foundation is solid and the structure itself is sound. Secularism is indeed a great temptation for Chinese Christians but the ultimate test is the structure of the urban churches themselves. City churches in China are indeed at a crossroad. We praise God for raising up these churches. God is good indeed but we pray that there is genuine longing for His Word and a spirit of humility among believers and their leaders.

Saturday
Churches in China are facing a hidden crisis--the lack of unity. They are fragmented and divided. They refuse to work together because of political, historical, geographical, economic, or cultural backgrounds. Their inability to sit down together is quite obvious and not limited to the Three-Self churches versus house churches, urban versus rural churches, or evangelical versus charismatic churches. We pray for God's forgiveness for our pride and false humility asking Him to grant churches in China a genuine spirit of unity so they will see others better than themselves and be willing to learn to praise others for the way they serve the Lord so fervently.

Sunday
A major crisis churches in China face is the lack of unity. It is manifested at all levels. Often within a church body itself there is constant criticism, lack of tolerance and acceptance, bickering; and judging one another. Let us pray for the leaders of each church. Frequently they accuse others pastors of not being spiritual or diligent in shepherding their followers who then learn to do the same thing as the leaders do. We pray the younger generation of believers will see how wrong these attitudes are and will stop judging and attacking other churches and their pastors.

Monday
For churches in China, the goal of unity is having the same system of worship, the same format, or one unified way of church management. In fact, diversity in churches is a good thing and pleases God. True unity is unity in truth, in the Holy Spirit, and in the Great Commission. Unfortunately, false humility and spiritual pride can be found in almost every church in China. We know this does not please God and we pray they will imitate Jesus and learn to have great sacrificial love as He did. False humility and spiritual pride are not pleasing to the Lord Jesus. Pray that all can follow the example of Jesus a pastor who exhibited great sacrificial love.

星期二
中國的儲蓄率自從1992年經濟開放後就起飛，更多中國人開始大量儲蓄來購房買車。在2005年，中國的儲蓄率是49％，如今，儲蓄率已經是可支配收入的51％。中國人極端重視金錢節約，的確影響信徒的奉獻多少，是否能真正的信靠神會眷顧我們一切需要。我們來為信徒學習將十分之一獻給神禱告，因為神邀請我們來試試祂，當我們樂意奉獻，祂將生命的豐富地加添給有信心的人。

星期三
中國人有極高的儲蓄風氣，也跟一胎政策有密切的關係。現在男多於女，有男孩子的家庭很自然地更多存錢，以便將來兒子娶妻時更有實力。讓我們為信徒家長能成為孩子學習信靠主的好榜樣來代禱，孩子從父母親學習爸媽是神託付管理的好管家，家長更是能教導孩子如何知足，信靠神。

星期四
因為語言和簽證的關係，中國弟兄姊妹要出國宣教並不是易事；但仍然有少數的人曾到東南亞地區，對懂普通話的群體短宣。三自及家庭教會都有人往海外進修，其中也有一些人畢業後留在當地，向當地的中國人傳福音和牧養，我們為這些來自國內現在卻身在海外的傳道人代禱，求神使用他們，也復興當地教會。

星期五
中國城市教會將要面臨的試煉是隱藏在教會裏的。假設教會是一座房子，天天經歷著外在的風吹、雨打、水沖，看似危險, 但真正能動搖這房子的,郤是這房子本身, 根基不穩，結構不合理，固然外在的壓力、世俗的誘惑，會動搖教會。但所造成的傷害郤沒有 本身問題所帶來的影響來得大.中國城市教會正站在歷史的十字路口，神恩待了中國，興起了許多城市信徒及新的教會。我們求主激勵城市的肢體渴慕祂的話語，也賜教會領袖能謙卑、仰望主。

星期六
“教會之間的不合一”是一個隱藏在教會裏的危機。由於政治、歷史、地域、經濟、文化等原因，中國教會分門別類、各自為政。三自教會與家庭教會，城市教會與農村教會，福音派與靈恩派的互不相容，這些都是看得到的現況。求主赦免我們的驕傲，挪去祂不喜悅的自誇以及虛假的謙卑。幫助祂自教會間有一個合一的靈，能看見別人的可取之處進而學習、讚美 ，並且能愈發熱心愛主。

