牧者心聲 Pastor’s Corner 廖傳道 Connie Liu 2009年9月

迴響和嚮往                                             

從6月初到8月尾﹐我的生活喜樂地迎接著新轉變﹕渡過8週年結婚紀念之時﹐我們在偶然機會下買賣房屋﹐同時女兒亦準備升上小一﹐兒子也滿4歲了。不斷迴響在我們心內﹐是過去多年神怎樣在我們生命､婚姻､家庭和事奉中同在﹕怎樣從香港來到加拿大､怎樣從單身到結婚﹐神怎樣供應婚後第一所房子﹐當時我倆怎樣在入住第一天時跪下來感恩敬拜､還有往後弟兄姊妹多年在房子歡聚､兩個寶貝孩子怎樣出生､成長､歡笑､眼淚…還有過往歲月中對主愛的虧欠､無知﹐和對人的得失…點點滴滴歷歷在目﹗心中回味之際﹐迴響處處最寶貴的﹕竟然是神的同在､神的信實､和神的恩手如何步步憐恤﹐扶持和引領﹗

 

就在這個時候﹐我內心再次聽到主的聲音﹐“嘉蔚﹐您愛我比這些(以上一切)更深麼﹖”同一句說話﹐在我曾為婚禮慶高彩烈地準備細節時､又為新婚選購第一套床單時(主卻連枕首的地方也沒有)﹐或曾溫馨地為孩子出生而預備一切時(而主卻是降生在馬槽﹐亦為逃難而客居異鄉)﹐總是這樣震蕩我心靈﹗於是心中不斷迴響著﹐以往是怎樣信主﹐年輕時基督的愛是曾怎樣激勵我擺上自己﹐我只能淚眼盈眶的答道﹕“主啊﹗您是無所不知的﹐您知道我愛您﹗”神的恩典再次緊握我﹐叫我不要忘記﹐祂才是我們生活中的焦點和追求。我的內心再次被調整﹕孩子是神的﹗新房子也是祂的﹗祂是我們一家之主﹗

 

在我們最忙碌和忙亂的搬家之前﹐我們一家很感恩能在Fair Havens 聖經營地渡過和享受過從未如此安寧的4天。我們享受著大自然﹐也享受著早晨和晚上的崇拜。奇妙地﹐主的聲音是這麼近﹐神在晚堂崇拜再次重覆題醒我和丈夫﹕父母要先求祂的國和祂的義﹐而不要本末倒置﹐追求生活的安舒或以子女的活動為念﹗只要我們先尋求祂的國﹐我們才能看人生和生活的安排看得清晰﹐也必能安然經歷天父如何深知和供應我們一切所需﹗  記得丈夫分享他這一年在260新約計劃中最深刻的經文﹐就是西3:1-2 “所以，你們若真與基督一同復活，就當求在上面的事；那裡有基督坐在神的右邊. 你們要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。”

 

這個暑期我發現身邊很多弟兄姊妹原來都和我一樣搬屋﹐也面對兒女長大的喜悅和興奮。但願當我們容易為新居張羅忙亂﹐為孩子長大鋪排一切時﹐主耶穌成為我們的嚮往﹐並更新了們的心意﹕祂已教我們轉變焦點﹐轉變了金錢的使用﹐也轉變了對時間的安排﹐要更嚮往未來天上永存的房屋﹐嚮往這家能接待和祝福鄰舍﹐嚮往長進的家庭生活。現在我們已經搬入新居﹐而孩子也入讀新學校﹐在過去10天﹐神給我的焦點和滿足﹐是當我接送孩子上學路途中祝福與愛的對話﹐又或當我聽到女兒告訴我她會自己曉得在學校謝飯禱告﹐又或是當我真心的關心新認識的鄰舍﹐又或是我們一家在廳中禱告敬拜﹐又或是家中有小組的歡聚﹐又或是在每天疲累過後向主傾心吐意的省察和感謝﹗嚮往神在我們生命中同在﹐生活雖然累﹐但心內卻常因感受到祂而火熱起來﹗

 

但願您和我在人生不同的階段中﹐與主耶穌同在﹐同行﹗讓祂聲音成為您最寶貴的迴響﹐也願我們心中常嚮往的是﹕親近､服侍祂､從而能愛別人﹐和渴望別人得到善待與愛惜(楊牧谷牧師語)。 

 

這個世界絕大部份的人類都活在受苦和缺欠中﹐讓我們這屬祂而又是一小撮這麼在物質生活幸運的人﹐不作物質生活和忙碌節奏的奴僕﹐而能切實的做一個與基督耶穌同行﹐並能跨出信心的領域﹐回應神要我們服侍的人。

 

 

同工消息

 

 

 

 

Echoes and Yearnings                                    

 

From early June to end of August, I have been joyfully expecting new changes. While we celebrated our 8^th anniversary, we bought a new home and excitingly preparing Charis for Grade 1.  Wesley has also turned 4. Among all these, our hearts have been echoing with memories: memories of God’s presence in our lives, in our marriage, family and ministries.  We haven’t forgotten how we came from Hong Kong, the days when we were single, how we got married, and how God has lovingly provided our first home.  We still remember how both of us knelt down and praise the Lord on the 1^st day we moved to our first home, and how in the past that b/s filled our homes with joy.  We also remember when our 2 kids were born, how they grew with laughter and tears…how we also felt that we owe a lot to Christ in our ignorance and stubbornness, and how we failed to love others.   Yet among all these the most precious “echoes” was God’s presence, His faithfulness and how He mercifully led us each step.

