Prayer Request 8/28 - 9/3

Tuesday
This year’s Miss World beauty pageant was recently held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. The city was nicknamed the “biggest ghost city” because of the real estate bubble burst in this mining town in the edge of the desert and left many buildings empty. Let us pray for the church works in Inner Mongolia, especially their outreach work. May the Lord give them revival, unity among the coworkers and everything they do to reach out to the ethnic Mongol minorities.
Wednesday
Anti-Japanese passion flares and demonstrations took place every year in China, but after this year's Diaoyu Islands demonstrations, even China's official media criticize and blame the protesters who destroyed Japanese cars on the streets as "foolish acts, not patriotic, and harm the country". Anti-Japanese demonstrations are allowed by the government to vent off popular dissatisfaction. Although Japan is the closest neighboring country and badly needs the Gospel, but few Chinese Christians will ever consider Japanese deserve missionary effort from China. Let us pray that China church will truly have burden for world mission.
Thursday
The word "traitor" (han jian) was used to describe those Chinese who collaborated with Japanese invaders during the anti-Japanese war. Recently the word is being used to describe corrupt officials who have a foreign bank account and others who have foreign citizenship. It is easy for all of us to see all the things that are wrong in other people and fail to see our own faults. Unfortunately this is very true when there is an argument or tension in the church which is quite common. We pray for humility for all believers and especially for the leaders.
Friday
The newest study show that by 2020 males in China will outnumber females by 30 to 40 million. This means that one of five Chinese men will not be able to find a wife and this will definitely present a huge social problem. There are many Chinese sisters who marry non-believers because there are so few brothers available. We pray for those believers whose spouses are not believers and especially for those who are persistently against the Christian faith and even want to forbid their spouses from going to church.
Saturday
A recent survey shows there are many problems in China's care facilities for the elderly such as a severe shortage of beds. The cost of such care is prohibitively expensive and the government-run retirement homes do not live up to one's expectation. China as a country is graying rapidly and the same can be said of the church, especially the open churches. We lift up in prayer all believers who are sixty-five and older along with retirees. May the Lord grant special mercy and comfort to these older saints.
Sunday
In the Guangzhou, Shanghai and Liaoning areas, the basic cost of living in a nursing home is about 2000 Yuan a month and this does not include actual nursing, medical, or other expenses. It is difficult to afford nursing home care because of the small pension people receive. The Bible teaches us to honor our parents, to take care of their daily needs when they are old, and not despise them. We pray the Lord will remind all of us of this so we will each have a good testimony before non-believers because of the way we care for our elders.
Monday
The common monthly pension for Chinese elderly is about 1600 yuan monthly, of which they will spend 1000 buying medications. So, most elderly need some support from their children and are unable to pay for nursing home care. Generally speaking, churches have little or no resources to care for the elderly believers. The caring really fall on volunteer brothers and sisters who do it out of compassion. We pray that Lord will use their home visits, reading of Bible and prayer with them to be a special comfort and blessing to the elderly.

 

