Tuesday
The schools in China are finally abandoning a system for honor students called "Three Good Students". For decades all Chinese students and their parents strove to earn that designation. Many Chinese born after 1980 or 1990 remember how much honor was associated with earning such a distinction. A student who consistently earned this honor received preferential treatment by getting promotions and academic recognition. All Chinese parents are under tremendous pressure to see their children succeed academically. We want to pray for those parents whose children do not get good grades or are simply unable to be academically competitive. We pray that God will relieve the anguish of these parents and give them faith to trust Him knowing that God will not abandon their children and that He has a purpose for their lives.
Wednesday
The criteria for being selected as a Three Good Student are: good political ideology and moral character, good grades, and good health. The Three Good Student system was begun in 1954 by the Communist party with the purpose of promoting students at all levels to be loyal to the party. A student designated as a Three Good Student has also become synonymous with "a good kid, good student". Much of the learning in Sunday schools in China mirrors that of the methods of teaching used in regular school so the students get knowledge about the Bible and are taught to behave well, but their true spiritual development is overlooked. They are not allowed to ask difficult questions about their Christian faith. Let us pray for all Sunday school teachers to model their faith, to encourage their students in their Christian lives, and to strive to be friends to their little brothers and sisters.
Thursday
The incidence of cleft lip in China is relatively high, about 1-2 cases for every 1000 newborns. It is estimate that China has 1.7 million cleft lip patients which make it the most common congenital malformations. Under the One-child policy, the birth of the cleft-lip child brings tremendous pressure and guilt to the parents and the child suffer discrimination even after surgical correction. Let us remember in prayer for all the Christian parents who have children with deformities of all kinds or learning disabilities. Many of them must endure disparaging comments about why God did not give them a normal child. We pray for their marriage, their relationship with the in-laws, especially those who are not believers. Above all, we pray for their children, may the Lord grant them special favor, knowing they are very loved by the Heavenly Father and God has a perfect plan in their lives to glorify Him.
Friday
For those Chinese judges handling corruption cases, deciding whether to indict and how to prosecute is basically a power struggle to get rid of someone to a great extent rather than the following the letter of the laws. There are always some bad apples in both open and house churches. As a whole, vast majority of church workers are sincere and just. And, we ought to pray for them so they will not be tempted by wealth or other snares, and serve the Lord faithfully.
Saturday
When corrupt officials confess their crimes in court, they often claim that they had lowered their personal standards, and strayed away from their reasoning and principles. Sometimes they give the excuses of lacking good understanding of the law. When a believers fall away from God, they know they are not pleasing God. We pray with trepidation that God will bring them back, bring them to repentance. We too pray that we will not fall into the same temptations and snares of the evil one, because of our greed and lack of thanksgiving.
Sunday
Corruption in China can be summed up as widespread and systematic. It is so deeply rooted that honest officials is said to be the minority and exception. If an official does not accept bribe, one is risking being left out of the game of being rich. What all these mean is, no matter how angry the public is about corruption, there is really nothing to hold back corruption. "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matt. 7:3), admittedly we all are quick to judge others. May the Lord forgive our self-righteousness, our hypocrisy, and give us a sincere heart that thirsts only after His righteousness.
Monday
Corruption is so tempting because it brings huge benefits to those officials involved. They know such practices bring tremendous wealth to their families and kids. Unfortunately, such attitude permeates the whole society, especially among the university students because their greatest aspiration is to be an official and quickly strike rich one day taking bribe. Even Christian parents would encourage their children to join the Party and use all kinds of connections to get their children have a job as an official, because it is a sure ticket to a comfortable lifestyle. May the Lord have mercy on all of us, so we will teach our children with the Biblical values, raising them to be people who fear God, and be consistent in our walk and talk.
星期二
中國取消沿用數十年評定優秀學生的「三好」評選制度。「三好學生」對中國的學生和家長應是再熟悉不過的。大部分80、90後的人可能都曾榮獲這光榮的「三好學生」稱號。連續幾年被選為「三好學生」的，在升學和分配上都給予優先選擇的機會。學業成績至上，使家長都有極大的壓力。我們特別為孩子成績不理想的信徒家長禱告，求主減輕他們的憂慮及苦楚，加添信心，信靠上帝不會撇棄他們的孩子，而是在他們的生命中有美好的目的。
星期三
「三好學生」的評選標準是：思想品德好、學習好、身體好。自1954年起，以固定的比例、相同的衡量標準，在中國所有大、中、小學校普遍推行。「三好」成為學生追求的目標和榮譽，也成為「好孩子、好學生」的同義詞。許多中國教會的主日學就像學校一般，過分強調聖經知識的灌輸，單求孩子們「乖，聽話」。求主幫助每一位主日學老師，更看重學生的靈命成長，允許開口發問信仰中的疑惑，努力成為學生的屬靈良友，讓為師者對主信靠的生命榜樣，吸引學生跟隨基督耶穌。
星期四
目前中國新生兒兔唇比率徧高，每1000名有1至2例先天性「兔唇」。全國有170多萬兔唇患者，成為先天性畸形中最常見病症之一。在一胎政策之下，兔唇兒的誕生不僅讓家長焦慮，更讓無辜的嬰兒遭受身、心理雙重的痛苦。我們特別記念所有家庭中有任何畸形、殘障或學習障礙孩子的基督徒。他們常經歷別人異樣的眼光，忍受嘲諷-為何上帝沒給他們一個正常孩子。也為他們的夫妻關係，婆媳感情禱告，求主賜下特別憐憫、安慰，讓他們體認主愛他們全家，天父必要眷顧他們的孩子，在生命中來榮耀祂。
星期五
中國處理腐敗案件，決定是否起訴某腐敗官員及怎麼處理，很大程度上不是基於法律制裁，而是權力鬥爭。基本上貪官若被抓，不是失寵就是失去了靠山。 教會內部不論是三自或是家庭教會，當中也有極少數品格不佳的人，但整體而言，絕大多數的教會同工都是純樸、正直的。讓我們用禱告來托住他們，求主保守他們能忠心事奉，不被錢財所引誘，更能操練敬虔，靠主勝過一切的試探。
星期六
在腐敗官員當庭供認犯罪行為時，說得最多的就是他們喪失了道德底線，失去了理智，及沒學到接受教育時該學習的原則。有時還可能補充說，他們對法律理解淺薄。在道德上敗壞的基督徒，並非不知自己所做的是不討神喜悅的。我們謹慎地求主將這些迷羊領回，也能認罪悔改。我們更是要提醒自己，不因著貪婪，沒有感恩的心，也落入同樣的引誘，處在敗壞的光景之中。
星期日
「腐敗」在中國是很普遍的，它是遊戲規則而不是例外。現在誠實的官員實在很少，他們要承擔在官場「不上道」、物資「清苦」的風險。也就是說，不管民眾多憤怒，沒有人有足夠的力量防堵貪腐。我們的通病往往也是「看見他人眼中的刺，卻看不見自己眼中的樑木。」。求主赦免我們自以為義的傾向，常以真理照明我們隱而未現的罪，賜我們飢渴慕義的心，殷勤按照神光明美善的旨意行。
星期一
腐敗的貪官，口袋所裝的都是滿滿的金錢。他們明知這不可為，但如此行卻能為家庭和子女帶來巨大的利益。因此，想當官的人滿街都是，特別是中國大學生。連信徒父母也會鼓勵自己孩子入黨當官，想盡辦法，透過關係，就是要讓孩子有「賺大錢」的機會。求主憐憫恩待我們，讓我們所言所行表裡一致，用聖經的價值觀為準繩教養兒女，使他們成為敬虔愛主的人，能持守敬畏神的心，到老也不偏離。
2012年3月27日星期二
2012年3月20日星期二
Prayer Request 3/20 - 3/26
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
There are a hundred thousand children in orphanages run by the government in China. Surnames such as Dang (the Party) and Guo (the State or Country) have routinely been given to children who have no parents, thus identifying them as beneficiaries of the Communist Party. These orphanages will no longer be permitted to assign generic surnames that reveal their orphan status to the children there since these names could lead to lifelong discrimination for them. There are many smaller orphanages run by Christians or even by churches that receive no funding from the government. We remember these ministries, their needs and labor in the name of Jesus. May the Lord richly reward them and may the children grow up knowing their Heavenly Father will never abandon them because He loves them very much.
Friday
The government of China does not want orphans to carry labels that imply they are different. In an orphanage in Henan all of the children were given the surname Dang (the Party) which is not even a common Chinese surname. Now all the children in that orphanage have the ubiquitous surname of Zhao.It takes great courage for Christian parents to give their children Bible names or names associated with the Christian faith. We want to lift up all of these children even though they are now teenagers or adults. May their given names remind them of their Christian heritage. May God's presence be with them always and may they be a continual witness for Him.
Saturday
As the churches in China grow, there are more Chinese studying in seminaries in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, North America, England, and even in Germany. Among them are many who have a burden for missions and are well-trained theologically. They want to reach out to the lost and they could be the future missionaries the churches in China will send out. We pray for the soon arrival of the day the Chinese churches become key missionary sending agents, the day that China has her own missionary training centers that are able to provide and train future gospel workers and even teachers for missionaries who will be sent outside of China.
Sunday
By and large churches in China have a sense of mission but their ideas of how to do it and the actions they need to take for most churches are still on the drawing board. After the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, churches from Fujian province established a leading role in setting up a unified Christian relief response and organizing the operations. We pray for the Chinese churches to be able to stand firm in that society and become a powerful witness for the Lord. May the Lord give each one of us humility, not just a false humility but one that truly sees others better than we are. May each believer truly live out a spirit of unity in Christ and show His love.
Monday
In 2003, the documentary film "The Cross in China" thrust the churches in Henan into worldwide awareness. However, the growth seen in the Henan churches was a bit short-lived due to the harsh political climate as leaders of the churches failed one after the other or were imprisoned. According to some incomplete statistics, there are 2.4 million believers in the Three Self churches and 15 million more believers in various house churches in Henan province. Having many people attending church is a good thing but they need to be discipled and taught the truth. The churches in Henan grew "old" because all of the young believers left their villages to work in cities and the ministries in the churches came to a standstill. Let us pray for the revival of churches in Henan. We know God can do great miracles there strengthening those pastors who remain so they will not become discouraged and believers will be greatly built up.
