May 2009 - Fanco Chan

牧者心聲：陳牧師

      最近與太太到瀑布區渡過結婚十九週年的紀念日，婚姻路走來不易，多年來生活意見分歧少不免，但蒙神恩典，有如此忍耐且教導三子有方的另一半，實在是神對自己的厚賜．另一方面，在黃昏時行瀑布旅遊大街，極目遠望大街上竟不足十人，可想金融風暴確實影響力深，這更感到神多年來的帶領及供應生活所需，遠遠超乎所想所求。

      最近三位同工按立和就職，感慨良多，一方面因三人中有昔日的導師，也有昔日的提摩太，但今天大家成了隊工彼此配搭事奉；此外三人來自不同年齡組別，深感神用人不在乎年齡、學歷或背境，只在乎神的恩召及人的回應！這又想到自己事奉至今已十年，事奉路走來同樣不易，一方面是經常要面對事工及人事所帶來的挑戰，另一方面是要不斷面對自己的軟弱，雖然不斷進修，但個人生命的改變，全賴神的大能及弟兄姊妹的愛心提醒和忍耐，特別是近年在探訪、跟進、個人輔導、談道及到北灣時，更感到若不是神，自己真的作不了甚麼，因為面對的是生命，而不是事，單有知識而無聖靈同工，勞力也是枉然，感謝恩主使用卑微不配的我。

    羅馬書10:15說「報福音、傳喜信的人，他們的腳蹤何等佳美！」我不敢說個人行了甚麼美的見證，但是一路走來，卻看到了神恩處處，無論在事奉、生活及家庭上，滿是主奇妙作為的足跡；神在事奉祂的人身上的奇妙作為，叫看見的人都說他們的腳蹤確實佳美，因為有神同行。期盼更多的人能走上這條事奉的窄路，同奔天國的大道，同享神的恩膏。

同工消息

1.李傳道現正放假至五月28日。

2.葉牧師將會在6月10日至7月11日前往菲律賓宣教﹐負責訓練韓國及菲律賓宣教士和牧者。

Pastor’s Corner   Rev. Fanco Chan

My wife and I have just celebrated our 19^th anniversary in the Niagara Falls.  Though we have gone through many ups and downs with different views, I can’t help praising God’s amazing grace to give me Lena – who has been showing great patience to me! Not to mention she is alsoa an excellent mom raising and guiding our 3 boys!   As we enjoyed our stroll in Niagara Falls commercial area during late afternoon, we were shocked to see only less than 10 tourists in sight!   We felt sad indeed for the economic crisis, but we were also reminded of God’s sustaining grace and providence for our daily needs that surpass our understanding throughout all these years.

Meanwhile, our church celebrated the ordination and induction of 3 pastors in April.  I was deeply moved because among them: one was my mentor, while another one was my past disciple.   God has indeed put us together to serve Him. He complements us with our different stages of life according to His gracious calling and our willingness.    I have been in the ministry over 10 years now and I am always facing challenges from my own weakness and many other personal and ministry needs.  Though I never stopped equipping myself continuously, I found my greatest growth comes from God’s power.  Also, I am always encouraged by your gentle reminders and patiencee.  This is especially true as I devoted myself in visitations, follow-ups, personal counselling, evangelism and North Bay missions in recent years.  I can do nothing without Christ’s strength because our goal is changes of life and not programs. Indeed, I could not serve without the Holy Spirit’s power because if I serve by my own strength, the results will be in vain.  Therefore I’m deeply grateful for God’s using me as His jar of clay.

“As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”(Romans 10:15) I could really see that God’s grace has been with me wherever I have been: in church ministry, daily living and in my family.  The footsteps of those who are serving God is truly amazing because God has been faithfully with us!  How I pray that more and more among you will join us in this journey of “narrow road” and enjoy God’s anointing presence in expanding His Kingdom.

(translated by Mrs. Connie Liu)