 

While we pondered, the Lord’s voice came again, “Connie, do you love  me more than these?”    This question appeared many times in my life: while I was crazily preparing for wedding, while I was joyfully shopping for the 1^st bedding set for our home (yet Jesus had no place to lay His head), and while I lovingly prepared for my child’s birth (yet Jesus was born in a manger, and He had to live as a stranger being persecuted!).  This question always pound heavily in my heart.   I recalled how the Lord found me when I was young, and how His love had compelled me to offer my life to HIM.   I couldn’t help my tears and replied Him, “Yes, Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.”    His grace gripped me tight not to forget that it is He should be my focus and desire.    Thanks God that my heart was tuned right again:  Children are His, and the new home is His.  He is the Lord of our family!

 

Just before our most hectic days of moving, we thank the LORD that we spent 4 days in Fair Havens Bible Camp.  It was an unprecedented peaceful and enjoyable trip as we immersed ourselves in nature and the morning and evening worship.    God’s voice was amazingly close especially during the evening message:  “Parents are to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first.”  Only when we have our priorities right then we could see clearly make and arrange our days ahead.   His desire is not that we put making a comfortable home nor a vibrant childhood life first.  As our Father in heaven who knows our needs He will provide everything as we put seeking His Kingdom first.

 

William also shared with me his verse of this year was Col 3:1-2 “…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” What a repeating melody!

 

We have found out that many brothers and sisters are also moving this summer. Besides, many are also enjoying the growth of their children.     While we busily preparing for our home and while we excitingly signup things for our children, may we have a higher yearning that transforms our minds.  He transforms our focus, transforms the way we spend, and the ways we plan our time.   There’s a higher yearning for the houses He prepared for us in heaven, a yearning for how the home can bless people, a yearning of lifestyle that can continue to grow in Christ.    

 

In the past 10 days while school year has started, my greatest contentment came from daily simple moments.   The times when I walked with my kids to school and conversed with blessings and love, moments when my girl told me that she prayed at school herself, moments when I sincerely and truthfully greet and cared for new friends/neighbours, moments that we sang and dance at home for Jesus as if no one was watching, moment when cell groups meet in our home, and moments while I get close to the Lord after a very tiring day.  With him, the body is weary but the spirit is filled with content and was on fire.

 

May you and I continue to walk humbly with Jesus in different stages of life.  Let His voice be your most precious echoes in your life’s journey. And may your deepest yearning is to love Him and love others..

 

The majority of humanity is suffering.  We are just a small bunch of lucky ones where we lack nothing.  As Christians let us encourage one another not to become slaves of materialism, nor become a busy slave.   May God’s grace keep us walk with Him, then through stepping out our boundaries of faith we can serve others!

 

Staff news:

 

牧者心聲 2009年6月 李建國傳道

｢“我赤身出於母胎，也必赤身歸回。賞賜的是耶和華，收取的也是耶和華；耶和華的名是應當稱頌的。”在這一切的事上，約伯並不犯罪，也不以神為愚妄｣（伯1:21-22）。

 

約伯在苦難中, 經歷一剎那間面對家破人亡, 妻離子亡, 自己又患上頑疾, 處於痛不欲生的境況, 但依然能夠無怨無恨地稱頌讚美上帝的名, 這實是難能可貴的事. 難怪神給予他正面的評價. 到底約伯這堅強的信念有什麼秘訣? 這秘訣就是他能 — 知己知神. 知己是知道自己本是一無所有的被造之物, 只不過是塵土, 知神是承認祂是造萬物之主, 就是一切的源頭. 知道生命與百物都是按祂旨意賞賜給祂所愛的人. 所以, 約伯明白到無論是賞賜或收取, 總都是神對他的恩典 —「耶和華的名是應當稱頌的」.

 

數月前前, 我年老的母親特然患上心腎衰竭重病, 引至雙腿嚴重水腫. 不能走動.眼見她每天身體漸漸虛弱無力, 受著病患的痛苦, 心裏感到非常難過. 可惜醫生也不能肯定她發病原因, 只叫家人做好心理的準備. 當時不單要照顧患病的母親, 又惦記著在香港被末期癌病折磨著的家姊及心臟病特發留院的岳父. 我和內子真感到壓力非常沉重. 知道這不是人能可解決的事情, 唯有仰望天父的憐憫幫助. 就在一個晚上, 我緊握臥在床上母親的手, 為她禱告, 並引導她決志相信主耶穌. 誰知在第二天的清晨, 她竟然站在我房門前叫醒我們. 告知我們她在睡夢中聽見有聲音叫她起來行走.她就醒來下床行走. 當時我們真的被她嚇一跳. 但至此以後, 她的水腫慢慢的消退, 心與腎又出奇地恢復正常狀態. 連醫生也沒法解釋. 不足一個月, 她不用柺杖也能行走, 並到處見證神對她的恩典. 這事過後, 我和內子經過細心考慮, 為方便母親行走及有更多老人設施, 於是我們決定搬到公寓去. 誰知就在搬遷的那天, 就收到香港家人來電, 得知家姊病危, 希望我能回港為她洗禮. 於是我放下工作和搬遷的事, 返港探望她. 感謝天父讓我能趕到在家姐離世前為她施洗. 並且親眼看見她帶著笑容下被天父接去, 永遠安息在天父的懷裡. 雖然我們都感到離別的傷痛, 但相信這一切都是神最美的祝福. 最初, 我們很擔心母親若知道家姐的離世會有什麼的打擊.  誰知她知道後卻很安然地說:｢不用為我擔憂, 我們總會將來復活在天堂再見的.｣   我真的不敢相信母親能有這麼大的信心. 今天我雖然好像失去了家姐, 但神卻拯救了母親的生命, 岳父也康復了. 不信主的姐父現也跟著兒女在主日到教堂敬拜神. 搬遷的事也順利的完成了. 短短的半年, 患難臨到我家人, 但神卻叫一切變成恩典. 當然, 除了感謝神外, 還要感謝各肢體常常為我們禱告及關懷. 是的, 無論是收取或是賞賜, 神啊, 這都是你的恩典. 耶和華的名是應當稱頌的!

