Prayer Request 7/24 - 7/30

Tuesday
It is said that even today fortune telling lies in a legal gray area and is the target of government crackdowns. Some local governments crack down on "superstition" along with pornography and crime. However, in contrast, Feng Shui, a variation of East Asian Buddhist and Taoist mystical practices fares well. There are still many Christians who believe in fortune-telling or pay attention to Feng Shui. We pray they will place their trust in pleasing God alone, believing that He is good and will protect us.
Wednesday
The belief in Feng Shui is endemic in Chinese communities throughout the world and influences many aspects of personal and even government activity. A recent example is that of a report that authorities in Hong Kong made payments to people living near construction sites as compensation for disturbing their Feng Shui. Buddhist and Taoist traditions and practices deeply influenced Chinese Christian lives in the world. We pray for Christians to have a great witness showing Jesus' love and compassion like a shining lamp in the darkness of the world.
Thursday
As believers in the coastal provinces of China become more financially well off, it is very common to see that their serving in the churches tends to become merely a routine as they lose the passion and love for God they once had. For example, many churches prepare a lunch for people to eat after the morning worship service on Sunday. Many now prefer to give an offering rather than serving or preparing the meals in the kitchen because it is inconvenient for them. We pray that God will help Chinese believers not to become lukewarm.
Friday
Police arrested several baby trafficking rings in Hebei. Hospitals provided examination to many pregnant women from rural regions, too poor to raise children. Doctors identified the gender of fetus and help arrange buyers for the babies delivered. Families buy babies because they are sterile or desire to have someone to care for them later in life. We lift up all the Christian couples who are unable to have children and feeling “excluded” in their church fellowship. May the Lord comfort them and strengthen their marriage.
Saturday
The price of a baby being sold is determined by the sex and the appearance of biological parents. Hospitals will arrange the buyer to view the birth mother. Hospitals also allow several bidders to get the highest price for babies. Chinese grandparents are very much a part of the arrival of new baby, because they will invariably help out with raising the little one. We pray that Christian grandparents are able to show the love of God and exert godly influence in their grandchildren life from the very beginning.
Sunday
Chinese police said, the market price of babies have skyrocketed because the repeated effort to crack down on selling of babies. The going price of a baby girl is nearly doubled to 30000-50000 yuans (9,000 USD). A baby boy is now sold for 70000-80000 yuan (13,000 USD). Chinese tradition favor boys, and this is exacerbated by the one-child policy. We want to remember in prayer for those Christian couples who are “disappointed” of having a girl and especially those who are under pressure from their parents, so they will know God has given them the very best.
Monday
Government limits what broadcasters may air during the prime-time hours from 730 to 10 pm, the so called “golden hours”. Officials impose two 30 minutes segments of news and limit the most popular game shows to no more than 90 minutes. Obviously, there are plenty of temptations and un-Biblical values in secular programs. We pray that Chinese preachers would have more Biblical preaching about how to encourage believers to love the Lord more, to care more about church and His Kingdom, rather than attacking the media or outright anti-cultural rhetoric.


星期二
即使在今天，算命仍然是中國政府取締的項目之一，立於法律的灰色地帶。一些地方官員將算命與打擊迷信，反色情和「打黑」列為同等。 但是，諷刺的是看風水卻是政府能接受的。迷信堪輿風水之說一向大量盛行於東亞的佛、道信徒之中。 還有不少基督徒仍是相信算命的，也頗注重風水。我們深知: 人的任何氣息存留，完全仰賴神的信實供應和全權掌控，求神幫助我們能單一的討祂的喜悅，全然信靠這位愛我們保守我們到底的天父。
星期三
風水在世界各地華人社區中頗為盛行，也深刻影響著個人、企業，甚至政府舉辦的各類活動。以近期報導的事件為例，香港當局竟然補貼施工地區的居民，來調整風水。華人信徒生活在受佛教和道教傳統習俗束縛極深的氛圍之中，周遭每一件事幾乎都受傳統宗教的影響。求主幫助每一位信徒都有美好的屬靈生命，見證神的信實。
星期四
不少中國沿海地區的教會，由於生活條件較好, 日久信徒對肢體事奉漸漸視為例行公事，失去了對主起初的愛心，服侍也缺乏熱情。例如每星期預備愛筳（做飯）的工作，就較多人願意奉獻金錢，用外包就可以了，因為省事方又方便；至於要親身投入的服事如敬拜、教主日學等，就有很多人推卻不願做。 求主幫助眾信徒，不要落在不冷不熱的光景中，凡尊重神，忠心照管神家的人，神必尊重、賜恩於他。
星期五
河北省多處抓獲販嬰集團。許多外地的孕婦來到醫院接受檢查，除了鑒別腹中胎兒的性別等，還幫助尋找可能的買主。這些媽媽們多是來自貧窮地區，養不起孩子。除了不育的家庭想購買嬰兒外，也有不少人買子養老。我們在禱告中特別紀念所有不育的信徒夫婦，他們常感到在教會團契中格格不入，甚至有被「排斥」的感受。願主親自安慰、扶持，使他們的婚姻關係更堅固，生活更甜蜜、融洽。
星期六
在販嬰巿場上，嬰兒的性別、生身父母的狀況都會影響價格，嬰販有時甚至帶著買主來看父母的長相，以確定價格。為了賣個好價錢，他們往往找來數個買主，價高者得嬰。中國的祖父母通常在新寶寶來到時，擔任協助照顧的角色，對幼兒身心靈的成長和發展影響力非常大。我們來為基督徒祖父母禱告，求神使用他們，以神的愛來照料孫子女在開啟階段的生活，並成為他們一生敬虔愛主的好榜樣。
星期日
因著去年開始公安加強對販嬰的打擊，最近販賣嬰兒的價格大漲，原來一名女嬰賣2萬到3萬元人民幣，而現在已經漲到3萬至5萬(9,000美金)；一名男嬰現在要賣到7萬到8萬元(13,000 美金)。傳統的重男輕女觀念，加上一胎政策，造成男嬰供不應求。我們記念信徒夫妻因生了女兒而「失望」，或是經歷雙方家長對求孫心切的壓力，求主讓他們深知，神已經將最好的給了他們。
星期一
政府命令限制晚間「黃金時段」電視廣播的內容。每晚7點半至10點的時段必須包含兩次30分鐘長的新聞播報，而相較輕鬆、受成千上萬中國觀眾所喜愛的娛樂節目則不能超過90分鐘。 娛樂節目中自然有許多的誘惑，和不討神喜悅的俗世價值觀，求主幫助教會領袖們看到靈性上的危機，更多深入聖經真理的教導，不是八股的反文化、反流行娛樂傳媒的講道，且要砥勵弟兄姐妹更多愛主，關心教會與神國事工的拓展。

