Archived prayer concerns:

December 3
· "We've just received a report that one of our local believers has been kidnapped by Eastern Lightning." As alarming as the prayer alert sounded, it was not uncommon. The viscious Eastern Lightning cult is relentless -- to the point of kidnapping, brainwashing, and employing other forms of abuse -- in its quest to confuse and undermine Christians and churches through heretical claims and practices. Pray that God will protect all who are targeted by the cult.

· A Christian worker recently explained the importance of implanting the right DNA into new believers. "It is like a tree. Each branch makes new branches, which in turn, make more." A Chinese believer in his training group agreed. "It is not just telling someone about Jesus. It is making sure that they tell others!" Thank God for all who are committed, not only to evangelism, and not even solely to church planting, but to catalyzing church planting movements through the deliberate and systematic training of new believers to evangelize and train others who will continue the cycle.

· As a run-up to the 2008 Olympics, authorities in Beijing have recently closed down more than 50 schools for the children of migrant workers. There is widespread fear that migrants will be totally forced out of Beijing as the August 2008 event draws near. Pray that these wanderers, who left the countryside to find a better life in the city and now find the city unwelcoming, will find their home in Christ. Pray that their children, now shut out of access to education in their formative years, will know the One who welcomes them.

· With more than 100 million people aged 65 years or older, China is facing huge social challenges. China's seniors already account for 7.7 percent of the population and the percentage increase will continue to grow as seniors live longer than ever before and the country's one-child policy keeps the birth rate in check. Of greater concern to Christians, however, is that many of the 100 million people who are in the final years of their lives still do not know Christ. Pray that Chinese churches and believers will be sensitive to the spiritual needs of the lost seniors around them.

· The availability of 34 million blogs (simplified personalized websites) in China offers many opportunities for Christians to share Christ via the web -- particularly with the young "electronic generation." Ask God to infuse His might and power into the sites created for this purpose. Pray that will nonbelievers will find their way to sites that can tell them clearly how to accept Jesus. Pray that God will protect the Christian bloggers who post the sites.

November 13
· Praise God that He is constantly present with those seeking to make His name known. Praise Him that He works in ways unanticipated that serve to remind His servants that He is in control. A Christian worker recently told about his intense frustration at finding that the Chinese man that he had traveled far to see was not at home. After praying through his disappointment, he was surprised to find the man sitting in a pasture with several of his elderly friends. Rather than sharing Christ with just the one man, the worker was able to tell four men about Jesus. Pray that all who are serving Christ in China will be constantly aware that His plans exceed ours.

· Pray for those who are still caught up in ancient traditions of ancestor worship, blinded to the realization that True God requires that we worship Him and Him alone. Ask God to help Christian believers effectively convey to those around them how to love one's family and respectfully honor one's ancestors without taking from the Lord the glory that belongs to Him.

· Some of the ethnic-minority people groups that are being targeted for evangelism by our Christian workers are located in remote places where foreigners are not allowed to live. So the workers must make frequent trips of short durations into the rural areas, traveling rough roads and encountering difficult challenges. Please pray today for their safety, also asking God to use them to point others to salvation.

· Alcoholism is destroying lives and families throughout China. Pray that all who have fallen prey to the infiltration of the deadly poison into their bodies, their lives, and their families will come to know the One who can conquer even the most devastating addictions.

· Christian workers who have committed to spending their entire working life serving God in China discover that, sooner or later, they must deal with the challenges of aging parents back in the U.S. Even when their U.S. families are supportive, the workers often feel torn between the familial needs there and the great spiritual needs in China. Pray today for all who are in the midst of these struggles, asking God to give them needed wisdom and peace. Ask that He will place a special wall of protection around their elderly parents.

October 22
· With 10 percent of its population over the age of 60, China has the largest population of elderly of any country in the world. The majority of the 130 million seniors are spiritually lost. Pray that younger Chinese Christians will recognize that this huge segment of society needs to be reached with the gospel. Thank God for those who are already ministering to the social and physical needs of the elderly as a means to share Jesus Christ. Pray that their numbers will increase. Pray that every senior adult in China will hear of Christ's love before it is too late.

· Praise God for all who will give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year to sustain ongoing Christian efforts in places all throughout China. Pray today for the modern day "Lots and Lotties" who are making Christ known to the precious Chinese people. Thank God that through prayers, offerings, and Christian service, this generation of Christians can point Chinese people to salvation.

