7/1

文化大革命期间，人们惟一容许的娱乐就是观赏被认可的八部「样板戏」。毛泽东把这些样板戏变成有效的爱国宣传工具。这些经典戏剧现今再一次流行起来，甚至在年轻人的圈子里亦如是。1950至1970期间，基督教受到极度逼迫，但信徒数目仍能增长，这确实是神的工作。新一代信徒对过去的历史和认识已变得相当模糊。我们求神挑旺他们对神的热心，尤胜过去。

During the Cultural Revolution the only sanctioned entertainment was watching the eight government approved renditions of "Revolutionary Opera". Mao used it very effectively as patriotic propaganda and today these classic operas are enjoying resurgance in popularity even among young people. The way the number of Christians increased during the severe prosecution of that period from 1950 to 1970 was truly God's work. The new generation of believers has little memory or knowledge of the past. We pray that God will stir up in them a passion for Himself that will rival that of the old days.

6/30

中国最近出现了一股对毛泽东时代的怀旧潮。年轻人戴红卫兵帽蔚为一种潮流。还有一些文革主题的餐馆也出现了，它们刻意标榜简单粗糙的菜肴，馆内还有革命歌曲和革命舞蹈表演。教会界也有很多老信徒仍「缅怀」文革时期被逼迫的日子，念记往昔信众对神的热心。我们要赞美神的美善，在过去四十年保守着中国教会。求神祝福教会处在当今顺境时，也能像昔日般不断成长。

Recently China has had a resurgence of nostalgia for the Mao era. It is the fashion for young people to wear hats such as the Red Guards wore. There are some restaurants that feature Cultural Revolution style dishes that are simple and coarse. They also include revolutionary songs and dances in their entertainment. Many older Christians remember those days with nostalgia because then believers were zealous for God. We praise God for His goodness to the church in China in the past forty years. May she grow in these good times as she did in those difficult times.

6/29

每年有许多教会建筑物因老化或所属社区进行活化而需重建。由于当地经济复苏，为教会兴建新建筑筹款并不难，教会也拥有建筑物的业权。然而，教会一 旦有了新堂，会众往往转移焦点，较难全心事奉，也较易在商议过程中，如教会重建或迁址等产生分歧。让我们为所有需要乔迁新居的教会祷告，求主保守会众有合 一的心志，不因拥有新建筑物而矜夸，并善用新设备，借各项事工继续为主发光。

Every year, many existing church buildings need to be rebuilt because they are too old or the neighborhoods they belong to are being revitalized. As the local economy improves, congregations are able to give generously. Donations for a new building is usually not a problem. A great majority of these churches are registered churches who own their properties outright. Yet, it is often noted that after the new church is built, members lose focus and become less committed in serving the Lord. Division also happens whenever there is a major project , like a church relocation or rebuilding. Let us pray for all the churches who have moved into newer buildings. Pray for their ministries, unity of spirit and not being prideful to other churches.

7/5

卡拉OK歌厅不仅是娱乐场所，也是人们缓解工作压力或年轻人以歌传情示爱的地方，在中国非常的红火。由于中国人大多在表达感情方面比较含蓄保守，因此人们选择在卡拉OK歌厅的单独包间内放声高歌，藉以传情。年轻一代信徒时尚现代形式的崇拜，常导致教会新旧两代出现裂痕。让我们祈求教会领袖能敏锐察觉年轻人文化上的转变，能顾及新一代的需要。

Karaoke parlors are extremely popular in China because it is an form of entertainment, where people unwind or young lover meet in private and sing. Chinese are generally reserve people, but in the privacy of these enclosed rooms, they can belch out songs for hours. Younger generation of believers are looking for the more contemporary worship style. Many churches face the "clash" between the old and the young. Majority of Chinese churches are very traditional and conservative in worship. We pray that church leadership will be sensitive to the changing culture and the need of young believers.

7/3

最近一项调查显示，中国人对情感表达显得「腼腆害羞」。最好的例子就是，虽然母亲的形象在中国文化中占据重要地位，但多数人觉得要向母亲表达感谢和敬爱时都会感到「很别扭」。很多教会都有合一的问题。国内的肢体或许不会公开地对抗，但他们会拒绝合作或服从。从事工的角度看，易流于各自为政不愿意顺服、同心。 求主使我们谦卑下来，愿意多表达我们对属灵领袖的感激和关爱。

A recent survey confirm that Chinese are "hesitant and reserve" in expressing their emotion. A perfect example is, Chinese mother play hugely important role culturally, but majority of people feel extremely awkward expressing their appreciation or love for their mothers. Many churches have problem with unity because Chinese believers may not express their opposition openly, but they will refuse to cooperate or follow. In terms of ministry, Chinese are non-confrontational but are too proud to follow. May the Lord give us humility and willingness to express our appreciation and love for our spiritual leaders.

6/28

中国教会不见增长有许多原因，有人归咎于会众老龄化，或教会设备简陋–只摆几张凳子，没有空调设备；新朋友难获接纳，不易融入群体。也有人认为： 讲坛不能针对知识份子的需求，也不能回应时代的需要。很多教会的同工对于不能吸引留住新朋友也感到沮丧。更新教会非一朝一夕可蹴，没有灵丹妙药。让我们祈 求上帝能按祂心意帮助教会在质和量上都增长。也与灰心的人一同仰望，愿教会能同感一灵，有同一异象，继续忠心事奉、等候神行奇妙大事。

One reason many churches are unable to grow is because their members are mostly old people. Church facilities are appalling and spartan, having simple stools on a bare floor without air conditionin g. Newcomers find it both difficult to fit in and be accepted. The preaching also does not target those with higher education; the sermons are not socioculturally relevant. Many church workers are frustrated because they are not able to attract and retain newcomers. Revitalizing old churches is not a simple task and there is no quick solution. We pray that God will answer the prayer of those who are seeking church growth. For those who feel frustrated, we pray along with them, for church unity and vision for growth, as they serve faithfully and wait upon the Lord to do great things.

6/27

在中国，每六个城市就有一个出现食水短缺。全国有400多个城市供水不足，110个严重缺水。另一危机是工业废物严重污染河道及水源的问题，政府 正尝试处理，但牵涉面复杂而成效果不彰。耶稣说：「人若喝我所赐的活水就永远不渴。」很多教会精于传讲神的话，却少有能真正连结日常生活，讲道流于形式 化。让我们特为负责讲台教导的同工祷告，愿神赐下自己的话语，带着属灵的能力权柄供应新鲜、丰盛的灵粮，推动落实生活实践，以美好见证荣耀神。

 

Saturday One in six cities in China have a fresh water supply issue. There are 400 cities that lack an adequate amount of fresh water. 110 cities have a serious chronic shortage of water supply. Pollution of water sources and rivers with industrial waste is another issue the government is trying to tackle with mixed results. Jesus said, "I am the living water. Whoever comes to me will not thirst." Many churches preach the Word of God but fail to connect the Scripture with daily life applications. Sermons are often the same and similar. Let us pray for powerful teaching of the Bible in every church. We must pray for those who preach and teach first. May the Lord give them a thirst to study and apply God's Word first, not just think that they are fulfilling an obligation.