Archived prayer concerns:

December 5
· Space fever has gripped China as its second manned spacecraft recently completed a successful mission. Pray that those who hail the triumph of their national space program will also be eager to know the God who created the sun, moon, and stars. Pray that Chinese Christians will make the most of opportunities to tell their friends about the Creator of the universe who loved them enough to die for them.

· Pray that Christians in China can find appropriate ways to share Christ with the millions of people who are migrating from the countryside into the cities of China. It is estimated that over one half billion people will migrate to China cities by 2050, upping the urban population to 800 million people. Most of them are impoverished, and many of them are illiterate. Innovative strategies are needed to reach them.

· Malnutrition is an enormous problem for children in China's poverty stricken rural areas. Please pray today that all of the children of China can receive much needed physical sustenance. Pray also that they will have opportunity know the Bread of Life.

· Christmas affords many wonderful opportunities for foreigners living in China to share the love of Christ. Pray for all who will host Christmas parties in their homes, speak about Christmas in their classes, distribute Christmas gifts to their neighbors, or present Christmas programs in schools and factories. Ask God to give all of the creativity and energy that is needed. Pray that His Spirit will permeate each gathering that is dedicated to Him, and that through these Christmas outreaches, many will come to know Him as Savior.

November 22
· A Christian worker in China related the following story of one he has trained. "Recently Sue* accepted Christ as her Savior. She excitedly exclaimed, "What a joy to trust in Jesus my Lord. I want to introduce Jesus to all my family and friends!" Within the first month, she led 13 to Christ, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Soon, the whole church reached out to their community and 717 new believers were added to the church! Praise God for this and many other testimonies of victory that are constantly being reported by those serving in China.

· Pray with us that Southern Baptists will meet the $150 million Lottie Moon goal that will enable Christian efforts all throughout China to continue. How thankful we are for all who give and pray so that our Christian workers can impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of Chinese people. Field reports indicate a continued healthy increase of baptisms and new churches as Southern Baptist workers are increasingly engaging new cities and ethnic minority people groups.

· Pray that parents living in China for the sake of the gospel will have great wisdom as they choose from various educational options for their children. Varying from place to place, these include home schooling, boarding school, and international schooling. Praise Him for providing abundantly for our families, and pray that their children will not lack for anything that truly matters. Pray that parents and children will take joy in the culture and the Chinese people, and will be intent on sharing the gospel.

· Overseas Christian workers living in China this Thanksgiving will most likely not eat turkey or pumpkin pie. But all of them will certainly voice prayers of thanksgiving for God's leading and provision. They will thank Him for allowing them to experience an incredible culture, meet wonderful Chinese people, and tell people about Christ. Gathered in small groups with other believers or sharing with nonbelievers, they will attest to His faithfulness and rejoice in His mighty ongoing work throughout China.

November 7
· So much about China is overwhelming. With 1.3 billion people, it is still the most populous country in the world. Consider the 172 cities of more than one million people . . . the ethnic-minority groups that number more than 400 . . . its history that dates back 5000 years or more . . . its rapid economic progress that has placed it on the center of the world's stage . . . Then contemplate China's tremendous need for Christ. Despite the growth of the church in China at a rate purported to be unparalleled since New Testament times, one billion of China's people are lost. Please pray for China.

· Forced abortions and sterilization are a harsh reality for thousands of Chinese women who fail to adhere to China's one-child policy. During the last two to three years, about 130,000 Chinese women from a Shandong city of one million residents have been sent to "study sessions" designed to rein them in. Housed in one room with another 20 to 70 people for up to 40 days, some of those forced to attend were beaten repeatedly. Pray for the women of China who are of child bearing age, asking God to protect them and their unborn children.

· Twenty-two of the 55 officially recognized* ethnic minority groups in China have populations of less than 100,000. Sixteen of the smaller ethnic groups reside primarily along China's national borders, often neighboring foreign people of the same ethnic group. The majority of them do not have sanitary water or medical clinics, and that more than 30 percent of them lack primary schools or basic communications services such as telephones and postal services. Pray that the basic human needs of these people can be met. Thank God for Christian workers committed to overcoming hardship to reach these smaller ethnic-minority groups for Christ. (*55 is the government count. There are actually more than 400)

October 24
· Suicide is the leading cause of death among young adults aged 20 to 35 in China, according to the state media. Growing pressures to succeed in love, work, and education are listed as primary causes of the 250,000 suicides and 2.5 to 3.5 million unsuccessful attempts each year. China's suicide rate is about 50 percent higher than the global average. Pray that anyone who might despair to the point of wanting to end his or her own life will find new life in Christ.

