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。
2012年1月17日星期二
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。
2011年12月26日星期一
Prayer Request 12/27 - 1/2
Tuesday
Many members of the Chinese Communist Party are becoming interested in the various religions and it is threatening the unity and national leadership of the party whose members are required to be atheists and not believe or engage in other religious practices, or be expelled from the Party. We take this time to pray for the spiritual walk of all the party members who have been baptized or are secret believers in Jesus. May the Lord give them extra strength, wisdom, and protection, and above all a close walk with Jesus that is based on a strong commitment to glorify Him daily.
Wednesday
The ruling Communist Party may be slowly showing a greater tolerance toward the different faiths that are beginning to flourish on Mainland China. It is known that party officials have used their influence to build Buddhist or Taoist temples or used public funds to promote religion-based tourism but when it comes to their members, the party has no room for such religions. Every year some churches (both open and house churches) encounter tension and opposition from the local authorities as well as the local Buddhist temples. We pray for patience and wisdom for the congregations involved. May the Lord give them boldness to share their faith and the love of God with their neighbors.
Thursday
According to official records there are a combined100 million believers in Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity in China. Officially there are 25 million Christians (18 million Protestants and 6 million plus Catholics). All of these numbers, however, appear to be unrealistically low. The Communist Party boasted a total of 80 million members in 2010. Churches in cities have seen a growth in attendance but many have also observed that most people show up only on Sunday and are not really committed to or connected with the fellowship. We thank the Lord for all the numeric growth but we ask Him for a genuine revival of believers who are truly committed to God and do not attend church simply as something fashionable to do or a mere habit.
Friday
Former Prime Minister of Singapore spoke frankly, "Things only get done in China through relationship, and corruption remains the biggest the biggest challenge." To change how Chinese people think and their attitude will not be easy. In general, there is a lack of transparency in how churches handle finances and offerings. We ask the Lord to give church leaders with integrity, who are faithful steward, having wisdom in how to use the church funds. It is good that God's people live a simple and clean life, so even when they are tempted by those want to bribe them, they can resist the temptations.
Saturday
In many parts of China, family and marriage issues are not deemed important or even mentioned in churches. It is a common phenomenon that only the wives attend the church, and they usually come to church despite the opposition from their unbeliever husbands. We know it is much more effective when husband and wife serve together in church. We pray for all those who serve to be pure in their sex lives, faithful in their marriage. Couples with solid marriage are the key to stable ministry and to the society as a whole as well.
Sunday
In the past, the rural churches were the mainstream of the China churches. In recent years, urban churches have experience an explosive growth. But these new churches in the cities badly need shepherds, quality and well-trained pastors to shepherd the highly educated church members. Take gambling as an example, millions of Chinese are addicted to it, and even church workers have succumbed to such addictions. We sincerely pray for protection from God on all the church workers and their families. They face the same temptations as we all do, may the Lord keep their hearts from the evil one, the snare of lust and greed.
Monday
In the past two decades, China churches, rural churches in particular are at a crossroad. Contrary to the numbers people outside of China quote, there is quite a gap between what is reported and the actual numbers and true health of China churches. We pray for more prayer warriors from within churches in China, people who would stand at the gaps, be the alert watchmen for churches, through their prayers bring keen insight to the needs of churches. We ask the Lord for more people who would intercede for China churches, blessing Chinese believers and keep churches from the attacks from the evil one.
星期二
共產黨警告，黨員信教將造成黨的分裂。一個黨員如果積極參與宗教團體生活和傳教，甚至利用黨員身份保護、或推動非法的宗教活動，組織就應及時採取措施，使其退黨。我們在禱告中記念不少黨員雖然沒有公開受洗，公開信仰，但已經相信主耶穌為他們個人的救主，願他們每日花時間親近神，天天跟隨主，以榮耀祂為心願。
星期三
近幾年中國政府雖對宗教有相當程度的寬容，各個宗教也蓬勃發展，但黨員信教卻仍是禁止的。地方黨員使用影響力，或移用公款來興建佛、道教寺廟，大搞宗教旅遊。每年都有教會與當地的公安有些摩擦或衝突，其中也包括了三自教會。近來教會公開的活動更是受到當地佛教勢力的反對和打壓。讓我們為這些教會的領袖們有耐心和智慧來代禱，求主賜他們分享神大愛的勇氣，也知道如何在當地社區裏成為一盞明燈。
星期四
截至2010年底，中國共產黨黨員總數達到8,027萬人。據官方的估算，中國各種宗教有信徒1億多人，信奉主要有佛教、道教、伊斯蘭教、天主教和基督教。其中有兩千五百萬基督徒，約六百萬天主教徒。近年來城市教會人數增加，但不少信徒只在星期天出現,並沒參加任何的團契。我們為中國教會數字成長感謝神，但也懇求主帶領我們的心渴望與主同行,有真正靈命的復興，而不是將信仰當做一種時尚或是個人的興趣。
星期五
前新加坡總理李光耀說：中國靠關係辦事的做法根深蒂固，因此貪污仍是中國面對的最大挑戰，要改變人們這方面的想法和態度並不容易。一般中國教會在金錢處理上，仍欠透明度。求神賜給教會有正直的領袖，在主面前做忠心有見識的好管家，尤其在處理錢財上有智慧。也求主幫助信徒過清潔、儉樸的生活，成為這黑暗世界裡的明光，甚至那些想賄賂他們的人，亦為生此念頭而羞愧。
星期六
中國很多地方的教會都不甚注重婚姻家庭問題，在教會中亦少有提及。一個普遍的現象就是很多姊妹的丈夫都不來教會，有的甚至還逼迫姊妹。夫妻同心合意服事神，效果是深廣的。我們求主為中國教會賜下聖潔的僕人，更保守信徒在婚姻中忠誠，遠避淫行。這不僅是教會穩定的基礎，還會成為整個中國社會穩定的重要因素。
星期日
過去，農村教會是中國教會的主流力量，直至最近幾年城市福音「爆炸」，中國教會有了新氣象。然而，這些城市教會極需牧養，沒有受過神學訓練的人，是很難牧養這些以知識分子為主的城市教會。以賭博為例，賭博正蠶蝕千萬的中國老百姓和基督徒，甚至傳道同工的心靈，嚴重破壞教會的牧養和見證。我們為牧者及其家庭禱告，求神保護他們置身於艱難和誘惑之中，落入魔鬼用情慾、錢財所織造的網羅。
星期一
中國教會（尤其是農村教會）經過了20多年的發展後，現在正處於轉形期。與海外通常報導不同的是，國內教會人數上的增加與實質上的復興存在著很大差異。我們求神為中國教會設立更多忠心的守望者，用禱告來堵住各處破口。這些守望者時刻警醒，敏銳洞察教會的需要，及各種隱而未現的問題，並在神面前呼求禱告。神也會因著他們的代禱，大大地賜福中國教會，保護教會免受惡者許多的毀壞。
Many members of the Chinese Communist Party are becoming interested in the various religions and it is threatening the unity and national leadership of the party whose members are required to be atheists and not believe or engage in other religious practices, or be expelled from the Party. We take this time to pray for the spiritual walk of all the party members who have been baptized or are secret believers in Jesus. May the Lord give them extra strength, wisdom, and protection, and above all a close walk with Jesus that is based on a strong commitment to glorify Him daily.
