牧者心聲 葉牧師 2010年3月

 

我在1月份短宣中到訪印度2個城市-海德拉巴 (Hyderabad)和 加爾各答 (Kolkata). 回來加國後﹐我不但為能夠居住在如 此自由和安寧的加拿大而感恩﹐我也比以往更深察覺神在西方國家以外的奇妙工作。

 

海德拉巴民眾因渴望成立獨立州份導致政局不穩。在加國﹐類似的問題通常都以和平方式訴求和解決﹐但在印度卻引發很多暴力衝突﹕不少民眾傷亡﹐大學生也為此自殺(我身為外國人卻比較安全)。今次我所教導的印度宣教士們皆屬印度OM差會﹐差會共有2000名同工在印度各處建立教會﹐深入未得之民。

 

加爾各答雖被稱為｢喜樂城｣﹐但城內卻有超過一百萬無家可歸者﹐城市污染亦十分嚴重﹐實在看不到什麼喜樂。有一位牧者告訴我整個城市就像一個巨型的貧民窟。這城市亦深受嚴重的靈界捆鎖﹐因這是印度唯一以印度教神(Kali)命名之城﹐ 德蘭修女的事奉開始就在Kali 神廟旁邊服侍一些垂 死的人﹐而且鄰近各方的基督徒常受到逼害。但是神的工作卻很偉大﹕很多前來學習植堂的學生在未完成學業前已經在各處植了堂會﹗整個差會已在印度各處建立了200間教會。  差會總監因為感到教會內門徒訓練事工比較弱﹐故邀請我教導他們門徒訓練。我就藉著在恩典堂牧會的發展經驗﹐分享細胞小組事工理念和密集的門訓方法。在教學過程中我亦使用尼德生(Neil Anderson) 的 ｢主裡得勝 7步驟｣來帶領他們經歷在基督裡的自由和得勝。雖然他們英語水平低﹐需要翻譯﹐以致習作進行遇上不少障礙﹐但神的靈卻觸動了很多心靈﹐他們有些流著淚分享生命怎樣得到改變。他們很渴望能夠為他們所建立的教會帶來改變﹐也渴望成立細胞小組﹐所以邀請我再回去教導。我不禁想到我們教會的異象信約﹕｢…門徒倍增﹐遠近宣揚…｣ 這豈不是神藉著我們的門徒訓練事工來在世上其它地方倍增主的門徒嗎﹖

 

雖然我已回到一個安寧和自由的加拿大﹐但我卻看到神的靈卻更大的在一些貧窮和極黑暗的地方作工﹗

｢耶穌舉目看著門徒，說：你們貧窮的人有福了！因為神的國是你們的 。｣路6:12 能夠在佔世界人口大多數的貧窮人中事奉神﹐我實在感到十分蒙恩﹗

 

同工消息

1.  李傳道結束了5個星期的德國短宣﹐他現在香港和中國探訪不同的事工。

2.  蕭牧師現有3星期在香港和中國探親和教學。

3.  柯傳道的外婆在香港病情嚴重﹐他即將回港探望她和向她傳福音。           

(廖傳道譯)

 

 

 

Pastor’s Corner  Rev. Yip                                         March 2010 

 

In January my mission trip took me to two cities in India: Hyderabad and Kolkata. I came back with a deeper appreciation of Canada as a haven of freedom and rest, yet at the same time with an awareness of God’s great work outside the western world.

           

 

Hyderabad was in the midst of political turmoil with the people of the area wanting to form a separate state. While in Canada such a desire is usually resolved peaceably, in India violence cannot be avoided with many people wounded and university students committing suicide (foreigners like me are very safe though). Yet OM India, the mission whose staff I taught, has over 2,000 staff planting churches everywhere in India including many unreached people groups. 

 

     Kolkata (formerly called Calcutta), the city of joy, has little joy with 1 million homeless people and perennial pollution. A pastor told me that the whole city was a giant slum. It is also spiritually oppressive, being the only city in India named after an Indian god (Kali). Mother Teresa started work among the dying right next to the temple of Kali. There is constant persecution of Christians in the surrounding areas.