· Pray that new China workers settling into homes, schools, and communities will meet the people of peace that God has prepared for them. Pray that authorities will look favorably on their presence among them. Pray that God will lead them to wisely lay foundations of witness and relationships on which they can build in months and years to come.

· Can you imagine not even having access, much less owning, an English-language Bible? Many ethnic-minority people in China still do not have a copy of God's Holy Word in a language that they can read. Pray today for all who are working on Bible translations, asking God to strengthen them and give them wisdom. Pray that doors will be open and paths smoothed to allow His Word to go forth to all of the 400 plus people groups in China.

October 11
· Pray for 150,000 or more homeless children in China who are left to scrounge for a living on the streets. The children are reduced to such tragic existence through a variety of circumstances. Some of them are sent to the streets by families who are devastated by poverty or disease. Others leave home to escape pressure or abuse. Children with deformities or birth defects or even considered to be the wrong gender are often abandoned to the streets. Thank God for those who are working to bring these children to safety. Pray that each of the homeless little ones can know of the Father's great love for them.

· Praise God for the openness of many Chinese intellectuals to the gospel. About five percent of China's 1.3 billion people have received education beyond high school. Many of them have heard of Christ during their university years and have placed their faith in Him. Pray that they will be faithful to walk in His ways and to share His gift of salvation with family, friends, colleagues and other in their sphere of influence. Pray that house churches facilitated by these intellectuals will flourish.

· Thank God for Chinese believers who have committed to sharing Christ cross culturally. Pray for Chinese missionaries who are undergoing training as they prepare for sojourns in other countries for the sake of the gospel. Pray that God will strengthen them for the work ahead and their witness will be strong and effective. CHINA. An estimated one million Chinese people are infected with AIDs. Pray that China's government will be increasingly open about the epidemic to allow for treatment of those infected and to prevent further infections. Pray for the roughly 100,000 children who have been orphaned by the vicious disease. Pray that China's government and health care workers can respond appropriately in the face of this tragic epidemic. Pray that churches will respond with love and compassion to AIDs victims.

September 25
· A young Chinese professional who has been a Christian for only one year excitedly reported that on a trip to his hometown, he led four of his best friends to faith in Christ. Thank God for the fervent witness of new Chinese believers who are determined for their lost friends and families to know the hope and joy of salvation. Pray that their enthusiasm will continue throughout their Christian life. the seeds that were planted.

· Praise God that several church planting movements have been verified in China cities over the past year. Thousands of new believers are entering the Kingdom in these locations as Chinese Christians are deliberate and focused on leading others to Christ and training them immediately to reach out to others who will tell others who will tell yet others. Pray that the cycle of evangelism and training continues, every man, woman and child in these cities will hear about Christ. Pray that many more locations will experience a church planting movement in the coming months.

· A blonde-haired American lady who would stand out in any Chinese crowd has been standing up for Christ in her China city for years. Her greatest desire is to see the people of her city come to know Him. Recently she invited eight Chinese friends to supper. Four of the invitees showed up: among them a Buddhist, a Communist party member, and a man who was having an illicit affair. Within three weeks after the supper, all four of the friends had accepted Christ into their hearts. Thank God that lives are being changed for eternity as genuine friendship evangelism continues in locations all throughout China.

· Comprising about 70 percent of the church membership in China, female believers far outnumber male believers. Much of the church leadership is also female. Please take a moment today to thank God for each woman who is serving God faithfully in churches across China. Pray that the ranks of male believers will increase greatly and that growing numbers of men will join these sisters in serving God through involvement in His Body.

September 11
· Chongqing, China's largest city, desperately needs rain. It has been hit with the worst drought in 50 years and stands on the verge of physical disaster. An estimated 7.8 million of her 30 million residents are facing drinking water shortages. Farmers in the surrounding countryside have lost their entire crops and 1,000 water reservoirs are facing collapse because of heat induced cracks. The temperature peaked at 113 degrees in mid-August. Pray that refreshing rain will soon fall on the city. Pray that as the physical thirst of Chongqing's people is quenched, they will seek and find the One who can quench their spiritual thirst and save them from eternal destruction.