Prayer Request 7/17 - 7/ 23

Tuesday
Nearly seven million students are graduating from universities in China this summer and there is much pressure on them to turn their newly-minted qualifications into well-paid jobs. The competition is increased by the ease with which nearly anyone in China can buy a fake degree. We pray today for those young believers who have graduated from college but have not found a job or are having difficulty finding work. May the Lord grant them faith to trust Him in all things and as they wait to find a job to continue to walk closely with Jesus.
Wednesday
Crooks in China not only rip off aspiring students, they also cater to businessmen who want to plump up their CV's. They will charge up to 190,000 yuan ($30,000 US) each for the diplomas they sell mainly to corporate executives. These businessmen pay up, go to a few classes, and then receive the diplomas without taking any exams. There is so much fakery in China and Christians themselves are not exempt from putting up a veneer of piety without having true godliness in their lives. We pray for genuine devotion and commitment to Jesus for ourselves and the believers in China as well.
Thursday
For those who cannot afford a degree from a fake foreign university, more than a hundred fake Chinese universities now offer diplomas for sale. Many of these places have websites and use names similar to those of real colleges. In every church there are believers who have been Christians but have failed to live a life committed to Jesus. We take this time to pray for those who are Christians in name only and we ask the Holy Spirit to also convict us of our shortcomings in living out His glory.
Friday
In hunting for a job in China today, a diploma can make all the difference between getting it or not getting it. In some cases, the fee-paying students know they are matriculating with a fake university but see it as an easy way to obtain a diploma. You can buy everything else in China, so why not buy academic qualifications? We know there is a cost to be a disciple of Jesus so we pray that every believer will learn what it really means to follow Him and that it is not just attending church or being born in a Christian home.
Saturday
Bogus degrees from non-existent colleges cause headaches for employers. Chinese people pay more attention to having a diploma than they do to having a real education. It is said, “A diploma is worth actual money whereas an education is not.” There are many training programs available for people who work in churches in China but finding a time to attend them is always a challenge for all pastors. Let us pray for all who are participating in these Bible or theological training courses that they will be more passionate about their ministry than they have been in the past.
Sunday
It is not a secret that college graduates in China cannot land a job without a connection of some kind. Having a diploma from some prestigious school does not help much because the employers find these graduates are not humble enough to work as a team with others. We know that higher education does not make a spiritual Christian. We want to pray specifically for those believers who are well educated that they will not look down on the less educated. We pray, too, that rural and urban churches will work more closely as partners in God's work rather than being far apart due to problems of education.
Monday
Churches in China have not been divided into denominations for nearly half a century. The idea of having denominations can bring cooperation among churches in the cities and villages allowing them to help each other in training, organization, and financial support. Rural churches can encourage city churches in their zeal for the Lord. We praise God for every kind of assistance be it small or great that churches have been receiving recently, like the network of churches that belong to and are supported by those in Wenzhou, especially the urban churches. We pray for their growth and revival.


