Tuesday
In a recent survey of the math, science, and reading test scores of students from various countries, students from Shanghai were at the top in all subjects while students from Hong Kong ranked in the top three. Education experts attribute the high results for Chinese students to a "unique dedication to education of Chinese parents". Chinese parents devote much attention and effort to the education of their child. We pray that Christian parents will realize that God desires to have our children love and serve Him and will likewise devote attention to teaching them spiritual things.
Wednesday
Eighty percent of the high school students in Shanghai are taking extracurricular studies or attend cram schools to prepare for the college entrance examination. Their parents usually closely supervise their nightly homework which averages three to four hours daily. Eighty percent of the high school students in Shanghai go on to college--among the highest in all of China. We pray the Lord will bless the Christian parents who do their best to help their children with their education. May He remind us all that He has a good plan for our children and help us to trust Him for that plan rather than just asking Him to bless them.
Thursday
Shanghai began to provide free education for the children of migrant workers last year, a thing previously unheard of in China. This year in the public schools in that city, students whose parents are not residents of Shanghai outnumber those who are residents. Many parents in rural churches feel their children will never have a good education. Above all, it is our responsibility to teach our children to fear God. May the Lord give us assurance that He will take care of our children and their futures.
Friday
According to an international survey of forty countries, “How's Life?” ranked China last in a report aiming to offer a picture of how people subjectively assess their lives. The survey used indicators ranging from income to jobs, housing, education, environment, health, and security as elements to measure the well-being of people. It is easy for Christians to forget to give thanks for everything they have. In the same vein, it is easy for believers to be critical of their church and the people in it as well. We pray that believers will be truly thankful and learn to accept those who disagree with them in the church.
Saturday
Although China has become the world's second largest economy, it still lags behind developed countries in living standards. The income of people in China is lower than that of people in developed countries but prices are often higher. Take housing as an example, many Chinese people will probably never be able to own their own house. Buying a home for their only child is now the passion and a big goal for parents in China. We pray for those believers who do not own a home. May the Lord help them to know that He has not forgotten them and may they learn to trust God for everything they need.
Sunday
In terms of their "satisfaction with life", people in China have to deal with the worry of safe food. There are many scandals regarding recycled cooking oil, poisonous milk powder, and pork with questionable origins that have rocked the confidence of consumers in the food they buy. This is unheard of in developed countries. It is natural for average Chinese people to be cynical about what they buy and eat. May the Lord grant all of us the peace and faith to know that He is faithful to care for us and that "God's blessing adds no anxiety".
Monday
China's one-child policy is a bit of a misnomer. In most cities couples are allowed only one child but there are exceptions. Couples in which both partners are single children are allowed to have two children. There are also some Christian families who have after much prayer, decided to have more than one child so they have to pay the penalty for it as well as paying for the education of the "extra" child. We lift these families in our prayers as they try to instill Biblical values in their children's lives and determinate to love them as a special gift from the Lord.
星期二
最近發佈的國際性學生評估項目(PISA)測試，在數學、科學和閱讀的測試，上海學生在各個科目中全都名列第一。而香港學生則排名在第三名。教育專家把這樣的成績歸功於「中國父母對教育的全心投入遠高於其他國家的父母」。中國家長們對孩子的教育是如此的投入和關注。讓我們禱告基督徒家長對於神的心意也是如此的投入和關注，知道神盼望我們的孩子能夠一生愛祂、服事祂。
星期三
上海的中學有80%以上的高年級生參加課外輔導班。此外他們每天還在家長的密切監督下做3到4個小時的家庭作業。上海高中畢業生約有80%進入大學就讀,遠高於全國的平均大學升學率。求神讓基督徒父母也能盡最大的努力教育神所賜的兒女。知道神在孩子的生命中已有最好的計劃，相信主會帶領他們走人生道路, 而不只是單單要求神祝福、保佑孩子屬世上的亨通發達。
星期四
從去年開始，上海是中國第一個向所有外來人口的子弟提供免費義務教育的城市。今年公立小學裡的外來人口學生數首次超過了設籍上海的孩子。許多農村教會的家長，覺得子女因為他們沒有好的教育機會而永遠無法出人頭地。 求主賜給農村信徒們願意為主養育敬畏神的後代，相信祂信實的應許，照顧我們的孩子，引領他們一生。
星期五
根據一份全球性權威調查，包括40個國家的人民生活品質報告：中國老百姓對生活的滿意度排名倒數第一。該項調查的衡量標準包括收入、就業、教育，環境，醫療，住房等11項指標。對基督徒而言，忘記「凡事謝恩」是我們常犯的毛病。信徒在教會中也是如此，弟兄姐妹之間,彼此挑剔不合,不能相愛。求主賜給我們一顆感恩的心，學會用數算恩典的心態來感激神與別人的付出，並尊重、接納那些在主裡和我們有不同意見、看法的弟兄姐妹。
星期六
中國目前雖然已經是世界第二大經濟體，但老百姓的生活水平，和己開發國家還有一段差距。中國人收入並不比己開發國家的人民多，但物價卻比他們高；許多人辛苦一輩子，很可能還買不起房子。為子女買房,已經是中國父母天經地義的任務與生命目的。我們特別為那些買不起房子的信徒禱告，願神賜給他們信心，學會信靠神，體驗神並不放棄或忽略他們，神必供應我們一切所需。
星期日
論及所謂的生活品質滿意度，中國許多的老百姓曾經吃到而且可能還正在吃著地溝油、毒奶粉、問題豬肉，這樣的現象在己開發國家是不會有的, 而他們的人民也完全不需要擔心有這樣的事發生。中國老百姓對所買的食物沒有信心是能了解的。求主賜給信徒們屬天的平安，也有信心, 相信神的照顧是美善的，是不改變的，如同箴言十章22所說, 我們有信心「耶和華神所賜的福，使人富足，並不加上憂慮。」
星期一
中國的一胎化政策其實有例外情況，雖然在大多數城市裡，夫婦一般只允許生一個孩子，但是如夫妻雙方均是獨生，他們則有機會獲准生兩個孩子。有些基督徒家庭，經過禱告後，決定生第二個孩子，他們清楚知道有罰款，也要為孩子的教育費用張羅。我們為這些「超生」的家庭禱告，求主堅固他們的信心，認定孩子是神所賜的產業，並為主教養敬虔的後裔。
2011年10月25日星期二
2011年10月18日星期二
Prayer Request 10/18 - 10/24
Tuesday
The regulatory agency for radio and TV stations in China has demanded great self-discipline from those station in handling any commercials that claim to boost virility. They say that commercial advertisements should not be aired under the guise of a news report or as an interview on the news and that news anchors should never endorse products for commercials. It is nearly impossible to avoid any advertisements related to sex in China. They are found on telephone poles in villages and even on the walls of elementary schools. We pray for purity and holiness for all believers, especially for those who are young and that we will all flee from all forms of sexual immorality.