星期二
2012世界小姐選拔在內蒙的鄂爾多斯舉行,該市過去曾經超速的成長，無數的高樓平地而起，卻乏人居，被國外媒體稱為「最大的鬼城」，房地產崩盤，數百億元的資金化為泡影。我們齊來為內蒙的教會及其外展事工祈求，願主親自復興祂的聖工，並差派更多團隊，在蒙古族人中同心合意興旺福音。
星期三
中國每年都會有激烈的反日示威活動，但今年的保釣示威遊行過後，連官方媒體都出現批判聲浪,責備示威民眾砸毀日系車輛，「如此蠢行，不是愛國，而是害國」。 「反日」的暴動行為在一定程度上也是民眾不滿情緒的發洩口。雖然日本也是最靠近中國的國家之一，但一般不會將最需要福音的鄰國日本，列為宣教的對象。我們要為中國教會能有真正的普世宣教負擔禱告。
星期四
「漢奸」是用來罵抗日時期那些為日本侵略者做走狗的人。最近「漢奸」卻另指為在中國掌權，在西方秘密存錢的人，或拿外國護照，依然在政協和人大代表們的代名詞。凡是人都容易看到別人眼中的釘子，卻看不見自己眼中的樑木。中國教會常有的分裂，不合現象就是如此。求主給我們眾信徒多有祂的謙卑、虛己品格，特別是在教會作領袖的人。
星期五
按統計公佈，到2020年，中國男性人口將比女性多出三千到四千萬，屆時每五個男子必有一人找不到配偶，這將構成嚴重的社會問題。中國教會中姐妹們嫁給非信徒的比率是相當高的，教會中弟兄寥寥無幾也是一大原因。我們為配偶是非信徒，尤其是那些堅決反對基督信仰，甚至禁止他們的配偶去聚會的家庭禱告。
星期六
近期對北京養老機構的調查顯示出諸多問題，例如床位嚴重短缺、費用遠超退休金、及養老院並未真正實現為老人服務，仍以經濟效益為重等等。當中國正進入老齡化時期，教會老化的情況更是突出。 我們為65歲及已退休的會友來禱告，許多長者漸漸無法參加聚會，我們求主憐憫，安慰這些年長的信徒們。
星期日
廣州、上海、遼寧等地的養老院，一位老人基本費用每月在2000元以上，還不包括護理、醫療等費用。老人的退休金少，養老院費用高使得他們住不起養老院。聖經教導我們要孝敬父母，照顧他們的生活需要，不能藐視年老的父母。我們求主提醒信徒盡到本分，在不信的人眼前有好的見證。
星期一
一般老人每月的退休金只有1600元，其中還要花上1000元買藥治病，生活都需要靠子女撫養，根本付不起住養老院的錢。一般而言，教會實在也沒有太多的資源來關心年老的信徒。我們為每一個教會中，那些關心老人家的弟兄姐妹，求主使用他們，因著他們的探訪，讀經與禱告，能成為一份老人們特別的祝福及安慰。

Prayer Request 8/21 - 8/27

Tuesday
The new edition of the Modern Chinese Dictionary contains 600 new words and 3000 new phrases. It has been several years since the last edition was put out and since the government runs the publishing company, this is the official reflection of what is being said in China. Generally speaking, Christianity is not culturally connected with society as a whole in China and Christians are still seen as on the periphery of the community. We pray that churches can be a shining testimony that is engaging, relevant, and distinctive in China today.
Wednesday
Some of the commonly used new phrases were ostensibly not included in the new dictionary. For example, "tongzhi" (comrade) or "the left-over woman"(women who are highly educated but unable to find a spouse). The term comrade is commonly used in Hong Kong and Taiwan to refer to homosexuals in China. The discussion of homosexuality has caused a stir in Chinese churches recently. Let us pray that Christians will be seen as people who live out the compassion of Jesus Christ and not just as people who condemn and are legalistic.
Thursday
The use of tongzhi to describe homosexuality started in Hong Kong and Taiwan to make fun of the mainland's communists because Chinese leaders address each other as tongshi, meaning comrades. So it is quite normal that the Chinese government does not want to put this new meaning into the dictionary. Believers call each other brother and sister. May our love for each other as Jesus commanded us, be the greatest testimony for Him in China. There are too many poor examples of believers who fight each other and also of churches splitting due to in-fighting or power struggles.
Friday
Tongzhi literally means same will. The standard word for homosexual in Chinese is tongxinglian which translates literally as same sex love but many gay Chinese are said to view it as too clinical. Believers are far more than comrades. We are supposed to be of one accord, loving each other, and spreading God's word. We pray again for unity in the churches in China and that they will not attack each other because of petty theological differences or location, but will instead see others as better than they are.
Saturday
In traditional Chinese society only the emperors or rulers have the right and prerogative to edit the dictionary. By defining the meaning of words and restricting how phrases are used, rulers directly and indirectly have controlled how people think. Churches in China are still often seen as foreign and old-fashioned. We pray for change in this perception and that leaders in churches will know how to present the eternal message powerfully and relevantly to connect with the people and their culture effectively.
Sunday
Having "Chinese distinctiveness" is a buzzword in China which captures nationalist pride and a return to Chinese traditional values. However, the goal is to have what the Western world has to offer and blend them into Chinese taste and culture.The combination of house churches and the Three-self churches is perhaps what is most unique about China. We know they are both loved by the Lord and we pray for revival for each church as well as protection from the attacks of the occult. This is especially necessary for those sheep who don't have a shepherd.
Monday
The exposure to pornography among college students in China is not news to people who know about the country. The liberal and tolerant attitude toward sex among college students in China is truly shocking. Unfortunately, the churches in China have been mum about sex and most preachers find themselves unable to say anything that is fresh and convincing about it in the pulpit. We pray for the guarding of the minds of all believers, but especially the young ones. We ask, too, for wisdom and boldness for pastors to speak out against the sin.