星期二
去年因慈善信任風暴，只有8%受訪公眾對中國慈善組織的信息公開狀況表示滿意。約有五成表示他們有固定捐贈，但高達90%民眾對善款透明化介於不滿意和不太滿意之間。一般而言，中國信徒對教會使用奉獻有某種程度的不信任。求神給我們一個新的開始，讓教會領袖在教會財政運作上更公開及透明。讓會友們對教會行政更信任，重建信徒與教會領袖們之間的信任，教會在神的帶領下，在神的事工上更有效運用奉獻的款項。
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%的組織宣稱因人手不足，從未公佈如何使用民眾的捐贈；再者政府也沒有要求相關資料透明化。今年官辦慈善機構陸續曝出醜聞，導致民眾對慈善機構全面性的質疑。信徒對教會財務處理缺少信心或不信任，是中國教會傳道人沒得到好供養的一大原因。求神幫助信徒們能善待神的僕人，基督徒們除了信靠上帝外，更應該對教會領袖們有相當的信任與合理的供應。
星期四
目前約有十萬名兒童生活在全國各地九百所孤兒院及兒童福利院中。政府將禁止以“黨”和“國”為孤兒命名，降低因為名字突顯的孤兒身份，導致他們一輩子受到歧視。中國還有許多基督徒或是教會辦的小型孤兒院，沒有政府資助。我們用禱告記念他們的經濟需要，他們為主憑著愛心所做的一切，願天父豐富的報答他們。更保守被照顧的孩子長大後，深知天父永不拋棄他們，神信實的愛永遠伴隨他們。
星期五
河南一所孤兒院孩子都姓「黨」，因政府的關愛讓孩子有所依靠，但後來卻意識到可能會讓孩子終身戴上枷鎖 - 「他們是被父母拋棄、在孤兒院長大的孩子。」現在，一家廣東省孤兒院，所有孩子都姓「趙」。不少基督徒家長，給孩子取聖經人物或基督教有關的名字，在中國這是需要相當勇氣的。我們要為這些孩子、青少年及成人禱告，求主時時提醒他們是有美好的信仰傳承，神永遠與他們同在，他們也是上帝隨時隨地的見證人。
星期六
隨著各地教會不斷成長，一批批大國神學生走進海外的神學院，足跡遍佈於新、馬、韓及北美、英、德等國家，這些神學生不乏熱心宣教的人，經過有系統的神學訓練，加上對失喪靈魂的滿腔熱情、對中國教會的負擔，使他們成為中國教會宣教領域重要的新一代。我們為中國教會能成為宣教隊伍的一員，能建立屬於自己的培訓中心來祈求。求主親自引領, 保守所有培訓的同工及事工，能培養出合神心意的神學教師,及未來忠心的宣教精兵。
星期日
從大體上來說，中國教會已稍具宣教的異象；但具體的觀念、意識與操作，大多數教會還沒真正有宣教覺醒。在汶川大地震之後，福建教會建立了全省統一的宣教行動，不同區域都有專門的負責人，整體工作初具規模。我們為中國教會能在社會中立穩根基，成為神時代的見證來祈求。求恩主賜給我們謙卑的心，看別人比自己強，不空喊屬靈口號，而是在主裡做到真正合一，活出神的愛。
星期一
2003年《十字架在中國》的紀錄片，把河南教會推向了輿論的高峰。然而，隨著政治環境的因素，河南教會的領袖一個個地倒下或被囚。據坊間統計，河南省三自教會有信徒240萬人，家庭教會則有1500萬以上。教會人多是好，但信徒對真理的認識更重要。因為年輕一代進城打工而嚴重使教會老化，事工無法推展。我們為河南教會復興來迫切祈求，願主在當中做奇妙的工作，加添力量給留在鄉村牧養的傳道人，不灰心、失望，也祈求主幫助信徒在靈命上成長。
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
There are a hundred thousand children in orphanages run by the government in China. Surnames such as Dang (the Party) and Guo (the State or Country) have routinely been given to children who have no parents, thus identifying them as beneficiaries of the Communist Party. These orphanages will no longer be permitted to assign generic surnames that reveal their orphan status to the children there since these names could lead to lifelong discrimination for them. There are many smaller orphanages run by Christians or even by churches that receive no funding from the government. We remember these ministries, their needs and labor in the name of Jesus. May the Lord richly reward them and may the children grow up knowing their Heavenly Father will never abandon them because He loves them very much.
Friday
The government of China does not want orphans to carry labels that imply they are different. In an orphanage in Henan all of the children were given the surname Dang (the Party) which is not even a common Chinese surname. Now all the children in that orphanage have the ubiquitous surname of Zhao.It takes great courage for Christian parents to give their children Bible names or names associated with the Christian faith. We want to lift up all of these children even though they are now teenagers or adults. May their given names remind them of their Christian heritage. May God's presence be with them always and may they be a continual witness for Him.
Saturday
As the churches in China grow, there are more Chinese studying in seminaries in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, North America, England, and even in Germany. Among them are many who have a burden for missions and are well-trained theologically. They want to reach out to the lost and they could be the future missionaries the churches in China will send out. We pray for the soon arrival of the day the Chinese churches become key missionary sending agents, the day that China has her own missionary training centers that are able to provide and train future gospel workers and even teachers for missionaries who will be sent outside of China.
Sunday
By and large churches in China have a sense of mission but their ideas of how to do it and the actions they need to take for most churches are still on the drawing board. After the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, churches from Fujian province established a leading role in setting up a unified Christian relief response and organizing the operations. We pray for the Chinese churches to be able to stand firm in that society and become a powerful witness for the Lord. May the Lord give each one of us humility, not just a false humility but one that truly sees others better than we are. May each believer truly live out a spirit of unity in Christ and show His love.
Monday
In 2003, the documentary film "The Cross in China" thrust the churches in Henan into worldwide awareness. However, the growth seen in the Henan churches was a bit short-lived due to the harsh political climate as leaders of the churches failed one after the other or were imprisoned. According to some incomplete statistics, there are 2.4 million believers in the Three Self churches and 15 million more believers in various house churches in Henan province. Having many people attending church is a good thing but they need to be discipled and taught the truth. The churches in Henan grew "old" because all of the young believers left their villages to work in cities and the ministries in the churches came to a standstill. Let us pray for the revival of churches in Henan. We know God can do great miracles there strengthening those pastors who remain so they will not become discouraged and believers will be greatly built up.
星期二
去年因慈善信任風暴，只有8%受訪公眾對中國慈善組織的信息公開狀況表示滿意。約有五成表示他們有固定捐贈，但高達90%民眾對善款透明化介於不滿意和不太滿意之間。一般而言，中國信徒對教會使用奉獻有某種程度的不信任。求神給我們一個新的開始，讓教會領袖在教會財政運作上更公開及透明。讓會友們對教會行政更信任，重建信徒與教會領袖們之間的信任，教會在神的帶領下，在神的事工上更有效運用奉獻的款項。
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%的組織宣稱因人手不足，從未公佈如何使用民眾的捐贈；再者政府也沒有要求相關資料透明化。今年官辦慈善機構陸續曝出醜聞，導致民眾對慈善機構全面性的質疑。信徒對教會財務處理缺少信心或不信任，是中國教會傳道人沒得到好供養的一大原因。求神幫助信徒們能善待神的僕人，基督徒們除了信靠上帝外，更應該對教會領袖們有相當的信任與合理的供應。
星期四
目前約有十萬名兒童生活在全國各地九百所孤兒院及兒童福利院中。政府將禁止以“黨”和“國”為孤兒命名，降低因為名字突顯的孤兒身份，導致他們一輩子受到歧視。中國還有許多基督徒或是教會辦的小型孤兒院，沒有政府資助。我們用禱告記念他們的經濟需要，他們為主憑著愛心所做的一切，願天父豐富的報答他們。更保守被照顧的孩子長大後，深知天父永不拋棄他們，神信實的愛永遠伴隨他們。
星期五
河南一所孤兒院孩子都姓「黨」，因政府的關愛讓孩子有所依靠，但後來卻意識到可能會讓孩子終身戴上枷鎖 - 「他們是被父母拋棄、在孤兒院長大的孩子。」現在，一家廣東省孤兒院，所有孩子都姓「趙」。不少基督徒家長，給孩子取聖經人物或基督教有關的名字，在中國這是需要相當勇氣的。我們要為這些孩子、青少年及成人禱告，求主時時提醒他們是有美好的信仰傳承，神永遠與他們同在，他們也是上帝隨時隨地的見證人。
星期六
隨著各地教會不斷成長，一批批大國神學生走進海外的神學院，足跡遍佈於新、馬、韓及北美、英、德等國家，這些神學生不乏熱心宣教的人，經過有系統的神學訓練，加上對失喪靈魂的滿腔熱情、對中國教會的負擔，使他們成為中國教會宣教領域重要的新一代。我們為中國教會能成為宣教隊伍的一員，能建立屬於自己的培訓中心來祈求。求主親自引領, 保守所有培訓的同工及事工，能培養出合神心意的神學教師,及未來忠心的宣教精兵。
星期日
從大體上來說，中國教會已稍具宣教的異象；但具體的觀念、意識與操作，大多數教會還沒真正有宣教覺醒。在汶川大地震之後，福建教會建立了全省統一的宣教行動，不同區域都有專門的負責人，整體工作初具規模。我們為中國教會能在社會中立穩根基，成為神時代的見證來祈求。求恩主賜給我們謙卑的心，看別人比自己強，不空喊屬靈口號，而是在主裡做到真正合一，活出神的愛。
星期一
2003年《十字架在中國》的紀錄片，把河南教會推向了輿論的高峰。然而，隨著政治環境的因素，河南教會的領袖一個個地倒下或被囚。據坊間統計，河南省三自教會有信徒240萬人，家庭教會則有1500萬以上。教會人多是好，但信徒對真理的認識更重要。因為年輕一代進城打工而嚴重使教會老化，事工無法推展。我們為河南教會復興來迫切祈求，願主在當中做奇妙的工作，加添力量給留在鄉村牧養的傳道人，不灰心、失望，也祈求主幫助信徒在靈命上成長。
2012年3月13日星期二
Prayer Request 3/13 - 3/19
Tuesday
By 2025 China expects to have fifteen "mega-cities" with each one having a population of at least 25 million people. Cities in China launch campaigns seeking to recover their own "unique spirit". Harbin for example, prides itself on its history of tolerance and openness to foreigners. Cities like Hangzhou take pride in their "green" ethos and go far beyond national requirements in terms of environment protection. Let us lift up our brothers and sisters in Harbin and Hangzhou, one in the industrial North and the other in the scenic South. Both cities have large open churches as well as active house churches. May the Lord bless their ministries and use them in helping the smaller churches nearby.
Wednesday
Of the 1.8 billion mobile phones made last year about half were put together in the Chinese province of Guangdong but there is a good chance they were not assembled by a native of Guangdong itself but by one of the millions of migrants who have left their homes and travelled to the coast to find work. Grinding poverty has long been a cause of migration there and was the impetus for further migration after the death of Mao Zedong in 1976.Missionaries went to Guangdong very early but churches there have always been weak. We pray that the Holy Spirit will bring revival and transformation to all the native believers in the churches there. We lift up those churches or meeting places that reach out to workers in the large factories nearby and continue to encourage those workers who have left their homes to work in Guangdong.
Thursday
From 1990 to 2005 (the most recent period for which reliable statistics are available) there was an overall gross migration across provinces in China of about 80 million people. An increasing number also migrate within their own provinces. All told, some 230 million Chinese spend most of the year away from their home town or village. We can see how rural churches find it difficult to retain their young believers and prepare them for leadership. Let us remember all believers who are away from home and seldom attend church, or have drifted away from faith in God. We pray they will always sense God's presence and remember he will never forsake them. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts to seek fellowship with other believers.
Friday
Most migrants move in search of work. The number of rural Chinese working away from home is now almost 160 million or twelve percent of the country's population. The government's Population Planning Commission forecasts another ten million rural residents could move to cities by 2020. As patterns of migration change, we expect to see rapid social and economic change across inland China. Where will the Christian villagers worship in the cities if the urban churches do not reach out to them? We pray that believers will be sensitive and kind to these lower-income, less-educated, and less-sophisticated brothers and sisters around them. May the Lord break down their pride and the walls they build around their churches that prevent others from finding the Jesus who accepts and loves all of us.
Saturday
Calling itself the largest museum in the world, the National Museum of China sits on the vast Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Boasting of more than a million artifacts and treasures, it is divided into those of Ancient China and those of The Road to Rejuvenation (particularly the fight of the Communist Party for the liberation and independence of the people). Admission is limited to 8000 visitors daily since its grand opening back in March of 2011. We know the role foreign missionaries have played in China cannot be erased and is remembered by Him. We thank the Lord for all of the missionaries who have ever stepped on the soil of the Middle Kingdom, especially those whose blood was shed there. May the Lord bless their offspring and always remind us all that the church of Jesus Christ thrives on the blood of martyrs.