星期二
今夏有近700萬名學子從高校畢業，剛取得畢業證書的人要找到一份好工作，存在著不小壓力。而在中國假文憑人手可得，讓就業競爭更加激烈。我們為所有大學畢業，尚未找到工作，或有困難找到合適自己專業的年輕信徒祈求。願主加添他們信心，凡事& 交託神，在等待神預備的時候，繼續與主同行。
星期三
一份假學歷的行情是人民幣19萬元（約3萬美元），交易對像除了想要名校文憑的學生外，要想讓簡歷增光的商人也是假文憑交易對像。這些高階主管只需付款，上幾堂課就可以拿到文憑，完全不需要考試。造假誇張的事一點兒也不新鮮。基督徒一不小心& ，也會墮入只有宗教的外表，卻失去敬虔生命的光景。求主憐憫、幫助我們在委身主耶穌時，都能有真實的擺上及全然地投入。
星期四
若想取得一些外國院校提供的假文憑，費用十分高昂。那些無力支付的人，可以從100多所虛假的本國學校中選一所來申請假文憑。這些院校當中，有很多還擁有自己的網站，他們採用的名稱也與那些真實的院校類似，藉以魚目混珠。每一個教會中都有所& 謂「掛名的基督徒」，在真正跟隨主上大有虧欠。我們要為所有靈命「根淺」的基督徒禱告，願聖靈時時提醒、催逼每一位信徒，時時反省、更新與主的關係，好叫我們都能活出主的榮美。
星期五
中國就業市場上有無文憑對謀職成敗影響甚大。在中國你可以用金錢買到任何東西，文憑也是一樣可用錢買得。有時候，支付學費的學子明知錄用自己的學校是虛假的，但仍舊認為是獲得「文憑」的捷徑，值得一試。基督徒在跟隨主耶穌上也知道必定# 5201;付代價，我們禱告：每一位信徒都能明白並實踐作門徒的真意，不只是單單上教會，或是出生於基督教的家庭那麼簡單，是真真實時的背起十字架來跟隨耶穌。
星期六
假文憑讓雇主頭痛。相較於接受真正的教育，中國人更關心的是文憑本身。一紙文憑可能帶來財富，而實質的教育則不一定使人發達。中國傳道人有不少培訓的機會，但牧者常有找不出時間參加的難題或藉口。我們為每一位參加聖經或神學培訓課程的 3416;員禱告，求主幫助他們因著他們的學習，在教會的服侍上力上加力，個人靈命也得以更新。
星期日
找工作需要靠關係早已不是新聞，擁有好的學歷 也未必能找到好的工作。部份原因是名校畢業生總有高人一等的態度, ，在團隊中難以搭配。受過較高等教育並不能使一個基督徒更屬靈。讓我們禱告：擁有高學歷的信徒能不輕看低學歷的信徒；中國城市與農村教會，不因教育、文化背景的差異而分離。願所有信徒連於元首基督,彼此能互相支援和幫補，同心建造神的家。
星期一
過去半世紀，中國教會沒有宗派。然而在未來中國教會發展上，宗派的形態可以促使城鄉的教會彼此合作，尤其是城市教會去幫助農村教會，比如在組織製度上、甚至經濟上的支援；而農村教會在對信仰的忠貞、火熱的愛心也能成為城市教會的激勵。 5105;們要為中國教會所得到的各樣資源及支持感恩，例如像溫州教會支援各處教會的模型，所建立的教會團隊。我們更為所有教會禱告，不論規模大還是小，懇求主賜下靈命的成長及復興。

Prayer Request 7/10 - 7/16

Tuesday
We praise God for the significant improvement in the quality of preachers and their sermons in the urban churches in China in the past two decades. However, there are still some visible problems which the churches face. Since there is a shortage of full-time pastors, many churches are cared for by believers who also work full time and help out in the churches on the weekends. Let us continue to pray for more preachers, full-time or part-time, who will be better equipped and trained to be pastors. We know God is faithful and He has a plan for the severe shortage of shepherds there.
Wednesday
The high percentage of new believers and the many young people in the new urban churches implies a great need for caring pastors. Many pastors are under great pressure because they must answer many calls, provide counseling, do visitation, prepare sermons, and share the gospel in other ways every day. Let us pray for personal renewal of all the workers in the Chinese churches. May the Lord refresh each one of them. We also lift up pastors who are struggling in their own marriages and/or with problems in their families.
Thursday
Urban churches in China all share the same problems which contribute to the fatigue and burnout of the pastors: the field is large, the demands of ministry are great, and the meeting points are often spread far apart. Few pastors actually have time to exercise and they are under great stress because their church ministries are deemed "illegal". God is good and we simply want to pray for both physical and psychological health for all pastors
Friday
Pastors in China face a great problem due to the household registration system imposed by the government, and the illegal status of house churches. Pastors are not entitled to medical insurance, or welfare benefits. In addition to that, their low salaries make it very difficult for them to be pastors. We pray for special blessings for church workers, for spiritual richness, for physical health, and that they will be great models for all the believers over whom they are shepherds. Knowing our Lord hears and answers prayer, we pray, too, for favor from people for them.
Saturday
So-called Christian dating websites can benefit young Christians and expand their circle of potential Christian friendships but they need to seek God's leading to avoid pitfalls and mistakes. Chinese churches usually don't even mention such subjects as dating, marriage, and sex. We pray that church pulpits can clearly deliver God's blueprint for marriage and that they will host more seminars to help believers know God's design for courtship and marriage.
Sunday
A huge problem for many church in China is that many of the sisters date non-believers and some even quickly marry men they met only a few months ago. Some soon become victims of abuse, divorce, and psychological and spiritual wounds. Churches need to have more dating and marriage seminars to help young believers know how to have a godly courtship and marriage. We pray for young Christian couples that they will be blessed with a marriage that is joyful and glorify God.
Monday
Gambling is illegal and strictly prohibited in China but gambling in the form of mahjong is ubiquitous and news of officials and wealthy businessmen gambling with astronomical sums of money abound. It is said that gambling is in the DNA of Chinese people. There are many stories of how gambling has wrecked a family. We want to pray for believers whose family members are addicted to gambling. May the Lord grant them deliverance from that bondage and bring healing to the wounds gamblers have caused in their families.