Wednesday
The ruling Communist Party may be slowly showing a greater tolerance toward the different faiths that are beginning to flourish on Mainland China. It is known that party officials have used their influence to build Buddhist or Taoist temples or used public funds to promote religion-based tourism but when it comes to their members, the party has no room for such religions. Every year some churches (both open and house churches) encounter tension and opposition from the local authorities as well as the local Buddhist temples. We pray for patience and wisdom for the congregations involved. May the Lord give them boldness to share their faith and the love of God with their neighbors.
Thursday
According to official records there are a combined100 million believers in Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity in China. Officially there are 25 million Christians (18 million Protestants and 6 million plus Catholics). All of these numbers, however, appear to be unrealistically low. The Communist Party boasted a total of 80 million members in 2010. Churches in cities have seen a growth in attendance but many have also observed that most people show up only on Sunday and are not really committed to or connected with the fellowship. We thank the Lord for all the numeric growth but we ask Him for a genuine revival of believers who are truly committed to God and do not attend church simply as something fashionable to do or a mere habit.
Friday
Former Prime Minister of Singapore spoke frankly, "Things only get done in China through relationship, and corruption remains the biggest the biggest challenge." To change how Chinese people think and their attitude will not be easy. In general, there is a lack of transparency in how churches handle finances and offerings. We ask the Lord to give church leaders with integrity, who are faithful steward, having wisdom in how to use the church funds. It is good that God's people live a simple and clean life, so even when they are tempted by those want to bribe them, they can resist the temptations.
Saturday
In many parts of China, family and marriage issues are not deemed important or even mentioned in churches. It is a common phenomenon that only the wives attend the church, and they usually come to church despite the opposition from their unbeliever husbands. We know it is much more effective when husband and wife serve together in church. We pray for all those who serve to be pure in their sex lives, faithful in their marriage. Couples with solid marriage are the key to stable ministry and to the society as a whole as well.
Sunday
In the past, the rural churches were the mainstream of the China churches. In recent years, urban churches have experience an explosive growth. But these new churches in the cities badly need shepherds, quality and well-trained pastors to shepherd the highly educated church members. Take gambling as an example, millions of Chinese are addicted to it, and even church workers have succumbed to such addictions. We sincerely pray for protection from God on all the church workers and their families. They face the same temptations as we all do, may the Lord keep their hearts from the evil one, the snare of lust and greed.
Monday
In the past two decades, China churches, rural churches in particular are at a crossroad. Contrary to the numbers people outside of China quote, there is quite a gap between what is reported and the actual numbers and true health of China churches. We pray for more prayer warriors from within churches in China, people who would stand at the gaps, be the alert watchmen for churches, through their prayers bring keen insight to the needs of churches. We ask the Lord for more people who would intercede for China churches, blessing Chinese believers and keep churches from the attacks from the evil one.
星期二
共產黨警告，黨員信教將造成黨的分裂。一個黨員如果積極參與宗教團體生活和傳教，甚至利用黨員身份保護、或推動非法的宗教活動，組織就應及時採取措施，使其退黨。我們在禱告中記念不少黨員雖然沒有公開受洗，公開信仰，但已經相信主耶穌為他們個人的救主，願他們每日花時間親近神，天天跟隨主，以榮耀祂為心願。
星期三
近幾年中國政府雖對宗教有相當程度的寬容，各個宗教也蓬勃發展，但黨員信教卻仍是禁止的。地方黨員使用影響力，或移用公款來興建佛、道教寺廟，大搞宗教旅遊。每年都有教會與當地的公安有些摩擦或衝突，其中也包括了三自教會。近來教會公開的活動更是受到當地佛教勢力的反對和打壓。讓我們為這些教會的領袖們有耐心和智慧來代禱，求主賜他們分享神大愛的勇氣，也知道如何在當地社區裏成為一盞明燈。
星期四
截至2010年底，中國共產黨黨員總數達到8,027萬人。據官方的估算，中國各種宗教有信徒1億多人，信奉主要有佛教、道教、伊斯蘭教、天主教和基督教。其中有兩千五百萬基督徒，約六百萬天主教徒。近年來城市教會人數增加，但不少信徒只在星期天出現,並沒參加任何的團契。我們為中國教會數字成長感謝神，但也懇求主帶領我們的心渴望與主同行,有真正靈命的復興，而不是將信仰當做一種時尚或是個人的興趣。
星期五
前新加坡總理李光耀說：中國靠關係辦事的做法根深蒂固，因此貪污仍是中國面對的最大挑戰，要改變人們這方面的想法和態度並不容易。一般中國教會在金錢處理上，仍欠透明度。求神賜給教會有正直的領袖，在主面前做忠心有見識的好管家，尤其在處理錢財上有智慧。也求主幫助信徒過清潔、儉樸的生活，成為這黑暗世界裡的明光，甚至那些想賄賂他們的人，亦為生此念頭而羞愧。
星期六
中國很多地方的教會都不甚注重婚姻家庭問題，在教會中亦少有提及。一個普遍的現象就是很多姊妹的丈夫都不來教會，有的甚至還逼迫姊妹。夫妻同心合意服事神，效果是深廣的。我們求主為中國教會賜下聖潔的僕人，更保守信徒在婚姻中忠誠，遠避淫行。這不僅是教會穩定的基礎，還會成為整個中國社會穩定的重要因素。
星期日
過去，農村教會是中國教會的主流力量，直至最近幾年城市福音「爆炸」，中國教會有了新氣象。然而，這些城市教會極需牧養，沒有受過神學訓練的人，是很難牧養這些以知識分子為主的城市教會。以賭博為例，賭博正蠶蝕千萬的中國老百姓和基督徒，甚至傳道同工的心靈，嚴重破壞教會的牧養和見證。我們為牧者及其家庭禱告，求神保護他們置身於艱難和誘惑之中，落入魔鬼用情慾、錢財所織造的網羅。
星期一
中國教會（尤其是農村教會）經過了20多年的發展後，現在正處於轉形期。與海外通常報導不同的是，國內教會人數上的增加與實質上的復興存在著很大差異。我們求神為中國教會設立更多忠心的守望者，用禱告來堵住各處破口。這些守望者時刻警醒，敏銳洞察教會的需要，及各種隱而未現的問題，並在神面前呼求禱告。神也會因著他們的代禱，大大地賜福中國教會，保護教會免受惡者許多的毀壞。
2011年12月19日星期一
Prayer Request 12/20 - 12/26
Tuesday
Nearly 90% of the global Christmas-related gift or products are manufactured in China. Since the world financial crisis in 2008, although the amount of products exported from China continued to grow, the profit margin thinned to only 5% due to the rising cost of raw materials, labor, and the appreciation of the renminbi and many factories have been barely able to stay profitable. Many churches will be hosting special Christmas programs in the coming weeks and we pray for their efforts to bring new people to church. May this be a special opportunity to share and introduce Jesus to people who live in their neighborhoods.
Wednesday
In recent years Christmas has become a special holiday celebrated by many families in China. It is common for Chinese parents to worry about what Christmas gift to give to their only child and where to eat the big Christmas meal. Should they host a Christmas party? Should they tell their child the story of Santa Claus or not? Chinese children and young people are very much into celebrating Christmas but the true meaning of Jesus' birth is totally lost in China. We pray for believers that they would at least boldly share the true meaning of Christmas with someone this season and not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday
The higher standard of medical services in recent times has increased the need for donated blood which is estimated to be about 70,000 donations daily and it is predicted to rise to 120,000 daily in four years. However, in spite of the government's repeated efforts to promote blood donations, Chinese people in general are unwilling to donate. Only 8.7% of the population have ever given blood versus 45.5% in other high-income countries. Giving without public recognition or expressed appreciation is not common in China. In the Buddhist temples the names of donors are usually carved and displayed in stone. Many believers prefer to serve in prominent and visible positions or ministries rather than hidden ones. We pray for the spirit of selfless giving and serving in the church, not seeking praise from people but doing it to please our Lord.