 

請禱告記念我和內子計劃明年初到德國短宣, 幫助當地中國留學生及餐館華工(國粵語)團契福音外展工作.

 

 

Pastor’s Corner  June 2009          Pastor David Lee

 

Job said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (Job 1:21-22)

 

Job had a painful trial. All at once, he lost all his children and got seriously sick. However, he was still praising God’s name without complaints and bitterness.  What is the secret of his faith that he could stand strong and won God’s approval? It must be: “He knows himself and he knows God”.  He knows himself as a created being that was nothing but dust, and he knows God as His creator who gives life and everything to His loved ones according to His good will.  Job understands the grace of God – He gives and He takes away, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

 

A few months ago, my mother was diagnosed with heart and kidney failure that resulted in serious edema in the leg.  It was a hard time for us to take care of her as she was unable to walk. Even the doctors could not find the cause and they just advised us to prepare for the worst. At the same time, we were much saddened by the fact that my sister was suffering from cancer and was in her last stage of life.  What was more, my father-in-law had a heart attack and was hospitalized!  We were hard-pressed indeed and the only hope for us was to realize that our Father still cares even it was impossible for us to handle life by ourselves.  One night, I hold my mother’s hand tight by her bed and prayed with her.  We guided her to pray to receive Jesus Christ.  Amazingly, in the next morning, we found her standing at our door waking us up!  She told us that she just had a dream and heard a voice calling her to get up and walk. She then woke up, got up and walked!  We were much surprised and ever since then, her edema has gone and her heart and kidney function went back to normal! She could even walk by herself without any assistance in a month’s time and she shared God’s grace on her to everyone around!  Even the doctors could not explain this good news! 

Thereafter, Anna and I decided to move in to an apartment with my mom. This would not only help her daily life but also help her to enjoy many facilities.   On the day of moving, we got a call from Hong Kong that my sister is dying.  She was waiting for me to return to baptize her and see her return to the LORD. Though we were stricken by the pain of separation, but deep inside we understood it was God’s blessings.  However, the biggest fear we had was how my mom would take this.  Yet, when she heard she peacefully said, “Don’t worry about me. I have faith that we will meet again in heaven.”  Thanks God for her great faith! Though it seemed we have lost our sister today, but God has saved my mom, and also my father-in-law!  Also, my brother-in-law started to bring his children to church for Sunday worship.  Looking back, we had faced many sufferings in a short six months’ period. Yet God has turned everything into blessings.  Besides, I want to thank every brother and sister who kept praying and caring for us.  No matter give or take, they’re all God’s grace. May the Lord’s name be praised!

 

Please remember me and Anna as we plan our mission trip to Germany next year, to help fellowships in outreaching local Chinese students and restaurant workers (both Cantonese and Mandarin)          

 

(translated by Mrs. Connie Liu)

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)

Pastor’s Corner April 2009 (SIU) and staff news

牧者心聲                蕭智雄牧師
『蕭牧師，恭喜您今天按牧！』還沒走進聚會的地方，弟兄姊妹已經跑過來向我恭賀。
『感謝主，如果沒有您們，我也不會有今天的。。。』

是的，如果不是神愛的激勵，我們不會選擇牧會；如果不是弟兄姊妹的關愛扶立，我們走不下去。從遠方，從近處，您們帶來的祝福、禮物、賀詞、心意，一直在感動著我們。謝謝您們的愛心！

兒女們也為我們精心製作了賀卡，別出心裁，十分創意；但願我和我家，都能專一事奉耶和華。母親的賀卡，早一週就收到；卡是由弟弟挑選，妹妹寫下金句：『務要牧養在你們中間　神的群羊，按著　神旨意照管他們；不是出於勉強，乃是出於甘心；也不是因為貪財，乃是出於樂意；也不是轄制所託付你們的，乃是作群羊的榜樣。』（彼前5：2-3），還添上母親親筆的祝福。 按立禮後，打電話給母親詳細報告，她再三跟我說，每天為我們禱告。多年來，生活在異國他鄉，總有點像斷線的風箏，隨風飄泊的感受。只是家人和弟兄姊妹的關愛與禱告，讓我們在人生的窄路上并不孤單，更是溫暖，亦有依靠。