· Living overseas for an extended period can be a challenge. Seeking to reach the lost in cities and ethnic-minority groups that are resistant to the gospel can seem overwhelming. Pray today that every Christian worker in China will focus today on abiding in Him, realizing that apart from Him, he or she can do nothing.

· Chinese farmers who accept Christ generally find it difficult to take time off for worship and training activities. Accustomed to working from dawn to dusk in the fields, it is just hard for them to imagine much else. But one farming couple recently spent three entire days learning how to harvest souls for Christ. Pray that their numbers will increase.

October 3
· Increasing divorce rates and domestic violence are two of the primary threats to families in China. More than 1.6 million Chinese marriages ended in divorce last year and an estimated one-third of Chinese households were impacted by domestic violence. Pray that the seeds of salvation will be sown in the hearts of moms and dads throughout China in ways that will result in many millions of truly Christian homes.

· Pray that God will supply the hundreds of U.S. university students needed to share Christ in China at Christmas through Christmas parties, English conversation classes, Christmas music and drama, one-on-one relationship building, and backpacking. Thank God for the special opportunities which surround the annual celebration of His Son's birth.

· With 1.3 billion people, China continues to be ranked as the world's most populous country. Tragically, more than one billion of her people do not know Jesus. Thank God for continuing to bring workers into the harvest, and for constantly calling Chinese people into a saving relationship through Christ. Pray that many more short-term and long-term workers will respond with obedience as He calls them into the fields of labor this month and next.

· Pray for the children of China, many of whom struggle to survive from the time that they are born. Currently in China's rural and remote regions, the mortality rate of babies and children under five is two to four times as high as in China cities. China also has 76,000 children under 15 who have lost at least one parent to AIDS. Pray that every boy and girl in China will have opportunity to hear about the love of Jesus Christ.

September 17
· Nine years ago a Christian worker relocated to a China city because of she was moved by the lostness of three Chinese teachers whom she had met there. Although God used the Christian worker to lay a strategy and assemble a team for reaching the city, the three teachers remained lost. Over the years, the Christian worker led many others to Christ and trained them to reach others. But the three teachers still did not respond. Praise God that during the last year, all three of them accepted Christ into their hearts!

· As colleges and universities throughout China are beginning their fall semesters, please pray for the salvation of young adults in China. Pray that Christian professors and students will be fervent and consistent in their witness. Pray that hearts and minds will be open to receiving the gift of salvation that God has prepared for His children.

· Transition is a reality for everyone, but when it embraces several countries and cultures, it has added dimensions of challenge. Pray today for all Christian workers in China who have sent their children off to overseas boarding school or university studies this year. Pray for all who are embracing new responsibilities, moving into new cities, settling into new homes, and learning new languages for the sake of the Kingdom.

September 5
· When one is seeking to reach ethnic minority groups living in remote areas, one has to start with the basics. Where literacy is not prevalent, one sometimes has to rely on radio broadcasts. Where radios are not available, one has to rely on teams who will backpack into villages to distribute them. Where electricity is not available, one has to rely on battery operated, handcranked radios for broadcasting. In all of this, of course, every worker has to rely on God. With Him all things are possible. Because of Him, many thousands of rural China dwellers are hearing the gospel over the airwaves. All praise to Him!

· Praise God that through the efforts of teams who distribute Bibles and other lifesaving materials, many are becoming aware of the saving grace of Jesus. One Christian worker said that one year ago, most of the people in his target group had no comprehension of Christianity. But following a distribution project last summer, they have found that many of them now know the name of Jesus. "Awareness has gone way up," he said. Praise God for this positive step in saturating the community with the gospel.

· "Our biggest prayer request is that we can find our people," said one Christian worker targeting an unreached people group in China. Pray today for the minority peoples of China who are living in very remote locations, as well as those who are so integrated into the general populous that they are lost to those who are trying to reach them with the gospel. As those called to the task are faithful in searching, pray that the lost will be found and won to Christ.