Friday
Chinese people are afraid to donate blood because in the 1980's many people in Henan sold blood to earn money and through that due to the use of contaminated equipment contacted AIDS and the fear still lingers. Another reason for a shortage of blood is that there has been a great migration of the population to the cities and thus the cities find themselves in short supply of the blood needed for medical use. Many Chinese believers are not willing to give what they should to the church because there is a lingering doubt concerning the misuse of church offerings. We know it will take a lot to change this feeling of mistrust as well as the lack of transparency regarding church finances in general but we ask the Lord to evolve this way of thinking into one where believers are generous and rich in all kinds of good deeds.
Saturday
The new edition of the “Xinhua Zidian” takes into account that Taiwan and Hong Kong have retained more traditional forms of writing Chinese than China where it was radically simplified in 1939. The new dictionary contains 13,000 terms but 1,500 characters also written in the old way have been included in this edition. More and more events are being held and attended by believers from the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. We thank the Lord for the vastly increased exchange of believers of different regional backgrounds. We remember in prayer all the training in the church conducted inside China by believers from Taiwan and Hong Kong which seems to be better tolerated by the government than that by overseas Chinese.
Sunday
Terms that are no longer applicable to modern life like “meiyou” (kerosene) or “hezuoshe” (agricultural co-operative) have been removed from the 2011 edition of the dictionary. New terms include harmony, media, good of the people, and migrant worker. Many young people have difficulty understanding some of the terms in the Bible simply because the current favorite Chinese Bible was translated a century ago. We pray for the use of several new Chinese versions of the Bible but even more importantly that the churches in China can speak the same language as the young people on the street and those who grew up with the internet.
Monday
When they say, “Good bye” in China people often say, “Bye bye”. But until now there was no Chinese way of writing that. There is now. Beijing’s guardians of the language have deemed “Bai bai” the correct written form and it has been included in the new edition of China’s best-known dictionary. Honestly speaking, the majority of the churches in China have difficulty attracting young people to come there. One reason is that the churches do not address the issues that teens and youth face. We thank the Lord for the young Christians and ask the Lord to bless them with not only the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus but boldness to share their faith with their unbelieving and even resistant parents rather than being a secret follower of Jesus.
" Building Church Leaders Training Tools" Building Church Leaders is a ministry intended to provide Chinese churches a wide variety of leadership Training Tools in Chinese via downloads through BCL website.
星期二
全球近90%的聖誕節禮品產自中國，自08年金融危機後，出口雖繼續保持增長，但由於物價上漲、原料和人工成本上升及人民幣升值等因素影響，許多廠商的利潤率僅5%左右，甚至處於虧損邊緣。許多教會正籌備聖誕特別聚會，藉此邀請未信朋友來認識救主的降生，我們為這個寶貴機會向神禱告，求主預備人心來就近祂；又為信徒們有熱誠、有信心和勇氣發出邀請，與鄰舍和親友分享這個大好的信息。
星期三
中國興起慶祝聖誕節的潮流，家長們都費心如何給寶貝一個繽紛的聖誕 —去餐廳吃大餐？購買聖誕禮物？在家辦個聖誕聯歡會？還是給孩子講講聖誕老人的故事？這是眾多家長近期最為關心的話題。中國的孩子和年輕人特別喜歡慶祝聖誕，但大部份人其實對聖誕的真義毫不知情。求主賜給中國信徒大有膽量，並在生活中有美好見證，能與朋友分享神子耶穌降生的意義，也能將基督救恩清楚講明白。
星期四
按現時醫療服務量的增長測算，中國每天需有約7萬人捐血，而四年之後將增至12萬人。然而中國人對無償捐血的觀念十分薄弱，儘管政府積極鼓勵捐血，但效果不彰，人口捐血率只有8.7%，遠遠低於世界高收入國家的45.4%。在中國寺廟中，捐贈者大名是以金字刻在石柱為記，沒有掌聲及讚賞的事少有人做。在神的兒女中，很多人捨默默的服事，而選擇突出和顯眼的事工。求主幫助我們學習捨己，賜給我們不求掌聲而是單單要討主歡喜的心志。
星期五
中國人害怕捐血是因上世紀河南地區許多人賣血賺錢時，在沒有衛生保護情況下染上艾滋病，以致現今對捐血仍有陰影。此外，大量患者流向醫療資源相對集中的大城市和中心城市，導致用血量大增，都市血液缺口明顯。好些中國信徒不願盡自己本份奉獻，最大原因是對教會的財政運作沒信心。這跟教會的財政不透明是相關聯的，求主改變信徒這種心態，賜給我們一顆單純作在主身上的心，也在各樣善事上成為富足。
星期六
新版《新華字典》考慮到台灣和香港仍保留的中國傳統正體字，新版字典中有13000條款，1500正體字被納入。自從1949年後，大陸開始使用簡體字。這兩年來，大陸與台灣和香港的信徒有更多一起相聚的特會及聚會的機會，我們要為此感謝神，讓來自不同背景的弟兄姐妹能彼此學習勉勵。我們特別記念台灣、香港教會在各地的培訓。許多事工近年來比較穩定，少受干擾，我們為他們所作的感恩。
星期日
新版《新華字典》新增若干與國計民生相關的詞語，譬如在「民」字的解釋中添加「民生」，「關注民生」；「和」字中新增「和諧」一詞；「工」字的例證中新增「農民工」。也取消了「煤油」或「合作社」等舊名詞。教會使用最普遍的和合本聖經，是一百年前翻譯的白話文，但是對80後的年輕人，許多詞句都很陌生甚至難以理解。現有幾種不同的中文聖經版本，我們為它們能被使用，幫助信徒明白神的話來禱告。更重要的是，中國教會能跟在大街上行走的年輕人和那些在互聯網長大的一代，有共同的語言來溝通。
星期一
《新華字典》第11版根據時代的變化，本次修訂包括增補字音。比如中國人道別時常說的「拜拜」，也成為正式的中文字，而「拜」加入新的讀音bái。絕大多數的中國教會在吸引年輕人踏進教會有相當的難度，其中一大原因就是教會不能從年輕人的角度來溝通。我們要為教會中的年輕信徒感恩，願神祝福他們，不單有聖經的知識，也有膽量能公開他們的信仰，告訴不信主的父母神的救恩。
《建造教會領袖》事工所推出的訓練材料，是一套全面性和實用性的領袖訓練指南，幫助你培養領袖，使他們能同時兼顧聖經原則和從策略性的角度來思考教會的事工。
Nearly 90% of the global Christmas-related gift or products are manufactured in China. Since the world financial crisis in 2008, although the amount of products exported from China continued to grow, the profit margin thinned to only 5% due to the rising cost of raw materials, labor, and the appreciation of the renminbi and many factories have been barely able to stay profitable. Many churches will be hosting special Christmas programs in the coming weeks and we pray for their efforts to bring new people to church. May this be a special opportunity to share and introduce Jesus to people who live in their neighborhoods.