星期二
歷時7年修訂新出版的《現代漢語詞典》第6版收錄了大量新詞酷語，新詞典共收錄新字600多字，新詞3000多條，解詞新義400多項，引發社會各界的強烈關注與熱議。整體而言，基本上基督教在中國是與文化與社會脫節的。信徒仍處於社會邊緣的地位。我們祈求耶穌基督的教會能成為社會的一盞明燈，能與社會對話，關切實際人生各層面的和諧，但仍保有其超然世俗的聖潔特質。
星期三
有些常用新詞沒有被新詞典收錄進去，比如「同志」、「剩女」(大齡未嫁之高知識女性)等。對官方而言，新詞典不收錄「同志」很正常，因最早是港台地區的人用「同志」來形容中國的同性戀者。近來華人教會為同性戀的議題有極大的討論，也引起了轟動。我們為華人基督徒能活出耶穌基督的憐憫來代禱，而不是讓世人誤認為我們只是善於自義式地定人之罪，卻 毫無愛心接納關懷失喪的靈魂。
星期四
「同志」是共產黨最重要的、最常用的稱呼。 港台人士用「同志」的字眼來稱呼同性戀者，本身即有種政治諷刺的意味， 所以共產黨也不願把這個重要的稱呼加上一層同性戀的含義在內。信徒間以弟兄姐妹相稱。願我們都能切實彼此相愛，如同我們的主耶穌這樣的吩咐我們，因為世人看見我們真誠相愛，就知道我們是祂的門徒。中國信徒間不合和教會分裂的例子太多了，求主憐憫並保守我們都有合一的好見証，願意尊主為大，彼此謙卑服侍，竭力追求和睦。
星期五
“同志”的字面意思是「同樣的意願」。在中國的“同性戀”的標準字是「同性戀」，從字面上翻譯為「同性愛」。但許多同性戀者認為，「同性戀」太露骨應有其他字眼取代。信徒同心合意，彼此相愛做成主的工，這本是遠超過只有共同志向。 我們再次為中國教會合一禱告，不因神學的小差異而彼此攻擊，也不因有農村與城市的地域性或經濟條件之差別而不合，而是能看到別人總有比自己強的優點而感恩。
星期六
在傳統中國社會中，只有王朝或是當權者才有權編輯詞典，並通過編詞典來規範它所統治的人民的用語甚至是如何思維等。編詞典通常是當政者的特權，而不是人民的權利。當今的中國教會在一般人心中，仍是個外國宗教，或屬老一代的信仰。我們求神親自改變這種觀念。我們也禱告教會領袖們能有智慧，將我們寶貴永恆的信息，與文化與社會與百姓更有效地連結起來。
星期日
「中國風」是當今中國最流行的詞句。流露出民族自豪及關注傳統的心境。就是要接受西方的優點，卻也要符合國人的口味。我們求主興旺他自己的教會，特別保護、看顧受到異端攻擊及冷淡而沒有牧者的群羊。
星期一
中國大學生接觸色情氾濫的資訊，尤其是來自網路的，已不再是新鮮事。他們面對情色內容，對性的開放及放縱等現象的容忍度實已令人瞠目結舌，教會卻是閉口不提「性」，牧者在教導年輕人時也是充滿無力感，詞窮於無法以新鮮又切中青少年的需要作有力的教導。求主保守每位信徒，尤其是青少年的心，也幫助牧者在教導性教育方面，都能有智慧以真理作基礎，敢於責罪，確保信徒都有清潔的身心靈，蒙神喜悅。