Wednesday
Many in China argue that China's one-child policy is increasingly damaging since the balance between young, middle-aged and old people is becoming skewed causing the birthrate to fall below the level needed to replace the population. The churches in China in consequence have fewer children. We must pray about this alarming phenomenon. May the Lord revive His church and burden church leaders to reach out to and focus on young families with children. More churches need to put a greater emphasis on their Sunday school ministry and use more of their resources there.
Thursday
Some parents are allowed a second child if their first is a girl or they suffer "hardship", a criterion determined by local officials. Minority groups such as Tibetans or Ughurs are permitted a second, and sometimes a third child, no matter the sex of the first one. Who will share the gospel with the Tibetan or Urghur children? They are really the most difficult group to reach of all of the "unreached people groups". We pray for a softening of hearts and open doors for those who minister to these two groups.
Friday
The combination of a strong cultural preference for boys and ultrasound imaging has led to a nationwide problem of couples identifying and aborting female fetuses so that their sole permitted child is a male. Young Christian couples face tremendous pressure from their parents to produce a made child, too. We pray especially for those who have girls. May the Lord give them confidence and joy that God gave them the very best and it is His will that parents raise up Godly children whether they are boys or girls.
Saturday
Guangdong province has consistently had some of the worst sex ratios of all of China. Normally 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. In 2010 Guangdong had 119males babies for every 100 females. Churches in this most populous province need much prayer. People in Guangdong are known for being affluent and extremely busy. May the Lord revive believers there and give them a burden to share the gospel and not be ashamed of His name.
Sunday
The boom in Guangdong has sucked in large numbers of young migrants from elsewhere. However, children and elderly migrants are deterred from moving there by the household-registration or hukou system. Prostitution and co-habitation are definitely worse there than in other parts of China which also presents a great temptation for believers. Let us pray for those who work alone in Guangdong that they flee sexual temptation, guard their hearts and stay in fellowship with believers.
Monday
Most demographers think the one-child policy has imposed huge costs on China. The 2010 census showed that population growth was even slower than they had expected, rising just 0.57% a year over the past decade. Churches in China are known for having many old and female believers. Many elderly people become homebound and unable to attend church. We pray for the joy and abiding presence of the Lord for all of these old saints, and that they will continue to have a strong testimony before their families.
星期二
中國官方下令各級電視廣播機構自律，嚴禁播放宣傳任何提高男女性功能的產品廣告，或是出現主持人「叫賣」違規廣告等。在中國與性有關的廣告幾乎無處不在，就是鄉間小學的牆壁和電桿上都有，幾乎不可能避免看到。求主保守眾信徒的心思意念(尤其年輕信徒)，靠主謹慎自守，追求聖潔，約束自己的心，遠避一切的邪慾淫行。
星期三
近年，中國社會開始討論一胎化政策是否需要修改，因為目前的生育率太低造成人口減少，不但影響中國人口結構，各年齡層的比率更嚴重失衡。教會信徒的孩子數目比率之低也特別嚴重，願主復興祂的教會，加給教會領袖負擔，有智慧牧養有子女的年輕家庭。更求主幫助教會重視第二代事工，願意在主日學事工上投入更多資源。
星期四
中國部份地區開始通容第一胎是女孩或有某些「特殊難處」的家庭生第二個，可由地方官員酌情處理。此外，少數民族（如藏族，維吾爾族）不論第一胎是男是女，亦可以生兩個，甚至三個孩子。我們要問有誰願意去與這些少數民族的兒童分享基督耶穌的福音？他們是極困難分享福音的族群，是真正的「未得之民」。讓我們為這些民族能有柔軟的心禱告，求主為有志投入聖工的人，廣開傳福音的大門。
星期五
在中國傳統的重男輕女價值觀下，再加上產前超音波掃描技術的進步，導致夫婦在懷孕初期便終止女性胎兒的生命。雖然中國法律禁止此行為，但人工流產情形卻依然嚴重。年輕信徒夫婦也面臨其父母要生男孩傳宗接代的巨大壓力。我們特別為那些有女兒的家庭禱告，願主加添他們信心與喜樂，堅定相信神為人預備是最好的。願每位信徒家長明白神的心意，不論是男孩或女孩，神是要父母教養孩子敬虔愛主。
星期六
廣東省一直有嚴重的性別失衡問題。中國整體的男女出生比率是105男嬰對100個女嬰，但在2010年，廣東省的出生比率卻是119個男嬰對100個女嬰。廣東人較富裕，生活繁忙是中國聞名的。我們為處於人口眾多的省份的教會禱告，願主興起信徒，看見莊稼已經熟了，能夠體貼主耶穌焦急的心腸，不但為神的事工擺上更多禱告，且在傳福音上更有負擔，不以主耶穌基督的名為恥。
星期日
廣東經濟發展蓬勃，吸引了大量來自各省的年輕農民工，但這批工人家中的孩子及長者，卻因戶口制度問題，無法跟著遷居到廣東。廣東的色情業和同居率之高也是出名的，對血氣方剛的青年人有極大的誘惑。我們為單身在廣東工作的信徒禱告，求主保守他們逃避性的引誘，能常參與聚會，與主內肢體相互扶持，彼此守望。
星期一
許多人口學專家均認為，中國為其一胎化政策付上了沉重代價。2010年的人口普查顯示，中國人口增長速度遠遠少於政府預期的，在過去十年中，中國每年的人口增長僅0.57％。中國教會老人多和姐妹多是眾所周知的。現時許多老信徒沒有家人帶他們外出，更無法上教會。讓我們在禱告中記念他們，願神自己的同在，賜下的平安和喜樂，幫助這些年長的聖徒們，繼續在家人中為祂作美好的見證。
The regulatory agency for radio and TV stations in China has demanded great self-discipline from those station in handling any commercials that claim to boost virility. They say that commercial advertisements should not be aired under the guise of a news report or as an interview on the news and that news anchors should never endorse products for commercials. It is nearly impossible to avoid any advertisements related to sex in China. They are found on telephone poles in villages and even on the walls of elementary schools. We pray for purity and holiness for all believers, especially for those who are young and that we will all flee from all forms of sexual immorality.