星期日
提到教會之間的不合一是教會的危機, “ 教會內部的不合一” 也是一個很大破口 。一個教會內部，同工與同工之間，存在著論斷、指責、不寬容、不接納, 這不是神所喜悅的事. 當教會的領袖指責某些教會時，批評某些傳道人不屬靈、不認真時，年輕的信徒也會依樣畫葫蘆，學習他們的不接納。讓我們為教會領袖們來禱告, 求主讓年青一代的信徒都能看見這樣的錯誤，並且願意學習隨意攻擊其它的教會與牧者。

星期一
對教會而言，所謂的合一，並不是要教會採用同樣的制度、同樣的形式、統一的管理。其實教會的多樣化也是神的美意。真正的合一，是在真理裡的合一，在聖靈裡的合一，在使命裡的合一。虛假的謙卑，屬靈的驕傲，都不是主耶穌所喜悅的。求主讓我們都能效法祂自己，充充滿滿有恩典也有真理。

Prayer Request 5/8 - 5/14

Tuesday
As China has become urbanized, waves of young people have left their village homes for the cities and the vast majority of them have never heard of Jesus. There is a huge need for ministry among college students as well as intellectuals. It is encouraging, however, that there are more young people in the churches now. Ministry to the young people in China is chiefly reaching out to the intellectuals and college students many of whom are seekers. Churches with an effective college ministry usually have full-time staff on or near the campus of the school. We pray for the spiritual growth of young believers in China, that they will guard their faith in the onslaught of secularism and be able to bear witness for Christ.

Wednesday
Ministry to the young people in China is chiefly reaching out to the intellectuals and college students, many of them are seekers. Churches with effective college ministry usually have full time staff on or near campus. We pray for the young professionals in China that they will have a powerful testimony, especially where they work. May the Lord protect them against the lure and temptations of the world so their faith will not only survive but flourish.

Thursday
Once college students become Christians they join or form a church which is made up mostly of other intellectuals or other students and then they meet in homes or in a rented apartment. College ministry requires extensive follow-up and intensive discipleship in order to help the students continue to follow the Lord after graduation. We pray that all who are in ministry with college students will have strength and wisdom and sense God's daily reward for their service for Him.

Friday
Generally speaking youth ministry in China may cover people up to middle age. In some churches a mix of high schoolers and older working people can be found in the youth group whereas we know an effective youth ministry requires a small group with a systematic approach to the gospel. Youth is church's future, but youth ministry is perhaps the most neglected aspect of China churches. We pray for vision to have meaningful youth ministry for China churches, so the future of the church will not be lost.

Saturday
There are some churches that advocate the small group approach to their youth ministry. These churches divide their youth by age groups and often have up to a thousand young people who are cared for by trained counselors taught to learn Biblical truths as well as how to grow spiritually. Granted these churches are rare in China but we praise the Lord that there are some. We pray for God's grace, His provision and revival for those churches that have no youth ministry or even no young people in their services.

Sunday
A few years back the condition of Christian youth in China was still satisfactory but things have changed. The fervor and commitment level of young believers has dropped because of the attack of secularism and churches are losing their youth. The need to reach young people for Christ and help them find the true meaning of life is even more urgent now than before. We want to pray for more emphasis on reaching the young people and that churches will catch this vision immediately.

Monday
The major obstacle to youth ministry among the churches in China is the rampant materialism and secularism the young people face. Obviously, all believers are touched with these problems but it is especially evident among the youth--and not even those with Christian parents are spared. Let us pray that more churches will see the great importance of youth ministry. We pray especially for those churches hoping to begin a youth work that do not know how to do it or are lacking people to start the work.

星期二
隨著中國城市化的發展趨勢，大量青壯年人口從農村走進城市謀生，其中大部分是福音未及的一群；再加上大學生、知識分子越來越多，城市的青年福音事工和牧養工作需求甚殷。令人鼓舞的是普遍教會裡也開始有許多青年知識份子的慕道友及信徒。一些有果效的校園事工通常會有全職的同工就近服侍。求主堅固年輕信徒的屬靈生命，保守他們在世俗的洪流中能站立得穩，作主的見證。