Wednesday
In recent years Christmas has become a special holiday celebrated by many families in China. It is common for Chinese parents to worry about what Christmas gift to give to their only child and where to eat the big Christmas meal. Should they host a Christmas party? Should they tell their child the story of Santa Claus or not? Chinese children and young people are very much into celebrating Christmas but the true meaning of Jesus' birth is totally lost in China. We pray for believers that they would at least boldly share the true meaning of Christmas with someone this season and not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thursday
The higher standard of medical services in recent times has increased the need for donated blood which is estimated to be about 70,000 donations daily and it is predicted to rise to 120,000 daily in four years. However, in spite of the government's repeated efforts to promote blood donations, Chinese people in general are unwilling to donate. Only 8.7% of the population have ever given blood versus 45.5% in other high-income countries. Giving without public recognition or expressed appreciation is not common in China. In the Buddhist temples the names of donors are usually carved and displayed in stone. Many believers prefer to serve in prominent and visible positions or ministries rather than hidden ones. We pray for the spirit of selfless giving and serving in the church, not seeking praise from people but doing it to please our Lord.
Friday
Chinese people are afraid to donate blood because in the 1980's many people in Henan sold blood to earn money and through that due to the use of contaminated equipment contacted AIDS and the fear still lingers. Another reason for a shortage of blood is that there has been a great migration of the population to the cities and thus the cities find themselves in short supply of the blood needed for medical use. Many Chinese believers are not willing to give what they should to the church because there is a lingering doubt concerning the misuse of church offerings. We know it will take a lot to change this feeling of mistrust as well as the lack of transparency regarding church finances in general but we ask the Lord to evolve this way of thinking into one where believers are generous and rich in all kinds of good deeds.
Saturday
The new edition of the “Xinhua Zidian” takes into account that Taiwan and Hong Kong have retained more traditional forms of writing Chinese than China where it was radically simplified in 1939. The new dictionary contains 13,000 terms but 1,500 characters also written in the old way have been included in this edition. More and more events are being held and attended by believers from the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. We thank the Lord for the vastly increased exchange of believers of different regional backgrounds. We remember in prayer all the training in the church conducted inside China by believers from Taiwan and Hong Kong which seems to be better tolerated by the government than that by overseas Chinese.
Sunday
Terms that are no longer applicable to modern life like “meiyou” (kerosene) or “hezuoshe” (agricultural co-operative) have been removed from the 2011 edition of the dictionary. New terms include harmony, media, good of the people, and migrant worker. Many young people have difficulty understanding some of the terms in the Bible simply because the current favorite Chinese Bible was translated a century ago. We pray for the use of several new Chinese versions of the Bible but even more importantly that the churches in China can speak the same language as the young people on the street and those who grew up with the internet.
Monday
When they say, “Good bye” in China people often say, “Bye bye”. But until now there was no Chinese way of writing that. There is now. Beijing’s guardians of the language have deemed “Bai bai” the correct written form and it has been included in the new edition of China’s best-known dictionary. Honestly speaking, the majority of the churches in China have difficulty attracting young people to come there. One reason is that the churches do not address the issues that teens and youth face. We thank the Lord for the young Christians and ask the Lord to bless them with not only the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus but boldness to share their faith with their unbelieving and even resistant parents rather than being a secret follower of Jesus.
" Building Church Leaders Training Tools" Building Church Leaders is a ministry intended to provide Chinese churches a wide variety of leadership Training Tools in Chinese via downloads through BCL website.
星期二
全球近90%的聖誕節禮品產自中國，自08年金融危機後，出口雖繼續保持增長，但由於物價上漲、原料和人工成本上升及人民幣升值等因素影響，許多廠商的利潤率僅5%左右，甚至處於虧損邊緣。許多教會正籌備聖誕特別聚會，藉此邀請未信朋友來認識救主的降生，我們為這個寶貴機會向神禱告，求主預備人心來就近祂；又為信徒們有熱誠、有信心和勇氣發出邀請，與鄰舍和親友分享這個大好的信息。
星期三
中國興起慶祝聖誕節的潮流，家長們都費心如何給寶貝一個繽紛的聖誕 —去餐廳吃大餐？購買聖誕禮物？在家辦個聖誕聯歡會？還是給孩子講講聖誕老人的故事？這是眾多家長近期最為關心的話題。中國的孩子和年輕人特別喜歡慶祝聖誕，但大部份人其實對聖誕的真義毫不知情。求主賜給中國信徒大有膽量，並在生活中有美好見證，能與朋友分享神子耶穌降生的意義，也能將基督救恩清楚講明白。
星期四
按現時醫療服務量的增長測算，中國每天需有約7萬人捐血，而四年之後將增至12萬人。然而中國人對無償捐血的觀念十分薄弱，儘管政府積極鼓勵捐血，但效果不彰，人口捐血率只有8.7%，遠遠低於世界高收入國家的45.4%。在中國寺廟中，捐贈者大名是以金字刻在石柱為記，沒有掌聲及讚賞的事少有人做。在神的兒女中，很多人捨默默的服事，而選擇突出和顯眼的事工。求主幫助我們學習捨己，賜給我們不求掌聲而是單單要討主歡喜的心志。
星期五
中國人害怕捐血是因上世紀河南地區許多人賣血賺錢時，在沒有衛生保護情況下染上艾滋病，以致現今對捐血仍有陰影。此外，大量患者流向醫療資源相對集中的大城市和中心城市，導致用血量大增，都市血液缺口明顯。好些中國信徒不願盡自己本份奉獻，最大原因是對教會的財政運作沒信心。這跟教會的財政不透明是相關聯的，求主改變信徒這種心態，賜給我們一顆單純作在主身上的心，也在各樣善事上成為富足。
星期六
新版《新華字典》考慮到台灣和香港仍保留的中國傳統正體字，新版字典中有13000條款，1500正體字被納入。自從1949年後，大陸開始使用簡體字。這兩年來，大陸與台灣和香港的信徒有更多一起相聚的特會及聚會的機會，我們要為此感謝神，讓來自不同背景的弟兄姐妹能彼此學習勉勵。我們特別記念台灣、香港教會在各地的培訓。許多事工近年來比較穩定，少受干擾，我們為他們所作的感恩。
星期日
新版《新華字典》新增若干與國計民生相關的詞語，譬如在「民」字的解釋中添加「民生」，「關注民生」；「和」字中新增「和諧」一詞；「工」字的例證中新增「農民工」。也取消了「煤油」或「合作社」等舊名詞。教會使用最普遍的和合本聖經，是一百年前翻譯的白話文，但是對80後的年輕人，許多詞句都很陌生甚至難以理解。現有幾種不同的中文聖經版本，我們為它們能被使用，幫助信徒明白神的話來禱告。更重要的是，中國教會能跟在大街上行走的年輕人和那些在互聯網長大的一代，有共同的語言來溝通。
星期一
《新華字典》第11版根據時代的變化，本次修訂包括增補字音。比如中國人道別時常說的「拜拜」，也成為正式的中文字，而「拜」加入新的讀音bái。絕大多數的中國教會在吸引年輕人踏進教會有相當的難度，其中一大原因就是教會不能從年輕人的角度來溝通。我們要為教會中的年輕信徒感恩，願神祝福他們，不單有聖經的知識，也有膽量能公開他們的信仰，告訴不信主的父母神的救恩。
《建造教會領袖》事工所推出的訓練材料，是一套全面性和實用性的領袖訓練指南，幫助你培養領袖，使他們能同時兼顧聖經原則和從策略性的角度來思考教會的事工。
2011年12月13日星期二
Prayer Request 12/13 - 12/19
Tuesday
For many travel agencies in China, the year-end government tour groups are their biggest business. They set up so-called "Big Client Departments" to cater to these high-end groups and provide tailor-made pleasure trips called "Fact-finding Seminars" or "Business Opportunity Evaluation Trips". The sole purpose of these trips is to spend whatever is left in the annual budget before the new fiscal year begins. "This is not our money, let us spend it!" is a prevalent attitude in China, not only for office workers but also for people who work in the church. We need to pray that all believers commit to good stewardship and realize all they have belongs to God so they need to manage the money, time, and talents He has given them well.
