This week we continue praying through China’s major cities with Hangzhou. Known for its legendary West Lake, Hangzhou is an ancient and famous city in China that plays an important role in much of China’s literary and artistic history. It is one of China’s ancient capital cities and has a history of more than two thousand years. Hangzhou was long the center of the silk industry and trade.
China Partnership is continuing its prayer initiative to rally prayer both in China and the United States. This initiative echoes the work of a group in Canada called C2C, which has a very vibrant prayer ministry countrywide. C2C started a grassroots prayer time at 10:02am based off of Luke 10:02, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” C2C prays consistently at 10:02, regardless of whatever they might be doing at the time. If other people are around, they simply invite them to join. They ask every person participating to set their phone or watch alarm for 10:02am every day.
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. It focuses on themes of God’s sovereignty in history and the purpose of persecution. Use it as a guide to pray along with these Chinese Christians – and be encouraged that they are praying for you at the same time.
This week pray for America-China relations under the new president-elect, Donald Trump. In addition to his many comments and policies regarding immigration, Trump was outspoken about trade issues with China during his campaign and has threatened to greatly increase tariffs. Within China, opinions seem to vary greatly as to how concerned the country should be about Trump’s election, and within the United States, there are many strong opinions both for and against Trump’s abilities to handle foreign policy.
In the last year the Chinese yuan has been depreciating – it’s gone from 6.2 yuan/dollar to 6.78 yuan/dollar in the last twelve months. This week pray for wisdom for China’s economy, business leaders, and government.
As America participates in national debate and conversation over sexual assault, so too does China. High profile cases involving women and children have at times sparked outrage and at other times, apathy. Recent studies show that 1 in 3 Chinese college students have experienced sexual harassment, and estimates suggest that a potential 25 million minors under the age of eighteen have suffered sexual abuse. Let us pray this week for both of our nations to recognize the statistical realities, repent of sin, heal the damaged, and protect the vulnerable.
I had been serving in Chinese ministry at Second Presbyterian Church since 1996. In 2005, as more and more Christians from other countries came and joined the church, the Chinese ministry was turned into a multinational, diverse group called International Christian Fellowship. While reaching out to Chinese was always my main focus, the Lord opened my eyes to see the needs of internationals, and most importantly helped me to understand the big picture of global mission. As a result, I decided to serve internationals in the American church context since then.
Today we pray for China’s space program. Two major announcements have been made recently from the program. First, China’s second space station, Tiangong 2, was recently successfully launched. Its first inhabitants are expected to arrive within a month. Second, China recently confirmed that its first space station, Tiangong 1, will naturally return to the earth towards the end of 2017. It is expected to mostly burn up in the atmosphere as it descends, but there is uncertainty about whether pieces will remain intact and where they might hit. Scientists do not seem overly worried about it, citing that the chances of debris hitting populated areas of the earth are incredibly small; however, the situation is a good reminder to pray for China as it continues to grow its presence on the international stage.
As we pray for the country’s many needs, we also take time to remember the many ways China glorifies its creator. This week take time to praise God for the wonders of Chinese food – and perhaps go one step further and learn how to cook one of its most famous dishes! Below you can find a link for learning how to cook Kungpao Chicken (宫保鸡丁, gōngbǎo jīdīng).
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. It opens with scripture and closes with the needs of those in the network. Use it as a guide to pray along with these Chinese Christians – and be encouraged that they are praying for you at the same time.
Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.
Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.
Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.
Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.
Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.
Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.
Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.
Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China.
Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.
Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.
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