Prayer Request 8/14 - 8/20

Tuesday
A badminton scandal took China by storm when the Chinese Olympic badminton players deliberately lost their game. This scandal stemmed from the team's' objective of purposely losing games so they would be placed higher in the knockout portion of the game. We all know that God judges us by our hearts and our motives. Like everyone else, Chinese believers must guard themselves lest they become religious in appearance and words only. We pray that the Holy Spirit will always convict us of insincere love for God and His people.
Wednesday
China has dominated in table tennis, badminton, diving, and women's weightlifting in the Olympics but such an advantage is like a "double-edged sword" which can choke off the future competitiveness of the nation because so many of the players never advance into the national team. Our Lord requires each of us to be faithful in serving Him. We lift up all those who serve in the capacity of teachers and those involved in caring ministries in the church. May the Lord bless them as they diligently and humbly serve Him. We look forward to the day when He will call each of us "My good and faithful servant"!
Thursday
China's Olympics system is all about state-run schools focused on the best, brightest and youngest athletes. Children as young as six are handpicked to be the next generation of Chinese medal winners. They get some education, but the focus is on training - and more training.Many Chinese churches do not see far enough or give excuses for not providing spiritual training for the little ones in church. What a great loss. Let us pray for the Sunday School teachers, for seeing their responsibility as utterly important and urgent, and to teach with passion each Sunday.
Friday
Chinese coaches and athletes go through great pain and hardship for glory. Across this country, there are roughly a thousand schools, costing hundreds of millions of dollars to a government that wants each one to be an Olympics dream factory. When a church neglects training her young people, a whole generation is lost. Again, we pray for burden and passion in ministering to the young people in the church. Children in church must be trained with God’s Word and the adults need to provide godly examples for them.
Saturday
Hong Kong encountered a lot of opposition when they tried to implement the Chinese National Education lessons which detractors say will stifle independent thinking. The new textbooks will give a pro-Communist Party account of China's history and political system. Hong Kong has many schools that are run by individual churches or denominations and they are very strong academically. Let us pray for the students in all of the Christian schools throughout Asia. May they have strong faith, Biblical values, and the desire to glorify the Lord.
Sunday
In China, temporary workers are often used as convenient scapegoats when something goes wrong. When “chengguan” (local police in charge of enforcing regulation) officers severely beat a street vendor, the incident was blamed on "temporary workers". When the wrong building was demolished, "temporary workers" got the blame, too. In general urban churches do not reach out to the large number of temporary workers (migrant workers) from the villages because they consider them to be uneducated or not sophisticated. We pray that we all will learn to love those people Jesus welcomed, the sinners and the social outcasts.
Monday
The majority of China churches are so-called House Churches, which comprise about 70% of all believers. But, among the open churches or the Three-Self churches, there is segment of “independent” churches, of which Wenzhou churches are known for. We want to pray specifically for believers and pastors in the Three-Self churches. May the Lord add to their numbers and bless their fellowship, especially their youth ministry. We also pray that open churches will be passionate about sharing the Gospel.