Wednesday
Many in China argue that China's one-child policy is increasingly damaging since the balance between young, middle-aged and old people is becoming skewed causing the birthrate to fall below the level needed to replace the population. The churches in China in consequence have fewer children. We must pray about this alarming phenomenon. May the Lord revive His church and burden church leaders to reach out to and focus on young families with children. More churches need to put a greater emphasis on their Sunday school ministry and use more of their resources there.
Thursday
Some parents are allowed a second child if their first is a girl or they suffer "hardship", a criterion determined by local officials. Minority groups such as Tibetans or Ughurs are permitted a second, and sometimes a third child, no matter the sex of the first one. Who will share the gospel with the Tibetan or Urghur children? They are really the most difficult group to reach of all of the "unreached people groups". We pray for a softening of hearts and open doors for those who minister to these two groups.
Friday
The combination of a strong cultural preference for boys and ultrasound imaging has led to a nationwide problem of couples identifying and aborting female fetuses so that their sole permitted child is a male. Young Christian couples face tremendous pressure from their parents to produce a made child, too. We pray especially for those who have girls. May the Lord give them confidence and joy that God gave them the very best and it is His will that parents raise up Godly children whether they are boys or girls.
Saturday
Guangdong province has consistently had some of the worst sex ratios of all of China. Normally 105 boys are born for every 100 girls. In 2010 Guangdong had 119males babies for every 100 females. Churches in this most populous province need much prayer. People in Guangdong are known for being affluent and extremely busy. May the Lord revive believers there and give them a burden to share the gospel and not be ashamed of His name.
Sunday
The boom in Guangdong has sucked in large numbers of young migrants from elsewhere. However, children and elderly migrants are deterred from moving there by the household-registration or hukou system. Prostitution and co-habitation are definitely worse there than in other parts of China which also presents a great temptation for believers. Let us pray for those who work alone in Guangdong that they flee sexual temptation, guard their hearts and stay in fellowship with believers.
Monday
Most demographers think the one-child policy has imposed huge costs on China. The 2010 census showed that population growth was even slower than they had expected, rising just 0.57% a year over the past decade. Churches in China are known for having many old and female believers. Many elderly people become homebound and unable to attend church. We pray for the joy and abiding presence of the Lord for all of these old saints, and that they will continue to have a strong testimony before their families.
星期二
中國官方下令各級電視廣播機構自律，嚴禁播放宣傳任何提高男女性功能的產品廣告，或是出現主持人「叫賣」違規廣告等。在中國與性有關的廣告幾乎無處不在，就是鄉間小學的牆壁和電桿上都有，幾乎不可能避免看到。求主保守眾信徒的心思意念(尤其年輕信徒)，靠主謹慎自守，追求聖潔，約束自己的心，遠避一切的邪慾淫行。
星期三
近年，中國社會開始討論一胎化政策是否需要修改，因為目前的生育率太低造成人口減少，不但影響中國人口結構，各年齡層的比率更嚴重失衡。教會信徒的孩子數目比率之低也特別嚴重，願主復興祂的教會，加給教會領袖負擔，有智慧牧養有子女的年輕家庭。更求主幫助教會重視第二代事工，願意在主日學事工上投入更多資源。
星期四
中國部份地區開始通容第一胎是女孩或有某些「特殊難處」的家庭生第二個，可由地方官員酌情處理。此外，少數民族（如藏族，維吾爾族）不論第一胎是男是女，亦可以生兩個，甚至三個孩子。我們要問有誰願意去與這些少數民族的兒童分享基督耶穌的福音？他們是極困難分享福音的族群，是真正的「未得之民」。讓我們為這些民族能有柔軟的心禱告，求主為有志投入聖工的人，廣開傳福音的大門。
星期五
在中國傳統的重男輕女價值觀下，再加上產前超音波掃描技術的進步，導致夫婦在懷孕初期便終止女性胎兒的生命。雖然中國法律禁止此行為，但人工流產情形卻依然嚴重。年輕信徒夫婦也面臨其父母要生男孩傳宗接代的巨大壓力。我們特別為那些有女兒的家庭禱告，願主加添他們信心與喜樂，堅定相信神為人預備是最好的。願每位信徒家長明白神的心意，不論是男孩或女孩，神是要父母教養孩子敬虔愛主。
星期六
廣東省一直有嚴重的性別失衡問題。中國整體的男女出生比率是105男嬰對100個女嬰，但在2010年，廣東省的出生比率卻是119個男嬰對100個女嬰。廣東人較富裕，生活繁忙是中國聞名的。我們為處於人口眾多的省份的教會禱告，願主興起信徒，看見莊稼已經熟了，能夠體貼主耶穌焦急的心腸，不但為神的事工擺上更多禱告，且在傳福音上更有負擔，不以主耶穌基督的名為恥。
星期日
廣東經濟發展蓬勃，吸引了大量來自各省的年輕農民工，但這批工人家中的孩子及長者，卻因戶口制度問題，無法跟著遷居到廣東。廣東的色情業和同居率之高也是出名的，對血氣方剛的青年人有極大的誘惑。我們為單身在廣東工作的信徒禱告，求主保守他們逃避性的引誘，能常參與聚會，與主內肢體相互扶持，彼此守望。
星期一
許多人口學專家均認為，中國為其一胎化政策付上了沉重代價。2010年的人口普查顯示，中國人口增長速度遠遠少於政府預期的，在過去十年中，中國每年的人口增長僅0.57％。中國教會老人多和姐妹多是眾所周知的。現時許多老信徒沒有家人帶他們外出，更無法上教會。讓我們在禱告中記念他們，願神自己的同在，賜下的平安和喜樂，幫助這些年長的聖徒們，繼續在家人中為祂作美好的見證。
2011年10月11日星期二
Prayer Request 10/11 - 10/17
Tuesday
Although in the past farmers were not allowed to sell directly to customers in the cities without paying other fees, the premier of China recently went to the Farmers' Marker in Beijing and encouraged the farmers to sell their produce directly to urban consumers in order to lower retail prices. Many urban believers use going to the market as an excuse for not going to church. We pray for those believers who are lukewarm or inconsistent in attending services. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts and remind them that God loves them and desires all of us to put Him first above all other things we do.