有一位認識多年的牧師好友，送來一本剛出版的新書『為什麼教會不像樣』，作者陳喜謙牧師是我信仰啟蒙期的導師，所以一口氣讀了近百頁，猶如當年坐在臺下，聆聽他的訓誨；我在自省：我有一個整全健康的教會觀嗎？對我這個牧場新丁，實在受用非淺。書中的圖片，也讓我想起依稀的往事，回顧神先在的恩典，長輩們對我耐心的牧養；記得中學畢業那年，剛信主不久，卻被謙叔請去參加學生領袖的培訓營會；往後的數十年，我就與學生結了不解緣。大學時代認識了OMF的宣教士David Michell，替他打字、看家、做保姆。。。眼見先生和夫人對主的忠誠，對人的愛心和關懷，對傳福音的熱心和迫切，我也曾經一度衝動，想去當宣教士；作研究生的時候，蒙游宏湘牧師接待，住在他家裡一個月，跟他實習傳道；可我不肖，蹉跎三十載，還不願放棄纏身世務。這些年來，幸得教會牧長，校園的同工義工，多方策勵鼓舞。。。一幕一幕的往事，都是神豐厚恩典的明證。

弟兄姊妹的賀卡賀詞，語意深長，我們細讀一遍又一遍，徘徊在字裡行間所流露的情意。忽然從卡堆中掉出一張ESSO卡，督促我們趕快『加油，直奔標桿！』
凝視窗臺前弟兄姊妹送來的鮮花盆栽，令吾家郁香芬芳，生機活潑；惟願我們身上，也能恒常發出基督的香氣。

同工消息
1. 在4月5日﹐我們感恩地慶祝蕭傳道的按牧典禮﹐及柯傳道與任傳道的就職典禮。
2. 李傳道在4月回港一星期探望他垂危的姐姐﹐為她在床邊施洗。她在4月14日安然離世與主同在﹐求主安慰他的家人。
3. 利民牧師將在4月25日至5月9日回到中國西安探望他的女兒Colleen﹐並會在4月28日與她一起回到西部探望2年前短宣接觸的學生﹐求主賜福機會﹐保守出入村莊的平安。
4. 恭喜英文堂實習傳道蕭重信(Joshua)弟兄將在7月結婚﹐此後因應神學院要求﹐他將會轉到另一間教會事奉。
5. 五月開始英文堂將有一位新的實習傳道Tom More, 他會接管蕭弟兄現有在青少年中的事奉﹐Tom 是天道神學院的學生。
6. 國語堂實習傳道田寧姊妹將繼續帶領中學生事工﹐並探訪會友﹐給與牧者的關懷。
7. 萬民堂現正尋找英語少年事工的實習傳道來開展英文事工。

Pastor’s Corner            Rev. Chi Hung Siu
“Rev. Siu, congratulations on your Ordination!” Brothers and sisters warmly greeted me warmly even before I stepped into Sanctuary A! “Praise the Lord, I would not have become the person I am today without you all!”

If it was not the compulsion of Jesus’ love, I would not have chosen to be a pastor; if it was not the care and support from the brothers and sisters, I would not have such enduring strength to serve. Therefore, I am deeply grateful for all your love, blessings, gifts, kind words and thoughts from near and afar.
My children have also designed a beautiful and creative card for us. How I wish myself and my house will serve the LORD diligently! What a blessing also to receive my mother’s handwritten card which is chosen by my brother. My sister wrote, “2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3 Right after the ceremony, I called my mom and she repeatedly assured me that we are in her prayers every day. I used to feel like my life was wandering as a “broken kite” after so many years of living away from home, but with family and church’s love I had indeed found warmth and support.

A long-time friend and pastor gave me a newly published book “Why is the church so weak?” written by Rev. Hey-Him Chan. I quickly read through the first 100 pages as Rev. Chan has been my great mentor during my early Christian years. It was an experience as if I was listening to him by his feet. How great it helped me as a new pastor as I reflected deeply on: Do I have an integrated and healthy view of the church? The photographs in the book also bring back a lot of memories! They overwhelmed me with God’s grace by surrounding me with many great examples of faith who patiently shepherded me. As a new Christian at 18, I was invited by Rev. Chan to a Leadership Training Camp and from then onwards brought me decades into student ministry. While I was in university, I was blessed to meet OMF missionary Mr & Mrs David Michell. While I helped in his home typing, babysitting, doing chores….my eyes were opened by their example of faithfulness to the Lord , genuine care and love for people, and their zeal and earnestness for the Gospel. How impulsively I dreamt to become a missionary like them too! While I attended graduate school, I was blessed to live with Rev. Wally Yeu for a month and be his pastoral intern. However, I was so weak and unwilling to give up the world that I’ve wasted 30 years since then to answer God’s call. Yet, God has testified His unfailing grace on me through the patience of my church pastors and the campus co-workers’ various admonishment and encouragement throughout these years.

I cherish each and everyone of your kind thoughts and words and I have read them through again and again. Among them we also found an ESSO gift card! What a great reminder of “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead!”
Flowers from you also brought sweet fragrance to our home. May we have the aroma of Christ each and everyday!