星期二
感謝神！中國的城市教會經過近二十年的發展，無論在傳道人無論在素質、講台質量上都提高許多。然而，傳道人在數量上仍然十分不足，受過完善裝備的傳道人更是短缺。因教會缺乏全職牧者，許多時候講台信息往往是由帶職事奉的弟兄姊妹負責。我們繼續求主差派更多全職或兼職的專業良牧來帶領群羊，也為目前這些願意守望神家需要的信徒禱告，求主幫助他們不單忠心照管神的家，成為群羊的榜樣，並且有更全面的訓練，按正義分解神的道。
星期三
由於城市新興教會的信徒多是第一代信主，且青年人的比例較高，所以牧養的需求非常大。現時傳道人的事奉量極重，每天接幾十個電話、個人輔導、探訪跟進、信息的預備、傳揚福音等等，常常使他們喘不過氣來。我們要為中國傳道人的身心靈禱告，願主親自加力，幫助他們能在主裡得著安息。我們也特別紀念那些在家庭上、婚姻上遇到難處的傳道人，求主不斷更新他們，給他們屬靈的洞見，曉得如何面對和處理。
星期四
城市新興教會普遍有以下這些情況：禾場太大、事工太多、聚會點分散等，導致許多傳道人疲於奔命。同時，傳道人也缺乏運動鍛練以致身體機能退化。還有，政治環境及安全因素也令他們心理承受較大壓力。我們求神保守賜福這些忠心為祂擺上一切的事奉者，深信神的恩典在軟弱的人身上顯得完成，祂也是人得力的源頭。
星期五
家庭教會傳道人的醫療保險、社會福利處於嚴重缺位狀態，加上在供應與資源上本來就比較不足，許多神的僕人承受著極不公的對待。求主記念、祝福這些忠心的傳道人，使他們的靈命豐盛、身心健康，能夠以身作則，作群羊的好榜樣，在牧養神的教會時，得眾民喜悅，使一切榮耀頌讚都歸與神。
星期六
時興透過所謂的基督徒婚友網絡來尋找配偶，這方法確實能擴展交友的圈子，但基督徒透過網站婚戀交友時，宜認真尋求神的引導，以免誤入陷阱或犯下不必要的錯誤。一般而言，交友，婚姻，性的教導，少在教會講壇信息中聽到。求主使用教會，以及各種專題講座，幫助信徒明白神設立幸福婚姻和家庭的原則，明白愛的真諦並行出來，引導戀愛中的信徒能行在神美好的旨意中。
星期日
與不信主的人談戀愛也是信徒所面對的一大危機。有的姊妹跟隨社會上「閃婚」（閃電結婚）的風氣，與結識僅僅數個月的不信主的男人結婚，後來遭丈夫毒打，要求離婚，最終身心受創。教會急需舉辦更多有關男女婚戀、兩性身心健康、家人關係等講座，幫助信徒同心經營合神心意的戀愛和婚姻家庭。也求主引領信徒夫婦，建立美滿幸福的婚姻關係 ，以信望愛與伴侶攜手走天路，榮耀神的名。
星期一
雖然賭博在中國是違法的行為，但是親朋好友圍坐一桌，交流感情、打發時間時，偶爾也會打麻將牌。有些貪官巨富們更遠赴海外，出手闊綽的千金豪賭，也是常有的時事八卦資料。中國人天性上的濫賭DNA似乎難以磨滅。太多因賭博而家破人亡，妻離子散的慘痛事例，正時刻警惕著我們，要切切為那些家中有賭徒的信徒來禱告，求神憐憫，使他們有智慧幫助賭徒家人，走出賭博的捆綁，醫治因賭癖造成的創傷，重新建造一個蒙福的人生。

Prayer Request 7/3 - 7/9

Tuesday
This month Hong Kong celebrates the 15th anniversary of its handover from Britain to Chinese sovereignty. The formula of "one country two systems" has worked quite well as is evidenced by the continued and remarkable growth Hong Kong has made both politically and socially. We thank the Lord for the growth of the church in Hong Kong during the past fifteen years and we sense that God is doing a mighty work among believers there, especially in their passion for helping the churches in China and sending out missionaries to overseas countries.
Wednesday
Fifteen years after the reunification of China and Hong Kong, there are still many problems which seriously affect the stability of society in Hong Kong. The economic boom did not improve the livelihood of a large group of people who are in the lower socio-economic segment of the population. As a result there are many continuing grievances. Although churches can be found in almost all neighborhoods, Christians in Hong Kong are still in a minority. We pray that believers will not become complacent but will continue to share the gospel of Jesus to their Buddhist neighbors.
Thursday
In an important step in the country's plan to build a permanent space station, China has successfully launched its first woman astronaut into orbit and that spacecraft successfully docked with another spacecraft. We take this time to pray for all of the ladies in churches in China. May the Lord add to their strength and faith as they continue to share the load of caring for God's people in churches, especially those without a full-time shepherd.
Friday
In some area, 80% of the farmers are older than 50 years old. They do not have access to modern technologies and are still farming in the most primitive ways. The average age of rural church workers are quite old as well. We pray for the older pastors, so they can pass on their rich spiritual experience, making improvement in how they communicate with the younger leaders, becoming the mentor and examples for them in faithful service to God, like Moses mentoring younger Joshua.
Saturday
In the past, rural Chinese churches grew mainly in personal salvation, love and passion to sharing the Gospel. Sharing of personal testimonies, especially how the Spirit comforts, convicts and guides is the core of the ministry. We pray for the growth of churches today, especially in how younger believers should be ministered to. We beseech the Lord for more caring, spiritually and physically, and pulpit teaching that is both relevant and solidly grounded in truth.
Sunday
Sunday Schools in rural Chinese churches badly need spiritual resources and well-trained teachers who understand Biblical truth and children's development and psychological needs. This is the greatest need and challenges many rural churches face. Rural churches really need to connect with the younger generation in their preaching and teaching. May the Lord give them wisdom in helping the young people living out the life of Jesus Christ in this pluralistic culture.
Monday
In comparison with rural churches, urban churches in China have the advantages in content of sermons and spiritual resources. Obviously, young believers in the cities receive more teaching and better care from their church, but they must be cognizant that God has greatly blessed them. We should boldly beseech the Lord that urban churches will be willing to share their resource, send some of their teachers to help those who have much less in the villages, and help them especially with youth ministry in the villages.


