updated July 21, 2007
· Riots over China's one child policy have broken out recently in several Guangxi Province locations as Chinese peasants demand refunds of the fines levied on them for having more than one child. After decades of living under the policy, thousands have been involved in the protests. Pray that China's leaders will have wisdom and courage to review the policy that has had tragic ramifications for families all throughout the land as babies have been abandoned and pregnancies have been forcibly terminated.
· As you read this, workers in China are faithfully sharing the gospel of Christ during the hot days of August. Pray today for those who are standing before classrooms, hiking into remote villages, cooking meals for guests who will soon arrive, training pastors and other leaders, baptizing new believers, visiting student dormitories, and treating patients in rural clinic settings. Ask God to show His glory through all who are devoted to making His name known in China.
· It has often been said that it is hard to outgive a Chinese friend. Those living and working in China often find themselves on the receiving end of gracious Chinese hospitality. Yet many millions of these kind and generous people are living their lives with no knowledge of the Creator God who loved them enough to send Jesus to save them. Despite the dramatic growth of the church in China, there are still more than one billion lost Chinese people. How tragic to think that many of these loving, giving people might be locked out of heaven simply because they have not heard of Christ. Pray today that as God calls workers into the ripe fields of harvest, they will respond with joyful obedience.
· Praise God for Christian workers who serve in support roles such as logistical coordination and computer technology that are vital to front line Christian workers. Pray that as they bless other Christian servants through selfless acts of service, they too will receive a blessing. Pray that even as they support those on the front lines, they too will find many opportunities for firsthand evangelistic witness.
· Pray for Chinese Christians who suffer for the cause of Christ and count it joy. Serving Christ in China is fraught with challenges. House church believers meet to worship under the risk of reprisals. Pastors who are overt in their witness risk the loss of their freedom and health. Itinerant evangelists can easily be detained and mistreated for simply proclaiming Christ. Pray that Chinese brothers and sisters who bear the name of Christ will keep their eyes on the prize of His high calling as they are fervent in obedience.
· Tragically, suicide is now the top killer among adolescents in China. Over 26% of all China deaths in the 15 to 34 year old age range can be attributed to suicide. Many others seek to end their own life and fail. Pray today that Chinese teenagers and young adults can hear about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and receive Him into their hearts. Pray that authorities will recognize that the heart needs of China's people can only be met by their Creator Redeemer God. |