Sunday
Jobs in state-owned companies are popular with Chinese women since in the lower levels they are relatively comfortable places to work and have shorter and more predictable hours than jobs in the private sector. Sisters in the church have an extra load with family, jobs, and taking care of elderly in-laws all a part of their expected duties. They need our prayers as they face various difficulties and challenges. May the Lord give them faith and patience to know that Jehovah is our Refuge and Strength.
Monday
It is hard to see how these formidable Chinese women can fit any children into their impossibly busy lives but most of them do. They are entitled to (but don't always get) three month's paid maternity leave and most of them return to work after that.Let us pray for strength and a recovery of spirit for all the sisters who are pregnant or have just had their babies. it is our prayer that they will be a great testimony of God's blessing to their parents and in-laws because they have a good relationship with them.
星期二
預計中國2025年將至少有15個居民高達2千5百萬人的「超級大城」。現今，每個城市都在尋找自己城市的特色。例如哈爾濱引以自豪的是對外國人的寬容和本身歷史的開明。杭州市則是自豪其極先進的環保精神，要求標準遠超過其他大國。讓我們為兩地的主內肢體禱告，雖然一為北方寒冷的工業大城，一在南方,皆是人們口中的「人間天堂」。這兩個城市都有大型的教會，及相當活躍的家庭教會，願主更多使用他們，祝福他們的事工，也支援附近的小教會。
星期三
去年全球手機銷售量高達18億。這隻手機有50%是在中國廣東組裝的。它更大可能並非本地人裝的，而是被好幾百萬離鄉打工的外地人經手的。嚴重的城鄉差距突顯了農村的貧窮,一向都是造成人口遷移的一大主因，尤其在1976年毛澤東死後,再次成為人口遷徙的推動力。西方宣教士來到廣東已有非常久的歷史，但當地教會相對之下卻沒有很大進展。我們為廣東省的教會得著復興，信徒生命得著聖靈的改變來祈求。也記念在工廠周遭的教會或聚會點，能持續向離鄉的基督徒們及工廠勞工傳福音。
星期四
1990年至2005年（据最近期可靠數據）-中國總共有大約8千萬的跨省遷徙者。省份內部的遷移人口也越來越多。總的來說，大約有2億3千萬人一年中大部分時間都遠離家鄉（縣城或者農村），大部分的遷移者都是出去找工作。人口遷移造成農村教會無法留住年輕的信徒，更不能養精蓄銳栽培下一代的教會領袖。讓我們為所有離鄉的信徒們禱告，不論是少去聚會，甚至遠離了主，神是不會放棄他們的，求聖靈常在他們心中動工，感動他們願意去尋找其他信徒，能常在主裡彼此激勵。
星期五
中國在外鄉工作的農村人口，現約有1億6千萬，是全國總人口的12%。中國政府的人口計劃委員會預計到2020年還會有1億農村人口湧向城市。隨著遷移模式的改變，我們期待中國內陸在社會和經濟方面能出現快速的轉變。如果城市教會不伸手歡迎來自農村的信徒,這些外地來的信徒,如何在城市中找到屬靈的家？願主教導我們學習主耶穌接納我們的恩慈，挪去我們的驕傲，拆掉無法完全接納別人的圍牆， 能接納那些貧窮、未能有機會追求更高學歷的農村弟兄姐妹們。
星期六
在北京寬廣的天安門廣場上，屹立著僅次於羅浮宮的世界第二大博物館——中國國家博物館。「新國博」藏品數量達105萬餘件，設有「古代中國」、「復興之路」兩大基本展館。從2011年3月開館以來，限制每天接待人數為8000人。我們為歷代外國宣教士在中國的擺上感謝主，願神祝福他們的後代，幫助他們繼續跟隨上代的腳蹤，忠心走事奉的路。又求主藉著這些甘心為主名把身家性命擺上的福音使者們，提醒和激勵我們，堅忍、持守神的道，直等到祂的再來。
星期日
國有企業的基層崗位與私營企業相比，工作時間較短也較為固定，這些相對舒適的工作崗位很受中國女性的青睞。可是國企的觀念仍十分保守，女性高層少之又少。大部份姊妹都同時面對家庭、工作，甚至照顧公婆的壓力。我們為面對各種困難和挑戰的姊妹們禱告，求主堅固她們信心，學習忍耐，經歷信實的應許：「神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。」(詩46:1)
星期一
優秀的中國女性似乎在繁忙生活中沒可能仍有時間養育子女，但大部分人卻仍做到了這點。中國女性按法享有三個月的產假（但並非一定獲得），這些新任母親通常都會在休假結束後返回工作崗位。我們記念懷孕或剛生育孩子的姊妹們，願主加添她們力量，幫助她們的精神、體力都盡快恢復。我們也為她們與上一代有美好的互動禱告，以致未信的父母或公婆能從她們身上看到屬神的人那份出人意外的平安，是源於靈性上跟神有契合的關係。
By 2025 China expects to have fifteen "mega-cities" with each one having a population of at least 25 million people. Cities in China launch campaigns seeking to recover their own "unique spirit". Harbin for example, prides itself on its history of tolerance and openness to foreigners. Cities like Hangzhou take pride in their "green" ethos and go far beyond national requirements in terms of environment protection. Let us lift up our brothers and sisters in Harbin and Hangzhou, one in the industrial North and the other in the scenic South. Both cities have large open churches as well as active house churches. May the Lord bless their ministries and use them in helping the smaller churches nearby.
Wednesday
Of the 1.8 billion mobile phones made last year about half were put together in the Chinese province of Guangdong but there is a good chance they were not assembled by a native of Guangdong itself but by one of the millions of migrants who have left their homes and travelled to the coast to find work. Grinding poverty has long been a cause of migration there and was the impetus for further migration after the death of Mao Zedong in 1976.Missionaries went to Guangdong very early but churches there have always been weak. We pray that the Holy Spirit will bring revival and transformation to all the native believers in the churches there. We lift up those churches or meeting places that reach out to workers in the large factories nearby and continue to encourage those workers who have left their homes to work in Guangdong.
Thursday
From 1990 to 2005 (the most recent period for which reliable statistics are available) there was an overall gross migration across provinces in China of about 80 million people. An increasing number also migrate within their own provinces. All told, some 230 million Chinese spend most of the year away from their home town or village. We can see how rural churches find it difficult to retain their young believers and prepare them for leadership. Let us remember all believers who are away from home and seldom attend church, or have drifted away from faith in God. We pray they will always sense God's presence and remember he will never forsake them. May the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts to seek fellowship with other believers.
Friday
Most migrants move in search of work. The number of rural Chinese working away from home is now almost 160 million or twelve percent of the country's population. The government's Population Planning Commission forecasts another ten million rural residents could move to cities by 2020. As patterns of migration change, we expect to see rapid social and economic change across inland China. Where will the Christian villagers worship in the cities if the urban churches do not reach out to them? We pray that believers will be sensitive and kind to these lower-income, less-educated, and less-sophisticated brothers and sisters around them. May the Lord break down their pride and the walls they build around their churches that prevent others from finding the Jesus who accepts and loves all of us.
Saturday
Calling itself the largest museum in the world, the National Museum of China sits on the vast Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Boasting of more than a million artifacts and treasures, it is divided into those of Ancient China and those of The Road to Rejuvenation (particularly the fight of the Communist Party for the liberation and independence of the people). Admission is limited to 8000 visitors daily since its grand opening back in March of 2011. We know the role foreign missionaries have played in China cannot be erased and is remembered by Him. We thank the Lord for all of the missionaries who have ever stepped on the soil of the Middle Kingdom, especially those whose blood was shed there. May the Lord bless their offspring and always remind us all that the church of Jesus Christ thrives on the blood of martyrs.
Sunday
Jobs in state-owned companies are popular with Chinese women since in the lower levels they are relatively comfortable places to work and have shorter and more predictable hours than jobs in the private sector. Sisters in the church have an extra load with family, jobs, and taking care of elderly in-laws all a part of their expected duties. They need our prayers as they face various difficulties and challenges. May the Lord give them faith and patience to know that Jehovah is our Refuge and Strength.
Monday
It is hard to see how these formidable Chinese women can fit any children into their impossibly busy lives but most of them do. They are entitled to (but don't always get) three month's paid maternity leave and most of them return to work after that.Let us pray for strength and a recovery of spirit for all the sisters who are pregnant or have just had their babies. it is our prayer that they will be a great testimony of God's blessing to their parents and in-laws because they have a good relationship with them.
星期二
預計中國2025年將至少有15個居民高達2千5百萬人的「超級大城」。現今，每個城市都在尋找自己城市的特色。例如哈爾濱引以自豪的是對外國人的寬容和本身歷史的開明。杭州市則是自豪其極先進的環保精神，要求標準遠超過其他大國。讓我們為兩地的主內肢體禱告，雖然一為北方寒冷的工業大城，一在南方,皆是人們口中的「人間天堂」。這兩個城市都有大型的教會，及相當活躍的家庭教會，願主更多使用他們，祝福他們的事工，也支援附近的小教會。
星期三
去年全球手機銷售量高達18億。這隻手機有50%是在中國廣東組裝的。它更大可能並非本地人裝的，而是被好幾百萬離鄉打工的外地人經手的。嚴重的城鄉差距突顯了農村的貧窮,一向都是造成人口遷移的一大主因，尤其在1976年毛澤東死後,再次成為人口遷徙的推動力。西方宣教士來到廣東已有非常久的歷史，但當地教會相對之下卻沒有很大進展。我們為廣東省的教會得著復興，信徒生命得著聖靈的改變來祈求。也記念在工廠周遭的教會或聚會點，能持續向離鄉的基督徒們及工廠勞工傳福音。
星期四
1990年至2005年（据最近期可靠數據）-中國總共有大約8千萬的跨省遷徙者。省份內部的遷移人口也越來越多。總的來說，大約有2億3千萬人一年中大部分時間都遠離家鄉（縣城或者農村），大部分的遷移者都是出去找工作。人口遷移造成農村教會無法留住年輕的信徒，更不能養精蓄銳栽培下一代的教會領袖。讓我們為所有離鄉的信徒們禱告，不論是少去聚會，甚至遠離了主，神是不會放棄他們的，求聖靈常在他們心中動工，感動他們願意去尋找其他信徒，能常在主裡彼此激勵。
星期五
中國在外鄉工作的農村人口，現約有1億6千萬，是全國總人口的12%。中國政府的人口計劃委員會預計到2020年還會有1億農村人口湧向城市。隨著遷移模式的改變，我們期待中國內陸在社會和經濟方面能出現快速的轉變。如果城市教會不伸手歡迎來自農村的信徒,這些外地來的信徒,如何在城市中找到屬靈的家？願主教導我們學習主耶穌接納我們的恩慈，挪去我們的驕傲，拆掉無法完全接納別人的圍牆， 能接納那些貧窮、未能有機會追求更高學歷的農村弟兄姐妹們。
星期六
在北京寬廣的天安門廣場上，屹立著僅次於羅浮宮的世界第二大博物館——中國國家博物館。「新國博」藏品數量達105萬餘件，設有「古代中國」、「復興之路」兩大基本展館。從2011年3月開館以來，限制每天接待人數為8000人。我們為歷代外國宣教士在中國的擺上感謝主，願神祝福他們的後代，幫助他們繼續跟隨上代的腳蹤，忠心走事奉的路。又求主藉著這些甘心為主名把身家性命擺上的福音使者們，提醒和激勵我們，堅忍、持守神的道，直等到祂的再來。
星期日
國有企業的基層崗位與私營企業相比，工作時間較短也較為固定，這些相對舒適的工作崗位很受中國女性的青睞。可是國企的觀念仍十分保守，女性高層少之又少。大部份姊妹都同時面對家庭、工作，甚至照顧公婆的壓力。我們為面對各種困難和挑戰的姊妹們禱告，求主堅固她們信心，學習忍耐，經歷信實的應許：「神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。」(詩46:1)
星期一
優秀的中國女性似乎在繁忙生活中沒可能仍有時間養育子女，但大部分人卻仍做到了這點。中國女性按法享有三個月的產假（但並非一定獲得），這些新任母親通常都會在休假結束後返回工作崗位。我們記念懷孕或剛生育孩子的姊妹們，願主加添她們力量，幫助她們的精神、體力都盡快恢復。我們也為她們與上一代有美好的互動禱告，以致未信的父母或公婆能從她們身上看到屬神的人那份出人意外的平安，是源於靈性上跟神有契合的關係。
2012年3月6日星期二
Prayer Request 3/6 - 3/12
Tuesday
Recently the theme in China has been "return to your hometown to work and care for your family" so we have been seeing for the first time in many years that young people do not go too far from their homes to seek work and the number of local laborers who migrated from one part of the Chongqing region to another part of it has exceeded the number leaving for other provinces. Just a few years ago seventy percent were going elsewhere to work. In Henan, another big exporter of labor, many people also are choosing to stay near home rather than going out of the province. Will this help reduce the loss of young people from rural churches in China? We pray that as more young people find work near their home villages this will prove to be a turning point for all of the rural churches and a wind of revival will blow again. May the Lord continue to strengthen those who serve in rural regions and choose to stay and minister to those who are poor.