星期三
知識分子和大學生是青年事工的主要對象，大學裡有很多慕道者，一些對大學生事工有負擔的教會，特派肢體進入大學校園專責開展事工，並蒙神恩典取得良好的成果。我們禱告城市的年輕知識份子信徒在職場上有美好見證，求主幫助他們在面對各樣引誘與試探時，不僅能持守純潔，不與世俗為友，更是發揮光與鹽的作用，影響整個世代。

星期四
當大學生信主之後，通常加入以知識分子為主的教會，或聯同其他背景相同的信徒組成教會，在家裡或租借地方聚集。大學生信徒靈命需要持續密集的栽培，不然一旦畢業之後，流失率相當高，尤其他們去了別的城市工作，情況就更嚴重。我們為每一位盡心力做大學生事工的肢體祈求，求主加添他們力量與智慧，讓他們每日經歷神的同在與恩典，深知為主名所做的，存到永恆。

星期五
一般而言，中國教會的青年事工的年齡層很廣，45歲以下的信徒也屬於青年團契的成員。因此，青年團契裡有十多歲的中學生，亦有快要踏入中年的團友。他們實在需要有小組系統性的牧養與栽培。青年信徒是未來教會的接棒人，青年事工是教會不容忽視的重要事工。求主賜予各地教會異象，幫助更多青年趁著年幼，能夠認識及記念造我們的上主，免得在這五光十色的世界裡迷失和墮落。

星期六
有些青年事工的牧者在教會裡推行小組制，把不同年齡層的信徒分成小組。例如華東某城市一間很重視青年事工的大教會，青年聚會人數達到一千人。牧者把他們分在不同的「關懷小組」裏分齡牧養，由受過訓練的組長帶領，配合系統性的栽培教材，幫助信徒認識真理，成長靈命，很見果效。我們為現今的服事契機感恩，求主繼續施恩和幫助，復興那些沒有青年事工的教會，甚至是沒有年輕人的教會。

星期日
前幾年，中國教會青年信徒的信仰狀況還不錯，但現在他們在世俗化的衝擊下，漸漸追求世界的事情，這種影響滲入生活的各個層面，削弱了他們愛慕主和委身的心志。中國社會日趨複雜，年輕人迫切需要認識福音真理，尋得人生真正的意義，發展青少年事工比以往更顯急迫。求主立時加強各教會對青年事工的負擔和異象，大大使用及祝福進行中或正計劃開展的青年事工，得著更多青年人歸向祂。

星期一
中國經濟發展迅速蓬勃，導致物質主義氾濫，世俗主義漸漸取代了唯物主義，也成為教會建造和信徒（特別是青年信徒）靈命成長的最大瓶頸。儘管是從小在基督徒家庭長大的孩子，也不能幸免。我們為有更多教會能看到青年事工的重要來祈求神，更紀念那些有心開拓青年事工，但卻不知從何入手的教會禱告，求主賜下智慧，差派工人使善工早曰昌盛。

Prayer Request 5/1 - 5/7

Tuesday
In China women make up 46% of the labor force, a higher proportion than in many Western countries. Mao Zedong who famously said, "Women hold up half of the sky" saw women as a resource and launched a campaign to get them to work outside the home. We praise God because He has raised up so many sisters to serve in the churches in China. We specifically lift up the women pastors and ask the Lord to use them and equip them to serve the believers whether they are urban intellectuals or peasants.

Wednesday
There is room for improvement in the way Chinese companies nurture potential female leaders and the same goes for political leaders. At the most recent meeting of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee (top decision-making body) only thirteen of the 204 members elected were women. In the cities women are in the majority of new believers. We pray for the need for women on the pastoral staffs and as co-workers to have wisdom and grace from above to minister to and care for all the sisters.

Thursday
Young women in China have been moving away from the countryside in droves and piling into the electronics factories in the booming coastal belt. There they lead dreary lives but earn more money than their parents ever dreamed of earning. Many of these women workers come from Christian families or have once attended church. We pray that they have an opportunity to attend nearby churches and that they will continue to read the Bible and pray. May the Lord bless them with Christian friends.

Friday
In some area, 80% of the farmers are older than 50 years old. They do not have access to modern technologies and are still farming in the most primitive ways. The average age of rural church workers are quite old as well. We pray for the older pastors, so they can pass on their rich spiritual experience, making improvement in how they communicate with the younger leaders, becoming the mentor and examples for them in faithful service to God, like Moses mentoring younger Joshua.