· Even as memories are fresh in the minds of hundreds of volunteers who served Christ in China this summer, prayerful preparations are ongoing for Christmas projects and springtime projects and projects for next summer. Pray that as workers in China request volunteers to serve in ways that will enhance their God-inspired strategies, many thousands of volunteers will respond with willing service.

August 22
· "If you are going to reach a group of millions, you have to do a lot of different things," stated a strategy coordinator for an ethnic-minority group in China. "Things that will reach people in the cities . . . the county seat towns . . . the very rural villages. Things that will appeal to university students . . . businessmen . . . illiterate people." Praise God for all who work strategically to reach various strata of ethnic minority groups in China. Pray that they will continue to look to Him for wisdom, strength, and understanding to reach these groups that sometimes number in the millions. Pray that Christ will be made known to all of the peoples of China.

· Pray for those whom God has placed in leadership roles among workers in China. Ask God to give them genuine times of rest, refreshment, and renewal. Pray that those who serve under them will be sensitive to their needs and will bear them up in prayer. Pray that all who lead will be totally dependent on the Father and seek in all things to glorify Him.

· "I remember when I first felt called to this position that it was such a bold statement to say, 'God has called my wife and me to reach millions of people for Him'." The Christian worker continued, "But I've been doing it for five years now and God has been extremely faithful. He has given us a vision to see every village have a church in it. And thanks to (the government), they did a terrific job of organizing society into provinces . . . and prefectures . . . and counties . . . and districts . . . and market towns." Let us pray that God will allow this couple and those with whom they co-labor see a church planted in every one of those market towns.

August 8
· "It's not our ability, our power. It's totally His power, His work, and His authority", reflected the China worker. "We were afraid to go to a city as big as the one where we serve. Then God said, 'Do you work by yourself? . . . It's my work. You just go where I want you to be." She concluded by sharing that God has shown Himself totally faithful in the work to which He has called her and her husband. Praise God for His willingness to use us in HIS task.

· Loneliness is a word that many fear to even voice, and yet it is a reality that threatens Christian workers who leave their own country and culture to serve God in China. Pray today that every Christian worker who is feeling pangs of loneliness and homesickness will be reminded of all of the joys that God continues to bring into their lives. Pray that those suffering loneliness will receive the comfort and assurance that the Father offers, and can remain focused on sharing Christ with others.

· The volunteer was very limited in her ability to communicate in the heart language of the Chinese people. But through her smile, her presence, and her actions, she spoke to their hearts. One Chinese young lady was so fascinated by the volunteer's kindness to the garbage collectors that she wanted to know what was going on in the volunteer's heart. That opened the door to a wonderful opportunity for witness. Praise God for all who serve in China for short stints, communicating the love of Christ in many different ways. Ask God to bless and use every volunteer who is serving in China today.

· One of the greatest difficulties for many who work in China is gaining physical access to the people they are trying to reach. "Just getting to my target group from the city where I live is a 15-hour bus ride," explained one Christian worker. "Where I used to live, it was anywhere from 12 to 36 hours depending on the conditions of the road, and if it was washed out or if the truck broke down in front of you." Despite the difficulties, he and many others like him are faithful to go into the inner reaches of China to share Christ with lost ethnic-minority groups. Pray today that God will grant them safety and will give them grace and enabling as they proclaim His name.

July 26
· Christian workers in China are constantly challenged by the changing needs of their families. Even though it is not easy for a Christian couple to bring small children to China, it may be even more difficult years later to send teenage children to boarding school or to university studies in the U.S. Thank God for seeing and attending to all of these family needs as His children look to Him. Pray for those who specifically target the developmental needs of our workers' children, asking God to give them wisdom.

· All throughout China, people are coming to Christ. Two students reading a Bible tract in a university cafeteria . . . three students in a home fellowship . . . a man in a public park . . . seven friends at a dinner in a restaurant . . . 45 individuals during a worship service. God is working constantly in the hearts of Chinese people who hunger for the gospel. Yet there are more than one billion still unreached. Pray to the God of harvest to bring exponential growth of believers in China.