星期二
排名第一的中國女子羽球代表隊為確保可以包攬奧運女雙金、銀牌 ,女雙組在分組賽與韓國隊碰面時，雙方均頻頻犯下低水平失誤，最後因消極比賽而被取消參賽資格。鋻察人心的神知道我們的心思意念，在祂眼前沒有一事能夠隱藏。求神時常提醒祂的兒女，千萬不要只有敬虔的外貌，卻背棄了敬虔的實意；更求主幫助我們行事為人，沒有偽善、假冒，竭力實踐切實愛神愛人。
星期三
在奧運中，中國選手在乒乓球、羽毛球、跳水、女子舉重等項目擁有絕對性的優勢，但這種優勢就像柄「雙刃劍」，也威脅著這些項目的生存環境，造成國內非常優秀卻無法代表國家的選手沒有「出路」。主對我們信徒的要求是忠心服事。我們為每位在中國教會做教導與關懷的同工禱告，求主加添能力與謙卑的心志，殷勤服侍，因當主來的那一天，願我們的主都誇獎我們是忠心良善的好僕人。
星期四
中國奧運選手育成是透過全面向的國家監督體系產生。 國營的體育學校極力培訓年輕運動員，大多數運動員在六歲左右就被選為培訓對象, 接受全天候的訓練，成為中國下一代奪金人選。 許多中國教會沒有在下一代的靈命上做栽培的投資，或許是沒有遠見，或是有種種的藉口，其實這對神國造成極大的損失。我們為每一位參與主日學教導的同工禱告，叫他們看見自己有極其重要和緊迫的責任，在教學時以火熱的心和真誠的愛來栽培我們孩子的靈命.
星期五
為了得到奧運金牌，中國教練和運動員付出極大的堅苦與代價。全國大概有一千多家體育學校，國家每年耗費數億美元，這是中國的奧運夢工場。當教會忽略了培植年輕一代靈性的重要性，臨到要承傳交棒之時，相對的將失去這一整個世代。我們再次為中國教會有服事年輕人的負擔和感動來祈求神。我們必須負責教導這些神所托付給我們的孩子們，用神的話語，以我們自己敬虔的榜樣，使他們從小就敬畏神，到老也不偏離。
星期六
香港各級學校將要開始實行「國民教育」課程，大體而言就是愛國(共產黨)教育。香港部分政治人士和學者擔心，國民教育內容偏向「報喜不報憂」，無法讓學生學到真實、客觀的國情，甚至淪為「政治洗腦」。香港有許多由教會開辦的學校，在知識傳授之餘，亦會向學生傳遞信仰，是家長們公認的好學校。我們為在亞洲地區(包括內地) 基督徒開辦的學校及其學生禱告，求主賜他們信心，堅守聖經的價值觀，一生高舉神、榮耀神，服務人群。
星期日
「臨時工」顧名思義乃「臨時招聘的工人」，也常被利用為社會問題的「替罪羊」。「城管」取締、建築物拆除，出事「惹禍」，都歸罪於他們；臨時工出事、畏罪潛逃、官府抓捕云云，事情就此可以不了了之。中國大部份的城市教會不能吸引臨時工或農民工，推諉於因他們教育程度不高，不夠文明，難以融入以中產、高知識份子為主體的城市教會。主耶穌在世時常與罪人及社會邊緣人物為友，求主幫助我們能體會祂廣施救贖的博愛心腸，明白祂盼世間人人得救的心意。
星期一
目前中國基督教的主體是「家庭教會」，約占信徒總數的70%，「三自」教會占30%。在「三自」中還有一種稱為「獨立教會」。即在政府裏有登記，但主導權在教會手裏，名義上是「三自」，但實際上有很大區別。溫州就是獨立教會的代表，人稱之為「不三不四」。我們為在三自系統的信徒，尤其是牧者同工們祈求。願主多加添他們得救的人數，興旺他們的團契，特別在青少年事工上，求主加添他們的力量和祝福，也為「開放教會」更有傳福音的異象與熱忱來禱告。