(translated by Mrs. Connie Liu)

Staff News
1. It was a blessed celebration when Pastor Siu received ordination and Pastor Or and Pastor Ren received induction on April 5.
2. Pastor Lee went back to Hong Kong for a week in April to see his dying sister. Although she went to be with the Lord on April 14 he was able to see her and administer baptism before she passed away. May the Lord comfort the family.
3. Pastor Lippman is now taking a leave without pay from April 25 to May 9 going to China to visit his daughter. This is a really special part as he gets to visit his old students from his mission trip 2 years ago. Colleen will go with him to the west on April 28. Please pray for good connections with his former students and access to the village where they taught.
3. Congratulation to Joshua Siu, the intern for English ministry, for getting married in July. After that he will serve in another church as required by his theological school.
4. Tom More will come as the new intern for English ministry beginning in May. He will take over Joshua’s ministry which is to oversee the teens’ ministry. Tom is now a student at Tyndale University College.
5. Tian Ling, the intern for Mandarin ministry, continues to oversee a growing high school ministry and provide pastoral care and visitation to many members.

您怎樣辨明神的心意﹖| How do you discern God’s will?

牧者心聲 葉牧師                                                                                                         

March 2009 – Rev. Yip

“您怎樣辨明神的心意﹖” 

在過去35年來,我一直認為自己已經懂得﹐又能教導信徒如何明辨神的心意﹐但當我真正認識到Ignatius的靈修紀律後﹐我才明白自己過去在這方面實在知道得太少﹗

在2007年我完成了一個短篇的Ignatius靈修操練﹐使我經歷到靈命成長的高峰。在退修期間我第一次學習Ignatian有關明辨神心意的規則﹐但由於內容太密集的緣故﹐我未能完全掌握明白。但到了2008年﹐當我往尼日利亞訓練宣教士時﹐在沒有任何現代化的生活設備(電腦﹐電視等)中﹐我享受充裕的時間來繼續這操練的默想﹐接著我心中渴求明辨的渴望更為強烈。回到加拿大後我在網上搜尋更多的資料﹐神引導我找到兩本有關Ignatian明辨規則的書﹐使我更明白神的引導方法。

以往在明辨神心意上﹐我最常用的方法是禱告主給我智慧來決定事情先後次序和該做的事﹐只有在幾件重大事情上我才尋求神讓我聽到祂的聲音﹐而且往往總是沒有固定的方法可循。但Ignatian明辨規則卻補了我這兩方面的不足。為此我十分雀躍地渴望讀完這兩本書﹐但我發現﹐雖然書本字句顯淺﹐也有易明的例子﹐我卻很難讀完這兩本書。也許這就是屬靈的爭戰。

在這過程中我學習分別心理、道德、與屬靈醒覺(awareness)的不同之處。屬靈醒覺可以包含內心的醒覺﹐但超越後者。我第一樣學會的﹐就是要更醒覺自己 靈裡的喜樂 (Spritual joy) 與靈裡哀傷 (spiritual sadness) 的對比、平安與焦慮的對比、 還有心靈與神親密 或是與其他東西親密的對比等等…這些現在都成了我極為受用的操練。 

另外學習的功課就是怎樣從屬靈醒覺中明辨聖靈的指引。我已經用這方法來決定人生的幾件重要事情﹐這使我感到能與神同行﹐並且明辨祂心意﹐實在是何等美好﹗

 

“How do you discern God’s will?”

After teaching people how to  do it for over 35 years I thought I knew the answer very well. But after coming to know the Ignatian rules I began to realize how little I knew.

In 2007 I finished a short version of the Ignatian Exercises, which was a high point of my spiritual development. In that retreat I first learned of the Ignatian rules of discernment; but they were so compact that I was not able to fully comprehend them. In 2008 I went to Nigeria to train missionaries. Being deprived of all modern gadgets (computer, TV etc.) I had a lot of time to meditate as a continuation of  the Ignatian Exercises. My desire to learn the rules of discernment grew stronger.  After coming back to Canada I spent some time in searching the net and God led me to find two books that expound on the Ignatian rules.  They opened my eyes to understand in a deeper way God’s guidance.

In the past my dominant way of discerning God’s will was by using wisdom prayerfully in deciding on priorities and course of action. Only in some major decisions did I seek to find out God’s voice in communicating to me; and even so there were no clear rules to follow.  The Ignatian rules provide for that deficiency. That was why I was very excited in reading the two books. Yet it was not easy to finish the reading even though the writing style was easy to read and the examples very relevant. Maybe there was a spiritual warfare going on.

One thing I learned was to differentiate between psychological awareness, moral awareness, and spiritual awareness. Spiritual awareness may involve psychological awareness but is more than that.      My first lesson was to become more aware of spiritual joy versus sadness, peace versus anxiety, a heart drawn to God versus something else, and so on. This was an extremely profitable exercise.

Another thing I learned was how to relate the spiritual awareness to the moving of God’s Spirit. I have applied these lessons in making some major decisions in my life. What a wonderful thing to walk with God and discern His will!

Pastor’s Corner Jan 2009

Pastor’s Corner of GCGC and PGC  January 2009

 

We would like to introduce to brothers and sisters about  the job descriptions of the pastoral staff.

 

Pastor Yip’s job description

1.       Be the team leader of the pastoral staff and coordinate the whole ministry of the church.

2.       Mentor and develop the pastoral staff.

3.       Preach and teach.

 

Job description of the lead pastors (Pastors Chan, Siu, Lippman, Ren)

 

1.       Give pastoral leadership to the congregation to fulfill the church vision;

2.       chair the Ministry Committee;

3.       oversee the worship services including preaching;

4.       oversee the cell ministry including the cells and the E & E and fellowship groups (if such exist);

5.       disciple G12 members;

6.       oversee the administrative work of the ministry; and

7.       lead and mentor any staff or intern working under the lead pastor.