· Please pray for the Imagine 2006 China conference that will be held in Spartanburg, South Carolina in early September to focus on the unreached peoples and cities of China. Churches at all levels of mission involvement will be challenged to increase missions giving, prayer support, and the sending of personnel from within their midst. Pray that God's spirit will permeate the gathering and that all who participate will understand more clearly God's purposes for China.

· As the new school year begins, please pray for Christian workers who are parents. Whether home schooling, placing children in international schools in the cities where they live, sending teenagers off to boarding school, or staying in touch with sons and daughters who are in U.S. universities, parenting challenges are great. Pray that every mom and dad in such a situation will embrace the grace and peace that God offers. Ask God to watch over children who, by virtue of their parents having said "yes" to God's call on their lives, are living in a second culture.

· Pray for the university students of China who have recently begun another semester of study. This is a time when their hearts and minds are open to new thoughts and experiences. Pray that as those committed to campus evangelism sow seeds of the gospel, many thousands will hear of Christ's love and receive Him into their hearts.

August 28
·  Mandarin Chinese is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world, and is already beginning to supplant English as the language of choice throughout Asia. More than 30 million people are now studying Putonghua worldwide. Mandarin classes are offered at 2,500 universities. Pray that Christians committed to reaching Chinese people for Christ will be sensitive to the implications and potential of this developing trend.

· Thank God for all who, for the sake of Christ, choose to live in difficult locations and work under challenging conditions. Pray that as they face language learning, cultural adjustment, separation from family and culture, surveillance, and other challenges, they will serve with hearts of gratitude that will point Chinese people to Him.

· Praise God for the determination of Chinese house churches to baptize new believers. One recent report told of a group having to fill a bathtub one cup at a time due to low water pressure. In another instance, new believers knelt in a large clay pot filled with water and ducked their heads in order to be immersed in baptism. Thank God for others who are following Christ in baptism by stepping into swimming pools, lakes, and other large bodies of water as a testimony of their new life in Him.

August 14
· The testimony of a believer can be a powerful tool in reaching others for Christ. Praise God for Chinese believers who frequently share their Christian testimony with family, friends, and acquaintances. Pray that increasing numbers of Chinese believers will commit to making Christ known by telling others how He has changed their lives.

· Many young couples serving Christ in China are awaiting the birth of their babies. Pray that the expectant moms and dads can trust fully in Him to supply their every need at this vital time of their lives. Pray that their babies will be born healthy. Pray that all who are starting and growing families as they live and serve in China will thrive in every way as they depend on Him.

· Pray for Chinese believers who must make the difficult choice of worshipping in either government controlled registered churches or government prohibited house churches. Praise God for the committed believers in both groups, and pray that they will be increasingly devoted to reaching their Chinese brothers and sisters for Christ.

July 31
· Praise God for the many ways in which Christ is being shared daily in China. The Word of God is going forth through classroom teaching, small group leading, literature drops, and one-on-one conversations. Ask God to protect and empower each one who proclaims His salvation in China today.

· Even as the church in China continues to grow by leaps and bounds, some of God's most devoted servants pay dearly for their commitment. Several well known house church leaders have been taken into custody in recent months by those unfriendly to the cause of Christ. Pray that in their confinement, these brothers and sisters will continue to trust completely in Him. Pray that in their suffering, they can show forth His love and light.

· As increasing numbers of Chinese people leave their rural homes to find work in cities, many of the children are left behind. The so-called "leftover children" phenomenon that is sweeping rural China is largely attributed to poverty. In 2004, there were 22 million "leftover" children in the countryside, many of them being raised by a single parent or grandparents. Pray that each of these children will have opportunity to know the Savior who will never fail them or forsake them.

· China has earned the distinction of being the only country in the world where the suicide rate of women is higher than that of men. Every year, 1.5 million women attempt to take their own lives, and 150,000 of them succeed. The suicide rate is three times higher in the countryside than in the cities. Pray today for the women of China, asking that they might know how precious they are to their Creator and how He longs to welcome them into His family.

July 17
·The prayer request of many Christians working in China is for Godly wisdom to reach their cities and ethnic minority groups. They know that the task is great, and time may be short. Pray today that all who seek wisdom from On High will receive it in great measure so that as they expend themselves for the gospel, their lives will bear much fruit.