星期二
官方報導: 香港慶祝主權由英國回歸中國十五年，在「一國兩制」的政策下經濟成長、政治發展及社會變革等方面均有相當長足的進步。我們要為香港教會過去十五年的增長感謝主，主真是在香港眾信徒中做了奇妙的大事，使香港教會成為中國教會有力的支柱，更派出許多宣教士到海外各福音工廠宣揚救主那召萬民出黑暗入光明美德的宏恩，願主繼續賜福保守香港教會。
星期三
香港回歸十五年了，沉積多時的諸多關係到中低階層百姓的社會問題一直未見解決，已嚴重影響到香港社會的流動性和穩定性。經濟發展沒能帶來同步的民生改善，以致造成民怨累積。在普遍拜佛及信奉傳統宗教的香港，雖然幾乎所有社區都有教會，但基督徒仍然是少數。我們為香港信徒禱告，求主常鼓勵眾信徒不自滿自足、更有傳福音的負擔，並且不放棄向拜偶像的鄰居見證神。
星期四
神舟九號飛船發射升空也順利返回，這是中國盼望建立永久性太空站計劃的重要一步。三名航天員裡包括了第一位女性。我們再次在禱告中紀念中國教會中的姐妹，求主添加她們力量，賜下更多信心，能繼續分享神的大愛，關心信徒。尤其是在那些沒有全職牧人的教會中，她們分擔了教會牧養的重任，求主賜她們美好的靈性，時常支取主的恩典與智慧來服侍祂。
星期五
在一些地區，80%的農民都是50歲至70歲的老人。他們不懂現代農業技術，仍使用最原始的方法來耕種。中國農村教會所面對的一大問題是教牧人員的老年化。我們為年紀大的教牧人員來禱告，願他們能以豐富的屬靈生命，配合謙虛、開放的心態，在與年輕一代溝通和牧養上能有更多的互動和成長，如同摩西提拔年輕的約書亞，幫助年輕一代敬愛主，成為他們忠心服侍教會的美好榜樣。
星期六
農村家庭教會 以往的成長主要在體現蒙恩得救、單純的愛心和火熱的傳福音熱情。牧養上注重個人屬靈經歷，如聖靈在心靈裡的安慰、感動和帶領，傳遞的信息最為普遍的是個人見證。我們為現今的教會成長，特別是針對年輕信徒的牧養人上，求主賜下更多有全人的關懷和更能回應時代需要的講台信息，使這一代的信徒在真理上有穩固的根基，被建造得更完備、全面。
星期日
目前中國農村主日學缺乏足夠的屬靈資源和受過完整訓練的教牧師資，結合信仰真理和兒童成長的身、心理需求，將是主日學教牧們急切的需要和重大的挑戰。農村教會最需要的是，教會在講台的釋經講道內容要能更深入並貼近年輕一代的生活，願主幫助同工們更有智慧和見識，在多元化的群體和文化中活出強有力的基督生命見證。
星期一
現在中國城市教會日漸興起，在信息更新和屬靈資源上都遠遠優沃於農村教會。城市年輕人在享受著優厚牧養資源的同時，要切切謹記，相對於農村地區的缺乏，我們大大欠了福音的債！我們大膽地向主祈求：城市教會能幫助農村教會，提供更多的屬靈資源，也在人力上直接給予幫助. 差遣有良好裝備、有負擔和服侍心志的弟兄姊妹到農村去服事，牧養各地的青少年。