Wednesday
The consumer price index (CPI), a main guage of inflation in China, rose 6.2 percent for the year ending in August which is much greater than the government's target of four percent for the year. Food prices account for about a third of this rise. The price of vegetables has remained stubbornly high this past year. When people feel that everything is more expensive, believers tend to feel less generous in their giving at church. We remember all those who are living on a fixed income, as well as those who are retired or dependent on their children for support. May the Lord give them great faith to trust Him to provide for all of their needs.
Thursday
"Xinhua Zidian" from the very first edition in 1953, it has mirrored social, political and economic changes in Chinese society and government. The first print run of the most influential Xinhua Chinese dictionary counts 4 million copies. As the Chinese language changes, the most popular and beloved version of Bible (Union) is nearly a century old. Many of the terms used are archaic or seldom used today. We pray that Christian faith can be communicated effectively in modern language, both inside the church, to the younger generations and to the non-believers.
Friday
In this new edition, all terms associated with class struggle, and hence do not correspond to China today, have been deleted. For example of the pronoun “Zanmen” (all together): in the 2004 edition, the sample given for its meaning was: “All together, we the poor have revolutionized our village.” It is now changed to: “All together, we have become rich in our village.”We praise the Lord for the dramatic changes and improvement in rural China in the past 30 years. We know spiritual revival does comes and goes, but we still pray rural churches will stay healthy, believers will grow mature spiritually and God's revival will come again.
Saturday
Of all the criminal cases in China, those involving corrupt officials sentenced to death arouse the greatest interest. There are plenty of morbid examples of how the public cheered for the recent death sentences for the two deputy mayors to outright demand of executions of corrupt officials. Chinese, believers included, are too bloodthirsty to give up the death penalty as the favorite punishment or method for sweet revenge. May the Spirit convict us all, so we do not just accuse those who steals a lot, but rather be ever reminded that it is the grace of God that protects us from temptations and sins.
Sunday
China leads the world in the number of corrupt officials sentenced and executed each year. But, judging by the seemingly endless "public demand" for such punishment and the surging popular anger, it would seem that there is actually not enough of it. Chinese knows death penalty cannot stop corruption, but still demands it, such cynicism merely perpetuates itself. May the Lord grant us a constant desire for holiness.
Monday
Strictly speaking, China has no "justice," relying only on "political law" in punishing corrupt officials. The so-called "double regulation" (the Communist Party's disciplinary procedure) means that sentences are delivered under the guidance of the Communist Party's, and that the code of criminal procedure is only a reference. Many believers feel cohabitation is acceptable and no longer a God's commandment. May the Lord convict us of all the "double standards", excuses we have, so we will be separated from all manners of sin, darkness and corruption.
星期二
從前農民不許直接在一般巿場販賣產品，現己取消此規定。最近中國總理訪問了北京郊區的周末蔬菜直銷市場，他要求減少農民和社區市民的中間環節，鼓勵更多農民將產品直銷到市場、學校、與社區。一來可降低巿場價格，二來農民的獲利較高。不少城市信徒不去聚會的理由之一是週日需上市場買菜。我們特別為那些靈命冷淡或許久不參加聚會的信徒代禱，願神的靈提醒、催逼，盼望他們能因神的愛將祂自己放在生命的首位。
星期三
中國居民消費價格指數（CPI），即通貨膨脹主要指標，在今年八8月份，比去年上升了6.2%，遠遠高於政府想控制的4%目標。其中食物佔了消費物價指數約三分之一的比重，蔬菜價錢在2011年一直都居高不下，物價上漲亦影響到信徒減少奉獻。我們在禱告中記念所有靠固定收入養生過日子的肢體們，尤其是退休或依賴子女經濟支援的信徒。願主賜他們信心，堅信上帝必供應他們的一切需要。
星期四
中國民眾最熟悉的《新華字典》最近推出第11版。新華字典具有反映中國社會、政治和經濟的變革,乃最有影響力的中國字典。在1953年的初版印刷量就己高達400萬份。中國教會使用最廣泛及信徒最愛的聖經，仍然是已經有一個世紀歷史的和合本。中文己有極大的變化下，和合本使用的字句許多都巳老舊或不易為這世代人所理解。我們祈求能藉著現代的語言更有效地傳達基督的信仰，讓教會中的年輕一代及慕道友能更明白真道與基督的愛。
星期五
在最新一版的《新華字典》，所有與階級鬥爭有關聯的句子，因已不符合現今中國的狀況,全都被刪除。例如代名詞「咱們」，在2004年版本所使用的例句是：「咱們窮人已經解放了村子」，新版則改為：「咱們使我們的村子富起來。」過去的30年，農村有了急劇的變化和改善，為此我們感謝神。雖然屬靈的復興是有時間性，但我們還是為農村教會禱告， 希望農村教會保持聖潔，成熟的信徒增加及神的復興即將再來。
星期六
在中國所有的犯罪事例中，涉及腐敗官員的審判總能激起人們最大的注意。病態的例子很多：例如民眾為蘇杭兩名副市長被判處死刑而歡呼，或是網上要求槍斃所有的貪官。中國人因認為這是最大快人心的報仇，以牙還牙，以眼還眼的想法，仍存在於大多數人的觀念中，包括在基督徒在內，求聖靈幫助我們存心謙卑恩慈,不專著眼指控別人的過犯,再次提醒自己，全是神的恩典免了我們的罪債，又保守我們不為誘惑和罪惡所勝。
星期日
中國腐敗官員判處死刑的案件數量是全球第一。不過從「公眾需求」和民意衝擊來看，這些判決與死刑的執行似乎還不足以平息人民的憤恨。明知死刑不能喝阻貪污腐敗，但中國老百姓仍堅持要維持這樣的刑罰，真是十分嘲諷與矛盾的現象。求主憐憫更是提醒我們信靠祂的人，不為金錢網羅、罪惡引誘，要恆渴慕及追求神的公義與聖潔。
星期一
政府在處理腐敗官員時，嚴格說來並未依循司法的标准，而是以「政治」為主要考量。共產黨有套特殊的調查程序，意味著共產黨的紀檢部門主導判決的結果，刑事訴訟只是個过程。信徒中也有不少人認為，婚前同居沒什麼大不了，忘卻了神要求我們對婚姻誓約的尊重。求聖靈光照我們，看見自己在生活中也慣用「雙重標準」及不合神喜悅的理由自圓其說。幫助我們脫離黑暗，棄絕曖昧及所有不討神喜悅的事。
Although in the past farmers were not allowed to sell directly to customers in the cities without paying other fees, the premier of China recently went to the Farmers' Marker in Beijing and encouraged the farmers to sell their produce directly to urban consumers in order to lower retail prices. Many urban believers use going to the market as an excuse for not going to church. We pray for those believers who are lukewarm or inconsistent in attending services. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts and remind them that God loves them and desires all of us to put Him first above all other things we do.