·Pray for Chinese people those who have lived in fear of spirits, ancestors, and earthly authorities for so long that it is hard to imagine a peace that passes all understanding. Pray that as the gospel is shared with them, they will know that all power is in the hands of the One who gives salvation. 

·Thank God for all who are working with small groups of believers, training them to reach others for Christ. One such worker wrote, "We now have three groups that I'm teaching or (otherwise) involved with. Among these, some group members are being faithful to go out and share, a few are leading people to Christ, and a few are even teaching those they lead. For all this, Dad is to be greatly praised. As you praise Dad with me, I ask you to keep asking for bigger things, and ask the Lord to keep enlarging our territories here."

·Pray for students graduating from China's universities this year. Partly due to escalating enrollments in recent years, an estimated 60 percent of them will not be able to find jobs commensurate with their education in the flooded job market. Pray that through the inevitable frustration and discouragement, many of them will find the true meaning of life through relationship with Christ. Pray that those who already know Christ will depend on Him as they determine their next step, and that their lives will bear testimony to His saving grace.

·With 260 million children under the age of 14 in China, there is a great need countrywide for Sunday School. But the challenges are formidable. In some locations, teaching the Bible to children is forbidden to the extreme that SS teachers have been arrested. Sometimes, though, all that is lacking is know-how. One worker shared, "A few weeks ago, a friend came to visit. She and a few other mothers who were also believers were hoping to start a weekly Sunday school type program for their children, but none of them had a clue what to do! All of these ladies became believers as adults, and none have ever seen or been involved in a Bible study geared for children." Pray that every child in China will have opportunity to hear Bible stories, sing songs about God, and learn scripture verses.

·Praise God that 40 million Bibles have now been printed by Amity Press, the printing arm of China's official church. But with about that many Christians in China, and more than one billion who still do not know Christ, hundreds of millions more Bibles are needed. Thank God for others who are using creative means to get Bibles into the hands and homes of the people of China.

July 3
·A China worker who will soon be traveling has given good advice on how to pray for those who are breaking spiritual ground in unreached villages. "We hope to begin relationships with people, gain insight into their worldview, discover ways in which we can physically serve them, and look for bridges into sharing the good news with them. Ask for people who can guide us to villages. Ask that we will find people and houses of peace in every village we enter."

·The teenage son of Christian workers recently said, "Dad, I don't want to be known as a handsome foreigner. I want to be known as a good Christian." Praise God for his resolve. Pray that this will be the prayer of every teenager whose parents are in full-time Christian service in East Asia.

·Praise God for short-term volunteer workers who minister in China year-round. One long-term worker recently reported, "We had a team from a church in the United States come spend a week with us, and it was the most fruitful such week we’ve ever experienced." Telling about how they had impacted one Chinese group, he said, "There were five believers and six seekers there. When they left three hours later, (there were) eleven believers." Pray that volunteers who will serve in China this summer will also see much fruit.

·A recent study showed that one in seven residents of China lives on less than $1 U.S. per day. This indicates that poverty in China is much more rampant than its government has recognized previously. Tragically, an even greater proportion of its population suffers from spiritual poverty. Pray that the basic material needs of China's impoverished people can be met. Pray that Chinese people, rich and poor, can possess the spiritual riches found only in relationship with Christ Jesus.

·Praise God for the incredible harvest that is taking place in locations throughout China. One worker reported, "I have served in my city three years now. I have three different churches that I work with right now. Altogether so far these three years, they’ve built about almost 90 churches. We've baptized approximately over 1,000." All glory and honor to Him!

June 19
·One of the greatest challenges for overseas Christian workers comes when their family members are suffering back home. One worker recently asked for prayer for several of his coworkers with aging parents who are ill in the U.S. Ask God to comfort all who are in this type of situation. Pray that He will give understanding to family members in the U.S. Pray that He will give wisdom to those in China who must make difficult decisions at times such as these.

·Thank God for Christian workers among illiterate people in China who are memorizing Bible stories to be shared with those who learn primarily by hearing. Praise God that they are also training local believers to master oral story telling methodology in order to make His plan of salvation known to those who can't read the Bible. Pray that many oral learners will come to know Christ as the stories are shared.