Wednesday
The Central Government of China has repeatedly warned of the need for supervision for officials in the matter of budget management but it is no secret that government agencies at all levels have their so-called "public services budget" which they can use for anything whether it is gifts, events including big meals, or recreation all in the name of "public service". Unfortunately this kind of corruption exists in the churches as well. Before we condemn others we pray for integrity for all church leaders and those who handle the finances in them. We pray, too, that churches will be free of any suspicion of misuse or squandering and waste of God's money.
Thursday
Recently, Chinese online booksellers have been having an all-out price war and have even given away bestsellers. Bargain pricing has dramatically changed the landscape of the Chinese book market and disrupted traditional bookstores in an unhealthy competition. Unfortunately, readers of books are confused of how booksellers make a profit. We praise God that Christian bookstores that provide spiritual reading materials and train believers to pay for Christian books have sprung up in quite a few cities. However, the vast majority of Chinese believers do not have the habit of reading this kind of books. We pray for spiritual growth, especially for those in the younger generation who seldom read traditional books.
Friday
In mainland China once a woman is past the age of thirty, she is considered a "left over" and this has become a major social phenomenon with those who are twenty-five to twenty-eight also becoming very worried about their marriage prospects. The number of Chinese singles is climbing with more women unmarried in the cities and more men in the villages. In the urban churches in China, there are many sisters who are single or unable to find suitable mates, especially those who have a university degree or are professionals. We remember them in our prayers as they wait patiently for the Lord's own provision. We ask the Lord to bless them with joy, a heart of thanksgiving, and a trust in God that knows He will give them the very best.
Saturday
One reason China has so many "left over ladies" is that young women are more realistic, materialistic, and picky than men when it comes to choosing a mate. They no longer want to marry someone purely on love alone but demand that their potential mates have a good income and a good job--expecting that their mate will have better qualifications than themselves. Being a single female believer in the Chinese church is rather awkward since the older women want to match them with young men who aren't necessarily appropriate Christians. Single Christian men are not easy to find and there are very few fellowships that are designed to accommodate single young women believers. Let us pray for the spiritual health of all of the single sisters so they will feel a sense of self-worth and be strong to resist temptation.
Sunday
The official projection is that by 2020 China will have twenty-four million bachelors. However the numbers in the cities will be dramatically different from those in the countryside. In cities, single women will outnumber single men because women will not marry men who cannot afford to buy a house while in the villages there will be few women of marriageable age available due to the one-child policy. There are some churches that have fellowships for singles but this is quite rare and even then only in the larger cities. Most Chinese believers still hold the view that being a single is a "defect". We pray that churches will really care about the spiritual health of all single believers, not just whether they are married or not, but will encourage them to deepen their commitment to God and their church.
Monday
Due to the traditional culture and value system, many Chinese women attach great importance to the financial ability of their potential partners which also mirrors current social and economic conditions. Many Chinese men are unable to find a wife because they do not have a good job or are unable to provide for their families by buying a house or a car, etc. It is said that men in China who have adequate financial means are getting harder and harder to find. Many young Christians come from non-Christian families but their parents naturally expect them marry any good prospect quickly without consideration of their faith. May the Lord help those who experience parental pressures to marry unbelievers. We pray for a good relationship with their parents and that they will continue to be a good witness to them.
星期二
「政府團」即政府機構組織的考察團，儼然成了中國眾旅行社年末最大的生意。這些團隊出門從來都是只要最好、「最貴」，其他無所謂， 目的是要將機構一年財政預算，在年終之前花掉。「反正不是我的錢」是中國人不好的心態，不僅僅在上班族，連服事於教會同工中也有此類趨向。 讓我們為能成為神忠心善良的好管家禱告，我們一切都屬於祂，有責任管理神託管我們的金錢，時間以及恩賜。
星期三
借用公家名義來消費、搞活動、大吃大喝，幾乎是中國公家機關的專利。雖然官方一直強調，要高度重視財政支出預算的執行與管理，堅決制止「年底突擊花錢」，但每個單位都有所謂的公共服務支出 ，用來做各樣娛樂的開銷。可惜這種腐敗的風氣也多少影響了中國教會。在指責他人之先，我們為所有教會領袖及經手管理教會財政者禱告，求主賜他們正直的心，不讓教會有任何財務誤用或浪費奉獻的嫌疑
星期四
近來中國網路書店掀起了一場規模龐大的價格戰，甚至有「零元售書」。低價促銷改變了圖書市場，更嚴重打擊了傳統書店，這樣的競爭難稱健康。頻繁的價格戰很自然地令讀者懷疑：這麼低的折扣都能賺錢，圖書的利潤到底有多少？感謝主，近來許多城市都有基督教書房，提供屬靈讀物，也漸漸改變了從前基督徒只讀「不要錢」書籍的習慣。然而絕大多數中國信徒並無閱讀屬靈書刊的習慣，讓我們為信徒在靈命追求，尤其是年輕的一代更有長進禱告。
星期五
在中國，「剩女」已儼然成為一種社會現象。大陸地區女性超過三十歲未出嫁就算是剩女了，若二十七、八歲還沒對象,就開始有壓力，甚至有的二十五、六歲就開始擔心嫁不掉了。中國單身人數攀升，城鎮剩女多於剩男，鄉村則剩男多於剩女。城市教會常有許多未婚或己達適婚年齡但尚未有對象的姐妹們，其中高學位或專業白領族的比例更高。我們為她們在主面前，耐心等候神最美好的預備來祈求。求主賜她們常懷喜樂和感恩，深信神對她們有美好的計劃.
星期六
中國「剩女」多可能是現在中國的女人太現實，太物質，擇偶時眼睛向上看, 擇偶條件不再僅只是因為愛，往往都要求男士收入高、工作好；一般都遵行男強女弱的傳統格局。在中國教會，身為單身相當尷尬，好心的中年姐妹們會特別關心要介紹男友，但是教會中合適的弟兄卻少而又少。單身姐妹也很難打入年紀相近的家庭團契，更少有專門為她們成立的團契。我們為所有單身信徒靈命健康來祈求，願主保守她們能肯定自我的價值，不落入自憐也堅強抵擋試探。
星期日
依據官方調查，到2020年中國會出現二千四百萬男光棍，這數字是城鄉適婚人口的總計，若細分，鄉村未婚男子多於女性，城鎮則未婚女子多於男性。原因是農村再窮也能過日子，但獨子政策使男多女少。而城巿高房價、高物價的形勢下，男人收入低，女方就不願嫁。在中國極少有單身團契。一般仍視單身為「缺陷」，願教會除了關心未婚信徒感情的需要，更要關心他們靈命上的成長，鼓勵對神和教會有更深的委身。
星期一
很多女性重視伴侶的物質條件與傳統文化息息相關，也與當前經濟形勢有關。大多數男性找不到結婚對象,是因經濟條件較差，一般女性不願輕易下嫁。許多年輕基督徒是來自不信主的家庭，他們的父母親不會從孩子的信仰角度來考量,只希望他們能快點找到對象儘早成家。求主幫助面對家長催婚壓力的信徒，讓他們能與父母親保持良好的關係，也能繼續為主做美好的見證。
For many travel agencies in China, the year-end government tour groups are their biggest business. They set up so-called "Big Client Departments" to cater to these high-end groups and provide tailor-made pleasure trips called "Fact-finding Seminars" or "Business Opportunity Evaluation Trips". The sole purpose of these trips is to spend whatever is left in the annual budget before the new fiscal year begins. "This is not our money, let us spend it!" is a prevalent attitude in China, not only for office workers but also for people who work in the church. We need to pray that all believers commit to good stewardship and realize all they have belongs to God so they need to manage the money, time, and talents He has given them well.
