Author: China Partnership

This week we continue praying through China’s major cities with Beijing. Home to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, China’s national government, and so much more, this ancient capital almost encompasses too much to properly introduce. Claiming national importance for at least eight centuries, Beijing is not only China’s most significant city, but a major global force.

With the arrival of Valentine’s Day, pray this week for the issues of marriage, singleness, and divorce in China. As Chinese society changes and develops, issues surrounding marriage weigh heavily on many people’s minds. Pray for the church to be a powerful, loving, and encouraging voice in the midst of a society looking for guidance on the topic.

Pray this week for evangelism in China and among Chinese expats. As Chinese society continues to change, so too does evangelism with each successive generation. Many pastors and foreign workers are finding that what were once impactful strategies for sharing the gospel no longer have quite the same effect. Many pastors believe this is not only the result of China’s changing realities, but also of the church’s growing presence in China. Whereas a decade ago many urban Chinese still had never encountered a Christian or the gospel, these days it is far more common for young urban Chinese to have preconceived opinions about faith when engaged by evangelists.

Pray this week for those feeling afraid to due changes in America’s immigration policy. Regardless of your political convictions and opinions, take time this week to recognize that many Chinese in America are feeling very confused and uncertain regarding their future in the country. Though they may not be the most affected immigrant group, fears are still running high among many Chinese communities, particularly among international students trying to apply for work visas.

This week we continue praying through China’s major cities with Lanzhou. Lanzhou is the capitol city of Gansu Province and one of the few major cities is Northwest China. Historically, the city was significant for the Northern Silk Road, and was at times controlled by the Tibetans and Mongols. For a period of Chinese history, Lanzhou was a significant center of Buddhist study. It is also home to many of Gansu’s large Muslim communities.

On Saturday, January 28, more than 1.3 billion people will celebrate Chinese New Year. Not only will those in mainland China celebrate, but the many Chinese living across Australia/Oceana, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America will also seek to spend the holiday with family. Whether by traveling to celebrate in person or by connecting electronically, Chinese families will seek to be reunited. What a great time to pray for God’s blessing on China and for the gospel to go forward in the year of the rooster!

This week, take a glimpse into the prayers on the hearts of Chinese church leaders. The following comes from a regular prayer newsletter sent out by a church network. Join them in praying for the specific needs listed below.

The Christmas holiday is generally a huge time of evangelism for the Chinese church. Because Christmas does not have the same cultural connotations in China that is has in the West, it is not primarily considered an important time to spend with family and loved ones; rather, it is mostly viewed as a celebration of commercial values among young urban Chinese or as a religious holiday among Christians. Because of the fewer family commitments during the holiday and the growing cultural curiosity concerning it, Chinese churches often pour large amounts of time and energy into sharing the gospel during Christmas. This week let’s pray for their efforts!

December 13th marks the anniversary of the Nanking Massacre. The massacre was perpetrated by Japanese forces in 1937 and lasted over six weeks. An estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed, along with 40,000 Chinese soldiers. This historical event remains one of the most contentious issues between China and Japan and continues to impede reconciliation and partnership between the countries. Its anniversary can often be a time of mourning and anger in China, and frustration over Japan’s perceived reticence to ask forgiveness.