Saturday
In the past, rural Chinese churches grew mainly in personal salvation, love and passion to sharing the Gospel. Sharing of personal testimonies, especially how the Spirit comforts, convicts and guides is the core of the ministry. We pray for the growth of churches today, especially in how younger believers should be ministered to. We beseech the Lord for more caring, spiritually and physically, and pulpit teaching that is both relevant and solidly grounded in truth.

Sunday
Sunday Schools in rural Chinese churches badly need spiritual resources and well-trained teachers who understand Biblical truth and children's development and psychological needs. This is the greatest need and challenges many rural churches face. Rural churches really needs to connect with the younger generation in their preaching and teaching. May the Lord give them wisdom in helping the young people living out the life of Jesus Christ in this pluralistic

Monday
In comparison with rural churches, urban churches in China have the advantages in content of sermons and spiritual resources. Obviously, young believers in the cities receive more teaching and better care from their church, but they must be cognizant that God has greatly blessed them. We should boldly beseech the Lord that urban churches will be willing to share their resource, send some of their teachers to help those who have much less in the villages, and help them specially with youth ministry in the villages.

星期二
中國的女性勞動力佔總勞動人口百分之四十六，遠比很多西方國家為高。毛澤東曾有一句名言：「婦女能頂半邊天。」以女性為一種資源，讓她們在外工作。感謝主使用許多姊妹在教會裡服事。我們各省市教會的女教牧人員祈求，不論她們所服事的對象是城市的知識分子，或是農村的農民，願主更多裝備她們，使用她們來幫助眾信徒。

星期三
中國企業在培養女性領導人方面仍有很大的進步空間，而政壇方面也有相同情況。中國共產黨中央委員會（中國的最高決策機關）最新選出的204名委員中，只有13名是女性。近年城市教會增長迅速，女性信徒仍然佔多數。每間教會都需要姊妹及女教牧同工，幫助及牧養女性信徒。我們為每一位在教會做關顧工作的姊妹禱告，求神賜下智慧與恩典。

星期四
大批年輕中國女性從鄉村湧進繁榮的沿海地區，她們在電子工廠中工作，雖然生活枯燥，但所賺的錢卻遠超出她們父母的夢之所及。有些女工來自基督教家庭，也曾經在教會中參與服事，我們為她們在工廠附近能找到屬靈的家，並保持與神的關係禱告；又願主為她們預備主裡的肢體，好能彼此扶持，同心追求。

星期五
在某些地區，80%的農民都是50歲至70歲的老人。他們不懂現代農業技術，仍使用最原始的方法來耕種。農村教會所面對的一大問題是教牧人員的老年化。我們為年紀大的教牧人員來禱告，願他們能以豐富的屬靈生命，在與年輕一代的溝通和牧養上能有更多的互動和成長，如同摩西提拔年輕的約書亞，幫助年輕一代愛主，成為他們忠心服侍教會的美好榜樣。

星期六
農村家庭教會 以往的成長主要體現在蒙恩得救、單純的愛心和火熱的傳福音熱情，牧養上註重個人屬靈經歷，如聖靈在心靈裡的安慰、感動和帶領，傳遞的信息最為普遍的是見證。我們為現今的教會成長，特別是對年輕信徒的牧養，我們求主賜下更多有全人的關懷和更能回應時代的講台，使這一代的信徒在真理上有穩固的根基

星期日
目前農村主日學缺乏足夠的屬靈資源和受過訓練的教導人員，將信仰真理和兒童成長心理需求結合將會是主日學教牧的需要和挑戰。農村教會最需要的是，教會在講台的釋經講道要能更加深入和貼近年輕一代的生活，願主幫助他們在多元化的群體和文化中活出基督生命的見證。

星期一
現在中國城市教會日漸興起，在信息更新和屬靈資源上都遠遠優越於農村教會。城市很多年輕人在享受優厚牧養的同時，要切切謹記，相比於農村地區，我們大大欠了福音的債！我們大膽的向主祈求，城市教會能幫助農村教會提供更多的屬靈資源，也在人力上直接給予幫助. 差遣有良好裝備，有負擔和服事心志的弟兄姊妹到農村去服侍，牧養各地的青少年。