Wednesday
The Central Government of China has repeatedly warned of the need for supervision for officials in the matter of budget management but it is no secret that government agencies at all levels have their so-called "public services budget" which they can use for anything whether it is gifts, events including big meals, or recreation all in the name of "public service". Unfortunately this kind of corruption exists in the churches as well. Before we condemn others we pray for integrity for all church leaders and those who handle the finances in them. We pray, too, that churches will be free of any suspicion of misuse or squandering and waste of God's money.
Thursday
Recently, Chinese online booksellers have been having an all-out price war and have even given away bestsellers. Bargain pricing has dramatically changed the landscape of the Chinese book market and disrupted traditional bookstores in an unhealthy competition. Unfortunately, readers of books are confused of how booksellers make a profit. We praise God that Christian bookstores that provide spiritual reading materials and train believers to pay for Christian books have sprung up in quite a few cities. However, the vast majority of Chinese believers do not have the habit of reading this kind of books. We pray for spiritual growth, especially for those in the younger generation who seldom read traditional books.
Friday
In mainland China once a woman is past the age of thirty, she is considered a "left over" and this has become a major social phenomenon with those who are twenty-five to twenty-eight also becoming very worried about their marriage prospects. The number of Chinese singles is climbing with more women unmarried in the cities and more men in the villages. In the urban churches in China, there are many sisters who are single or unable to find suitable mates, especially those who have a university degree or are professionals. We remember them in our prayers as they wait patiently for the Lord's own provision. We ask the Lord to bless them with joy, a heart of thanksgiving, and a trust in God that knows He will give them the very best.
Saturday
One reason China has so many "left over ladies" is that young women are more realistic, materialistic, and picky than men when it comes to choosing a mate. They no longer want to marry someone purely on love alone but demand that their potential mates have a good income and a good job--expecting that their mate will have better qualifications than themselves. Being a single female believer in the Chinese church is rather awkward since the older women want to match them with young men who aren't necessarily appropriate Christians. Single Christian men are not easy to find and there are very few fellowships that are designed to accommodate single young women believers. Let us pray for the spiritual health of all of the single sisters so they will feel a sense of self-worth and be strong to resist temptation.
Sunday
The official projection is that by 2020 China will have twenty-four million bachelors. However the numbers in the cities will be dramatically different from those in the countryside. In cities, single women will outnumber single men because women will not marry men who cannot afford to buy a house while in the villages there will be few women of marriageable age available due to the one-child policy. There are some churches that have fellowships for singles but this is quite rare and even then only in the larger cities. Most Chinese believers still hold the view that being a single is a "defect". We pray that churches will really care about the spiritual health of all single believers, not just whether they are married or not, but will encourage them to deepen their commitment to God and their church.
Monday
Due to the traditional culture and value system, many Chinese women attach great importance to the financial ability of their potential partners which also mirrors current social and economic conditions. Many Chinese men are unable to find a wife because they do not have a good job or are unable to provide for their families by buying a house or a car, etc. It is said that men in China who have adequate financial means are getting harder and harder to find. Many young Christians come from non-Christian families but their parents naturally expect them marry any good prospect quickly without consideration of their faith. May the Lord help those who experience parental pressures to marry unbelievers. We pray for a good relationship with their parents and that they will continue to be a good witness to them.
星期二
「政府團」即政府機構組織的考察團，儼然成了中國眾旅行社年末最大的生意。這些團隊出門從來都是只要最好、「最貴」，其他無所謂， 目的是要將機構一年財政預算，在年終之前花掉。「反正不是我的錢」是中國人不好的心態，不僅僅在上班族，連服事於教會同工中也有此類趨向。 讓我們為能成為神忠心善良的好管家禱告，我們一切都屬於祂，有責任管理神託管我們的金錢，時間以及恩賜。
星期三
借用公家名義來消費、搞活動、大吃大喝，幾乎是中國公家機關的專利。雖然官方一直強調，要高度重視財政支出預算的執行與管理，堅決制止「年底突擊花錢」，但每個單位都有所謂的公共服務支出 ，用來做各樣娛樂的開銷。可惜這種腐敗的風氣也多少影響了中國教會。在指責他人之先，我們為所有教會領袖及經手管理教會財政者禱告，求主賜他們正直的心，不讓教會有任何財務誤用或浪費奉獻的嫌疑
星期四
近來中國網路書店掀起了一場規模龐大的價格戰，甚至有「零元售書」。低價促銷改變了圖書市場，更嚴重打擊了傳統書店，這樣的競爭難稱健康。頻繁的價格戰很自然地令讀者懷疑：這麼低的折扣都能賺錢，圖書的利潤到底有多少？感謝主，近來許多城市都有基督教書房，提供屬靈讀物，也漸漸改變了從前基督徒只讀「不要錢」書籍的習慣。然而絕大多數中國信徒並無閱讀屬靈書刊的習慣，讓我們為信徒在靈命追求，尤其是年輕的一代更有長進禱告。
星期五
在中國，「剩女」已儼然成為一種社會現象。大陸地區女性超過三十歲未出嫁就算是剩女了，若二十七、八歲還沒對象,就開始有壓力，甚至有的二十五、六歲就開始擔心嫁不掉了。中國單身人數攀升，城鎮剩女多於剩男，鄉村則剩男多於剩女。城市教會常有許多未婚或己達適婚年齡但尚未有對象的姐妹們，其中高學位或專業白領族的比例更高。我們為她們在主面前，耐心等候神最美好的預備來祈求。求主賜她們常懷喜樂和感恩，深信神對她們有美好的計劃.
星期六
中國「剩女」多可能是現在中國的女人太現實，太物質，擇偶時眼睛向上看, 擇偶條件不再僅只是因為愛，往往都要求男士收入高、工作好；一般都遵行男強女弱的傳統格局。在中國教會，身為單身相當尷尬，好心的中年姐妹們會特別關心要介紹男友，但是教會中合適的弟兄卻少而又少。單身姐妹也很難打入年紀相近的家庭團契，更少有專門為她們成立的團契。我們為所有單身信徒靈命健康來祈求，願主保守她們能肯定自我的價值，不落入自憐也堅強抵擋試探。
星期日
依據官方調查，到2020年中國會出現二千四百萬男光棍，這數字是城鄉適婚人口的總計，若細分，鄉村未婚男子多於女性，城鎮則未婚女子多於男性。原因是農村再窮也能過日子，但獨子政策使男多女少。而城巿高房價、高物價的形勢下，男人收入低，女方就不願嫁。在中國極少有單身團契。一般仍視單身為「缺陷」，願教會除了關心未婚信徒感情的需要，更要關心他們靈命上的成長，鼓勵對神和教會有更深的委身。
星期一
很多女性重視伴侶的物質條件與傳統文化息息相關，也與當前經濟形勢有關。大多數男性找不到結婚對象,是因經濟條件較差，一般女性不願輕易下嫁。許多年輕基督徒是來自不信主的家庭，他們的父母親不會從孩子的信仰角度來考量,只希望他們能快點找到對象儘早成家。求主幫助面對家長催婚壓力的信徒，讓他們能與父母親保持良好的關係，也能繼續為主做美好的見證。
2011年12月6日星期二
Prayer Request 12/6 - 12/12
Tuesday
The first group of China's "1990's generation" is nearly ready to graduate from college. The newly twenty-some youth are often labeled as "avant-garde, having a strong character, rebellious, and self-centered". The end of the calendar year and the beginning of the New Year constitute the traditional season for graduating college students to go out and hunt for jobs. They are interviewing in many places and feeling the pressure to find employment. Finding a good job in China often requires an inside connection (guanxi) and a "good background". We remember all the young Christians who are looking for work, especially those who are having difficulty finding it. It is our prayer that they do not lose faith in God and will continue to trust Him in every aspect of their lives.
