Prayer List of May, 2004

1. Give Thanks for May¡¯s sister ¨C May¡¯s sister is recovering nicely. Let¡¯s rejoice and give thanks to the Lord for his grace and faithfulness!
2. Give Thanks for brother WeiDong ¨C As most of you already know, brother WeiDong will be leaving for Los Angeles soon. He has been actively involved in CCYF¡¯s bible study, preaching of gospel and daily operations (as Treasurer). Let¡¯s pray for God¡¯s continuous guidance for Weidong and Miaomiao, especially in their job searching process. We would also give thanks for their faithful service to CCYF and church.
3. Pray for CCYF¡¯s efforts in evangelism and growth ¨C CCYF¡¯s mission consistsof evangelism to Chinese students/young professionals near Columbia U areas, also to foster spiritual growth of brothers/sisters through weekly bible study and group activities. Let¡¯s pray for divine guidance and blessings to help us grow in both areas.
4. Pray for next coworker meeting ¨C The next coworker¡¯s meeting is scheduled on 6/19. We will discuss about activities/schedules for next half year, as well as Chairperson/Treasurer candidates. Let¡¯s pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire us to work in unity.

   The following are excerpts from Pray for China email list:

5. Pray for unity and revival of believers in HK - Angered by China's hard line against democracy in Hong Kong, thousands of people waved candles, sang and chanted to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing. Churches in HK are crucial to the support and training of China churches, but need to maintain a good relationship with the government. Let us pray for the unity and revival of believers on this island.
6. Pray for wisdom and courage for Christian youths in order not to compromise - China¡¯s Culture Minister has approved Britney Spears¡¯ first concerts in China, on condition that she does not reveal too much skin onstage. Spears is due to perform five concerts in Shanghai and Beijing later this year as part of her current world tour. The old tradition of not show "too much" skin in public is eroding quickly with the Western influence. Let us pray for the Christian youths, for wisdom and courage to be the light and salt, but not to compromise.
7. Pray for staff and students in YanJing Seminary - YanJing Seminary is now the only government seminary in Beijing. Each year, 20 enrolled mostly from Northwest China. Nearly 80% will return to serve in poor provinces. YanJing was the premier Christian education institution in the early 20th century. Let us pray for the staff and students, for their spiritual growth and revival.
8. Pray for missionaries and ministries to Chinese population in Russia - Russia has a negative population growth, death to birth ratio of 1:7 to 1. Historically, Chinese merchants bring the much-needed goods and do a profitable trade. There are many missionaries sent by Chinese churches in China into the Russian border. A church in Moscow will celebrate 10th anniversary this summer. Let us pray for the ministry to Chinese inside Russia.
9. Pray for more Christians to return to china and serve - 170,000 scholars have returned to staff many high offices and start new businesses. Support foreign study, encourage return and freely go and freely come is the official policy since 2003. Many Christians have returned purely for the opportunities to assist local churches. Let us remember especially those who are in Tianjing and Wuhan working fulltime and leading house churches.

        (Contributed by Lily Zhang)