Prayer Request 8/7 - 8/13

Tuesday
One of the most popular Chinese posts circulating online this week says, "The Chinese team went to the Olympics like a professional gambler arriving for a casual weekend of mahjong but is trying to go home with everyone's money."Winning the most gold medals does boost national pride but we ask the Lord to remove pride from each of us, especially leaders in the church that we will not brag about the size of our congregations, or the number of meeting places, but rather the desire of the believers to live out God's Word.
Wednesday
When a Chinese weightlifter missed out on a gold medal in the Olympics he cried with despair right in front of the camera, which reminded Chinese viewers of the pressure he felt to win a gold medal in the name of the motherland. He said of his silver medal, "I feel ashamed to face my country and my team." We all have problems coping with disappointment and shame. As Christians we need to know God has given us the very best and that our Lord loves us unconditionally. Many Chinese believers feel they are not good enough to deserve God's love.
Thursday
For many athletes not from China, winning or losing is part of the sport itself but for Chinese people who participate in the Olympics, losing is unacceptable because there is too much at stake in their winning the medals. Financial rewards, better schooling for the children in their family and even promotion in their jobs are on the line. Many, especially in rural China, have turned to Christianity because they believe God will bless them financially. Let us pray for genuine faith for every believer in China that they will believe in Jesus for the right reason, not merely because they want to go to heaven or live well, but that they seek to have an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Friday
China is discouraging some Muslims in Xinjiang from fasting during Ramadan. The government says the move is motivated by health concerns. Attempts to restrict participation in Ramadan are not new, but this year's campaign is more intense. Xinjiang is home to the Muslim Uighur ethnic group. Once again, we pray for an opportunity for all Muslims in China to know about Jesus Christ. We ask the Holy Spirit to remove the pride and prejudice we Han Chinese believers have toward the Muslim minorities.
Saturday
Chinese bureaucrats have been told to cut down on perks like restaurant meals, cars and expensive liquor. The Chinese government told its civil servants to stick to "a frugal working style" and banned them from using government funds to purchase luxury goods or go on vacation. Corruption is not limited to non-believers at all. We pray for integrity of all who serve in China churches, especially those who are leaders. Money, sex, and pride have become major temptations which lead to the collapse of many house churches.
Sunday
China continues to try to curb its expenses on what it dubs the "three public's" referring to cars, banquets, and foreign travel. This latest edict from the central government comes just a week after it said it would stop serving shark's fin, a controversial and expensive ingredient, at state banquets. China churches have always had issue with financial transparency for many reasons. This is one reason why believers are generally hesitant to give offering. We pray for financial accountability of churches and for believers lacking faith in their leaders and how their offering is used.
Monday
Wenzhou government has limited its civil servants to meals that cost no more than 60 yuan ($9.40) per person. The number of hosts cannot be more than the number of guests, they cannot order abalone and shark’s fins, and a detailed account must be reported monthly. It has been ingrained in the Chinese mind that only a fool would not take advantage of someone else paying the tab. We know that only the Word of God can transform our mind and thought. So, we pray that the Holy Spirit will always convict us and remind us of His holiness.

星期二
本週中國網上流傳最廣的一句話：「奧運會加入了中國隊的感覺就像……一幫朋友開開心心週末聚在一起打個麻將，突然來了一個職業賭徒，想方設法贏走大家的錢……」無疑，獲得最多的金牌確實使我們為國家感到自豪。我們祈求主除去我們心中的驕傲，尤其是教會的領袖們，切記不要吹噓禮拜堂的宏偉、信徒的眾多，要誇的就只誇主耶穌基督的十字架，它如何在我們這些滅亡的人身上的奇妙作為。
星期三
中國男舉重選手在決賽獲得了銀牌，賽後他含淚鞠躬致歉，痛哭表示：「我有愧於祖國，有愧於所有關心我的人，對不起大家！」這一幕令人心情極其難受。每個人都有面對失敗與羞恥的時候，身為基督徒，我們需要確信神已經將最好的給了我們。許多中國信徒認為自己不夠好，不配得神的愛，求主校正此觀念，認識神豐盛的愛是無條件樂意賜予的。
星期四
對許多外國運動員而言，輸贏僅是體育本身所能詮釋的內容。中國運動員就不同了，勝利或失敗都關係到太多人利益的得失和進退，於是贏了就相當於進了天堂，輸了則無異於世界末日。許多人紛紛轉向基督教，特別在中國農村，因為他們以為神必定會在經濟上供應和賜福他們。求主幫助我們都有單純的信心，信耶穌並不是為得一張天堂的入場票，乃是深深體會祂的愛，甚願與祂有親密的關係。
星期五
中國政府對禁止新疆穆斯林在齋月期間封齋的解釋乃是：出於對他們健康的考量。新疆好幾個市、縣發出通知，禁止或不鼓勵黨員、公務員、學生及教師參加禁食活動。新疆是維吾爾穆斯林族最多的地區。我們為中國的穆斯林都有機會能認識耶穌基督來禱告，更求聖靈挪去漢族人對回民等少數民族的自傲心態與偏見、歧視，落實真正的平等互助，和諧共榮。
星期六
中國政府新規定：各級幹部一定要貫徹勤儉節約，不能過度使用公款消費，必須嚴格控制經費。不准用公款採購奢侈品、超標準的服務或者購建豪華辦公大樓. 違反規定的公職人員,可以被撤職。腐敗絕不僅限於非信徒。我們應當為所有在中國教會服事的主僕，尤其是那些屬靈的領袖們來禱告，求主賜給他們有正直、敬畏神的心志。遠離金錢、女色與自大等最主要讓傳道人跌倒的陷阱，為此往往導致了許多家庭教會的沒落。
星期日
中國政府嚴格控制「三公」。三公是指不得將政府預算用於公務餐宴接待、公務用車購置和奢華的海外旅遊。這項最新的中央指示，恰好出爐於公布了規定「公費吃飯不再准許食用魚翅」一週之後。教會財政不透明是中國教會一直存有的問題，也是阻礙一般信徒樂意奉獻的原因之一。我們為教會財務問責制能有公信交代，及信徒對教會領袖的品格能充份信任來祈求恩主。
星期一
溫州市政府發布公務接待新條例 ：商業用餐每人每餐不得超過人民幣60元，陪餐人員不得超過客人人數，不得食用鮑魚、魚翅等高檔菜餚，接待情況要逐月公示。中國人的心態是別人付錢的飯局不吃是傻瓜，願主的聖靈常常提醒、指正我們，也願神的話改變我們的心意， 好叫我們在世上行事為人時時保有主的聖潔與純全品格。