Wednesday
The consumer price index (CPI), a main guage of inflation in China, rose 6.2 percent for the year ending in August which is much greater than the government's target of four percent for the year. Food prices account for about a third of this rise. The price of vegetables has remained stubbornly high this past year. When people feel that everything is more expensive, believers tend to feel less generous in their giving at church. We remember all those who are living on a fixed income, as well as those who are retired or dependent on their children for support. May the Lord give them great faith to trust Him to provide for all of their needs.
Thursday
"Xinhua Zidian" from the very first edition in 1953, it has mirrored social, political and economic changes in Chinese society and government. The first print run of the most influential Xinhua Chinese dictionary counts 4 million copies. As the Chinese language changes, the most popular and beloved version of Bible (Union) is nearly a century old. Many of the terms used are archaic or seldom used today. We pray that Christian faith can be communicated effectively in modern language, both inside the church, to the younger generations and to the non-believers.
Friday
In this new edition, all terms associated with class struggle, and hence do not correspond to China today, have been deleted. For example of the pronoun “Zanmen” (all together): in the 2004 edition, the sample given for its meaning was: “All together, we the poor have revolutionized our village.” It is now changed to: “All together, we have become rich in our village.”We praise the Lord for the dramatic changes and improvement in rural China in the past 30 years. We know spiritual revival does comes and goes, but we still pray rural churches will stay healthy, believers will grow mature spiritually and God's revival will come again.
Saturday
Of all the criminal cases in China, those involving corrupt officials sentenced to death arouse the greatest interest. There are plenty of morbid examples of how the public cheered for the recent death sentences for the two deputy mayors to outright demand of executions of corrupt officials. Chinese, believers included, are too bloodthirsty to give up the death penalty as the favorite punishment or method for sweet revenge. May the Spirit convict us all, so we do not just accuse those who steals a lot, but rather be ever reminded that it is the grace of God that protects us from temptations and sins.
Sunday
China leads the world in the number of corrupt officials sentenced and executed each year. But, judging by the seemingly endless "public demand" for such punishment and the surging popular anger, it would seem that there is actually not enough of it. Chinese knows death penalty cannot stop corruption, but still demands it, such cynicism merely perpetuates itself. May the Lord grant us a constant desire for holiness.
Monday
Strictly speaking, China has no "justice," relying only on "political law" in punishing corrupt officials. The so-called "double regulation" (the Communist Party's disciplinary procedure) means that sentences are delivered under the guidance of the Communist Party's, and that the code of criminal procedure is only a reference. Many believers feel cohabitation is acceptable and no longer a God's commandment. May the Lord convict us of all the "double standards", excuses we have, so we will be separated from all manners of sin, darkness and corruption.