· House churches have sprung up in many cities throughout China. Despite government restrictions against home worship groups, many of them meet in relative openness. Yet there is the constant threat of reprisal. Numerous house church believers, including many university professors, were arrested in a major northern city in late May and interrogated. Some of them were incarcerated for several weeks. Pray that in the face of ongoing threats and persecutions, those who believe in Christ will not cease to give witness to His saving grace.

· "Why are you carrying your Bible?" asked a Chinese waiter. When the believer responded that she planned on studying it that morning, he asked, "Do you read it every day?" That gave a chance for her to tell how God speaks daily through His word to those who are called by His name. Praise God for continuously opening doors of witness in China. Pray that all who are called by His name will be faithful in stepping through those doors of opportunity to lead others to Him.

· A Christian worker in China recently shared this praise report, "A couple of weeks ago as I was helping a local sister train a new group of believers, I realized that one of my dreams had become a reality. We were sitting in a classroom, the heavy sheets of rain filling the night skies, as we sang praises and studied the scriptures together. While we were praising God, I paused to capture the moment. I was filled with awe and praise. I couldn't believe I was sitting in a Chinese classroom, meeting with other believers, and declaring the praises of our mighty God." All praise to the giver of every good and perfect gift!

July 1
· The Chinese American engineer and his family talked eagerly about leaving his profession and their U.S. home and family to move to China to tell people about Jesus. . . Across town a few hours later, two single bright career women shared enthusiastically about how God was working through their witness in a large China city. . . That night an assortment of young adults, most of them attired in tee-shirts and khakis, spoke joyfully of leading others to Christ. Grouped together, all of these individuals comprise a team that is living and serving in China to target a megacity for Christ. Thank God for miraculously bringing together teams of Christian workers for the sake of building His Kingdom. Praise God that He uses families and singles, male and female, and young and old for the task.

· Ask God to protect those who are serving on short-term volunteer projects throughout East Asia this summer. As temperatures soar toward record highs in some of the northern cities and as rain floods areas in the south, pray that these summer workers will not suffer any ill effects. Pray that their testimony will be strong so that many lives can be touched by God's love.

· For a variety of reasons, quite a few Christian workers will be moving to new locations or residences this summer. Pray that God will give all of the strength, patience, and enabling that is needed for this demanding task. Pray that all who are in transition will settle quickly into their new homes and neighborhoods and begin sharing Christ with people around them.

· It is hard to imagine having one's entire city flooded summer after summer. Yet that is the stark reality for people living in Wuzhou and several other large cities in China. Pray that officials will address the land development problems and other issues that result in horrendous floods each summer. Pray that those who are unable to leave the cities that face this annual occurrence can know of God's love for them. Ask God to protect them from disease and suffering in the days to come.

· So what does a new Chinese believer say to the one who has led him or her to salvation? Here are some recent responses. "You gave me a whole new life when you gave me Jesus!" . . . "You have opened a whole new world to me." . . . "I must express my heartfelt thanks to you for guiding me to know God." . . . "Thank you for sharing the Lord's love with me." Let's join the angels in rejoicing over these new lives in Christ, praising Him who gives the increase.

June 27
· Volunteer workers are diligently handing out packets of gospel materials to Chinese tourists visiting in neighboring countries. Many who receive the packets are reading the materials and accepting Christ into their hearts. Praise God for all who labor faithfully to distribute lifesaving materials to the lost. Thank God for all that He is doing through this specialized ministry.

· Today's Beijing children are so much taller than in decades past that the city is considering raising by 10 centimetres (about four inches) the height allowance for free bus rides and park admissions. Praise God for improved nutrition that has contributed greatly to the improved health of children in Beijing and other parts of China. Pray that the leadership of China, where Sunday School for children is still prohibited, will be equally concerned about the spiritual nourishment of its youngest citizens. There are 300 million children in China, the most populous nation in the world.

· When China hosts the 2008 Summer Olympics, the sporting events will be viewed by an estimated television audience of four billion people. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will flood Beijing for the competitions. China's government will spend $37 billion to host the games. Pray that all who are seeking to reach China for Christ will know how best to utilize Olympic-generated opportunities to share the gospel.

· Pray for the rural believers in China, many of whom work in the field seven days a week from dawn to dusk before returning home to supper and hours of chores. One Christian worker explained that the lifestyle makes it difficult for the rural Christians to grow spiritually. "It is not too difficult to take the Gospel to the villages. Some readily accept the first time they hear. But what is difficult is the discipling, the gathering together for worship and training." Pray that rural believers will see the importance of consistent worship and Bible study. Pray that those seeking to disciple them will have wisdom in how best to do so.