Prayer Request 7/31 - 8/6

Tuesday
As the flood-ravaged capital of China dealt with the aftermath of their heaviest rains in six decades, people were raising questions about whether the push for modernization came at the expense of basic infrastructure needs such as drainage networks. Churches in China are known for having a lot of believers. We want to pray that those are serious and committed people and that they will be dedicated to disciple and train their flocks. It is not an easy task so we pray for genuine spiritual growth of both believers and leaders.
Wednesday
Cities in China have seen remarkable transformation above ground while basic necessities such as water drainage apparently were neglected. A famous university in Guangzhou is ridiculed as "The University of Venice in Guangzhou" since the campus is always flooded in the rainy season. Some ask the question: "Are the churches in China stronger and more vibrant now than they were thirty years ago?" Many of us prefer not to answer that question so let us ask the Lord for revival in all of the churches including the "fast-growing" churches, not just those "dying" rural ones.
Thursday
Beijing's most famous Olympic venue, the Bird's Nest Stadium, is saddled with high maintenance costs and is struggling to get by. Fewer and fewer visitors are coming to view the cavernous arches these days. In the past four years few events have been able to fill a stadium built to seat 91,000 people. There are many "big" churches in China with thousands of seats and as many members. We want to pray for these churches, for their leaders, their influence, and their influence in the communities where they are located. May the Lord use their high visibility for the expansion of the Kingdom and not just their turf.
Friday
These days a smattering of mostly Chinese tour groups trickle through the gigantic Bird's Nest Stadium. Visitors to the famous place are now in free fall and hardly any foreign tourists bother to go there to admire its grandeur. Many churches in the cities are in the process of building or remodeling but construction projects for churches can often be contentious or even divisive. We pray for unity and vision for all the churches who are now undertaking expansion or planning to expand their facilities.
Saturday
Many Chinese people feel the huge Birds' Nest Stadium is China's pride and a great world monument. The official audio tour describes the stadium in these symbolic terms: "The Birds' Nest as a symbol of the rise of the Chinese nation, will follow the nation's footsteps in its rise to glory." Chinese people care a lot about image or "face". Let us pray for genuine spiritual growth and revival of all Chinese believers, not merely long and beautiful prayers or a religious appearance, but a heart of true humility and repentance.
Sunday
The Birds' Nest Stadium in Beijing was designed as a stage on which to display China's coming-out party and send a message to the world about it. However, in this land of government-backed vanity projects this empty, echoing stadium now sends out a very different message. Many of the people in church ministry in China started well but soon failed and have disappeared. Ministry projects are actually activated by personal ego. May the Lord have mercy on us and help us to count the cost, plan well, and through the conviction of the Holy Spirit learn to overcome our pride.
Monday
There are more than 1800 Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in China and they are planning to expand to 15,000 outlets. Many people, but especially the young people in China have adopted the taste for Western fast food and Chinese restaurants are also adapting and trying to serve their food in that same style. Many pastors in China dream of having "Chinese style" churches that have Chinese distinctive in worship, preaching, and even in church government. However, the road map for this move is not clear yet. We pray that God will raise up church leaders who have visions and are able to network in all the different factions of the churches in China.