Wednesday
In 2004, wages for migrant laborers in coastal areas were fifteen percent higher than for those who worked inland. Now many workers in Sichuan say that taking into account the cost of transportation and higher cost of living on the coast, the well-paid jobs closer to home are also beginning to look much more competitive. The advantage of staying closer to the home village is that laborers can return home much more often and those jobs are also easier to find now. For every person who leaves the village to work in the city, an elderly parent or a young child is left behind so many churches have become those of the very old and the very young. Many do not have anyone to teach Sunday school or offer a meaningful ministry to the little ones. Let us ask the Lord to raise up godly and capable teachers who can learn for themselves and understand the minds of children to teach the young ones in the villages.
Thursday
Between August 2010 and December 2011 Chongqing awarded full urban-welfare rights to three million migrants from its rural hinterland who had lived for a certain time in urban areas. Chengdu plans to eliminate welfare-related barriers to migration within the city boundaries by the end of this year. This will mean that farmers will be able to migrate to the city proper and enjoy the same benefits as those formerly enjoyed by only holders of urban hukou (household registration papers).Will this mean more villagers will go into the cities and accelerate the decline of rural churches? Unfortunately, believers in the cities and those in rural areas have very little in common, and there is even discrimination between the two groups. We pray that churches in the cities will open their doors and reach out to accept the believers from the villages. It is our prayer that churches in the cities will grow tremendously because of the influx of the brothers and sisters moving there, especially the suburban churches.
Friday
In China there are deep-rooted attitudes that are hard to change which predate the Mao era. Many Chinese men find it psychologically hard to cope with wives whose jobs bring in high earnings and if someone has to give, it usually is the wife. Many of the sisters in the churches have a problem with tension in their marriages because their husbands do not have a good job or else does not have good interpersonal skills. Let us ask the Lord for strength, love, and extra grace for these sisters. May the Lord use them as an outflow of His blessing in their homes.
Saturday
Women who are very successful often find it difficult to find a husband. Even those ladies who are considered high achievers in China are now begging to wonder if they are doing the right thing and "the concept of a work-life balance, once foreign to their thinking is an increasingly popular topic of conversation". Since many Christian mothers spend much time in ministry in the church, some of their children wonder why and do not understand why their mother "abandons" them. We lift up these families in our prayer. May the family and children appreciate the dedication of their mothers and know that God will bless them because of their mothers.
Sunday
It has already become more acceptable for a woman not to be working, If her husband has a good job, or she has money of her own, she can now be a stay-at-home wife without incurring social disapproval. In the churches in China, visitation is usually done by the sisters who have a full-time job and must also do housework. We praise the Lord for everything they do in His name, such as visiting the sick, caring for and affirming those who are weak in the faith, and sharing the gospel. May the Lord richly reward them.
Monday
What makes life very difficult for Chinese women is that most Chinese men still expect them to look after the home and family more or less single-handily whether they are holding down a job or not. This includes caring for elderly parents or relatives so the job does not stop when the children are grown. We lift up those sisters who care for elderly relatives at home. May all they do be an outflow of Christ's love and may their hearts be filled with the joy of the Lord and strength from Him for each day.
星期二
「顧小家，建大家，回鄉吧」近來不少年輕人選擇不離鄉別井打工。幾年前七成以上重慶人到其他省份尋找工作；而另一移民輸出大省河南，從2008年始，八成人留在省內工作，之前，同樣數量的人都湧向其他省市。在四川情況也大同小異。此趨勢是否會減少農村教會年輕人的流失呢？我們為更多教會的年輕人能在附近找到工作來禱告；也盼望此轉變，成為農村教會的轉折點，再次經歷復興的火。願神保守加添力量給在農村教會忠心服侍、不計報酬的工人。
星期三
對四川的打工者而言，雖然在成都的待遇稍低，如果把旅途上的花銷和沿海城市較高的生活費計算在內，還是在本地打工有優勢。現今留在成都打工掙的錢，不比大跑到沿海掙得少，還可以常回家。事實上在老家也越來越好找工作了。每個離開農村到城市工作的年輕人，通常留下年長的父母，兼照顧小孩子；所以農村教會呈兩端化，非老即幼。教會缺乏主日學或青少年事工的同工，求主賜下更多虔誠愛主，並有能力與孩子溝通的教師，不但能了解孩子的心靈，也能帶動年輕的一代。
星期四
從2010年8月到2011年12月，三百萬長期在重慶市的外來務工者可享和當地居民同等福利待遇。成都市則計劃在年內消除戶籍福利壁壘，四川的鄉親也能享受到從前只有具備成都市戶籍和當地房產證的居民才能有的福利。更多村民湧進城市，是否會加速農村教會衰落呢？城市信徒與來自農村的信徒似乎格格不入，沒有共同點也不溝通，甚至還有歧視存在。求主幫助城市教會打開門戶，以主的愛接納農村信徒。願城市教會因兄弟姐妹的湧入(尤其在郊區)，大得興旺。
星期五
許多中國男性在心理上很難接受高收入的妻子，如果需要做出讓步，那麼一般都是妻子放棄自己的工作。過於強勢的成功女性往往從一開始就很難嫁出去。許多姐妹的婚姻並不美滿，或因丈夫們事業不順利或是人際關係欠佳，造成不少的張力。我們要為這些姐妹們祈求，願主加添她們的力量，愛心及滿有恩慈，能在她們的家中處處流露神的大愛。
星期六
「平衡工作與生活」這個理念曾經離我們很遙遠，但現在越來越受到人們的關注。連出類拔萃的女性都開始懷疑自己取得好成就是否為正確之舉，因為更難嫁出去。教會內的姐妹們忙著家，工作，接著還要參與教會的事工。有些孩子們會不了解他們的母親似乎把家人丟在一旁，都在教會。我們為這些家人祈求神，讓孩子及家人，看見他們的妻子，母親如此愛主，神也特別的祝福她們的家。
星期日
現今如一位女性的丈夫有份好工作，或者她擁有自己的錢，那麼她做一名全職太太，外界也不會反對。不工作的女性，現在反而更加容易受到認同。許多姐妹雖有工作和家務在身，但仍願意抽時間到醫院探訪病人，安慰、堅固信徒，並傳揚福音。我們為她們感恩，願主保守、祝福，厚厚報答她們為主所作的一切，也在主的臺前蒙祂誇獎。
星期一
是什麼原因造成中國女人活得很辛苦？不管女性有沒有工作，大部分中國男人仍舊認為妻子應該獨力照顧好家庭，這讓女性的生活更加不易。承擔家務包括了照顧家中年老的父母，這並不會因子女長大成人而結束。這些根深蒂固的觀念在毛澤東時代之前很早就存在了。我們在禱告中記念需要照顧老人家的姐妹們，願她們所作的都流露出主耶穌的愛，也賜給她們每天有從神而來的活潑靈命，足夠的體力和充滿喜樂的心。
Recently the theme in China has been "return to your hometown to work and care for your family" so we have been seeing for the first time in many years that young people do not go too far from their homes to seek work and the number of local laborers who migrated from one part of the Chongqing region to another part of it has exceeded the number leaving for other provinces. Just a few years ago seventy percent were going elsewhere to work. In Henan, another big exporter of labor, many people also are choosing to stay near home rather than going out of the province. Will this help reduce the loss of young people from rural churches in China? We pray that as more young people find work near their home villages this will prove to be a turning point for all of the rural churches and a wind of revival will blow again. May the Lord continue to strengthen those who serve in rural regions and choose to stay and minister to those who are poor.
Wednesday
In 2004, wages for migrant laborers in coastal areas were fifteen percent higher than for those who worked inland. Now many workers in Sichuan say that taking into account the cost of transportation and higher cost of living on the coast, the well-paid jobs closer to home are also beginning to look much more competitive. The advantage of staying closer to the home village is that laborers can return home much more often and those jobs are also easier to find now. For every person who leaves the village to work in the city, an elderly parent or a young child is left behind so many churches have become those of the very old and the very young. Many do not have anyone to teach Sunday school or offer a meaningful ministry to the little ones. Let us ask the Lord to raise up godly and capable teachers who can learn for themselves and understand the minds of children to teach the young ones in the villages.
Thursday
Between August 2010 and December 2011 Chongqing awarded full urban-welfare rights to three million migrants from its rural hinterland who had lived for a certain time in urban areas. Chengdu plans to eliminate welfare-related barriers to migration within the city boundaries by the end of this year. This will mean that farmers will be able to migrate to the city proper and enjoy the same benefits as those formerly enjoyed by only holders of urban hukou (household registration papers).Will this mean more villagers will go into the cities and accelerate the decline of rural churches? Unfortunately, believers in the cities and those in rural areas have very little in common, and there is even discrimination between the two groups. We pray that churches in the cities will open their doors and reach out to accept the believers from the villages. It is our prayer that churches in the cities will grow tremendously because of the influx of the brothers and sisters moving there, especially the suburban churches.
Friday
In China there are deep-rooted attitudes that are hard to change which predate the Mao era. Many Chinese men find it psychologically hard to cope with wives whose jobs bring in high earnings and if someone has to give, it usually is the wife. Many of the sisters in the churches have a problem with tension in their marriages because their husbands do not have a good job or else does not have good interpersonal skills. Let us ask the Lord for strength, love, and extra grace for these sisters. May the Lord use them as an outflow of His blessing in their homes.
Saturday
Women who are very successful often find it difficult to find a husband. Even those ladies who are considered high achievers in China are now begging to wonder if they are doing the right thing and "the concept of a work-life balance, once foreign to their thinking is an increasingly popular topic of conversation". Since many Christian mothers spend much time in ministry in the church, some of their children wonder why and do not understand why their mother "abandons" them. We lift up these families in our prayer. May the family and children appreciate the dedication of their mothers and know that God will bless them because of their mothers.