 

Job description of Pastor Lee

1.       As children minister

         a.   oversee the ministry to the children of all the congregations of Grace Chinese Gospel Church of North York at North York site;

         b.   provide leadership and vision to the children ministry so as to fulfill the vision of the church;

         c.   select, train, and supervise the staff of the children ministry;

         d.   oversee the programs of the children ministry, including the children Sunday School, the children worship, and other special programs;

         e.    help nurture the spiritual growth of the children of the church;

         f.    help the pastors of all congregations of GCGCNY at North York site to equip their parents in children’s nurture;

         g.   oversee the children fellowship;

         h.   chair regular meetings with the leading pastors of all the congregations of GCGCNY at North York site to coordinate the needs of the children ministry.

 

2.         Be the zone pastor of Hebron and Young Family zone of the Cantonese congregation.

 

Job description of Mrs. Liu

1.       Assist the lead pastor of PGC to give pastoral leadership to the congregation to fulfill the           church vision;

2.       disciple female leaders through G12.3;

3.       preach and teach; and

4.       oversee the cells (except Carmel).

 

Job description of Pastor Or

1.       Assist the lead pastor of the Cantonese congregation to give pastoral leadership to the congregation to fulfill the church vision;

2.       oversee the E&E ministry;

3.       preaching;

4.       oversee YAZ & S.Zone; and

5.       disciple G12 member.

 

恩典及萬民福音堂牧者心聲        2009年1月

讓我們今日介紹各教牧同工的工作綱領.

 

主任牧師 (葉牧師) 的工作綱領如下:

1.      作為教牧同工隊伍的領袖和協調全教會的事工.

2.      訓練和建立教牧同工.

3.      講道及教導.

 

堂主任 (陳牧師, 利民牧師, 蕭傳道和任傳道)的工作綱領如下:

1.    牧養及領導其會眾來實踐教會的異象.

2.    主領其事工委員會

3.    監督祟拜聚會及講道

4.    監督細胞小組事工, E&E課程及團契.

5.    培訓G12 成員作主門徒

6.    監督事工上的行政工作

7.    帶領和發展其下之同工或實習同工.

 

李傳道的工作綱領

1. 兒童事工主任-

a.    監督北約堂址各堂的兒童事工

b.    給與兒童事工領導和異象, 成全教會整體異象

c.    揀選, 訓練和督導兒童事工所有師資

d.    監督兒童事工各環節, 包括兒童主日學, 兒童祟拜及特備節目

e.    幫助培育教會內兒童的屬靈生命成長

f.     幫助北約堂址內所有牧者裝備父母有效地培養兒女

g.    監督兒童團契

h.    帶領北約堂址內所有牧者舉行定期會議統籌各兒童事工的需要

 

2. 作粵語堂希伯崙長者團契和年青父母家庭區導師

 

廖傳道的工作綱領

1.    協助萬民堂在萬民堂主任的監督下牧養及領導其會眾來實踐教會的異象

2.    培訓G12 姊妹成員作主門徒

3.    教導及講道

4.    監管細胞小組事工(迦密區除外)

 

柯傳道的工作綱領

 

1.    協助粵語堂主任牧養及領導其會眾來實踐教會的異象

2.    監督E&E課程

3.    講道

4.    監督成青區及學生區

1. 培訓G12 成員作主門徒

Pastor’s Corner Oct 2008 (Pastor OR)

牧者心聲                                                                       柯永聰傳道

感謝天父的帶領和弟兄姊妹的支持, 今年已是第二年全職服侍. 自從95年在恩典堂信主, 從平信徒, 帶職, 以至今日全職服侍, 全部也是上帝的恩典. 回想起來, 實在覺得奇妙. 現今我在粵語堂負責成人主日學以及牧養成青區和學生區, 能夠在當中與弟兄姊妹同哭同笑, 一同經歷成長, 實在十分喜樂.很多謝一直在我身邊的弟兄姊妹, 你們的支持, 代禱, 問候, 帶給我很大的鼓勵.

 

很多謝你們對我的欣賞及信任, 你們的見證, 掙扎, 成長, 令我看見生命的躍動. 在困難當中, 你們像一個一個的不倒翁, 被打倒, 卻又站立起來.

 

很高興我的太太也一起在成青區服侍, 能夠與伴侶一同分享事奉的喜樂, 實在感謝天父.

最大的滿足, 是從你們身上看見上帝的大能與恩典. “我 每 逢 想 念 你 們 ， 就 感 謝 我 的 神 ；  每 逢 為 你 們 眾 人 祈 求 的 時 候 ， 常 是 歡 歡 喜 喜 的 祈 求 。  因 為 從 頭 一 天 直 到 如 今 ， 你 們 是 同 心 合 意 的 興 旺 福 音 。” 腓1:3-5

Pastor’s Corner                                 Pastor Samuel Or

I want to give thanks to God’s leading and to many brothers and sisters’ support for entering my 2^nd year of full-time ministry. 

 

I became a Christian in GCGC in 1995.  Since then, I started to learn to serve Him as a brother and as a “layman”.  As I ponder on how I was called to become a full time minister now, I can only say that it’s is all God’s grace!  His grace on me is too wonderful!