Wednesday
In 2012 there will be 6.8 million college graduates in China, a whopping 200,000 more than there were last year. If one includes the two million college graduates who did not find a job in the last two years, there will be ten million of them looking for work. Many of them will be shocked to find that one who has graduated from college will often make less than a laborer with only a junior high education. In the student ministry in China, one big problem is a lack of follow-up for those who become believers. We pray for those who have become Christians in college but are now leaving for work in cities where they are not familiar with churches or know few Christians whom they can contact. May the Lord provide believers who will welcome them, make them feel at home, and help them continue to grow spiritually.
Thursday
A former top religious affairs official claimed, the atheist Communist Party can unite people with different religious beliefs under the party's policies that dictate freedom of worship. "As long as we are united politically and have mutual respect regarding spiritual beliefs, religion can play a positive role in social harmony."We lift up in prayers all the officials who are in charge of church matters at all levels of the government and polices who carry out the orders. Bible teaches us to pray for those who govern over us and so believers will find favor and able to worship unhindered.
Friday
In the house churches, the Low-key Christians are basically fundamentalists. They stress the power of the gospel to change people and all society. We pray for those believers who prefer not to engage in dialogue with the officials but instead, with their limited resources, devote themselves to evangelism. May the Lord give them an abundant harvest because of this quiet sharing of the gospel.
Saturday
There are 16 million smokers under the age of 15 in China, boys between age 13 to 15, a whopping 33% are smokers already. Even primary schools often have the names of Chinese cigarette brands, such as Zhongnanhai or Liqun, over their gates or have promotional slogans in the playground. Adolescents is the age group that is often missing in so many China churches. Churches do not have anything to offer to interest or retain kids growing up in churches. We pray for this sad phenomenon and ask the Lord to change how church leaders view about young people and willing to invest their time to inspire, involve and integrate the adolescents.
Sunday
China's state-owned tobacco corporation is so large and full of cash. It donates and helps build schools in Sichuan and Yunnan, these schools are typically named as Tobacco Hope School and carries cigarette advertisement. Many of them even prominent feature company's slogan; ” Talent comes from hard work – Tobacco helps you become talented.” Children smoke because their parents smoke or have friends who smoke. We pray for all the believers whose children are smokers and worse, losing spiritual interest or have long stopped attending the church. We have faith that God listen and answer earnest prayer of all parents who desire to see their children used by God.
Monday
There were 1.2 million tobacco-related deaths in 2005, and if this trend continues, it is estimated that 3.5 million Chinese will die of smoking in 2030, which accounts nearly half of all tobacco-attributable deaths in the world. The current smoking ban in public places was to take effect in 2011 but it is nearly impossible to enforce. It is not easy to live with a spouse who smokes and who is an unbeliever or one who have drifted away from God. Smoking and drinking almost always go hand in hand. We lift up all believers whose have not stopped praying for the salvation and transformation of their spouse. May the Lord grant them patience and faith in Him.
星期二
中國首批「90後」大學生即將畢業進入職場。這批被一些輿論貼上「前衛、個性、叛逆、自我」標簽的年輕人，在歲末的招聘季裡奔波於大小城市尋找崗位，首次感受到就業的龐大壓力。在中國要找個好工作往往需要拉關係或有好的背景及條件。許多年輕基督徒也正尋找工作，求主幫助他們不以工作來衡量一個人的生命價值，並且能夠懂得使用神所創造的環境和材料，培養並發揮祂所賜的才幹。
星期三
2012年大學畢業生規模達到680萬人，比上年增加20萬。再加上前兩年200萬沒有實現就業的人數，今年累計有近千萬人要找工作。不少畢業生震驚於寒窗十六年後，他們的工資可能還不及外出打工的初中同鄉。中國學生事工的一大問題是學生信了主，一旦離校就不再去教會。我們為所有將步入社會，尤其是前往沒有教會聯絡或無熟識基督徒的城市，求主預備教會及基督徒來跟進他們，使靈命繼續得著栽培，與弟兄姊妹在愛中彼此建立。
星期四
前國家宗教事務局長第一次聲稱，共產黨雖然不信神，但能管理實行宗教信仰自由政策團結信教群眾，發揮宗教在促進社會和諧中的積極作用。在各級政府階層，都有專門管理宗教的官員，地方的公安也要執行政策及管理教會。聖經教導我們要為執政掌權者禱告，好叫信徒能平安度日，崇拜不受阻礙。讓我們常常為他們有恩慈，行公義，有從神來的智慧治理邦國社會來祈求。
星期五
在中國家庭教會中，「低調派」的基督徒是屬於「基要真理」派。他們注重福音，與「三自」的低調派有類似的立場，相信惟獨福音能改變人心和社會。我們記念這些較為持守政教分離立場的信徒，因知道自己在實力上的限制，故不願與政府有太多交往。求主讓他們在熱心廣傳福音時，看見神給他們的豐盛果實。
星期六
政府統計顯示，中國年齡15歲以下吸煙者就有1600萬，年齡13到15歲間的男性少年吸煙率幾乎高達三分之一。中國有不少學校，包括小學也不難在學校操場或門墻上看到以中國名牌香煙命名捲菸如中南海或利群等，香煙品牌的宣傳口號。青少年是所謂中國教會遺失的一代，許多的教會無法吸引青少年來教會，在教會長大的孩子一旦到了青少年時期就消失了。這是多麼可惜可悲的事實，求主幫助教會領袖們願意投資在青少年靈命工程上，鼓勵激發全教會積極融入青少年的事工。
星期日
中國國營煙草公司常以慈善捐獻名義對偏遠學校提供大量贊助。尤其多集中在四川、雲南，主要是建立「煙草希望小學」，學校不但有煙草企業標誌，也有橫書標語：「天才出於勤奮，煙草助你成材。」 孩子們在家看爸媽吸煙，在外又有朋友吸煙，自然也學會吸煙。我們為信徒有孩子抽煙的來禱告，更傷心的是孩子失去屬靈的胃口，不願意去聚會，甚至早已遠離神。求神不但垂聽我們祈求，更幫助那些有信心認真地禱告求主使用他們孩子的父母。
星期一
在2005中國有120萬人因抽煙有關而死亡，如繼續此趨勢，在2030年中國每年將有350萬因吸煙而死，那時中國幾乎會佔全世界抽煙死亡人數的一半。中國2011年在全國公共場所禁煙，但根本無人力執行，罰款也毫無見效。對一個信徒而言, 配偶不願停止吸煙是難過的。煙酒不過是外表行為，配偶不信神或是早已遠離主，靈命停滯才是痛心的事。這些信徒天天為配偶得救禱告，我們記念他們，求主加添他們耐心和信心，不放棄繼續禱告。
The first group of China's "1990's generation" is nearly ready to graduate from college. The newly twenty-some youth are often labeled as "avant-garde, having a strong character, rebellious, and self-centered". The end of the calendar year and the beginning of the New Year constitute the traditional season for graduating college students to go out and hunt for jobs. They are interviewing in many places and feeling the pressure to find employment. Finding a good job in China often requires an inside connection (guanxi) and a "good background". We remember all the young Christians who are looking for work, especially those who are having difficulty finding it. It is our prayer that they do not lose faith in God and will continue to trust Him in every aspect of their lives.