Prayer Request 6/26 - 7/1

Tuesday“Too few shepherds for many sheep” is an apt description for China churches. Many preachers are overloaded with ministry, suffering fatigue, depression and even illness. Let us remember in prayer for all the overworked Chinese pastors, male and female church workers. We ask the Lord to help them, refresh them as they face great stress and workload. May the Lord Himself renew and refresh their spirit.
Wednesday
There are plenty of stories of overworked pastors in China who have neglected their own families, and even resulted in broken marriages and children who went astray from God. All these cases are sad but powerful reminder for churches. We pray for wisdom for all these “busy” preachers, so they will know how to balance church and family, their family life can be a powerful testimony too. We too pray for many more church workers, to lighten the heavy loads many pastors face now.
Thursday
It is very common to see, as believers on the coastal provinces become more financially well off, their serving in church tend to become merely a routine, losing the passion and love they once had. For example, many churches prepare lunch after Sunday worship service. Many prefer to give offering, rather than serving and preparing meals in the kitchen. More believers stopped serving because it is not convenient for them. We pray that Chinese believers will not become lukewarm.
Friday
In some area, 80% of the farmers are older than 50 years old. They do not have access to modern technologies and are still farming in the most primitive ways. The average age of rural church workers are quite old as well. We pray for the older pastors, so they can pass on their rich spiritual experience, making improvement in how they communicate with the younger leaders, becoming the mentor and examples for them in faithful service to God, like Moses mentoring younger Joshua.
Saturday
In the past, rural Chinese churches grew mainly in personal salvation, love and passion to sharing the Gospel. Sharing of personal testimonies, especially how the Spirit comforts, convicts and guides is the core of the ministry. We pray for the growth of churches today, especially in how younger believers should be ministered to. We beseech the Lord for more caring, spiritually and physically, and pulpit teaching that is both relevant and solidly grounded in truth.
Sunday
Sunday Schools in rural Chinese churches badly need spiritual resources and well-trained teachers who understand Biblical truth and children's development and psychological needs. This is the greatest need and challenges many rural churches face. Rural churches really need to connect with the younger generation in their preaching and teaching. May the Lord give them wisdom in helping the young people living out the life of Jesus Christ in this pluralistic culture.
Monday
In comparison with rural churches, urban churches in China have the advantages in content of sermons and spiritual resources. Obviously, young believers in the cities receive more teaching and better care from their church, but they must be cognizant that God has greatly blessed them. We should boldly beseech the Lord that urban churches will be willing to share their resource, send some of their teachers to help those who have much less in the villages, and help them especially with youth ministry in the villages.
星期二
「羊多牧人少」現象是最能形容目前中國教會實際面臨的困擾，很多牧者肩負著過量的牧養工作，有些牧者出現過勞、憂鬱，甚至各類的疾病。我們來為眾多事奉擔子過重的牧者、男女傳道人禱告，求主幫助他們有從神而來的智慧與 能力來面對各樣服事的挑戰及壓力，更新他們的靈性並賜他們健康的身體，忠心為主而活。
星期三
中國教會需要關顧許多長年在外奔跑的牧者，他們過重的工作量往往無法好好照顧家人，甚至引起婚姻破裂和親子疏離，兒女離開主等家庭問題，失去了美好的見證。我們禱告求主賜給這些過勞的牧者們智慧，懂得平衡教會和家庭的服侍，讓他們的美滿家庭成為社區、教會中美好又榮神的見證。更是求主興起更多收莊稼的工人，好分擔許多牧者的事奉量。
星期四
中國沿海地區不少的教會，物質生活的條件較好, 日久他們的事奉漸漸變成例行公事，失去對主起初的愛，服侍也缺乏熱忱和動力。例如每星期主日預備愛筳（做飯）的工作就較少人愛做，寧可奉獻金錢；敬拜服侍，就更多人推卻不願做，因為怕麻煩。我們 禱告: 求主挑 旺弟兄姊妹事奉的心志， 幫助信徒不要落在不冷不熱的光景中，明白越付出， 自己受造就越多，靈裡越喜樂的屬靈原則。
星期五
中國的農民在某些地區，80%都是50歲至70歲的老人。他們不懂現代農業技術，仍使用最原始的方法來耕種。農村教會所面對的一大問題是教牧人員的老年化。我們為年紀大的教牧同工來禱告，願他們能以豐富的教牧經驗，與年輕一代在溝通和牧養上能有更多的互動和成長。尤其在屬靈生命的建造與承傳上，能成為導師，提攜新一代如同摩西提拔年輕的約書亞一般，幫助年輕一代愛主，以言行身教成為他們忠心服侍教會的美好榜樣。
星期六
農村家庭教會 以往的成長主要體現在蒙恩得救、單純的愛心和火熱的傳福音熱情，牧養上註重個人屬靈經歷，如聖靈在心靈裡的安慰、感動和帶領，傳遞的信息最為普遍的是見證。我們為現今的教會成長，特別是對年輕信徒的牧養，我們求主賜下更多有全人的關懷和更能回應時代的講台，使這一代的信徒在真理上有穩固的根基。
星期日
目前農村主日學缺乏足夠的屬靈資源和受過訓練的教導人員，將信仰真理和兒童成長心理需求結合將會是主日學教牧的需要和挑戰。農村教會最需要的是，教會在講台的釋經講道要能更加深入和貼近年輕一代的生活，願主幫助他們在多元化的群體和文化中活出基督生命的見證。
星期一
現在中國城市教會日漸興起，在信息更新和屬靈資源上都遠遠優越於農村教會。城市很多年輕人在享受優厚牧養的同時，要切切謹記，相比於農村地區，我們大大欠了福音的債！我們大膽的向主求，城市教會能幫助農村教會提供更多的屬靈資源，也在人力上直接給予幫助. 差遣有良好裝備，有負擔和服侍心志的弟兄姊妹到農村去，服侍牧養各地的青少年。

Prayer Request 6/19 - 6/25

Tuesday
In the past decade, the attitude toward sex and marriage in China has changed greatly in the name of liberation, romanticism, and self-gratification. Unfortunately, young people in the churches have adopted these wrong ideas. Let us remember the degradation of morality in China in our prayers. We pray that the churches of Christ can be lamps in the darkened society and that the Lord will guard the hearts of our young people so they will not be polluted by these adulterous influences.

Wednesday
Various kinds of web sites for Christian singles or for matchmaking which provide some Biblical content and teaching about courtship and marriage have sprung up in China. Although these sites do help to make up a large deficit in that area which the churches have failed to provide, we must pray for young Chinese believers in the area of dating and marriage. They need to trust God and have faith that He will certainly provide the right mate for them and that they should not let their lust get the better of them and step ahead of God.

Thursday
Chinese Christian dating websites offer some possibilities for success (and failures) in dating since they encourage readers to follow Biblical guidelines to seek to know God's will. But, on the other hand, there are also people who are outright non-believers who are looking for partners or marriage prospects. We pray that God will use these websites so young believers can find God's choice for them. We pray, too, that older believers will be more active in helping the young people to find friends who share their faith in Jesus.

Friday
Young Chinese believers are deeply influenced by Postmodernism and self-centered ideologies so they need much teaching about their responsibility for sex and marriage. Churches need to teach about the issues of premarital sex and being married to unbelievers. It is our prayer that the churches will not neglect nor be embarrassed to teach these truths to young people who need to learn about Christian courtship, the meaning of dating, and the importance of sexual purity.

Saturday
Because of immaturity, a lack of Biblical teaching, and worldly influences many young Christians fail in courtship and sin against God. They are hurt themselves or they hurt others. Premarital sex is now quite common and has become a vexing problem for pastors. We should pray for the courtship and marriage issue which these young believers face. May the Lord protect their hearts so they will not fail or lose their witness for Jesus. We know God is able to help them to be victorious in their desire to glorify God.