 

I am now in charge of Cantonese Adult Sunday School, pasturing Young Adult Zone and Student Zone.  Not only do I feel privileged to laugh and cry with every brother and sister, I also am joyful to grow in Christ with them.   I am truly grateful for every single member beside me. Your support, prayers and encouragement has continued to fuel me up for serving HIM.

 

I also want to thank you for your trust and appreciation on me.  Lives are full of excitement as I witness your testimonies of faith, your struggles and your growth.   Many of you faith are like “roly-polies” – not defeated through hardships.   My greatest satisfaction is to withness God’s power and grace on your lives, as Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3-5

 

I’m glad that my wife Debby is also serving in Young Adult Zone. Thanks God that we can share the joy of serving the Lord together.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now…”

 

 

Pastor’s Corner Sept 2008 (Mrs. Connie Liu)

2008 年9月         牧者心声    廖张嘉蔚传道

“爱是永不止息. Love NEVER FAILS.” 林前13:8

“不要再犹豫! 这可能是最後机会!金钱可以再赚回来, 但是与母亲相处的时间往往是不可再用金钱买回来的!”

因著这些鼓励, 我们一家毅然在5月份回港探望患重病的家姑!   她一生与家公为儿女辛劳.如果没有她恩慈的爱护, 我们怎会有今天的享受?  何况她为著寻求行善积德, 信了天道五教已30年! 每當想到主耶稣爱她, 赐下宝贵救恩, 我们就更加逼切的盼望能劝她信主.  William 和我没有什麽板斧, 只有一个倚靠主耶稣的心, 并弟兄姊妹多方爱心的祷告就上路了 !

 

记得回到家中第一眼见到妈妈, 大家都禁不住泪水, 因她以为以後也再见不到我们了!她说很爱我们, 也知道我们爱她, 但请我们不要再向她说主耶稣, 或带人来探访她.    我们可以怎样呢? 就是靠著主的爱, 和教会的祷告托住我们失望和脆弱的心.    在港1 个月, 我们享受每天, 不管天晴或有黑雨, 也乘巴士探望她, 一家团团转地跪在她的床前诉说往事, 细说感恩, 求她原谅我们过去的得罪与不足, 轮流为她按摩, 轻抚头脸, 孩子歌唱 “世上只有妈妈好!” 又绷跳带来很多欢笑, 陪伴往公园散步…..我们都谈到心灵的心处. William 每天都温柔地求她让我们捉紧她手, 为她祷告.   奇妙的是: 每次祷告她都流下泪来, 渐渐地, 她告诉我们她开始有自求耶稣帮她, 和告诉她谁是真神…..在我们临回加前的3天, 她竟愿意流泪祈祷接受主耶稣为救主, 甚至连续两天也是这样!   讚美主耶稣! 我们欢欣不断!  妈得救了!   这是何等的奇妙!     我们纵然为她的健康和信心根基担忧著, 但是想到主的应许, 就得坚固: 祂是为我们信心创始成终的神, 也能保存我们所交付祂的, 直到那天!      我们现在是靠著书信来鼓励和讚赏她, 求主坚固, 求主减轻她痛楚!  请你也为她祈祷.

 

你是否仍有未信主的家人在等候你给他爱护? 相处时间? 亲情的修补? 甚至需要你求原谅?   赶快的向他/她表达爱与情! 如果关係已僵破, 也不要灰心!为他们祷告, 然後靠主恩来藉行动说出 “对不起, 我爱你, 主耶稣更爱您!” 千万不要爱得太迟, 也记著爱是永不止息! “Love NEVER FAILS!”

 

 

September 2008 Pastor’s Corner

 By Mrs. Connie Liu

“Love Never FAILS.” 1 Cor 13:8

“Don’t hesitate! This maybe the last chance! Money can be earned, but you may never buy back time with mom in the future!”

Charis’ picture for grandma: “Grandma, Jesus loves youY.”

With God’s words and these encouragements, we made a swift decision to go back to Hong Kong in May to visit my mom-in-law who is suffering from last stage of cancer.  Without her unconditional love and hardworking in the past, we won’t be enjoying so much life’s blessings today!  She sought to be a good person so she became a folk religious leader for 30 years!  As Jesus loves her and died on the cross for her, nothing was more urgent  for us than desiring her salvation.   We brought home 2 kids, a heart relying on Jesus and also brothers and sisters’ prayers.

The very first moment we arrived her home, we all burst into tears when she said “I thought I could never see you all again!”.  She told us she loves us and she knew we love her, but she asked us not to talk about Jesus nor bring any Christian friends to visit her anymore.     What could we do? Only  Jesus’ love and the church’s prayers continue to uphold our fragile and disappointed hearts!

For the whole month, we enjoyed every moment with her everyday whether in rain or shine.   It was quite hard to commute on different buses with 2 young kids and a stroller everyday. Yet, we stayed beside her bed sharing memories, counting life’s blessings, asking for forgiveness of our wrongdoings, taking turns to massage on her, caressing her head and face, Charis & Wesley singing “Moms are the greatest on earth!”, bringing her happiness and joy…..Gradually we could share deep things from our hearts, and William held her hand gently and begged her to pray with us each day.     Wonderful things then followed: she shed tears every time we prayed, and she started to pray to Jesus to help her and reveal to her who the true God is!    3 days before we came back, she even prayed with us together to receive Christ in 2 consecutive days!  How joyous and thankful we are to Jesus! Our mom is now saved!     Although we still worry about her health ane her faith, God’s promises continue to strengthen us, “for Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith, and we are convinced that He is able to guard what we have entrusted to him for that day.”  We now continue to write letters to her.  May the LORD strengthen her heart and ease her pain.

