Shanghaiist wonders: WWMZDD?

Shanghaiist has always been a little wary of traveling salesmen. Especially when their wares are of the snake oil variety. Which is why we weren't excited -- alas, nor surprised -- when we stumbled upon pray4shanghai.com:

The goal of this website is to bring people from around the world to intercede for the over 20 million people of Shanghai. ... [W]e believe that Shanghai is the key catalyst in seeing a nation come back to a right relationship through Christ with the almighty God.

The site is hiring, too. Anyone interested in becoming a "Prayer Warrior"?

One of the definitions of a warrior is one who is constantly engaged in warfare. Believe it or not, seeing Shanghai become a city following after God is going to be a war, and we need warriors who will be committed to be constantly engaged in war through prayer. We currently have people committed to praying for Shanghai, monthly, weekly, and even daily! The key to winning this battle is going to be constant and consistent prayer and Shanghai needs as many people fighting for her salvation as possible.

The other key? You guessed it -- rubber bracelets. These red bracelets, which say "Shanghai" in English and Chinese, will cost a couple kuai. They want to sell about 1 million to people interested in "interceding for Shanghai." But this is not a money-making operation -- the bracelets will only be used for "raising prayer support for the city of Shanghai":

Site Prayer Requests:

• That one million people will receive the bracelets and lift prayer up for the city and the people of Shanghai.
• That for each bracelet worn and prayed over, one person in Shanghai will believe in the name of Jesus.
• That God's hand will bless this endeavor, and that due glory will be given to His name in Shanghai.
• That the city of Shanghai will be transformed into a great city in the Kingdom of God.

You know what? Shanghai is already a great city. Really. Everyone is saying so. Somehow the city has managed to sneak by without the guidance of God. A miracle? Maybe. But more likely due to the fact that we already have thousands and thousands of factories capable of churning out millions and millions of rubber bracelets. So, no need for yours. Don't call us, we'll call you.

Now, don't get us wrong. We're all for freedom of religion and all that good stuff. We believe what we want, you believe what you want. Everyone is happy (except maybe the Jains). But when someone in Decatur, Alabama feels the need to "intercede" in the lives of 20 million of our neighbors, we get a bit defensive.

Let the comments begin ...