星期二
最近北京下的一場世紀大雨，排水系統無法承受短時間內如此巨大的雨水沖擊，導致市區多處深度積水，造成嚴重人命和財物損失。這次大雨也暴露了北京在耗鉅資推動建設现代化之際，基礎設施如排水系統的薄弱。中國教會以擁有廣大信徒而聞名，求主幫助教會領袖都肯委身跟隨主，盡心擺上，事主愛人，並致力門徒訓練，願意在神的話語上下功夫，把根基立在磐石上，雨淋、水沖，風吹，也不致倒塌。雖然這並非容易的事，我們來為教會領袖及信徒的靈命成長禱告。
星期三
儘管近年國內城市建設日新月異，但下水道等基礎設施卻一直被人忽略。廣州市著名的暨南大學由於頻頻遭受水漫校園的困擾，甚至被謔稱為「威尼斯大學廣州分校」。 有人質疑：「現今的中國教會，比三十年前更健全有力嗎？」 或許我們都不想回應這個尖銳的問題。就讓我們祈求恩主，賜下復興的靈火，不僅僅是在「蕭條」的農村教會，同樣也在「新興」 的城市教會裡。
星期四
在2008年北京奧運會裡，各項設施中最知名的就是國家體育場 ─ 鳥巢，現在卻成了使用率低 (無法坐滿9萬座位）、高昂維修費、棄之又可惜的設施。在中國的大城市中，能容納千人的大教堂已經不值得大驚小怪了。然而我們要為這些教會禱告，求主幫助教會領袖們，因著教會在當地的名聲，影響力，能在社區中為主做美好的見證，讓神的國度得以大大擴張，而不是那片青翠的草皮。
星期五
國家體育場「鳥巢」實在太大，而能填滿觀眾席的運動賽事或演出又實在太少，以致它除了成為觀光景點之外，別無其他任務。現時中國的遊客已不再對它感興趣，而來自國外的遊客也感受不到它恢宏之處。許多城市教會正在建新堂或改建的過程中，對教會而言，花錢改建或籌款建新堂都會有爭議甚至分裂的可能。我們特別為正計劃建築，改建的教會禱告，求恩主保守他們有合一的心，並賜下異象，同心為神國的事盡忠擺上。
星期六
「鳥巢」的巨大與獨特是一個美麗、正面的北京地標，使中國人感到驕傲。官方語音導覽也描述：鳥巢體育館是中國崛起的象徵，並將跟隨國家的腳步邁向榮耀。華人尤其注重外表和體面，願主賜給每一個中國信徒，靈命成長及復興，好叫我們不是只有敬虔的外表，長篇的禱告詞，而是真正謙卑、悔改，擁有像主一樣美麗的生命。
星期日
「鳥巢」既是中國的榮耀，也是中國之於國際的形象大使。在 2008年華麗登場後，現在龐大場館內空洞的回音，卻傳達出截然不同的訊息。我們得承認，許多教會的事工有頭無尾，或是火熱一陣就乏人問津。這樣的問題往往牽涉到自我中心及驕傲。求主赦免、憐憫我們，叫我們除了計算資源、做事應有好的規劃外，更讓聖靈常常指引我們，使我們操練勝過從老我裡生出的自高自大的試探。
星期一
「肯德基」炸雞店在中國有一千八百多間連鎖店，未來正計劃拓展到一萬五千家。現今中國的青少年對西方飲食有極大的興趣，近期中國餐館也開始走西方路線。「中國式」的教會是許多家庭教會領袖們的夢想，只是要如何走出這一條路，卻還是不明確。求主為我們預備合祂心意的領袖與計劃，使不同教會彼此間能有更多的連繫。