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A pastor preaches to a
"standing room only"
crowd. ~ Yunnan ~ |
The ratio of pastor to Chinese believer is still about 1 to 10,000. Churches and meetings points need more indigenous teachers and evangelists who can help them understand and apply God's Word in their everyday lives. Please pray that more laborers be added to the field and that they not fall prey to materialism, corruption or heresy. ~ Matthew 9:37-38 ~
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Sometimes trying to quench
physical thirst is more difficult.
~ Shanxi ~ |
Many Chinese believers experience difficult living conditions. Some must walk two kilometers to get fresh water for their families. In the wintertime, the water hole may freeze, forcing them to walk even further to another water source. Please pray that organizations such as Amity Foundation and other ministries
be blessed so they can continue to serve believers with their physical needs which are just as important as their spiritual. ~ Mark 9:41 ~
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Sometimes the best contingency plan
is a team of horses. ~ Heilongjiang ~ |
China is a huge country. When there are difficult to reach areas or inclement weather, sometimes our staff and the local pastors must use four modes of transportation to reach the "unreached" or bring materials and resources to believers in distant villages. As in the days of the apostle Paul, as co-workers in Christ, we can assist those who are "sent out" by praying for their continual safety, protection and health.
~ Romans 15:24 ~
As the Gospel reaches more Chinese, pray for the opportunity for parents to teach God's life-giving principles to their children and that more Christian resources be made available to the younger generation. ~ Proverbs 22:6 ~
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A humble church |
Many churches are in dire need of better furniture and other equipment. Sometimes the needs are as simple as a lectern, table or chairs. In other cases it may be an electronic keyboard in which to play hymns or a tape recorder to play tapes when the pastor is not able to meet with them. Please pray that their needs be met in these small but important areas as well.
~ Romans 15:25-27 ~
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
1. The Gospel in China
Of the 1.3 billion people in China, less than 1% are Christians. The majority are still atheists and many believe in heresies and cults.
2. Pastor, Seminary and Lay Leader Training Classes
Compared to China's overall population the percentage of Christians is small, nevertheless, the number is still great. The Church in China needs many quality pastors to keep up with the rapid formation and development of all the ministries that are needed to nurture the many new believers being added to the churches daily.
3. Needs of the Lay Leaders
There are tens of thousands of lay leaders in the villages. They work hard in a quiet and inconspicuous manner. As a result, people easily ignore some of their greatest needs. For example, in Liaoning province, a female pastor around 30 years old arrived at her place of assignment. She did not have enough money for transportation so she rode her bicycle and walked for 7 hours a day for 4 months to preach the Gospel to the surrounding areas.
4. Publications of the Church
The publication and distribution of Bibles has increased over the past ten years. At the same time, many good spiritual helps have been published as well. A good book is similar to a good pastor! China covers a huge territory and churches are in great need of good evangelical literature, especially in the villages and border areas.
5. The Sunday School
The sooner a child is able to develop a relationship with God, the better. There are few Sunday schools in China because of the government sensitivity towards religious indoctrination of young people. If believers can establish and operate Sunday schools in a manner that shows how it can be a benefit to the church and the community, perhaps the government will be open to allowing more Sunday schools to develop.
6. Training of Singing Hymns
Hymns play a great part in church worship services. They are written by experienced authors who have been touched by the Holy Spirit. It's always a benefit to the church to have more members who know how to write and sing hymns. When people are feeling discouraged, lonely and depressed, singing hymns boosts their morale, comforts them and provides encouragement. Today, more and more believers experience the special charm of hymns and many “Sightsinging Training" classes (teaches believers how to sing hymns and praise songs) have developed in Mainland China.
7. The Believers
Believers who are sick, weak and poor need our prayers. Several years ago, in the Northeast part of China, a pastor's daughter had a very serious skin disease. She could not wholly recover and had many scars on her body. She had a beautiful voice and sang in the church. She is an example of the many believers who need our prayers.
Pray for China and East Gates