· Pray for groups all throughout East Asia who are deploying T4T (Training for Trainers) to reach the multitudes for Jesus. The training focuses on teaching Christians not only to lead others to Christ, but to teach them how to become reproducing Christians from spiritual infancy. Aimed at catalyzing exponential church growth, the methodology relies heavily on personal testimony and simple lessons. Praise God that T4T has already proven effective in some locations. Pray that God will work mightily in each T4T group that is currently meeting, spurring the trainees to catch the vision and to act on it.

June 7
· Spiritual and physical needs are being met as medical workers
minister throughout China. One recent medical volunteer team of only two workers conducted clinics in several counties, treating up to 100 patients a day as a team of evangelists shared Christ with those waiting for treatment. More than 40 people accepted Christ during the first week. In another setting, 50 factory workers prayed to receive Christ as a team of medical workers and evangelists teamed in outreach. Thank God for the new believers and pray that they can be discipled to grow into spiritual maturity. Ask God to use them to reach many other Chinese people for Christ. Thank God for the committed service of volunteer medical workers.

· Pray for the salvation of the 20 million deaf and mute people in China, labeled as "the forgotten ones" by a Christian worker who conducted training among them. Worshipping with them in silence, he experienced a new kind of song. "Silently we were shaking all around, waving and 'singing' with our hands and feet!", he said. Praise God for those who accepted Christ and were baptized during the training. Pray that they will be faithful to share Christ within the deaf mute community, and that many more of these silent singers will come to know Jesus as Savior.

· Praise God for fervent Christians in places throughout China. One worker among an ethnic-minority group wrote, "It is an exciting thing to be able to sit down with people who are hungry for the Word of God and any kind of training or encouragement that you can give them. Even when they are illiterate, missing half of their teeth and eating silk worms for their lunch, it is pure joy to meet with these passionate believers" Pray that their thirst for spiritual understanding can be quenched and that they will be eager to impart gospel truths to other believers.

· The number of students returning to China from overseas studies increased by 25 percent last year. In 2004, 114,663 students went abroad for studies, declining by 2.2%, while the number of returning students was 25,116, increasing by 24.6%. Since 1978, there have been 814,884 people who studied abroad, and 197,884 who returned to China after graduation. Pray that the international Christian community will take hold of the tremendous opportunity to share Christ with Chinese students living and studying nearby, knowing that those who accept Christ and later return to China will have opportunity to impact many others for the Kingdom.

· Seated in a comfortable U.S. church, it is hard to imagine the trauma of having the service disrupted by policemen who haul most of the congregation to headquarters for questioning. Yet that is the reality for many house churches in China. Worship services have been disrupted, members beaten, leaders arrested, and Bibles confiscated -- all for the "crime" of gathering as the body of Christ to worship Him. Pray today for the Christians in China who live under constant threat of persecution for their faith.

May 9
· One Christian worker recently wrote, "God is blessing the work in (my city)! University students, laborers, vendors, business men and women, professionals, church leaders, friends, neighbors and others have been introduced to the Savior and have begun the disciple process. We and the angels rejoice over them." All praise to Him!

· The anti-Japanese protests of recent weeks in large cities throughout China were a stark reminder of the hatred that remains from events of previous generations. Pray that Christ's love can permeate the hearts of those who committed wartime acts, as well as those who are unwilling to forgive. Pray that those who continue to suffer from hurts inflicted on them decades ago can find peace that is only available in Jesus.

· More than 360 million rural Chinese lack safe drinking water, causing serious health concerns. Pray that health officials and government authorities can respond expediently to this very basic physical need. An even greater number of Chinese people -- more than one billion -- have not yet drunk the living water that comes through relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that the worldwide Christian community will respond with great urgency to this tremendous spiritual need.

· Several dozen new believers stood patiently in a long line, waiting to be baptized in the Yangtze River recently. The water was dirty, but they didn't care. Through this public act symbolizing burial of their old life, they were testifying of their new life in Christ. God is moving in a wonderful way in China. Join us in praising Him for the continued growth of China's church.