·The reality of China's one child policy is beginning to be felt in new ways by young adults in China. Once the focus of doting parents and two sets of grandparents, they now realize that the sole responsibility of caring for their aging parents -- and possibly grandparents -- will fall to them. In the case of a young married couple, they will have the full responsibility for two sets of parents. Pray that young adults in China who are constantly seeing unanticipated pages of challenge unfold before their eyes will look to the One who holds all of the answers to life's questions.

·Children's education needs are often a challenge for Christian workers in China. In some cases, children are sent to boarding schools and in other cases, they are educated in international schools. Some choose to home school. In each of these situations, unique challenges arise. Pray today for the parents who seek to make wise decisions. Pray for their children, asking God to meet the specific education-related needs that they have. Pray that each of them will know Christ as Savior.

·Chinese people often perceive Christianity to be a western religion. Recent questions asked by nonbelievers include, "Can God understand me if I pray in Chinese?" and "Do you mean that there are Bibles in Chinese?"Pray that as Christ is proclaimed in China, many millions more will come to know the God who created all, is over all, and who longs to reside in the hearts of all.  Pray that even today, many Chinese men and women will understand the Father's great love for the Chinese people and His desire that each one of them be saved.

June 5
· Training for Trainers (T4T) groups are springing up all over China as those committed to seeing Christ's church grow exponentially commit themselves to training other Christians to reach people for Christ who will, in turn, train those whom they lead to Christ to reach and train others. Pray that the chain of discipleship will be unbroken in many places. Pray that church planting movements will take root in cities and rural communities all over China.

· It is estimated that of the 130 million rural migrant workers in China, 20 million of them are children under the age of 18. In most cases, the children are on the move with their parents. Because of their status, they are often deprived of schooling and health care. There are 300,000 migrant children in the nation's capital alone. Pray for these wayfaring children, asking God to protect them and draw them to Himself. Pray that authorities will address the injustices that the children face day in and day out. Pray that somehow, each of the children will have opportunity to hear of Christ's love.

· As has been true in recent summers, hundreds of volunteers are preparing once again to spend weeks of their summer break in China. Through various English teaching programs, medical projects, backpacking opportunities, campus activities, prayer walks, and discovery trips, they will share their love of Christ with Chinese people, even as they grow to better understand Christ's love and purposes for the people of China. Pray for all volunteers who are making summer preparations today, asking God to meet their financial, logistical, and spiritual needs as they depend on Him.

May 22
·Two believers in a previously resistant ethnic minority group decided that since they were the only known Christians in their minority group, it was up to them to share the gospel.  In six months' time, they led 111 people to Christ and started 11 churches.  Praise God for this victory and for many other similar victories that are taking place in China today.  Pray that increasing numbers of Chinese believers will accept the challenge to lead people to Christ and start churches.

·With the 2006 Winter Olympics just past, Beijing is moving forward with preparations to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.  It is estimated that the nation's capital will add the equivalent of three Manhattans to its skyline before the games begin in 2008.  Pray that during this time of intense preparation, every Christian -- Chinese or foreigner -- who lives or travels in China will be earnest in telling people how to build their lives on The Solid Rock.

·An ancient two-lane road in China's southwest province of Yunnan has been called by many names:  Old Tea Horse Trail, The Burma Road, and Route 320.  Tragically, it has recently come to be known as the AIDS road.  As many as 200 people are being infected by HIV every day through sex and drug trade in the impoverished cities and villages that line the route.  There is fear that the disease will spread from there to many parts of China.  Please pray that Christ can be proclaimed in each city and village along the route and that many will turn to Him.

·Praise God for all who have committed themselves fully to reaching the lost in China for Christ.  One worker wrote, "Our hearts continue to be focused on those who have never had an opportunity to hear about Jesus!  We have renewed our commitment to reaching further into the darkness, bringing the light of the Gospel and the hope offered through Jesus to the Z people who have yet to experience the light and the hope!"

·Ask God to place His hand of protection on each one of His children who are vulnerable to the tactics of aggressive cults that prey on weak Christians.  Even when cautioned, new believers often prove susceptible to the influence and deception of these groups who deploy half truths and clever strategies.  Pray that new believers can be swiftly trained so that they will be grounded in truth.

May 8
·God is working in China in ways that go beyond man's ability to measure. One Christian worker testified to what he is seeing in the city where he serves, "I just see a lot of signs happening . . . that the Lord is just working in a very powerful way in our area. The numbers are huge, people receiving, the churches being planted. And so we can’t keep tract of them. We can’t count them anymore."

