China, Macau

Answer to Prayer

There is increasing growth and unity in the Church. Although not blessed with the long legacy of a strong Church, as in Hong Kong, or the spectacular growth of the mainland, numbers in both Chinese- and foreign-speaking congregations are growing. The Union of Christian Evangelical Churches in Macau sees the various evangelical groups draw together more than ever before in recent years.

Challenge for Prayer

Macau is one of the least-discipled Chinese communities in the world. The major hindrances to evangelism and breakthrough are the strength of the gambling industry, the social cohesion of Chinese culture, Buddhist/Daoist beliefs and fear of offending A-Ma, the local god after which the city was named. The Church is small, weakened by emigration and a high turnover of leadership. Pray for local leaders to be raised up who will help the Church survive and grow and be a blessing to China and the world. The Macau Bible Institute was the first theological school; there are several other practical ministry training programmes in place as well.

     For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.