Sunday
Many Christians date and marry unbelievers. Some are ignorant of Biblical teachings while others merely succumb to social pressure to get married before they are too old. No matter what the reason is, churches must not neglect this problem but must teach Biblical views. In the past few years more churches are hosting seminars giving Biblical teachings on dating, sex, and marriage. We pray for more of these kinds of venues and that more young people will benefit from them.

Monday
Too many young believers in China fail in courtship, dating, and marriage. They face great temptations and are unable to live out their faith in the most intimate part of their lives which then leads to spiritual weakness and eventually to falling away from God. We must pray for the young believers that God will intervene and give them success in dating and marriage. We pray that churches will teach the true meaning of marriage and how to make Christ the head of the home so they can glorify God in their marriage.

星期二
在過去十年間，中國社會的婚戀觀起了很大的變化，許多新潮謬誤的觀念，披著自由自主、浪漫、自我滿足和前衛的糖衣令傳統的婚戀觀受到很大衝擊。中國教會的年輕一代無形中不能避免地，也接受了這些不合乎聖經教導的錯誤思想。讓我們在彎屈悖逆的世代裡，彼此儆醒守望，為中國社會的道德風氣禱告，願教會作一盞蒙神喜悅的明亮燈檯，在社會中發揮光與鹽的作用。也求主保守教會信徒，特別是新一代年輕人，不被潮流影響，勇於為真理站立穩固。

星期三
目前形形色色的基督徒婚戀交友網站及相關論壇，如雨後春筍般在中國出現。一方面幫助未婚信徒明白更多有關婚戀問題的聖經信息，一方面彌補了教會在牧養上的不足；也有肢體透過這些網站平台，與網友們討論、交流有關婚姻的立場和觀點。我們要為新一代的適婚信徒禱告，求主掌管他們的婚姻大事，不自以為是，衝動走在神的旨意之先，失去了神的祝福。也藉著等候的時刻，能深深體認神的大能，願意全心交託、信靠神的引領及預備。

星期四
透過各樣的基督徒婚戀交友網站，有信徒把自己戀愛的成功或失敗經驗與人分享，勉勵和教導人明白婚戀的聖經原則，並能按著神的心意尋找伴侶；但也有不少未婚的非信徒，直接在討論區裡公開提出尋找伴侶及徵婚的要求，並留下聯絡方法。 求主繼續使用這些基督徒交友及婚戀網站，讓新世代的年輕人明瞭神在信徒婚戀上的旨意，也求主興起年長信徒更關懷教會中適婚的年輕人，協助他們尋找到蒙神祝福的伴侶。

星期五
中國年輕信徒在婚戀上也受到不少後現代主義思潮的影響，看重自我感受，以自我為中心，急需對戀愛和婚姻的責任感和承擔力方面進一步提升。尤其在婚前性行為、及與非信徒結婚等大問題上，教會有刻不容不緩的導引責任。求主幫助教會能儘早教導信徒建立正確的婚戀態度，例如戀愛與婚姻的關係、戀愛的意義、情侶在交往中應有的聖徒體統、貞潔的重要性等，能在奠定幸福的蒙恩家庭第一步時，根基穩固。

星期六
不少年輕信徒因為缺乏處理感情問題上的經驗和聖經教導，又受到社會不良風氣多方面的影響，很容易犯錯得罪神，也常令自己和別人同受傷害和虧損。譬如現今信徒與交往中的對象發生婚前性行為的情況越來越多，常令牧者煩惱不已。我們為年輕信徒面臨到的各種婚戀問題與挑戰來禱告，求主保守信徒常謹守真道，不因隨從流俗或私慾而跌倒、失去見證，也求主賜他們有從神來的智慧和信心解決所面對的問題。

星期日
近年來，教會信徒與非信徒約會或結合的例子仍不少，有些是出於本身忽視聖經的教導，有些是受了社會風氣的影響。教會實在不能忽視這些問題, 應提供正確婚戀觀教育來裝備信徒。譬如舉辦系列講座，帶出聖經中正確的婚姻觀念、如何按神的心意尋找配偶、人的素質對戀愛和婚姻的影響等等， 求主使用教會透過更多此類的講座，幫助年輕信徒。

星期一
太多的年輕中國信徒在異性交友或婚姻上失敗、跌倒，也在面臨試探時無法勝過，以致靈命軟弱，無法實踐聖經的教導，信心漸漸冷淡、退後，甚至最後遠離神。讓我們為這一代的年輕信徒代禱，求神幫助他們有真智慧解決所面臨的問題，成就神在信徒婚戀上的美好旨意。教會也能夠透過提供各類教導，幫助信徒們明白愛情婚姻的真諦，有信心和真見識來尊基督為一家之主，建立美滿蒙福的理想婚姻關係，榮耀神的名。

Prayer Request 6/5 - 6/11

Tuesday
Quite a few Chinese believers feel very proud of China churches because China is now a economic and military power. A lot of church leaders take great pride in the great number of believers in their system. Pride is indeed a huge problem of China churches. May the Lord have mercy on us, take away the pride we all have, not to brag but give Him all the credit. The Lord gives us genuine humility, so we will not fall into the trap of the evil one and stand firm.

Wednesday
Admittedly, leaders of China churches in all levels must deal with their personal ambition, which is often misplaced, rather than the desire to do great things for God. It is sad to see church leaders "competing", having the tendency to see who is better, more follower and who has more seniority. The Lord have mercy and forgive us, so that we can all have the pure, single-mind and clean motive to serve Him and His sheep and awaits the great revival of the church.