 

Do you have family members who do not know the LORD and are STILL waiting for you to love them, to spend time with them, to reconcile with them, or even ask for forgivness? Quickly go and love them! Even when relationships are broken, never lose heart!  Pray for them and rely on Jesus to show and tell them “Forgive me! I love you! Jesus loves you!”  Don’t wait until it’s TOO LATE!  And remember: “LOVE NEVER FAILS!”

Pastor’s Corner July 2008 (Pastor Lee)

 

牧者心聲                                                                       李建國傳道

「現在你們要敬畏耶和華，誠心實意地事奉他，將你們列祖在大河那邊和在埃及所事奉的神除掉，去事奉耶和華。若是你們以事奉耶和華為不好，今日就可以選擇所要事奉的：是你們列祖在大河那邊所事奉的神呢？是你們所住這地的亞摩利人的神呢？至於我和我家，我們必定事奉耶和華。」 (約書記24:14-15)

 

在恩典堂事奉已有五年. 在這些日子中, 感謝神讓我 和內子 在不同的事工上作牧養的事奉, 實看見許多神對我們格外的恩典與憐憫.從最初的兒童事工,植堂以至到現在兒童,家庭及老人牧養工作, 神都讓我和內子不單能享受其中福音 果子的甘甜, 也看見許多兒童,父母及長者的屬靈生命不斷成 長,實是我和我家最大的喜樂和滿足.

 

兩個月前, 我和內子從中國雲南短宣回來, 當中經歷 四川的大地震, 深深體會主所說:「舉目向田觀看, 莊稼已經 熟了, 可以收割了.」 千萬中國同胞的靈魂正等著祂兒女去 作收割的工夫. 唯盼主多施恩典給我們能為祂在未得之民 中播種及收福音的莊稼.也願本堂有一天真的看見眾家庭扶老攜幼地去遠方宣揚主福音.

數星期前, 感謝神感動本堂的兒童自法地發起為中國四川地震及緬甸風災籌募. 看見他們小小心靈願為災民彰勞心勞力籌備募捐, 心裡真的為他們愛神愛人的心而感恩. 當然, 也看見他們的父母及希伯崙團的長者在他們背後的支持, 深信神必記念, 報答他們.

 

 

Pastor’s Corner Jan 2008 (Pastor Lippman)

Pastor’s Corner – Rev. Bill Lippman

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.                           1 John 3:1

 

This verse has stood out to me the last two months.  It’s a beautiful thing to be reminded of God’s love – especially that His love is lavished on us. The Lord doesn’t hold back – He isn’t stingy! He gives good gifts and lots of them. So it’s great to walk with God each day and experience His love. Here at the beginning of 2008, it’s amazing to think of the surprises God has in store.

I am encouraged by what God is doing in the English Congregation. There have been various signs of people going deeper with God and taking bigger steps in their walk with Him. Carmen Tse is a trailblazer for us as she serves in Malawi. 2008 is shaping up to be a year to move forward in serving God through our church and in our community.

This is a big year for our family! Mary and I will celebrate our 25^th wedding anniversary in March with our first cruise. Colleen is on track to graduate in June. We look forward to how He will continue to lead us!

 

Staff News

Pastor Yip will be in Nigeria training Nigerian missionaries from February 4 to March 29.

This year Pastor Lee has taken up the ministry of zone pastor to the young families of Cantonese congregation in addition to children ministry.

Carolyn Li is serving as a part-time intern in children ministry this year.
牧者心聲                                                                      利民牧師

 

你看父賜給我們是何等的慈愛，使我們得稱為神的兒女；我們也真是他的兒女。世人所以不認識我們，是因未曾認識他。約壹3:1

 

在過去兩個月以來﹐這節經文不斷在我心中浮現, 它常常提醒我﹕神厚賜給我們的愛實在是何等的美! 主耶穌對我們的愛, 不但是毫無保留﹐而且沒半點吝惜﹗祂不但賜美善的東西給我們﹐更是“連搖帶按﹐上尖下流” 的加給我們﹗所以﹐我們能每天與祂同行﹐並且經歷祂的愛﹐實在是何等的蒙福﹗願我們常思想他向我們所懷的意念是何等寶貴﹗

 

在英文堂中﹐我實在為神所成就的感到激勵﹗我看見有很多信徒的屬靈生命不單不斷進深﹐並且跨出他們信心的領域﹐就像謝嘉文姊妹前往非洲莫拉維共和國服侍﹐成為我們信心先鋒的榜樣。我深信2008年神願意我們更踏出一步來更廣的服侍教會和我們的社區。

 

此外﹐今年也是我家中重要的一年。師母和我將慶祝結婚25週年﹐我們會在3月中有渡過郵輪假期﹐而女兒Colleen 也將在6月畢業了﹐願天父繼續帶領我們跟隨祂﹗

 

同工消息

葉牧師將於2月4日至3月29日前往尼日利亞訓練當地的宣教士. 另外, 李傳道今年開始除了牧養兒童外, 亦開始成為親子區的區牧.

Carolyn Li 姊妹亦開始了在兒童部的部份時間實習傳道事奉.

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »