Editorial office

The Immense Popularity of Early Childhood Education
The new generation of young mainland parents are so hugely concerned about their children's education that they have opted for the increasingly popular courses targeting at pre-school children. A rising number of organizations offering such courses has sprung up, with some charging as much as 150 yuan per lesson. Many young parents are willing to shoulder the cost for fear that their children will lag behind others. But while holding high hopes for their children, different parents have different views on the courses. Some think they are helpful and it is good to let their children learn new things at an early stage. They are willing to cut down on expenses in other areas in return. Some others, however, think that education at too early a stage and excessive attention paid to children are not beneficial but would rather increase children’s anxiety. Some experts think it is more important instead to enhance parenting skills since family education is irreplaceable. (Xinhua news web site August 4, 2010)

In an environment of rapid urban development, some young parents are willing to invest in their children for the sake of their future. But often they put too much emphasis on intellectual development, neglecting spiritual growth and the cultivation of values, or their children’s ability to cope with adversity. May the Lord help mainland parents understand how to raise children with proper methods, follow Biblical truths, and raise them in the love of Christ.

Migrant Workers in Shenzhen
A large number of migrant workers are working for various enterprises in Shenzhen. Surveys done by the Shenzhen Federation of Trade Unions show that migrant workers entitled to social medical insurance in the city number more than seven million, the highest in the country. Yet many enterprises only offer the minimum wage, meaning an average monthly pay of 1838.6 yuan per worker, 47 per cent of that gained by the average employee in the city. It is estimated a family with children in Shenzhen need an income of about 4200.4 yuan to have a decent living. Because of their low pay, 46.8 per cent of the new generation of migrant workers, like those of the older generation, lead a secluded life living in communal quarters. The stability of their family and marriage is also being affected. Many marriages are in crisis while more and more children of migrant workers remain being abandoned in their hometowns. Many workers are caught in a dilemma – they can’t retreat back to their villages while finding it hard to integrate into urban living. (People's Net, July 19, 2010)

Migrant workers' difficulties in integrating into urban living has long been a problem. Continual co-ordinating services and help from local governments are needed. May the Lord help migrant workers receive reasonable treatment and have the opportunity to enjoy time spent with their family. May the Lord also raise up more migrant workers’ ministries at urban churches so more can hear the Gospel and then bring it back to their own villages.

The Wave of White-Collar Workers Returning to their Villages
While it is common for migrant workers to return to their home villages, recently a rising number of white-collar workers in first-tier cities have also done the same. A study shows that about 80 per cent, or more precisely, 76.2 per cent of such workers have thought of returning home, due to reasons like expensive living costs, high work pressure, soaring property prices in first-tier cities. They shared that they had dreamed of living in a first-tier city, and then tried their best to find work there, craving the great satisfaction brought about by the prospects of prosperity, a high salary and social status, and yet the pressure of working in such a city has made them want to return to their hometowns, e.g. second- or third-tier cities where living costs are lower, the pace of living is slower and work pressure is less. Some white-collar workers in first-tier cities have already chosen to retreat into a second-tier city at weekends, or have bought a property there in preparation for relocation later. (Xinhua news May 10)

May the Lord show the white-collar workers the right direction in their lives. May the continual development of many second- or third-tier cities help ease the population pressure in first-tier cities. May the Lord also guide urban churches’ efforts to reach out to people who have lost their direction and hope in life, and to help them become church members.

Other prayer items:

A remote piece of land unreached by the gospel

 "I am a sister from the Tujia tribe; our area here is inhabited by 29 ethnic minorities, but it is not reached by the gospel. Due to the active infiltration of the cult "Two Taels of Grain" (also known as the "Narrow Gate in the Wilderness") in villages, six counties and two cities here, it is very difficult for us to spread the Gospel. Please pray for our steadfastness and harvesting work. The two sisters who are prayer warriors here are under attack by dark forces; both of their husbands are ill. Please pray for their families. For eight years I have been praying for this piece of land, although not much fruits are borne yet. I feel unable to move ahead under opposition from my family against my ministry. My tears have dried up and I have no idea how to proceed with my work. Please pray for support for me from the Lord!" (sharing by a church co-worker in central-southern China)

Please pray for this sister and her co-workers. May the Lord support, comfort them and give them strength so they can be faithful in spreading the Gospel even in a remote area of spiritual darkness. May the Lord bind the forces of darkness so the true light can shine upon the people there, leading them to Jesus Christ.