Thursday
There is a fine line between the godly ambition and personal ambition. A church with large attendance can feature great speakers, bring in outside donation and support, and improves the compensation of coworkers. We pray for faithful servants on behalf of China churches, may they seek only the praise of the Master, and not from people. Protect our hearts, Lord, so our heart and motives are examined by you, protect us from fame and free us from greed.

Friday
A hidden crisis facing China churches is the tendency to seek instant gratification. Many believers wants immediate blessing from God, but not willing to pay the price of following Jesus. Many churches cater to that, preaching the easy Gospel, superficial and "practical" but lacking in deeper teaching. We praise God for the increase of numbers of believers, but the follow up and discipleship are much harder. Churches badly need more teachers to train, to grow and encourage new believers. We pray for those who teaches the introductory classes in church, the Lord help them in explaining God's truth well.

Saturday
In the past 20 years, many people from Wenzhou have migrated to Europe, many of them are Christians. These believers have shared their faith to other Chinese in Europe and started churches or meeting places in addition to doing their business. We praise God for Wenzhou believers, who have especially blessed by God, they have solid foundation, great models in serving, and God has richly bless them with wealth. May the Lord use them mightily, to be examples and channel of blessing for many churches. To God be the glory!

Sunday
People from Wenzhou are known for their knack as businessmen and believers from Wenzhou are known for their fervent love for the Lord. Wenzhou, the city is actually known as the “Jerusalem of China”. We pray for churches started or supported by Wenzhou believers, may the Lord use them mightily, bless their work and dedication, so the Gospel is advanced and many more believers are built up.

Monday
If church leaders are ambitious to expand church ministries for own gratification, or churches focus so much on numerical growth and programs much more than the emphasis on relationship with the Lord and salvation of souls, then these are not pleasing to Him. The Lord guards our hearts and mind, especially when He blesses us with growth and vibrant ministries, that none of us fall prey of the invisible pride. The Lord safeguards our church leaders from ungodly sense of achievement and discourage playing church politic.

星期二
許多信徒自認為目前中國經濟強大、國力強盛，也覺得中國教會頗有可誇之處。不少的教會領袖也以他們會友人數眾多為誇耀。現今中國教會自身隱藏的最大危機之一就是驕傲。 求主憐憫我們，挪去我們所有的驕傲， 不誇耀自己，而是感恩，將我們所享得的一切都歸榮耀給主。 再一次求主賜給我們真有一顆謙卑虛己的心，不落在那惡者的計謀，能站立得穩，成為流通愛與恩典的管道。

星期三
今日中國教會自身隱藏的危機之一是領袖們常有不合神心意的野心，而不是真正要為主做大事的雄心。倘若教會之間開始爭競，比較誰做得大，誰做得好，甚至論資排輩……那麼教會將陷入怎樣的境地？求主憐憫、赦免我們以世界的價值觀來混淆了自我的視野，不討神的喜悅。主教導我們，誰願為大就要服事最小的，看別人比自己強。願中國的眾教會都能保持當初單純、質樸、潔淨的心志，忠心事奉主和祂的群羊，以此迎接大復興。

星期四
野心與為神國度大發熱心的壯志雄心的確是很難分別, 追求卓越這是人之常情。 人數眾多的教會往往較能吸引著名的講員，易有國外的經濟支持與奉獻，而同工的待遇也的確有一定的保障。求主保守祂的教會及忠心的僕人們，專注單一地要討天上主人的讚美，而不是世人的誇獎。願主保守我們每一個信徒的心懷意念，常以天上不朽的獎賞為念，不被世界的名譽，錢財引誘，失去了神永恆的賜福。

星期五
教會自身隱藏的另一項危機是信仰速食化。不少信徒都願意追求從神而來的祝福，卻不願付上代價。現在的中國教會，似乎越來越追求「快」了。其結果就是使主的真道變得膚淺、表面、「實用」。感謝主，近年信主的人很多，然而探訪、跟進、門徒訓練都是極為不易的。求主興起更多願意投入門徒訓練、栽培、跟進事工的人，也為許多教會能看重信徒基要真理的裁培來祈求，願主裝備、供應所需的師資和資源。

星期六
近年許多溫州人移居歐洲，其中很多是基督徒。他們除了做生意之外，當然也積極向歐洲的中國人傳福音， 在各地建立了不少教會或是聚會點。我們特別為溫州背景的信徒祈求， 感謝神特別恩待他們，賜他們有美好的信仰基礎，在教會中成為事奉的好榜樣，神也悅納他們愛主所擺上的心志。願主繼續大大使用他們，成為眾教會祝福的管道，願將一切榮耀都歸給天父。

星期日
溫州人很懂得做生意，而溫州信徒事奉的火熱也是出名的，所以溫州有「中國耶路撒冷」之稱。我們特別記念溫州信徒參與的教會，願 神大大賜福他們，因著他們的全心擺上，福音能更大地廣傳，也使更多的信徒得到建造。也求主把救人靈魂的負擔與急迫感放在每一個信徒心中，效法溫州教會的熱心，共同為主的大使命畫上一份心力。

星期一
倘若教會的領袖，將發展教會作為滿足自己野心的手段；倘若教會開始注重人數增長與事工效果更甚於注重與主的關係和靈魂的拯救，這就不討神的喜悅了。求主保守我們的心懷意念，當教會增長，事工興盛時，不被隱形的「驕傲」佔據，教會領袖們也要提防以個人的成就感取代神國異象的使命感，在 教會間避免玩弄人際關係的手段，得罪神及玷污了神的聖工。