Sunday
It has already become more acceptable for a woman not to be working, If her husband has a good job, or she has money of her own, she can now be a stay-at-home wife without incurring social disapproval. In the churches in China, visitation is usually done by the sisters who have a full-time job and must also do housework. We praise the Lord for everything they do in His name, such as visiting the sick, caring for and affirming those who are weak in the faith, and sharing the gospel. May the Lord richly reward them.
Monday
What makes life very difficult for Chinese women is that most Chinese men still expect them to look after the home and family more or less single-handily whether they are holding down a job or not. This includes caring for elderly parents or relatives so the job does not stop when the children are grown. We lift up those sisters who care for elderly relatives at home. May all they do be an outflow of Christ's love and may their hearts be filled with the joy of the Lord and strength from Him for each day.
星期二
「顧小家，建大家，回鄉吧」近來不少年輕人選擇不離鄉別井打工。幾年前七成以上重慶人到其他省份尋找工作；而另一移民輸出大省河南，從2008年始，八成人留在省內工作，之前，同樣數量的人都湧向其他省市。在四川情況也大同小異。此趨勢是否會減少農村教會年輕人的流失呢？我們為更多教會的年輕人能在附近找到工作來禱告；也盼望此轉變，成為農村教會的轉折點，再次經歷復興的火。願神保守加添力量給在農村教會忠心服侍、不計報酬的工人。
星期三
對四川的打工者而言，雖然在成都的待遇稍低，如果把旅途上的花銷和沿海城市較高的生活費計算在內，還是在本地打工有優勢。現今留在成都打工掙的錢，不比大跑到沿海掙得少，還可以常回家。事實上在老家也越來越好找工作了。每個離開農村到城市工作的年輕人，通常留下年長的父母，兼照顧小孩子；所以農村教會呈兩端化，非老即幼。教會缺乏主日學或青少年事工的同工，求主賜下更多虔誠愛主，並有能力與孩子溝通的教師，不但能了解孩子的心靈，也能帶動年輕的一代。
星期四
從2010年8月到2011年12月，三百萬長期在重慶市的外來務工者可享和當地居民同等福利待遇。成都市則計劃在年內消除戶籍福利壁壘，四川的鄉親也能享受到從前只有具備成都市戶籍和當地房產證的居民才能有的福利。更多村民湧進城市，是否會加速農村教會衰落呢？城市信徒與來自農村的信徒似乎格格不入，沒有共同點也不溝通，甚至還有歧視存在。求主幫助城市教會打開門戶，以主的愛接納農村信徒。願城市教會因兄弟姐妹的湧入(尤其在郊區)，大得興旺。
星期五
許多中國男性在心理上很難接受高收入的妻子，如果需要做出讓步，那麼一般都是妻子放棄自己的工作。過於強勢的成功女性往往從一開始就很難嫁出去。許多姐妹的婚姻並不美滿，或因丈夫們事業不順利或是人際關係欠佳，造成不少的張力。我們要為這些姐妹們祈求，願主加添她們的力量，愛心及滿有恩慈，能在她們的家中處處流露神的大愛。
星期六
「平衡工作與生活」這個理念曾經離我們很遙遠，但現在越來越受到人們的關注。連出類拔萃的女性都開始懷疑自己取得好成就是否為正確之舉，因為更難嫁出去。教會內的姐妹們忙著家，工作，接著還要參與教會的事工。有些孩子們會不了解他們的母親似乎把家人丟在一旁，都在教會。我們為這些家人祈求神，讓孩子及家人，看見他們的妻子，母親如此愛主，神也特別的祝福她們的家。
星期日
現今如一位女性的丈夫有份好工作，或者她擁有自己的錢，那麼她做一名全職太太，外界也不會反對。不工作的女性，現在反而更加容易受到認同。許多姐妹雖有工作和家務在身，但仍願意抽時間到醫院探訪病人，安慰、堅固信徒，並傳揚福音。我們為她們感恩，願主保守、祝福，厚厚報答她們為主所作的一切，也在主的臺前蒙祂誇獎。
星期一
是什麼原因造成中國女人活得很辛苦？不管女性有沒有工作，大部分中國男人仍舊認為妻子應該獨力照顧好家庭，這讓女性的生活更加不易。承擔家務包括了照顧家中年老的父母，這並不會因子女長大成人而結束。這些根深蒂固的觀念在毛澤東時代之前很早就存在了。我們在禱告中記念需要照顧老人家的姐妹們，願她們所作的都流露出主耶穌的愛，也賜給她們每天有從神而來的活潑靈命，足夠的體力和充滿喜樂的心。
2012年2月28日星期二
Prayer Request 2/28 - 3/5
Tuesday
Jeremy Lin's success in both sports and academics (Harvard graduate) again raises questions about China's state-run system of sports academies that has produced scores of Olympic gold medal winners by relentlessly training athletes from an early age while offering them little chance of a normal childhood or proper education. Countless athletes from China have "retired" with no financial support, no marketable skills, absolutely nothing. Many Chinese parents will be thinking about how to raise their children to be both smart and famous one day. May the Lord continue to remind us all that it is much more important that we and our children love the Lord than that we are well-known. Let us commit all the young people in the churches in China to the Lord and ask Him to make Jeremy Lin's story an inspiration to all of them not to aspire to be just famous but to be bold in giving God all of the glory for it.
Wednesday
The current condition of all the major church groups in Henan Province is rather sad and dismal because they have all suffered major blows both internally and externally. Today the churches in Henan are trying to rebuild through much emphasis on evangelism. We pray along with them asking our merciful Lord to show His glory once again there that the vibrancy of the churches will be restored.
Thursday
In the past, the churches in Henan had a period of phenomenal growth and for this we praise God! Believers increased in the past sixty years from 70,000 in 1949 to 17 million today. We pray for revival among the believers in Henan. May the Lord stir up their love for Jesus, not just licking their wounds or pitying themselves, but looking up to the God Who performs miracles and gives revival to His churches.
Friday
It is common to see Chinese young people spending money to "give them face", that is making purchases with the sole intention of vanity or making them look good. According to a survey, those who are in their 30's are the main ones who buy automobiles now and half of those who are in their 20's are buying or planning to buy one. Many Christian parents feel they have little spiritual influence on their grown children who are striving to make money and are drifting away from the church and God. Let us lift up all the believers who pray sincerely for their children not to be merely rich materially but more importantly to be rich spiritually.
Saturday
"Vanity purchases" are those things which are bought not based on practicality or need but rather to show off. Young Chinese who cannot afford to buy expensive things will spend money to buy a bag or anything else from a store selling designer brands so it looks as if they have shopped there. We need to pray for deeper spiritual growth for China's young believers as well as for the churches to be able to nurture them in this very superficial world. We pray there will be more godly men and women who will be their role models in serving God and others.
Sunday
Materialism, consumerism, and the worship of wealth seem to permeate the whole of China today. Everyone is caught up in making money and Christians are no exception. It is little wonder that Chinese believers are no longer on fire for Jesus as they once were. We persist in beseeching the Lord with faith for those brothers and sisters who still follow closely with God and quietly serve in the church. May the Lord strengthen them and use them to encourage many others to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Monday
Churches in China are going through a critical transition and many of them have fallen into a state of lukewarmness. The major reasons for such a decline are the lack of teaching the truth in the pulpit, the pervasiveness of secularism, attacks of the occult, and division among the churches. We must redouble our efforts in praying for these spiritual illnesses of the church in China. May the Lord revive each of us as we pray for leaders in the church who are humble and faithful in proclaiming God's truth.
星期二
林書豪體智兼優（哈佛大學畢業）的成就，再次引發對中國國營運動員訓練方式的討論。中國運動員是從小挑選，日以繼夜的集中訓練，惟一目標就是要奪得奧運金牌。這些運動員沒有正常的童年生活，也無完整的教育。退役之後，不但沒一技之長，且落得一身病痛。中國父母都期望孩子既聰明又能光宗耀祖。求主藉林書豪的故事，時常提醒我們，孩子更愛主是最寶貴的事，能勇敢地將一切榮耀歸給神，才是人生最有價值的事，而不是成名致富。
星期三
當今河南地區的各大教會系統到內外的嚴峻的挑戰，各處呈現著一片荒涼的景象。信徒們正嘗試著重建教會，希望藉著禱告和傳福音，把這倒塌的帳幕重新樹立起來。我們也在禱告中切切記念他們，求那滿有憐憫、豐盛的神，再次在河南教會中燃起復興的火炬，彰顯祂自己的榮耀。
星期四
河南省從1949年的7萬多基督徒，發展到如今1700多萬人，六十年中增長的速度非常驚人，我們為此感謝天父。我們禱告求主憐憫當地的教會，復興河南信徒靈命，幫助他們拾回起初的愛心，重新出發；堅固切實愛主耶穌、愛弟兄姊妹的心志，摒棄自悲自憐的心態，不看自己的不足與貧困，以信心仰望恩主的信實應許，再次為他們行奇蹟做大事，復興祂自己的教會。
星期五
在不少中國年輕人中，所謂的「面子消費」已經司空見慣。一項調查顯示，「80後」正成為汽車消費市場的新生力量。半數的「90後」、「80後」在30歲之前已買了車或有買車的打算。許多信徒父母為自己對兒女薄弱的屬靈影響力憂傷。他們的孩子事業有成，但卻失去屬靈的胃口，更遠離了從小就認識的真神。讓我們堅固這些家庭向主所發出的懇切禱告-保守他們的子女不僅是在物質上富有，更願意看重並追求屬靈的豐富。
星期六
「面子消費」是指不完全為了實際需要，更多是出於炫耀和滿足「面子」的目的而產生的消費行為。年輕人買不起名牌產品，就購買一個名牌產品的紙袋來裝東西，滿足虛榮心，甚至還買購物小票、說明書、吊牌等。這一代教會的年輕人需要有更多在主裡年長、成熟的信徒，做為他們愛主、服侍神的好榜樣。我們為他們禱告，願神給他們在靈命更深紮根，也賜教會牧長及同工有智慧，知道如何以真道餵養他們。
星期日
現今「功利主義」、「消費主義」和「拜金主義」襲捲全中國，民眾們都在為自己的既得利益奮鬥不已。在社會經濟整體發展的同時，許多肢體也只能順流而下，淹沒在市場經濟時代的浪潮中。雖然教會中許多肢體愛心漸冷淡，我們仍要有信心，為那些堅持忠心愛主，默默服侍教會的弟兄姐妹來感恩，願主堅固他們，也藉著他們全然的委身與熱心殷勤的服事來感動他人，鼓舞更多信徒願意事奉主。
星期一
目前中國教會正面臨著嚴峻的轉型期，不少教會處於不冷不熱的光景中。教會靈命不長進的主要原因是缺乏真理的教導、深受世俗化影響，以及異端的攪擾和教會分裂等因素影響。我們需要更急迫地為中國的教會祈求，求主醫治所有使教會軟弱的屬靈疾病，賜給教會再次的復興。我們也為每一位教會的領袖禱告，求主給他們有謙卑仰望主的心志，在教導真理上忠心盡職，在操練敬虔上有美好的榜樣。
Jeremy Lin's success in both sports and academics (Harvard graduate) again raises questions about China's state-run system of sports academies that has produced scores of Olympic gold medal winners by relentlessly training athletes from an early age while offering them little chance of a normal childhood or proper education. Countless athletes from China have "retired" with no financial support, no marketable skills, absolutely nothing. Many Chinese parents will be thinking about how to raise their children to be both smart and famous one day. May the Lord continue to remind us all that it is much more important that we and our children love the Lord than that we are well-known. Let us commit all the young people in the churches in China to the Lord and ask Him to make Jeremy Lin's story an inspiration to all of them not to aspire to be just famous but to be bold in giving God all of the glory for it.