星期二
從前農民不許直接在一般巿場販賣產品，現己取消此規定。最近中國總理訪問了北京郊區的周末蔬菜直銷市場，他要求減少農民和社區市民的中間環節，鼓勵更多農民將產品直銷到市場、學校、與社區。一來可降低巿場價格，二來農民的獲利較高。不少城市信徒不去聚會的理由之一是週日需上市場買菜。我們特別為那些靈命冷淡或許久不參加聚會的信徒代禱，願神的靈提醒、催逼，盼望他們能因神的愛將祂自己放在生命的首位。
星期三
中國居民消費價格指數（CPI），即通貨膨脹主要指標，在今年八8月份，比去年上升了6.2%，遠遠高於政府想控制的4%目標。其中食物佔了消費物價指數約三分之一的比重，蔬菜價錢在2011年一直都居高不下，物價上漲亦影響到信徒減少奉獻。我們在禱告中記念所有靠固定收入養生過日子的肢體們，尤其是退休或依賴子女經濟支援的信徒。願主賜他們信心，堅信上帝必供應他們的一切需要。
星期四
中國民眾最熟悉的《新華字典》最近推出第11版。新華字典具有反映中國社會、政治和經濟的變革,乃最有影響力的中國字典。在1953年的初版印刷量就己高達400萬份。中國教會使用最廣泛及信徒最愛的聖經，仍然是已經有一個世紀歷史的和合本。中文己有極大的變化下，和合本使用的字句許多都巳老舊或不易為這世代人所理解。我們祈求能藉著現代的語言更有效地傳達基督的信仰，讓教會中的年輕一代及慕道友能更明白真道與基督的愛。
星期五
在最新一版的《新華字典》，所有與階級鬥爭有關聯的句子，因已不符合現今中國的狀況,全都被刪除。例如代名詞「咱們」，在2004年版本所使用的例句是：「咱們窮人已經解放了村子」，新版則改為：「咱們使我們的村子富起來。」過去的30年，農村有了急劇的變化和改善，為此我們感謝神。雖然屬靈的復興是有時間性，但我們還是為農村教會禱告， 希望農村教會保持聖潔，成熟的信徒增加及神的復興即將再來。
星期六
在中國所有的犯罪事例中，涉及腐敗官員的審判總能激起人們最大的注意。病態的例子很多：例如民眾為蘇杭兩名副市長被判處死刑而歡呼，或是網上要求槍斃所有的貪官。中國人因認為這是最大快人心的報仇，以牙還牙，以眼還眼的想法，仍存在於大多數人的觀念中，包括在基督徒在內，求聖靈幫助我們存心謙卑恩慈,不專著眼指控別人的過犯,再次提醒自己，全是神的恩典免了我們的罪債，又保守我們不為誘惑和罪惡所勝。
星期日
中國腐敗官員判處死刑的案件數量是全球第一。不過從「公眾需求」和民意衝擊來看，這些判決與死刑的執行似乎還不足以平息人民的憤恨。明知死刑不能喝阻貪污腐敗，但中國老百姓仍堅持要維持這樣的刑罰，真是十分嘲諷與矛盾的現象。求主憐憫更是提醒我們信靠祂的人，不為金錢網羅、罪惡引誘，要恆渴慕及追求神的公義與聖潔。
星期一
政府在處理腐敗官員時，嚴格說來並未依循司法的标准，而是以「政治」為主要考量。共產黨有套特殊的調查程序，意味著共產黨的紀檢部門主導判決的結果，刑事訴訟只是個过程。信徒中也有不少人認為，婚前同居沒什麼大不了，忘卻了神要求我們對婚姻誓約的尊重。求聖靈光照我們，看見自己在生活中也慣用「雙重標準」及不合神喜悅的理由自圓其說。幫助我們脫離黑暗，棄絕曖昧及所有不討神喜悅的事。
2011年9月28日星期三
Prayer Request 9/27 - 10/3
Tuesday
An emphasis on saving is a deeply entrenched virtue in Chinese culture. It is estimated that an average Chinese family saves 25% of its disposable income or six times that of a typical American family and three times that of a typical Japanese family. This strong emphasis on saving money in a way affects how a Chinese believer gives to God and trusts Him to provide for his or her needs. Most churches in China are poor not because their members do not have any money. May the Lord have mercy on all of us, especially those churches not able to expand their work. We pray the Spirit will convict us of a lack of faith in our giving to God.
Wednesday
New statistics show that the younger generation of Chinese are just as frugal as their parents and save just as much. Urban households headed by 25-year-olds and older are said to save almost thirty percent of their disposable income. Those that have a son tend to save even more, to prepare to buy an apartment for him when he is ready for marriage. Young Chinese couples appear to be willing to spend but they will cut down on other expenses to make their mortgage payment which is a form of forced saving. Let us pray for all the young believers that they will not just look to God for material blessings but will be rich in many good works.
Thursday
When employers in China select their employees, they prefer graduates from one of China's thirty-nine most elite universities. This open preference for graduates from these prestigious institutions in a way tells the graduates of all other colleges and universities that they are inferior and undesirable. When young people from rural churches attend colleges in the cities, many stop attending church or are lost to the church. May the Lord grant His grace to rural churches and the parents who attend there. May they not give up praying for their young people who left their church but remember how the Lord has blessed them with opportunities to further their education so they can return to serve Him.
Friday
The declining proportion of rural students in Chinese universities is a symptom of unfair competition in China's educational system. Under the current planned hierarchical system, the road to top universities will always be narrow and rough for rural students to take. Simply put, rural students can get a college education but that does not help them to get a good job. Although rural believers understand the importance of their children's education, they have little or no resources to help them get it. It is our prayer that all of us parents will not only do our job but will also help our children to have faith in God Who will answer our prayers and provide what we need to raise Godly children.
Saturday
According to the official estimate, there are about 230 million rural laborers in the cities of China. Their average wage is about $218 USD monthly. Although some rural residents attend college or join the military to escape poverty in the countryside, the vast majority of them go to the city to find work. It is little wonder that the churches in rural China are in rapid decline as the young men leave. We pray for the "typical" rural churches that are left with the very old, very young, and women. May the Lord in His miraculous working continue to keep His churches alive and sustain those believers who remain.
Sunday
Rural residents (mostly the males) work in the cities but are unable to take their families with them to live because they cannot afford the housing costs, education for their children, and the hukou system which restricts residency there. So they must abandon their spouses, parents, and children to go to the cities to work. Temptations abound for rural believers who work in the cities, are separated from their families and are usually united only once or twice a year. Let us pray that they will be faithful to God and to their spouses. May the Lord comfort and sustain them in their hard and often harsh work.
Monday
At the present there are 87 million "remaining villagers" (Liushou Renkou which means those villagers who stayed behind in the rural areas while their family members went to work in the cities) nationwide in China. This includes 20 million children, 47 million women, and approximately 20 million seniors. Let us pray for Christian mothers who have to raise their children alone since their husbands are gone to the city to work. May the Lord give them wisdom, extra strength, and special grace because besides the children they have to take care of the fields on both sides of the family also.
