Facing Challenges
“I’m a 90’s who made a bold decision this year to suspend my work and focus on preparing for the CPA exam. Before making the decision, I prayed fervently, unsure if it was in line with God’s will, as I had no confidence in myself. I sought God’s guidance, asking Him to lead me to please Him. The employment environment nowadays is not desirable, my colleagues therefore couldn’t understand why I still decided to pursue further studies, particularly when I was performing well at work. One day, while listening to a radio program on this topic, I suddenly felt enlightened: Since the Lord was leading me, I should move forward with determination. Now, I truly enjoy every day with the Lord, and when I encounter difficulties, I know He is with me, guiding me through them.”
(Brother You)
- Brother You sought the Lord earnestly before making his decision, trusting that God would guide his path. May the Lord lead him through his exams with peace and confidence.
Issues with “Toxic Videos”
According to an update from the WeChat account of “Cyberspace Administration of China”, the authorities have carried out a thorough “2024 Fresh Online Environment for the Minors” campaign since mid-July. This initiative covered critical areas such as live streaming, short videos, social media, and e-commerce, targeting content harmful to minors’ mental and physical health. As of now, over 4.3 million pieces of illegal or inappropriate content have been removed or blocked, 130,000 accounts have been dealt with, and over 2,000 websites and platforms have been shut down. The authorities will continue to uphold their responsibility in protecting minors by addressing violations according to the law, ensuring a safe and healthy online environment for children.
(“China News”, October 9, 2024)
- May the Lord grant wisdom to the regulatory bodies and platforms, so they can protect children from online harm. May parents and society work together to care for and safeguard the hearts of children, helping them grow in a safe and healthy environment.
Walking in Unity
“I serve online with over a dozen co-workers. Sometimes, disagreements arise when organizing our prayer content for brothers and sisters, and we’ve even had some disputes. But thanks to God, we’re still serving together. Through these experiences, we’ve all grown. It’s normal to have differing opinions with others, but we must learn to rely on the Lord in everything. When I err, I repent before God; when my family falters, I pray for them. The key is equipping ourselves with the truth, so that our words and actions align with God’s will. I also have my own issues, and I ask God to renew and change me. When I see the intercessory prayer requests in our group, I often feel sorrow. But after considering their physical weaknesses, I feel compassion. May God guide us to be better watchmen for others.”
(Sister Bao)
- Praise God for guiding Sister Bao and her co-workers to be willing to watch over brothers and sisters in need. This surely pleases the Lord, and may He continue to lead them in their service.
Livestreams for Health Products
A reader from Zhejiang reported that her mother watches health product livestreams daily, eventually spending over RMB 8,000 on supplements promoted there, despite her family’s objections. These supplements are made by small manufacturers with no production approval numbers. Upon investigation, reporters found that these health product livestreams follow similar patterns: starting with in-store promotions offering low-priced goods or free gifts, then drawing customers into online chat groups where health product livestream links are regularly shared. These livestreams often target middle-aged and elderly people, exaggerating the benefits of the products to lure them into elaborate shopping traps.
(“Workers’ Daily”, October 15, 2024)
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The responsibilities behind these live streams are complex, posing challenges for regulation. We pray that the Lord enables relevant departments to strengthen oversight, and that live streaming platforms uphold good practices, ceasing service for exaggerated and misleading broadcasts, rather than compromising for advertising revenue.
Gospel Broadcasting
- Online Bible Study Course: Being authorized by a theological seminary in Hong Kong to use the materials, we launched an online bible study course, “God’s Word, God’s Way – a Spiritual Banquet”. The program “Book of Exodus” in phase two has begun in mid-October and will complete in early December. Pray that all participants will love the Bible, love to read the Bible, live out the truth, and become the Lord’s best soldiers.
- Liturgical Year Devotionals: Devotional and family worship programs according to the liturgical year will be launched in November. The programs are compiled based on the cycle of liturgical days and seasons and the lectionary. We hope that listeners will build a closer relationship with Jesus. May the Lord strengthen the program producer and the production team.
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