Wednesday
The current condition of all the major church groups in Henan Province is rather sad and dismal because they have all suffered major blows both internally and externally. Today the churches in Henan are trying to rebuild through much emphasis on evangelism. We pray along with them asking our merciful Lord to show His glory once again there that the vibrancy of the churches will be restored.
Thursday
In the past, the churches in Henan had a period of phenomenal growth and for this we praise God! Believers increased in the past sixty years from 70,000 in 1949 to 17 million today. We pray for revival among the believers in Henan. May the Lord stir up their love for Jesus, not just licking their wounds or pitying themselves, but looking up to the God Who performs miracles and gives revival to His churches.
Friday
It is common to see Chinese young people spending money to "give them face", that is making purchases with the sole intention of vanity or making them look good. According to a survey, those who are in their 30's are the main ones who buy automobiles now and half of those who are in their 20's are buying or planning to buy one. Many Christian parents feel they have little spiritual influence on their grown children who are striving to make money and are drifting away from the church and God. Let us lift up all the believers who pray sincerely for their children not to be merely rich materially but more importantly to be rich spiritually.
Saturday
"Vanity purchases" are those things which are bought not based on practicality or need but rather to show off. Young Chinese who cannot afford to buy expensive things will spend money to buy a bag or anything else from a store selling designer brands so it looks as if they have shopped there. We need to pray for deeper spiritual growth for China's young believers as well as for the churches to be able to nurture them in this very superficial world. We pray there will be more godly men and women who will be their role models in serving God and others.
Sunday
Materialism, consumerism, and the worship of wealth seem to permeate the whole of China today. Everyone is caught up in making money and Christians are no exception. It is little wonder that Chinese believers are no longer on fire for Jesus as they once were. We persist in beseeching the Lord with faith for those brothers and sisters who still follow closely with God and quietly serve in the church. May the Lord strengthen them and use them to encourage many others to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Monday
Churches in China are going through a critical transition and many of them have fallen into a state of lukewarmness. The major reasons for such a decline are the lack of teaching the truth in the pulpit, the pervasiveness of secularism, attacks of the occult, and division among the churches. We must redouble our efforts in praying for these spiritual illnesses of the church in China. May the Lord revive each of us as we pray for leaders in the church who are humble and faithful in proclaiming God's truth.
星期二
林書豪體智兼優（哈佛大學畢業）的成就，再次引發對中國國營運動員訓練方式的討論。中國運動員是從小挑選，日以繼夜的集中訓練，惟一目標就是要奪得奧運金牌。這些運動員沒有正常的童年生活，也無完整的教育。退役之後，不但沒一技之長，且落得一身病痛。中國父母都期望孩子既聰明又能光宗耀祖。求主藉林書豪的故事，時常提醒我們，孩子更愛主是最寶貴的事，能勇敢地將一切榮耀歸給神，才是人生最有價值的事，而不是成名致富。
星期三
當今河南地區的各大教會系統到內外的嚴峻的挑戰，各處呈現著一片荒涼的景象。信徒們正嘗試著重建教會，希望藉著禱告和傳福音，把這倒塌的帳幕重新樹立起來。我們也在禱告中切切記念他們，求那滿有憐憫、豐盛的神，再次在河南教會中燃起復興的火炬，彰顯祂自己的榮耀。
星期四
河南省從1949年的7萬多基督徒，發展到如今1700多萬人，六十年中增長的速度非常驚人，我們為此感謝天父。我們禱告求主憐憫當地的教會，復興河南信徒靈命，幫助他們拾回起初的愛心，重新出發；堅固切實愛主耶穌、愛弟兄姊妹的心志，摒棄自悲自憐的心態，不看自己的不足與貧困，以信心仰望恩主的信實應許，再次為他們行奇蹟做大事，復興祂自己的教會。
星期五
在不少中國年輕人中，所謂的「面子消費」已經司空見慣。一項調查顯示，「80後」正成為汽車消費市場的新生力量。半數的「90後」、「80後」在30歲之前已買了車或有買車的打算。許多信徒父母為自己對兒女薄弱的屬靈影響力憂傷。他們的孩子事業有成，但卻失去屬靈的胃口，更遠離了從小就認識的真神。讓我們堅固這些家庭向主所發出的懇切禱告-保守他們的子女不僅是在物質上富有，更願意看重並追求屬靈的豐富。
星期六
「面子消費」是指不完全為了實際需要，更多是出於炫耀和滿足「面子」的目的而產生的消費行為。年輕人買不起名牌產品，就購買一個名牌產品的紙袋來裝東西，滿足虛榮心，甚至還買購物小票、說明書、吊牌等。這一代教會的年輕人需要有更多在主裡年長、成熟的信徒，做為他們愛主、服侍神的好榜樣。我們為他們禱告，願神給他們在靈命更深紮根，也賜教會牧長及同工有智慧，知道如何以真道餵養他們。
星期日
現今「功利主義」、「消費主義」和「拜金主義」襲捲全中國，民眾們都在為自己的既得利益奮鬥不已。在社會經濟整體發展的同時，許多肢體也只能順流而下，淹沒在市場經濟時代的浪潮中。雖然教會中許多肢體愛心漸冷淡，我們仍要有信心，為那些堅持忠心愛主，默默服侍教會的弟兄姐妹來感恩，願主堅固他們，也藉著他們全然的委身與熱心殷勤的服事來感動他人，鼓舞更多信徒願意事奉主。
星期一
目前中國教會正面臨著嚴峻的轉型期，不少教會處於不冷不熱的光景中。教會靈命不長進的主要原因是缺乏真理的教導、深受世俗化影響，以及異端的攪擾和教會分裂等因素影響。我們需要更急迫地為中國的教會祈求，求主醫治所有使教會軟弱的屬靈疾病，賜給教會再次的復興。我們也為每一位教會的領袖禱告，求主給他們有謙卑仰望主的心志，在教導真理上忠心盡職，在操練敬虔上有美好的榜樣。
2012年2月21日星期二
Prayer Request 2/21 - 2/27
Tuesday
Jeremy Lin, in his Cinderella-like NBA performances and instant rise to stardom. His genuine humility, coupled with extraordinary confidence and selfless playing style and always attributing his success to God, has won the hearts of billion. Chinese athletes often and mostly excel in individual sport but very little in team sports. May the Lord grant us all humility, so we can really selflessly serve in church, not individually but in teams and submit to leadership.
Wednesday
Chinese NBA players were excellent players, but Chinese fans can hardly learn their styles, because one can't learn Yao Ming’s way of playing without his stature. Jeremy Lin is 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pound; he is much easier for most Chinese players to relate to and imitate. It can be said that this generation of young Chinese believers have no model they can imitate from. We pray the Lord will raise up many selfless men and women of God, not afraid to testify His Name, not merely in words but in their actions and accomplishment.
Thursday
When asked, "How much should a man make a month to consider dating for marriage?" a large survey shows that 80% of the women in China think a man must make 4000 yuan monthly but 63.9% of the respondents also think that feelings should be as important as how much money he earns. This survey was conducted in provinces that are more economically developed and according to the official data, the average monthly wage in Beijing and Guangzhou is over 4000 yuan monthly. The common thought of young people in all of China is that one must make sure the prospective mate is rich. We lift up all single believers in our prayers asking that they consider having the same Christian faith as the most important criterion in considering courtship. We pray, too, that they will commit their waiting time into God's hand, content to wait for His time and know that He has the best plan for them.
Friday
The number of well-educated single Chinese women who are past the "prime marriageable" age is increasing. Since they do not see any prospect for a husband they have given up and instead pour their energy into their career. Today's Chinese women, unlike those in the past who focused their entire lives on their husbands and children, are very independent and most of them take great pride in their career, finding fulfillment in their work, and self-realization. The churches in China need more female leaders and co-workers to meet the special needs of female believers. We pray for a smooth and good working relationship between male and female co-workers in the churches that together they may expand the ministry of all local churches.
Saturday
How some Chinese believers view their church still has a lot of room for improvement. Many are rather strong in theology of Trinity, Scripture and Christology. The mainstream Chinese churches are still deeply influenced by "believer's priesthood" and place great emphasis on personal devotion and prayer, but are weak in asking believers to serve in church as a body or team. Many people attend church and become a member, but are unable to commit in the local church, they refuse to be part of fellowship. May the Lord give China churches more believers who are humble and willing to devote and allow God to use their spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ before His glorious return.
Sunday
China is generally considered much more open to women than other East Asian countries with Taiwan somewhat behind, South Korea further back, and Japan even worse. Women in China do not come across as expecting deferential treatment but they do expect to be taken seriously. We pray for a great witness of all the sisters in their homes, especially in those where the husband is still not a believer. May the Lord grant them special tenderness and patience as they live out the love of Jesus daily. The Lord is good and faithful in giving them His special mercy and love.
Monday
In China young women have been pouring into the universities both at home and abroad, and graduating in almost the same numbers as men. Once they have negotiated the highly competitive educational system, they want to get on the career ladder and start climbing since they see great opportunities there. In all aspects of the ministry of the church in China, the sisters shoulder much of the work. Let us pray especially for the younger women that the Lord will give them godly models among older women in the church to receive friendship and encouragement in their lives and spiritual walk.