·Many Chinese people opted out of the traditional ancestor worship at grave sites on Tomb Sweeping Day earlier this year, and chose instead to honor their ancestors on the internet. Via website, they were able to present virtual bouquets of flowers, post memorial messages, or play songs of tribute. One website set up for such tributes registered 40 million hits. Pray that Chinese families who are intensely loyal to each other and to those who have gone before them will be willing to put Christ first, even above family. Pray that Chinese believers, families, and churches can model God-honoring ways to memorialize deceased relatives.

·Seven million people in rural areas, primarily in northern China, suffered from water shortages due to widespread drought during April. Parts of Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Yunnan provinces are affected, along with the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The suffering was compounded when the worst sandstorm since 2001 dumped 300,000 tons of dust and sand on Beijing in mid-April. Also impacted by the storm were Tianjin and a swath of northern China stretching from Jilin province in the northeast all the way to Xinjiang Province in the desert northwest. Pray that God will send rain that will replenish water supplies and refresh the land and inhabitants of China. Pray that the people of China will be even more aware of their spiritual thirst than can only be quenched by Jesus Christ.

·Through the patient efforts of Christian medical personnel, residents of one village received treatment for their basic health needs during a recent community health project. Now Christians have openings to more than 150 homes of those who received medical attention. Pray that as they enter each of these homes to share the good news, hearts will be open to salvation.

·Praise God that even though He chooses to use people in His harvest of souls, the results do not depend on human effort. When fatigue sets in, attempts to speak the local language falter, and evangelism plans fail, Christian workers in China are reminded that the battle truly belongs to the Lord. Thank God that the results are dependent not on might or power, but on His Spirit.

·God continues to call Chinese men and women into a saving relationship with Him. Praise God that many new believers entered the Kingdom over the Easter holidays as Christian workers were diligent to share the message of Easter through home gatherings, movie showings, Easter parties, and in other creative ways.

April 17
· Please pray for all who are making decisions and plans related to summer ministry in China. Many teams of volunteers will join with longterm personnel to share Christ through English camps, student projects, backpacking adventures, medical ministries, and business exchanges. Pray that all who are being called into service this summer will respond with willing hearts. Pray that all who are facilitating these opportunities will have wisdom from on High. Pray that through these efforts, many Chinese men and women can come to know Christ.

· A worker in China has asked for special prayer for the wife of his Chinese friend. She was arrested for evangelistic activities and has now disappeared. Please lift up all who are incarcerated in China for the sake of the gospel. Pray that the Father will give to them all that is needed to glorify Him even through suffering. Pray that the faith of their family members might increase as they await their release and pray for them from outside the prison walls.

· More than 400,000 Chinese people die each year from pollution related illnesses, according to a government study. Pray that authorities in provinces throughout China will be diligent in confronting this problem. Pray that Chinese men and women can learn to be good stewards of God's creation, and more importantly, that they will come to know the One who created them.

· "Praise to the Lord for all He accomplished in 2005 in H city!", wrote one Christian worker. "There are hundreds, even thousands, of people who were touched somehow by the Lord in our city (last year). Through our team we saw 92 people come to faith in Christ. Thank you to all who have prayed for us and for those of you who made the trip here for the fifth time and to those who came for the first time! He works through volunteers and prayer." All praise to Him.

March 13
· China’s government has recently committed to wiping out illiteracy in everyone between the ages of 15 to 24 years old by the year 2010. Pray that Chinese Christians will be equally determined to wipe out spiritual illiteracy among everyone in this age group. Pray for the salvation of the young adults in China, a generation that will very likely have a strong impact on the entire world.

· A new believer in China was recently threatened by expulsion from his family if he does not pray for the family ancestors. He has stood firm in his faith, resisting efforts to bring him under the submission of false gods and teachings. Thank God for His testimony. Pray that he and many others like him can be constantly strengthened in their walk with Jesus and can strongly impact family members and others through their determined witness.

· After years of denial, China has recently publicized its ever growing AIDS epidemic in an attempt to combat the spread of the dread disease. It is predicted that with aggressive preventive measures, the number of HIV carriers can be capped at 1.5 million people by 2010. Pray for all who suffer from this horrible disease, many of whom live in subsistence housing and who lack access to quality health care. Many of them will soon enter an eternity without Christ unless someone tells them of His love. Pray for the children who are being orphaned by the disease, asking God to open doors of gospel opportunity to them.