Wednesday
In 2012 there will be 6.8 million college graduates in China, a whopping 200,000 more than there were last year. If one includes the two million college graduates who did not find a job in the last two years, there will be ten million of them looking for work. Many of them will be shocked to find that one who has graduated from college will often make less than a laborer with only a junior high education. In the student ministry in China, one big problem is a lack of follow-up for those who become believers. We pray for those who have become Christians in college but are now leaving for work in cities where they are not familiar with churches or know few Christians whom they can contact. May the Lord provide believers who will welcome them, make them feel at home, and help them continue to grow spiritually.
Thursday
A former top religious affairs official claimed, the atheist Communist Party can unite people with different religious beliefs under the party's policies that dictate freedom of worship. "As long as we are united politically and have mutual respect regarding spiritual beliefs, religion can play a positive role in social harmony."We lift up in prayers all the officials who are in charge of church matters at all levels of the government and polices who carry out the orders. Bible teaches us to pray for those who govern over us and so believers will find favor and able to worship unhindered.
Friday
In the house churches, the Low-key Christians are basically fundamentalists. They stress the power of the gospel to change people and all society. We pray for those believers who prefer not to engage in dialogue with the officials but instead, with their limited resources, devote themselves to evangelism. May the Lord give them an abundant harvest because of this quiet sharing of the gospel.
Saturday
There are 16 million smokers under the age of 15 in China, boys between age 13 to 15, a whopping 33% are smokers already. Even primary schools often have the names of Chinese cigarette brands, such as Zhongnanhai or Liqun, over their gates or have promotional slogans in the playground. Adolescents is the age group that is often missing in so many China churches. Churches do not have anything to offer to interest or retain kids growing up in churches. We pray for this sad phenomenon and ask the Lord to change how church leaders view about young people and willing to invest their time to inspire, involve and integrate the adolescents.
Sunday
China's state-owned tobacco corporation is so large and full of cash. It donates and helps build schools in Sichuan and Yunnan, these schools are typically named as Tobacco Hope School and carries cigarette advertisement. Many of them even prominent feature company's slogan; ” Talent comes from hard work – Tobacco helps you become talented.” Children smoke because their parents smoke or have friends who smoke. We pray for all the believers whose children are smokers and worse, losing spiritual interest or have long stopped attending the church. We have faith that God listen and answer earnest prayer of all parents who desire to see their children used by God.
Monday
There were 1.2 million tobacco-related deaths in 2005, and if this trend continues, it is estimated that 3.5 million Chinese will die of smoking in 2030, which accounts nearly half of all tobacco-attributable deaths in the world. The current smoking ban in public places was to take effect in 2011 but it is nearly impossible to enforce. It is not easy to live with a spouse who smokes and who is an unbeliever or one who have drifted away from God. Smoking and drinking almost always go hand in hand. We lift up all believers whose have not stopped praying for the salvation and transformation of their spouse. May the Lord grant them patience and faith in Him.
星期二
中國首批「90後」大學生即將畢業進入職場。這批被一些輿論貼上「前衛、個性、叛逆、自我」標簽的年輕人，在歲末的招聘季裡奔波於大小城市尋找崗位，首次感受到就業的龐大壓力。在中國要找個好工作往往需要拉關係或有好的背景及條件。許多年輕基督徒也正尋找工作，求主幫助他們不以工作來衡量一個人的生命價值，並且能夠懂得使用神所創造的環境和材料，培養並發揮祂所賜的才幹。
星期三
2012年大學畢業生規模達到680萬人，比上年增加20萬。再加上前兩年200萬沒有實現就業的人數，今年累計有近千萬人要找工作。不少畢業生震驚於寒窗十六年後，他們的工資可能還不及外出打工的初中同鄉。中國學生事工的一大問題是學生信了主，一旦離校就不再去教會。我們為所有將步入社會，尤其是前往沒有教會聯絡或無熟識基督徒的城市，求主預備教會及基督徒來跟進他們，使靈命繼續得著栽培，與弟兄姊妹在愛中彼此建立。
星期四
前國家宗教事務局長第一次聲稱，共產黨雖然不信神，但能管理實行宗教信仰自由政策團結信教群眾，發揮宗教在促進社會和諧中的積極作用。在各級政府階層，都有專門管理宗教的官員，地方的公安也要執行政策及管理教會。聖經教導我們要為執政掌權者禱告，好叫信徒能平安度日，崇拜不受阻礙。讓我們常常為他們有恩慈，行公義，有從神來的智慧治理邦國社會來祈求。
星期五
在中國家庭教會中，「低調派」的基督徒是屬於「基要真理」派。他們注重福音，與「三自」的低調派有類似的立場，相信惟獨福音能改變人心和社會。我們記念這些較為持守政教分離立場的信徒，因知道自己在實力上的限制，故不願與政府有太多交往。求主讓他們在熱心廣傳福音時，看見神給他們的豐盛果實。
星期六
政府統計顯示，中國年齡15歲以下吸煙者就有1600萬，年齡13到15歲間的男性少年吸煙率幾乎高達三分之一。中國有不少學校，包括小學也不難在學校操場或門墻上看到以中國名牌香煙命名捲菸如中南海或利群等，香煙品牌的宣傳口號。青少年是所謂中國教會遺失的一代，許多的教會無法吸引青少年來教會，在教會長大的孩子一旦到了青少年時期就消失了。這是多麼可惜可悲的事實，求主幫助教會領袖們願意投資在青少年靈命工程上，鼓勵激發全教會積極融入青少年的事工。
星期日
中國國營煙草公司常以慈善捐獻名義對偏遠學校提供大量贊助。尤其多集中在四川、雲南，主要是建立「煙草希望小學」，學校不但有煙草企業標誌，也有橫書標語：「天才出於勤奮，煙草助你成材。」 孩子們在家看爸媽吸煙，在外又有朋友吸煙，自然也學會吸煙。我們為信徒有孩子抽煙的來禱告，更傷心的是孩子失去屬靈的胃口，不願意去聚會，甚至早已遠離神。求神不但垂聽我們祈求，更幫助那些有信心認真地禱告求主使用他們孩子的父母。
星期一
在2005中國有120萬人因抽煙有關而死亡，如繼續此趨勢，在2030年中國每年將有350萬因吸煙而死，那時中國幾乎會佔全世界抽煙死亡人數的一半。中國2011年在全國公共場所禁煙，但根本無人力執行，罰款也毫無見效。對一個信徒而言, 配偶不願停止吸煙是難過的。煙酒不過是外表行為，配偶不信神或是早已遠離主，靈命停滯才是痛心的事。這些信徒天天為配偶得救禱告，我們記念他們，求主加添他們耐心和信心，不放棄繼續禱告。
订阅：
博文 (Atom)