星期二
華裔基督徒林書豪在NBA精彩表現，成為美國籃壇風雲人物。他在球場上自信又不張狂、信任隊友指揮若定、樂於分享球權、更在關鍵時刻穩定抗壓，並將成就歸榮耀於上帝。中國在運動比賽上，常是個人項目得牌，少有在團隊上獲獎。求主幫助我們在教會中能學習謙卑，在團隊中放下自己來配搭事奉。
星期三
中國NBA球員在國內有極多的粉絲，但是球迷也很難模仿他們的的風格，因為沒有人擁有姚明的身材，也無法學習他的球技。但是6尺3，200磅的林書豪他卻是喜愛打球的年輕人，人人可以效法模仿的對象。這一代年輕的信徒沒有可以效法的對象，並不是太誇張的說法。求主為中國教會賜下許多虔誠愛主的，毫不懼怕在大眾面前為祂做見證，不單單是口裡說說，而是在行為和成就榮耀祂的名。
星期四
當問到「您認為男性月入多少才適合談戀愛？」，一份報告顯示，有八成女性認為「男性月入四千才適合談戀愛」。「月入四千」並不是擇偶唯一條件，63.9%的調查對象更看重感情投入。調查報告對象集中於經濟較發達地區，按統計局數據，北京和廣州的每月平均工資皆超過四千元。「一定要找個有錢的對象」是當代中國年輕人的共思。我們在禱告中記念待婚的基督徒，求主提醒他們，在考慮婚姻時，要以「共同信仰」為首位，也賜他們信心，將終身大事交託給神，信靠祂在自己身上必有最美好的計劃。
星期五
受過高等教育的大齡女青年越來越多。另一半既然始終虛無縹緲，“涼透了心”的女性也就聰明或無奈地將目光轉投於事業。現代中國女性具有強烈的獨立精神,大多數人熱愛自己的事業，不願像傳統女性一樣，將相夫教子當成唯一的使命，而是努力取得職業成就，實現自我價值。女性信徒日漸增多，求主興起更多女教牧同工，以滿足牧養女性信徒的需要；也能與男同工配搭，擴展教會的服侍領域，共建神家。
星期六
某些中國教會的信徒儘管在神學上有很好的裝備，但對教會觀的認識仍然不太成熟。他們注重操練個人的靈修、禱告，卻不明白怎樣在教會中參與團隊的服侍。很多人來到教會，成為信徒，但是不參與團契生活，彷彿就像一個自修的基督徒。求神開啟祂兒女的心靈眼睛，讓我們看見神要我們在教會裡各盡其職，好叫基督的新婦早日妝飾整齊，等候主的再臨。
星期日
中國人對女性的態度，相比其他東亞國家和地區，已屬相當開放，其次是台灣、韓國及日本。中國女性希望獲得社會重視，並不想給人低眉順眼的印象。求主賜福姊妹們，在家中有美好的見證。我們特別為丈夫仍未信主的姊妹禱告，求主額外憐恤她們，幫助她們學習仰望基督，天天經歷祂的看顧和保守，並有溫柔、忍耐的心為丈夫的得救禱告主。
星期一
女性若通過中國教育系統競爭激烈的獨木橋，便希望能找到工作，向職業階梯的上層攀爬。有了大學文憑對女性而言，意味著更好的就業及婚姻的機遇。求主使用姊妹在教會各層面服事。我們特別為教會中年輕的姊妹禱告，求主為她們在教會內能有屬靈的榜樣，在靈命能彼此鼓勵，又能分享人生的經歷。
Jeremy Lin, in his Cinderella-like NBA performances and instant rise to stardom. His genuine humility, coupled with extraordinary confidence and selfless playing style and always attributing his success to God, has won the hearts of billion. Chinese athletes often and mostly excel in individual sport but very little in team sports. May the Lord grant us all humility, so we can really selflessly serve in church, not individually but in teams and submit to leadership.
Wednesday
Chinese NBA players were excellent players, but Chinese fans can hardly learn their styles, because one can't learn Yao Ming’s way of playing without his stature. Jeremy Lin is 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pound; he is much easier for most Chinese players to relate to and imitate. It can be said that this generation of young Chinese believers have no model they can imitate from. We pray the Lord will raise up many selfless men and women of God, not afraid to testify His Name, not merely in words but in their actions and accomplishment.
Thursday
When asked, "How much should a man make a month to consider dating for marriage?" a large survey shows that 80% of the women in China think a man must make 4000 yuan monthly but 63.9% of the respondents also think that feelings should be as important as how much money he earns. This survey was conducted in provinces that are more economically developed and according to the official data, the average monthly wage in Beijing and Guangzhou is over 4000 yuan monthly. The common thought of young people in all of China is that one must make sure the prospective mate is rich. We lift up all single believers in our prayers asking that they consider having the same Christian faith as the most important criterion in considering courtship. We pray, too, that they will commit their waiting time into God's hand, content to wait for His time and know that He has the best plan for them.
Friday
The number of well-educated single Chinese women who are past the "prime marriageable" age is increasing. Since they do not see any prospect for a husband they have given up and instead pour their energy into their career. Today's Chinese women, unlike those in the past who focused their entire lives on their husbands and children, are very independent and most of them take great pride in their career, finding fulfillment in their work, and self-realization. The churches in China need more female leaders and co-workers to meet the special needs of female believers. We pray for a smooth and good working relationship between male and female co-workers in the churches that together they may expand the ministry of all local churches.
Saturday
How some Chinese believers view their church still has a lot of room for improvement. Many are rather strong in theology of Trinity, Scripture and Christology. The mainstream Chinese churches are still deeply influenced by "believer's priesthood" and place great emphasis on personal devotion and prayer, but are weak in asking believers to serve in church as a body or team. Many people attend church and become a member, but are unable to commit in the local church, they refuse to be part of fellowship. May the Lord give China churches more believers who are humble and willing to devote and allow God to use their spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ before His glorious return.
Sunday
China is generally considered much more open to women than other East Asian countries with Taiwan somewhat behind, South Korea further back, and Japan even worse. Women in China do not come across as expecting deferential treatment but they do expect to be taken seriously. We pray for a great witness of all the sisters in their homes, especially in those where the husband is still not a believer. May the Lord grant them special tenderness and patience as they live out the love of Jesus daily. The Lord is good and faithful in giving them His special mercy and love.
Monday
In China young women have been pouring into the universities both at home and abroad, and graduating in almost the same numbers as men. Once they have negotiated the highly competitive educational system, they want to get on the career ladder and start climbing since they see great opportunities there. In all aspects of the ministry of the church in China, the sisters shoulder much of the work. Let us pray especially for the younger women that the Lord will give them godly models among older women in the church to receive friendship and encouragement in their lives and spiritual walk.
星期二
華裔基督徒林書豪在NBA精彩表現，成為美國籃壇風雲人物。他在球場上自信又不張狂、信任隊友指揮若定、樂於分享球權、更在關鍵時刻穩定抗壓，並將成就歸榮耀於上帝。中國在運動比賽上，常是個人項目得牌，少有在團隊上獲獎。求主幫助我們在教會中能學習謙卑，在團隊中放下自己來配搭事奉。
星期三
中國NBA球員在國內有極多的粉絲，但是球迷也很難模仿他們的的風格，因為沒有人擁有姚明的身材，也無法學習他的球技。但是6尺3，200磅的林書豪他卻是喜愛打球的年輕人，人人可以效法模仿的對象。這一代年輕的信徒沒有可以效法的對象，並不是太誇張的說法。求主為中國教會賜下許多虔誠愛主的，毫不懼怕在大眾面前為祂做見證，不單單是口裡說說，而是在行為和成就榮耀祂的名。
星期四
當問到「您認為男性月入多少才適合談戀愛？」，一份報告顯示，有八成女性認為「男性月入四千才適合談戀愛」。「月入四千」並不是擇偶唯一條件，63.9%的調查對象更看重感情投入。調查報告對象集中於經濟較發達地區，按統計局數據，北京和廣州的每月平均工資皆超過四千元。「一定要找個有錢的對象」是當代中國年輕人的共思。我們在禱告中記念待婚的基督徒，求主提醒他們，在考慮婚姻時，要以「共同信仰」為首位，也賜他們信心，將終身大事交託給神，信靠祂在自己身上必有最美好的計劃。
星期五
受過高等教育的大齡女青年越來越多。另一半既然始終虛無縹緲，“涼透了心”的女性也就聰明或無奈地將目光轉投於事業。現代中國女性具有強烈的獨立精神,大多數人熱愛自己的事業，不願像傳統女性一樣，將相夫教子當成唯一的使命，而是努力取得職業成就，實現自我價值。女性信徒日漸增多，求主興起更多女教牧同工，以滿足牧養女性信徒的需要；也能與男同工配搭，擴展教會的服侍領域，共建神家。
星期六
某些中國教會的信徒儘管在神學上有很好的裝備，但對教會觀的認識仍然不太成熟。他們注重操練個人的靈修、禱告，卻不明白怎樣在教會中參與團隊的服侍。很多人來到教會，成為信徒，但是不參與團契生活，彷彿就像一個自修的基督徒。求神開啟祂兒女的心靈眼睛，讓我們看見神要我們在教會裡各盡其職，好叫基督的新婦早日妝飾整齊，等候主的再臨。
星期日
中國人對女性的態度，相比其他東亞國家和地區，已屬相當開放，其次是台灣、韓國及日本。中國女性希望獲得社會重視，並不想給人低眉順眼的印象。求主賜福姊妹們，在家中有美好的見證。我們特別為丈夫仍未信主的姊妹禱告，求主額外憐恤她們，幫助她們學習仰望基督，天天經歷祂的看顧和保守，並有溫柔、忍耐的心為丈夫的得救禱告主。
星期一
女性若通過中國教育系統競爭激烈的獨木橋，便希望能找到工作，向職業階梯的上層攀爬。有了大學文憑對女性而言，意味著更好的就業及婚姻的機遇。求主使用姊妹在教會各層面服事。我們特別為教會中年輕的姊妹禱告，求主為她們在教會內能有屬靈的榜樣，在靈命能彼此鼓勵，又能分享人生的經歷。
2012年2月14日星期二
Prayer Requesy 2/14 - 2/20
Tuesday
There are now 57,000 Chinese undergraduates in universities in the United States as compared with only 10,000 five years ago. Many Chinese families hire agents to help them navigate the application process and that agent's fee could range up to $10,000 plus an equally large bonus if the student gets into a highly-ranked school. Since these students come from affluent families, they are less likely to go to church than those from families with less income. However, Chinese churches are to reach out and share the gospel with some of them. We praise the Lord for giving churches in North America fruitful opportunities to have ministries among college students and especially target those from China.
Wednesday
A consulting company published a report last year which found cheating on college applications by Chinese students who were applying to American colleges to be "pervasive in China, driven by hyper-competitive parents and aggressive agents". They also say, "Our research indicates that ninety percent of the letters of recommendation are fake and seventy percent of the essays are not written by the applicant." Many observe that the young Chinese undergraduates are "rich and spoiled" unlike the graduate students who usually have scholarships and are much more frugal. We pray that many more Chinese churches will be able to invite Chinese students in nearby universities to attend their churches and be able to share Jesus with them through friendship and caring for them.
Thursday
The churches in China have been excited about world missions and going overseas to a foreign country. However, Chinese believers really need to first begin sharing the gospel with the ethnic minorities in their own country who have their own distinctive cultures and a totally different lifestyle from the Han Chinese. We do give thanks for missions and pray that the churches in China will see that missions does not necessarily mean a person has to get a passport and that no pastor in a house church can give the excuse of "I cannot go on cross-cultural missions because I do not have the identification proper papers."
Friday
In China, grooming the little emperor or empress starts at kindergarten, which may be of the Monday-to-Friday boarding variety, and can get very expensive even at that level. The best kindergarten in China are vastly oversubscribed by parents who are willing to pay, and although they are mostly state-run, but one hear stories about parents being asked for "sponsorship" of up to 200,000 yuan ($32,000) to get their son or daughter into the waiting list. Vast majority of Sunday School teachers in China are sisters who might have little theological training, curriculum or even teaching experiences. They literally learn on the job. but it is so precious that they have a deep love for God's little ones. We praise the Lord for the growth of China's children's ministry and improvement of the spiritual lives among children in churches. We thank them all for their dedication!
Saturday
After that the child has to be maneuvered into the best school, homework needs to be closely supervised and there is a lot of ferrying around for after-school activities. Steering a child through all this almost amounts to a full-time job. The effort culminates in the “gaokao”, the national college- entrance exam that determines which, if any, university the youngster can get into.
Sunday
Yining, Xinjiang in the Western part of China is where Uighur, the Muslim ethnic minority traditionally live. Many Uyghur's do not like how the Chinese authorities trying to control their religious and cultural life, this is one area where there are periodic protest and ethnic violence. Officials there were trying to forbid wearing of veils, Arabic-style clothing and wearing beard for men, to suppress the religious fervor. It is so difficult to share the Gospel among the Uighur, those who have accepted Jesus also risks their lives and strong oppositions from their family and community. We beseech the Lord for extra mercy for those who believe in Him but do not profess their faith openly.