星期二
中國勤儉儲蓄的是眾所周知的事。據估計，一般中國家庭平均將可支配收入25％儲蓄，是美國家庭儲蓄率的六倍，是日本家庭儲蓄率的三倍。中國人儲蓄的觀念其實間接地影響弟兄姊妹對奉獻的態度，許多教會奉獻不多，並非是信徒貧窮。求主憐憫，尤其是那些不是真正貧窮，卻無法憑信心開展事工的教會，願聖靈光照，讓我們的信心不再貧窮。
星期三
最新的報告顯示，中國的年輕一代居然也跟他們的父母親一樣的節儉，注重儲蓄。在城鎮，以25歲為主人的家庭，他們的儲蓄率幾乎達到30％可支配收入。有兒子的家庭儲蓄率更高，特別是花在購買房子上。 年輕人外表上看起來比老一輩的肯花錢，但是他們卻願意省吃儉用付房貸，這對他們而言是另一種儲蓄的方法。讓我們在禱告中記念那些甘心樂意在神事工上富足更勝於世上物質上祝福的年輕弟兄姊妹們。
星期四
中國人看重學歷，公司或單位招聘新人時優先錄取是來自39所國家重點大學的畢業生。這種名校的迷失，把其他一般學校同學的發展道路埋沒了。農村青年進城讀書，信仰流失嚴重，停止聚會的也不少。求主恩待農村教會，尤其是這些青年人的父母，激勵他們不停止為這些在外求學的青年人禱告，也求神保守這群能受高等教育年輕人， 能不間斷地來事奉主。
星期五
農村生上大學的問題，背後其實是大學公平競爭的問題，在計劃體制、等級教育的政策下，不要說農村生，城市學生的大學路都越走越窄。農村信徒也明白孩子教育的重要性，只是自己毫無能力，也無資源能幫助孩子。我們為這些為人父母，在教養上的重擔，求主特別幫助他們，也求主垂聽這些父母在神面前的祈求。
星期六
據國家統計，2009年度全國農民工總數約2.3億人，每月平均收入為人民幣1417元。現時，農村人口往往通過上大學、參軍等途徑進入城市，但更多是透過打工的形式離開農村，盼望提高家庭收入，以擺脫貧窮的生活。 大批的年輕人離鄉進城打工，這也難怪農村教會的人數日見稀少。“典型”的農村教會常常只剩下老少婦孺。我們求神在祂的家中施行作為，並繼續挑旺“留守的信徒”。
星期日
由於戶籍、住房、教育政策等等限制，進城打工的農民若要攜家帶眷在城市立足，並非易事。所以許多農民工不得不把家人留在農村，自己單槍匹馬到城市闖蕩。絕大部份農村信徒在城市打工，常年在外（一年僅回家相聚一、兩次），實在有極大的引誘及試探。我們為他們能敬畏神，忠誠對待配偶來祈求，願主賜下安慰，幫助他們勝過身心靈的疲憊和孤單。
星期一
因著男丁進城打工，農村便形成了一個以婦女、兒童和老人為主體的留守群體，被戲稱為“386199部隊”，“ 38”即婦女，“61”指兒童，“99”代指老人。目前全國約有8700萬農村留守人口，其中包括2000萬留守兒童、2000萬留守老人和4700萬留守婦女。我們為農村的主內母親來禱告，當丈夫常年不在家時，願主額外加添她們智慧、力量和恩典。 除了養育兒女之外，還要做農事，照顧雙方的老人。
An emphasis on saving is a deeply entrenched virtue in Chinese culture. It is estimated that an average Chinese family saves 25% of its disposable income or six times that of a typical American family and three times that of a typical Japanese family. This strong emphasis on saving money in a way affects how a Chinese believer gives to God and trusts Him to provide for his or her needs. Most churches in China are poor not because their members do not have any money. May the Lord have mercy on all of us, especially those churches not able to expand their work. We pray the Spirit will convict us of a lack of faith in our giving to God.
Wednesday
New statistics show that the younger generation of Chinese are just as frugal as their parents and save just as much. Urban households headed by 25-year-olds and older are said to save almost thirty percent of their disposable income. Those that have a son tend to save even more, to prepare to buy an apartment for him when he is ready for marriage. Young Chinese couples appear to be willing to spend but they will cut down on other expenses to make their mortgage payment which is a form of forced saving. Let us pray for all the young believers that they will not just look to God for material blessings but will be rich in many good works.
Thursday
When employers in China select their employees, they prefer graduates from one of China's thirty-nine most elite universities. This open preference for graduates from these prestigious institutions in a way tells the graduates of all other colleges and universities that they are inferior and undesirable. When young people from rural churches attend colleges in the cities, many stop attending church or are lost to the church. May the Lord grant His grace to rural churches and the parents who attend there. May they not give up praying for their young people who left their church but remember how the Lord has blessed them with opportunities to further their education so they can return to serve Him.
Friday
The declining proportion of rural students in Chinese universities is a symptom of unfair competition in China's educational system. Under the current planned hierarchical system, the road to top universities will always be narrow and rough for rural students to take. Simply put, rural students can get a college education but that does not help them to get a good job. Although rural believers understand the importance of their children's education, they have little or no resources to help them get it. It is our prayer that all of us parents will not only do our job but will also help our children to have faith in God Who will answer our prayers and provide what we need to raise Godly children.
Saturday
According to the official estimate, there are about 230 million rural laborers in the cities of China. Their average wage is about $218 USD monthly. Although some rural residents attend college or join the military to escape poverty in the countryside, the vast majority of them go to the city to find work. It is little wonder that the churches in rural China are in rapid decline as the young men leave. We pray for the "typical" rural churches that are left with the very old, very young, and women. May the Lord in His miraculous working continue to keep His churches alive and sustain those believers who remain.
Sunday
Rural residents (mostly the males) work in the cities but are unable to take their families with them to live because they cannot afford the housing costs, education for their children, and the hukou system which restricts residency there. So they must abandon their spouses, parents, and children to go to the cities to work. Temptations abound for rural believers who work in the cities, are separated from their families and are usually united only once or twice a year. Let us pray that they will be faithful to God and to their spouses. May the Lord comfort and sustain them in their hard and often harsh work.
Monday
At the present there are 87 million "remaining villagers" (Liushou Renkou which means those villagers who stayed behind in the rural areas while their family members went to work in the cities) nationwide in China. This includes 20 million children, 47 million women, and approximately 20 million seniors. Let us pray for Christian mothers who have to raise their children alone since their husbands are gone to the city to work. May the Lord give them wisdom, extra strength, and special grace because besides the children they have to take care of the fields on both sides of the family also.