· It’s not necessarily the huge strategic decisions that challenge Christian workers in China the most. Often it is the day to day realities of living in a foreign country. One Christian worker recently explained that something as simple as replacing a towel rack can require many stops at many shops, many language miscommunications, much travel and time and energy. Pray that all who serve Him in China will look to Him for strength, endurance, and patience so that they turn annoyances into opportunities to draw closer to Him and to bring others to Him.

February 27
· An American Christian living in China was initially amused when a Chinese visitor to her home asked if a small figurine of a Chinese fisherman depicted Jesus. Then she was jolted by the realization that the lady truly had no concept of Jesus. Yet her question had hit on the very essence of His being. Thank God that the Fisher of Men offers salvation to all who believe. Pray that the Savior Christ can be proclaimed to every person in China who does not yet know Him.

· Poverty, back breaking labor, and harsh living conditions are a reality for much of China’s rural populace. Many of them see no way out. Pray that the rural people of China will find the Door that will lead to abundant and eternal life. Ask God to empower all who share Christ in rural China today, to the end that millions more countryside dwellers can come to know Christ.

· Many late term pregnancies are still being terminated in China because of the one child policy that affects most of the populace. Sometimes the terminations are forced, but often they are voluntary as parents realize that violation of the policy can have a drastic impact on their future and standard of living. Unwanted children who are carried full term often end up abandoned. Pray that both authorities and expectant parents will recognize that children are a gift from Creator God and not a disposable commodity.

· A worker in China recently wrote, “Language learning is progressing, but I sometimes find it frustrating to use the vocabulary of a three-year old to express the thoughts of a 23-year old.” Pray today for all who are studying language for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to empower them to hear tones, discern sounds, and accomplish all else necessary in learning Chinese so that they can clearly communicate the truth of the gospel. Thank God for their Christ-like willingness to humble themselves and become as little children.

February 13
· Thank God for the many ways that Christ was shared in China during the Christmas season. Pray for enabling and wisdom for those who are training new believers who received Christ as a result of Christmas evangelism. Pray that the new Christians will grow into maturity and will be faithful in leading others to Christ.

· Pray for the factory workers of China who put in long hours to perform menial labor. Thank God for Christians who are targeting these workers with the gospel and for Christian factory owners and managers who open wide the doors of witness. Pray that the gospel will continue to take root in the hearts of factory workers throughout China.

· Praise God for the faithful stewardship of His people. One of many Southern Baptist workers recently expressed his gratitude for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering by writing, “My people group is unreached because of formidable political, cultural, and geographic barriers. But the greatest barrier of all is the religious barrier. They know very little of Christianity or of anything outside their own religious realm. They know nothing of a personal, Creator God who loves them and offers them his grace. There is no modern, understandable translation of the Scripture in their language. This year funds which come through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering helped pay for the printing of two of the Gospels in my people group’s language. Funds also paid for the production of tracts and CDs with the gospel message in their language which Southern Baptist volunteers distributed. We trust God that the seeds sown will bring forth a harvest of souls.”

January 7
· The government-sanctioned registered church of China estimates that 75% of its members are female. House churches often report a wide majority of women members as well. Thank God for Christian Chinese women who love and serve God. Pray that increasing numbers of Chinese men will also enter the Kingdom through salvation in Christ.

· Chinese pastors often support their family for one month on what an American family might spend for one trip to a restaurant. Thank God for Chinese brothers and sisters who serve joyfully despite the lack of earthly riches. Pray that God will supply their every need.

· Bibles are a precious commodity in China where they are constantly in demand and often short in supply. Praise God for all of the innovative ways that the worldwide Christian community is deploying to get copies of God’s Holy Word into the hands of those who desperately want one. Pray for God’s protection to be upon all who minister in this way.

· Gambling has a death grip on many Chinese lives. The Far East Broadcasting Company that presents Christian programming throughout China recently reported, “Gambling is tearing at the very fabric of the Chinese society, even affecting Christian workers. . . The profile of the gamblers has grown to include retirees, the unemployed, women, youngsters, and anyone who wants to make a quick buck.” Pray that Christians in China can speak boldly again the dangers of this addictive activity.