Monday
The huge test China's urban churches faces is actually within the church itself. If we see the church as a building weathering the wind and storm, but what really rock the structure is the poor foundation. It is true that China churches have lots of secular temptation, political pressure, but all the detrimental causes are within the churches. Many Chinese take great pride of the numbers of Christians in China, we praise God for such a special grace, but we pray that believers will remain humble and trusting Him, holding fast the truth and not compromise.
星期二
僅過去五年中國學生到美國就讀大學，人數已增加五倍，達到五萬七千人。中國學生熱衷到美國就讀大學，許多家庭透過中介公司，繳付近萬元美金的費用，以期能進入美國的好學校。這些學生多來自富裕的中產階級，有能力負擔高昂的手續費及全額學費。相對於經濟條件較差的學生，這些留學生較不願意受邀參加教會活動。感謝主賜給北美的華人教會許多機會接觸各國留學生，跟他們分享基督的信仰，求主繼續帶領各教會的大學生事工，尤其是針對來自中國的學子。
星期三
去年一家諮詢公司發表報告，中國學生的申請資料廣泛造假，包括論文找人捉刀、找槍手代考托福英文能力測驗等等。學生因為國內高校考試競爭激烈，加上招生中介把國外教育吹得天花亂墜，使他們極為熱衷到美國上大學。現今到北美的留學生幾乎都是「有錢，驕寵」的年輕人，與拿獎學金讀碩士的研究生截然不同。求主賜智慧給北美華人教會，能就近邀請留學生來認識信仰，藉著建立友誼與關懷，讓他們認識耶穌基督的真愛。
星期四
中國想跨出普世宣教的第一步，應該先學習向少數民族宣教；少數民族因文化和生活方式的不同，向少數民宣教可以鍛鍊宣教意志，並學習適應生活環境. 我們為中國教會有普世宣教的心智感恩，求主讓教會先要對國內的少數民族有宣教的負擔， 這是一個「不需辦理海外簽證」的宣教機會，盼望能激勵更多因為「身份」敏感問題而不能出國跨文化宣教的家庭教會傳道人。
星期五
在養育家中唯一的孩子就怕輸在起跑線，即是從幼兒園開始，此級教育所需的費用已非常昂貴了。城市裡最好的幼兒園已經被大量超額預訂，就算是國家運營的幼兒園，要求家長繳納最高達20萬人民幣「擇校費」的現象也時有耳聞。許多帶領主日學工作的姊妹不一定受過很多神學培訓、教材和經驗，但她們邊做邊學，最重要是有一顆「愛孩子」的心。看到主日學兒童日漸增多且靈命長進，我們為她們感謝神，也相信主必悅納、賜福她們所作的。
星期六
孩子即便經過運作進入最好學校，家長也需緊密監督作息，且要接送參加各種課外活動。做以上事情，幾乎已是全職的工作量了，而到了孩子考高考（高等學校全國統一考試），就是決定孩子能否升學及進入哪所大學之時，家長更會使出全身解數，付出最大的努力。姐妹們除了在教會服侍之外，更要在家督導孩子功課。如孩子會自發讀書是福氣，但許多孩子在學習上大有掙扎也不能承受升學的壓力。我們為所有的信徒母親們有神賜的智慧，知道如何幫助孩子學習，依靠仰望恩主，也深信神已將最好的賜給了她們。
星期日
新疆伊寧是維吾爾族人的聚集區，中國當局禁止人們穿戴面紗、傳統裝束和蓄鬚，試圖壓制宗教熱情。很多維吾爾人不喜歡當局對他們的宗教和文化生活進行管制，該地區時有抗議和暴力發生。我們特別為維吾爾族人救恩臨到他們祈求，在人看來實在不容易，他們中間若有人接受基督信仰，也必定受到家人、社區的激烈反對，甚至有生命危險。求主格外憐憫恩待他們，更是保守那些心中接受但不敢公開聚會的信徒們，以堅定信心仰望主。
星期一
城市教會所面臨的試煉是隱藏在教會本身。假設教會是一座房子，經歷外面的風吹雨打、日晒，但真正能動搖這房子的，是根基不穩固與結構不合理。固然外在的壓力、世俗的誘惑會動搖中國教會，然而最致命的問題是源於教會自身的質地有缺陷。教會不能以擁有眾多信徒而矜誇自喜，我們需要感謝神的恩待。求主賜所有中國信徒有一顆謙卑、仰望祂的心，在真理上虔敬持守。
There are now 57,000 Chinese undergraduates in universities in the United States as compared with only 10,000 five years ago. Many Chinese families hire agents to help them navigate the application process and that agent's fee could range up to $10,000 plus an equally large bonus if the student gets into a highly-ranked school. Since these students come from affluent families, they are less likely to go to church than those from families with less income. However, Chinese churches are to reach out and share the gospel with some of them. We praise the Lord for giving churches in North America fruitful opportunities to have ministries among college students and especially target those from China.
Wednesday
A consulting company published a report last year which found cheating on college applications by Chinese students who were applying to American colleges to be "pervasive in China, driven by hyper-competitive parents and aggressive agents". They also say, "Our research indicates that ninety percent of the letters of recommendation are fake and seventy percent of the essays are not written by the applicant." Many observe that the young Chinese undergraduates are "rich and spoiled" unlike the graduate students who usually have scholarships and are much more frugal. We pray that many more Chinese churches will be able to invite Chinese students in nearby universities to attend their churches and be able to share Jesus with them through friendship and caring for them.
Thursday
The churches in China have been excited about world missions and going overseas to a foreign country. However, Chinese believers really need to first begin sharing the gospel with the ethnic minorities in their own country who have their own distinctive cultures and a totally different lifestyle from the Han Chinese. We do give thanks for missions and pray that the churches in China will see that missions does not necessarily mean a person has to get a passport and that no pastor in a house church can give the excuse of "I cannot go on cross-cultural missions because I do not have the identification proper papers."
Friday
In China, grooming the little emperor or empress starts at kindergarten, which may be of the Monday-to-Friday boarding variety, and can get very expensive even at that level. The best kindergarten in China are vastly oversubscribed by parents who are willing to pay, and although they are mostly state-run, but one hear stories about parents being asked for "sponsorship" of up to 200,000 yuan ($32,000) to get their son or daughter into the waiting list. Vast majority of Sunday School teachers in China are sisters who might have little theological training, curriculum or even teaching experiences. They literally learn on the job. but it is so precious that they have a deep love for God's little ones. We praise the Lord for the growth of China's children's ministry and improvement of the spiritual lives among children in churches. We thank them all for their dedication!
Saturday
After that the child has to be maneuvered into the best school, homework needs to be closely supervised and there is a lot of ferrying around for after-school activities. Steering a child through all this almost amounts to a full-time job. The effort culminates in the “gaokao”, the national college- entrance exam that determines which, if any, university the youngster can get into.
Sunday
Yining, Xinjiang in the Western part of China is where Uighur, the Muslim ethnic minority traditionally live. Many Uyghur's do not like how the Chinese authorities trying to control their religious and cultural life, this is one area where there are periodic protest and ethnic violence. Officials there were trying to forbid wearing of veils, Arabic-style clothing and wearing beard for men, to suppress the religious fervor. It is so difficult to share the Gospel among the Uighur, those who have accepted Jesus also risks their lives and strong oppositions from their family and community. We beseech the Lord for extra mercy for those who believe in Him but do not profess their faith openly.
Monday
The huge test China's urban churches faces is actually within the church itself. If we see the church as a building weathering the wind and storm, but what really rock the structure is the poor foundation. It is true that China churches have lots of secular temptation, political pressure, but all the detrimental causes are within the churches. Many Chinese take great pride of the numbers of Christians in China, we praise God for such a special grace, but we pray that believers will remain humble and trusting Him, holding fast the truth and not compromise.
星期二
僅過去五年中國學生到美國就讀大學，人數已增加五倍，達到五萬七千人。中國學生熱衷到美國就讀大學，許多家庭透過中介公司，繳付近萬元美金的費用，以期能進入美國的好學校。這些學生多來自富裕的中產階級，有能力負擔高昂的手續費及全額學費。相對於經濟條件較差的學生，這些留學生較不願意受邀參加教會活動。感謝主賜給北美的華人教會許多機會接觸各國留學生，跟他們分享基督的信仰，求主繼續帶領各教會的大學生事工，尤其是針對來自中國的學子。
星期三
去年一家諮詢公司發表報告，中國學生的申請資料廣泛造假，包括論文找人捉刀、找槍手代考托福英文能力測驗等等。學生因為國內高校考試競爭激烈，加上招生中介把國外教育吹得天花亂墜，使他們極為熱衷到美國上大學。現今到北美的留學生幾乎都是「有錢，驕寵」的年輕人，與拿獎學金讀碩士的研究生截然不同。求主賜智慧給北美華人教會，能就近邀請留學生來認識信仰，藉著建立友誼與關懷，讓他們認識耶穌基督的真愛。
星期四
中國想跨出普世宣教的第一步，應該先學習向少數民族宣教；少數民族因文化和生活方式的不同，向少數民宣教可以鍛鍊宣教意志，並學習適應生活環境. 我們為中國教會有普世宣教的心智感恩，求主讓教會先要對國內的少數民族有宣教的負擔， 這是一個「不需辦理海外簽證」的宣教機會，盼望能激勵更多因為「身份」敏感問題而不能出國跨文化宣教的家庭教會傳道人。
星期五
在養育家中唯一的孩子就怕輸在起跑線，即是從幼兒園開始，此級教育所需的費用已非常昂貴了。城市裡最好的幼兒園已經被大量超額預訂，就算是國家運營的幼兒園，要求家長繳納最高達20萬人民幣「擇校費」的現象也時有耳聞。許多帶領主日學工作的姊妹不一定受過很多神學培訓、教材和經驗，但她們邊做邊學，最重要是有一顆「愛孩子」的心。看到主日學兒童日漸增多且靈命長進，我們為她們感謝神，也相信主必悅納、賜福她們所作的。
星期六
孩子即便經過運作進入最好學校，家長也需緊密監督作息，且要接送參加各種課外活動。做以上事情，幾乎已是全職的工作量了，而到了孩子考高考（高等學校全國統一考試），就是決定孩子能否升學及進入哪所大學之時，家長更會使出全身解數，付出最大的努力。姐妹們除了在教會服侍之外，更要在家督導孩子功課。如孩子會自發讀書是福氣，但許多孩子在學習上大有掙扎也不能承受升學的壓力。我們為所有的信徒母親們有神賜的智慧，知道如何幫助孩子學習，依靠仰望恩主，也深信神已將最好的賜給了她們。
星期日
新疆伊寧是維吾爾族人的聚集區，中國當局禁止人們穿戴面紗、傳統裝束和蓄鬚，試圖壓制宗教熱情。很多維吾爾人不喜歡當局對他們的宗教和文化生活進行管制，該地區時有抗議和暴力發生。我們特別為維吾爾族人救恩臨到他們祈求，在人看來實在不容易，他們中間若有人接受基督信仰，也必定受到家人、社區的激烈反對，甚至有生命危險。求主格外憐憫恩待他們，更是保守那些心中接受但不敢公開聚會的信徒們，以堅定信心仰望主。
星期一
城市教會所面臨的試煉是隱藏在教會本身。假設教會是一座房子，經歷外面的風吹雨打、日晒，但真正能動搖這房子的，是根基不穩固與結構不合理。固然外在的壓力、世俗的誘惑會動搖中國教會，然而最致命的問題是源於教會自身的質地有缺陷。教會不能以擁有眾多信徒而矜誇自喜，我們需要感謝神的恩待。求主賜所有中國信徒有一顆謙卑、仰望祂的心，在真理上虔敬持守。
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