April 25
· Ask God to give wisdom to the leaders of China, even when they do not acknowledge His existence. Praise God that He is ultimately in control of the universe, and that one day every knee will bow before Him. Pray that He will continue to draw Chinese men and women of authority and influence into relationship with Him.

· Christian workers in China are constantly seeing people come to Christ as they hear the Good News. Yet they cry out to God for a greater harvest of souls, knowing that exponential church growth will be essential to reaching the one billion lost people in China for Christ. Pray that this year will be a year of multiplication of churches in China as millions of new believers enter the Kingdom.

· Pray for the young rural women in China, many of whom are exploited. Migrant women are frequently sold or forced into prostitution to support themselves and their families. Others are forced into loveless marriages. One Christian worker recently visited in the home of a family who should have been grieving the death of a young bride. But instead they were angry that they had paid for a bride that could no longer work for them. Pray that the young rural women of China can know the love of the Savior who gave His life for them.

· "Life here . . . is often all about sowing seeds and preparing for the harvest. We are looking for that day!" wrote one Christian worker who, with his wife, is faithfully seeking to lead members of a Chinese ethnic-minority group to Christ. Thank God for him and others like him who live among the peoples of China, pouring out their lives for the sake of the gospel.

April 11
· Praise God for His loving attention to the circumstances of His people. A Christian worker in China recently reported that a group of farmers in a nearby village decided to meet at 9 p.m. for midweek worship even though they knew that they would have to worship in the dark. Due to a power shortage in the area, electrical power had been cut off until almost 11 p.m. every night for about one month. But on the night of their worship, electricity was restored before 9 p.m. They rejoiced that the Father had provided specifically for their need.

· Thank God for all who accepted Christ over the long Easter weekend in China. The resurrected Christ was proclaimed through worship services, home gatherings, and even through Easter eggs! Pray that all who heard the gospel and believed will be strengthened by God in their early days of walking with Him.

· Many volunteers will be heading to China throughout the spring and the summer. Thank God for the willingness of short-term workers who augment ongoing strategic efforts. Pray that volunteers who minister through teaching, backpacking, literature distribution, professional services, friendship evangelism and other means will depend on the Father in such a way that they can be fully used by Him.

· Thank God for the Christian testimony of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who worshipped in a registered church while in Beijing for high level government talks. Pray that none of the thousands of overseas Christians who visit China each year will discount the power of their own personal testimony.

March 28
· China now has more than 20 million college students, accounting for 1.5 percent of her total population. Pray that those who are concerned for the salvation of the Chinese people will have wisdom in reaching out to the young intellectuals who will greatly impact China's future. Some of the overriding commonalities of today's university generation in China have been identified as materialism, financial debt, changing sexual values, stressful lifestyles, and skepticism about religion. But Chinese students are often also very receptive to the gospel. Praise God for all of the Christian activity that is taking place on campuses throughout China, and pray that His Spirit will sweep across many campuses this year, resulting in millions of new Christian students.

· At least 230 top Communist party official accepted Christ in the last three years, according to a government report. All of them were dismissed from their posts. Praise God for each of those who have chosen to place their faith in Jesus no matter what the cost.

· Beggars can be found in almost any large city in China. Immigrants and disabled people frequent crowded public places to solicit donations from passer byers. Tragically, many of the beggars are children, and many beggars young and old are controlled by unscrupulous gangs who keep them under servitude. Pray that Chinese Christians will boldly reach out to these unfortunates and tell them about Jesus.

· As the church in China continues to grow rapidly, house church members continue to live under the threat of persecution. A member of the South China Church, a large house church network, recently spoke in detail to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. about her imprisonment, torture, and sexual abuse. She reminded the audience that Pastor Gong Shengliang, the revered leader of the huge network, is still incarcerated, serving a life sentence in prison. Many other devout believers suffer similarly. Pray today for all who suffer in China because they have believed in their hearts and confessed with their mouths that Christ is Lord. Ask that they may be constantly aware of His presence and constantly faithful in witness.

March 14
· Thank you for praying for the gathering of China-related Christian workers last month. Workers were encouraged by praise reports of God's working, and renewed through worship, fellowship, and training. Ask God to strengthen all who serve Him in China today to the end that He may be greatly glorified.

