I live in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province—the most populated province in all of China. For centuries, this has been a city of trade and opportunity. As far back as the 3rd century, European traders came here and called it “Canton.” Today, Guangzhou is still known as the “City of Flowers,” because our subtropical monsoon climate gives us year-round harvests and endless fields of blossoms. Walking through the streets, you see markets overflowing, skyscrapers rising, and people moving with urgency. This is truly a city always in bloom.

Because we sit so close to Hong Kong and Macau, Guangzhou has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Business never stops here. The wealth and trade flowing through this place often mask the deep spiritual poverty of its people.

Our nation is vast and complex—over 4,000 years of recorded history, more than a billion souls, and great diversity, though outsiders often think of us as one people. Here in Guangzhou, you can meet people from every corner of China and beyond. That makes this city not just a commercial crossroads, but also a spiritual gateway.

I’ve heard the stories of the great Jesus movement in our land since 1949—how over 100 million came to follow Christ despite opposition. And yet, today we feel the weight of persecution. Many believers in my city live quietly, gathering in secret, while Uyghur Muslims and others face even greater trials. Still, we hold to hope.

As I walk through the flower-lined streets, I pray that Guangzhou will not just be a city of commerce and beauty, but a city where the fragrance of Christ fills every heart. With the government’s vision of “One Belt, One Road” pushing for global power, I believe this is also an hour for China to surrender to King Jesus. My prayer is that His blood will wash not just this city, but the nations of the earth, and that all who wander these busy streets will come to know the only One who can give eternal life.

- For Every Language and People:
“When I walk the markets of Guangzhou, I hear many dialects from every corner of China. Pray that the Gospel reaches each group represented here, and that the ‘City of Flowers’ becomes a city blooming with worshipers of Jesus.” Revelation 7:9

- For the Underground Church:
“As many believers gather quietly in homes across Guangzhou, pray for boldness, protection, and joy. May the persecuted church here grow stronger, not weaker, and shine brightly in the midst of pressure.” Acts 4:29–31

- For the Spirit to Break Spiritual Poverty:
“Guangzhou is filled with wealth and trade, but the hearts of so many remain empty. Pray that Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies the spiritual hunger of this city.” John 6:35

- For the Next Generation:
“Our young people chase business, education, and success, but many have never heard the name of Jesus clearly. Pray that God raises up youth in Guangzhou who will boldly proclaim Him.” 1 Timothy 4:12

- For China’s Role in the Nations:
“As our leaders push forward with the ‘One Belt, One Road’ vision, pray that instead of exporting only power and commerce, China will send out workers for the Gospel, and that Guangzhou will become a sending hub for the nations." Matthew 28:19–20