星期二
中國勤儉儲蓄的是眾所周知的事。據估計，一般中國家庭平均將可支配收入25％儲蓄，是美國家庭儲蓄率的六倍，是日本家庭儲蓄率的三倍。中國人儲蓄的觀念其實間接地影響弟兄姊妹對奉獻的態度，許多教會奉獻不多，並非是信徒貧窮。求主憐憫，尤其是那些不是真正貧窮，卻無法憑信心開展事工的教會，願聖靈光照，讓我們的信心不再貧窮。
星期三
最新的報告顯示，中國的年輕一代居然也跟他們的父母親一樣的節儉，注重儲蓄。在城鎮，以25歲為主人的家庭，他們的儲蓄率幾乎達到30％可支配收入。有兒子的家庭儲蓄率更高，特別是花在購買房子上。 年輕人外表上看起來比老一輩的肯花錢，但是他們卻願意省吃儉用付房貸，這對他們而言是另一種儲蓄的方法。讓我們在禱告中記念那些甘心樂意在神事工上富足更勝於世上物質上祝福的年輕弟兄姊妹們。
星期四
中國人看重學歷，公司或單位招聘新人時優先錄取是來自39所國家重點大學的畢業生。這種名校的迷失，把其他一般學校同學的發展道路埋沒了。農村青年進城讀書，信仰流失嚴重，停止聚會的也不少。求主恩待農村教會，尤其是這些青年人的父母，激勵他們不停止為這些在外求學的青年人禱告，也求神保守這群能受高等教育年輕人， 能不間斷地來事奉主。
星期五
農村生上大學的問題，背後其實是大學公平競爭的問題，在計劃體制、等級教育的政策下，不要說農村生，城市學生的大學路都越走越窄。農村信徒也明白孩子教育的重要性，只是自己毫無能力，也無資源能幫助孩子。我們為這些為人父母，在教養上的重擔，求主特別幫助他們，也求主垂聽這些父母在神面前的祈求。
星期六
據國家統計，2009年度全國農民工總數約2.3億人，每月平均收入為人民幣1417元。現時，農村人口往往通過上大學、參軍等途徑進入城市，但更多是透過打工的形式離開農村，盼望提高家庭收入，以擺脫貧窮的生活。 大批的年輕人離鄉進城打工，這也難怪農村教會的人數日見稀少。“典型”的農村教會常常只剩下老少婦孺。我們求神在祂的家中施行作為，並繼續挑旺“留守的信徒”。
星期日
由於戶籍、住房、教育政策等等限制，進城打工的農民若要攜家帶眷在城市立足，並非易事。所以許多農民工不得不把家人留在農村，自己單槍匹馬到城市闖蕩。絕大部份農村信徒在城市打工，常年在外（一年僅回家相聚一、兩次），實在有極大的引誘及試探。我們為他們能敬畏神，忠誠對待配偶來祈求，願主賜下安慰，幫助他們勝過身心靈的疲憊和孤單。
星期一
因著男丁進城打工，農村便形成了一個以婦女、兒童和老人為主體的留守群體，被戲稱為“386199部隊”，“ 38”即婦女，“61”指兒童，“99”代指老人。目前全國約有8700萬農村留守人口，其中包括2000萬留守兒童、2000萬留守老人和4700萬留守婦女。我們為農村的主內母親來禱告，當丈夫常年不在家時，願主額外加添她們智慧、力量和恩典。 除了養育兒女之外，還要做農事，照顧雙方的老人。
2009年7月12日星期日
7/13
中国基督徒常面临从不信主家庭成员而来的巨大反对。年轻信徒害怕被父母发现他们是基督徒，成年基督徒也面临年迈父母甚至自己孩子的抵制。传统中国 强大的家庭关系对归信基督的人非常不利，尤其是那些来自佛教家庭的人。 （佛教现在中国十分壮大）让我们为那些必须在耶稣和家人之间作出选择的弟兄姊妹祷告，求神赐他们坚强的信心能在逆境中成长，也有勇气大胆地向家人分享基督 的信仰。
In China believers face great opposition from non-believing family members. Many young people are afraid their parents will find out they are believers and adults face pressure from their elderly parents or even their own children. Traditionally strong family ties work against those who convert to Christianity, especially those from Buddhist families. ( Buddhism is going very strong in China now.)We pray for strong faith for all believers who must choose between Jesus and their families. May the Lord comfort them, help their faith to grow in adversity, and even give them the courage to boldly share their relationship with God.
2009年7月11日星期六
7/12
在中国，自杀现已成为人口第五大死因。每年约有25万人死于自杀，还有更多的人自杀未遂。导致自杀最常见的原因来自家庭和婚姻问题，其次是失业和 金钱问题。中国的基督徒往往认为选择自杀的人是弱者，以至于对意图自杀者缺乏怜悯之心。求神帮助中国的教会能以神的恩慈同情并积极向正为生活问题绝望无助 的人伸出援手。
Suicide is now the fifth leading cause of death in China. Every year 250,000 die of suicide and just as many more attempt kill themselves. The most common reason for committing suicide is family and marriage problems with loss of jobs and money running a close second. Since Chinese Christians tend to feel that those who turn to suicide are basically weak, they tend not to feel pity for them. Let us pray for people in the churches to have compassion and a willingness to help those who are desperately seeking solutions and answers for problems in their lives.
2009年7月10日星期五
7/11
中国一向南涝北旱，「南水北调」是自三峡工程后，中国近期展开的庞大水利工程，以缓解北方水资源严重短缺问题。受工程影响，单是河南段，便有 21.1万人口需重新迁配。中国农村教会一向受困于贫穷，需倚赖外来支援。许多河南教会受到异端邪教攻击，教会分裂及年轻人转往城市打工等问题困扰，灵性 变得软弱。让我们特别在祷告中记念他们的困境。
Following the Three Gorges Dam project, China has embarked on the ambitious undertaking of diverting the water from the Yellow River to a drought-prone province up north. In Henan province alone, 210,000 people will be relocated. Historically, Chinese rural churches are impoverished and are supported externally. We put all the churches in Henan into the Lord's hands. Many have been weakened by attacks of cults, divisions within the church, or the exodus of young people to cities to find jobs.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)