· The divorce rate in China increased by 21 percent last year. Although the skyrocketing rate has been largely attributed to revisions in China's divorce laws, it is nevertheless a sad reflection on China marriages. 1.6 million couples ended their marriages in 2004. Pray that Christians in China can model Godly marriages and teach the importance of Christian homes. Pray for all of the children who are the victims of homes torn apart by divorce last year.

· Please remember to pray for the children of China, 300 million strong, who cannot legally study religion. Sunday School is technically prohibited, although many churches are committed to teaching the next generation about Jesus. One informed Christian group reports that there may be as many as 40,000 Sunday Schools in China, with anywhere from 20 to more than 100 students in attendance at each one. But that same group points out that the government considers Sunday School teachers to be more dangerous than pastors because they influence children. There are many reports of SS teachers being arrested and sentenced to labor camps. Praise God for those who are so burdened for the souls of Chinese children that they are willing to risk their own personal freedom. Pray that through their witness, many millions of China's children will come to know the true God.

·The number of Christian book titles legally printed within China has now reached 340. Most of them are academic works aimed at those studying religions, but there are also books of a more evangelical nature, and even some children's Bible story books that are now legally published and available for purchase at a limited number of Christian bookstores throughout China. Praise God that, even though these materials are only available in scattered places and in relatively small quantities, His Word is going forth in new and exciting ways.

February 21
· Electrical failures are a reality in quite a few of the locations where Christian workers serve. Even though China is experiencing many strides in development, the rapid growth of many cities results in increasing demands on already overburdened utility services. This often results in the breakdown of electrical grids or in the rationing of energy consumption. Pray that those who are confronted with unpredictable and inconvenient electrical failures will be able to rejoice and give thanks even when they lose power in the middle of meal preparation or lights in the middle of an evening of reading. Ask God to protect them from bitterly cold weather at times such as these.

· Persecution is on ongoing reality for Christians in China. Overt evangelism can be cause for arrest. Participation in a house church is a punishable crime. Yet the church in China continues to grow in leaps and bounds as those who claim the name of Christ are faithful to serve Him and proclaim Him. Pray today for all who are imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel. Pray that they will sense the presence of the Father throughout the long days and nights. Ask God to empower them to proclaim His faithfulness and tell of His saving grace even in such difficult circumstances.

· A baby boy born in a Beijing maternity ward on January 6 was proclaimed to be China's official 1.3 billionth citizen. Chinese authorities seized the moment to herald the "success" of China's one child policy that has drastically curbed the birth rate in the world's most populous nation. Many others pointed to the ever growing increase in the gender gap, warning of dire consequences as a result of the 25-year old policy. There are now 120 male births to every 100 female births in China, and in some provinces the ratio is as high as 130 to 100. Informed sources predict that by the time that baby #1.3 billion reaches age 16, there may be as many as 40 million Chinese men who are unmarried and have no hope of a spouse. There is fear that this will result in increased societal ills. Pray that as Chinese demographers, sociologists, and others sound the alarm for change, authorities will hear and will address the matter responsibly.

January 13
· Many Chinese Christians have expressed great concern for their Southeast Asia neighbors in the aftermath of the devastating tsunamis. Pray that God will guide them in responding to the crisis. Pray that the tragedy will encourage both them and us in even more fervent witnessing, knowing that life can be fleeting.

· God's hand of provision and protection was clearly upon university students from the U.S. who traveled to China at Christmas time to share the love of Christ. As they told the story of Christmas through many creative means, thousands of people heard about Jesus' coming to earth to save them, and many of them received Him into their hearts. All praise to the Savior!

· Praise God that Christ was proclaimed in many ways throughout China during the Christmas season. Worship services, carolling, parties, greetings cards, dramas, and music presentations were only a few of the evangelistic methods used to share Christ. Many Christian workers have reported new believers, interested seekers, baptisms, and church starts as the result of intensive Christmas ministry.

· Please lift up the preparations that are underway for a gathering of China-related Christians workers early next month. Ask God to give wisdom to planning team members who are dealing with logistical matters such as travel, housing, and security. Pray that all who are preparing to lead in worship and times of teaching will seek cleansing and empowerment from On High. Pray that all who will participate in the gathering will be able to clear their calendars, make necessary travel plans, and prepare spiritually to receive that which God desires to give them during the event.