In 2002, even before I officially worked for ChinaSource, I was hired to put together ZGBriefs, our weekly newsletter of curated news items from China. Week in and week out, no matter where in the world I found myself, I searched the internet for interesting stories, then compiled them into a post. A year ago, Jon Kuert took over as the ZGBriefs editor. I am so grateful for the fresh perspective and enthusiasm he brings to the newsletter.
In compiling ZGBriefs, our sources include established news outlets, as well as smaller, independent outlets. Most are based outside of China, while some are based inside. Most sources are secular media, while some are written from a Christian perspective. We aim to help our readers gain a broader picture of contemporary China and to understand its complexity. We highlight stories about Christianity in China as well as those that give us insight into current social, political, and economic issues.
Beyond simply providing interesting information about China, ZGBriefs can also be a helpful guide to praying for China, providing readers with specific issues or situations to take to the throne of God. To help you get started in using ZGBriefs as a prayer guide, I have identified seven prayer items based on the last three issues.
- Pray for new opportunities for diaspora missions, that God will continue to create new pathways for evangelism within Chinese communities and to foster connections with other ethnic groups through cross-cultural ministries.
- Pray for the residents of Foshan, Guangdong Province, as they deal with an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus called chikungunya. Pray that the spread of the virus can be stopped and that God will grant healing to those who are infected.
- Pray for those who were affected by flooding in and around Beijing in July. Thirty-one people died, and thousands lost their homes and livelihoods. Pray that local believers will be able to help with disaster relief, and that they will be able to share the love of Jesus with people in their time of need.
- Pray for people in China, many of whom are young, who are filled with disillusionment and despair in a society that has not provided them with the opportunities they once thought they would have. Pray that they will put their hope and trust in God.
- Pray for Chinese missionaries in Thailand, as they have responded to recent events there, such as floods, earthquakes, and political instability. Pray that they will be known by their love.
- Pray for foreign workers in China, especially those who have been there for decades, as they continue to adapt to a changing China. Pray that they will continue to seize every opportunity to share the source of their hope and to walk alongside their brothers and sisters there.
- Pray for Chinese pastors, like Jack, who are shepherding congregations all over the world. Pray that their churches will thrive and grow.
I hope this will serve as a model to guide you as you pray through the news from China each week.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12–13)