 

Yet God is doing a great work. Many of the students at the training school that I taught have already planted churches while in training. The whole mission has planted over 200 churches. The mission director asked me to teach them about discipling, which they are weak at. Using what we developed in our church I led them through the methodology of cell ministry and intensive discipling. In the process I led them through Neil Anderson’s 7 Steps to Freedom in Christ. It was not done properly since many of them had poor English and required translation; and yet God touched many hearts and many shared with tears how their lives were changed. At the end of the training they wanted to change the churches they planted into cell churches and asked me to go back to teach them more. I am reminded of our church’s vision statement: “multipling disciples . . .locally and worldwide”; here is an example of extending our church’s discipling ministry worldwide.

   While I appreciate Canada as a haven I can return to, God is doing a greater work elsewhere where there is great poverty and darkness. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). I feel very blessed to be able to participate in this work of God in the Majority World.

 

Staff News

 

1.   After taking the place of a missionary couple in Germany for 5 weeks Pastor Lee is now in Hong Kong and China visiting various ministries.

2.   Pastor Siu is now in Hong Kong and Asia for 3 weeks to teach and to visit family and friends.

3.   Pastor Or’s grandmother is very sick and he will soon go to Hong Kong to see her and to witness to her.

 

Pastor’s Corner 牧者心聲 Jan 2010

 

We would like to introduce to you about the job descriptions of all 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, Goh, 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

A.        As the Pastor of Children & Young Families, Pastor Lee is responsible for leading the ministry that reaches and develops children aged from birth to sixth grade and the young families of the Cantonese congregation, and  the ministry to equip young parents of the Cantonese congregation in the development of biblical parenting skills.  His job description is:

1.         Provide leadership and oversight in the spiritual formation of children through                     Sunday Celebration, Friday night Kids Programs, and other programs; and

            2.         teach and assist young parents of the Cantonese congregation in the development of                                biblical parenting skills so that young families are being formed spiritually.

B.         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.         preach and teach; and

4.         oversee the cells (except Carmel and Hingstone).

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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, 吳傳道, 蕭牧師和任傳道)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．作為兒童及年輕家庭區的牧者﹐李傳道負責外展和發展0歲至六年級兒童事工､領導粵語堂家庭區事工﹐並裝備父母有效地以聖經教養孩童。他的工作綱領如下﹕

1. 透過主日崇拜﹐週五晚上兒童聚會和其它聚會給與兒童事工領導和異象, 成全教會整體異象
2. 教導和協助年輕父母發展﹕
   1. 聖經教養技考﹐幫助家庭屬靈成長

 

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(迦密區及Hingstone 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: Pastor Victor Goh 牧者心聲 吳子瀚傳道December 2009

Reflecting on our first six months here in Toronto as a family, the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers in the Thessalonian church keeps coming to mind.  In a very real way, God has been graciously answering this prayer in our lives:

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).

In moving to Toronto from Collingwood this past July, we did so as a step of obedience to God’s calling and purposes for our lives.  This step however was not without challenges and obstacles.  In fact, the needs and complications we faced were so overwhelming that they appeared to be practically impossible to overcome, from our human perspective.  God lovingly placed in our hearts a steadfast faith to believe that He who had called us was also unchangingly faithful and unfailingly good.  So together with our dear brothers and sisters in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, we trusted God and believed in His promises.  What followed then in those trying months was one miracle after another, one amazing answered prayer after another until …here we are serving God and sharing life’s journey together with you here at GCGCNY!

What God made clear to us, beyond the shadow of a doubt, was this: it was His strength, His provision, His power and His grace that enabled us to daily live a life worthy of His call.  To Him be all the honour and glory.  A Christian brother had once reminded me that “God is never late!”  What a wonderful truth!  We had waited upon God and His timing for almost a year and a half.  When He led and made His direction clear to us, He then gave us the grace to step out in obedience, trusting Him, even in the face of overwhelming odds.  When we stepped out in faith, He took care of the rest of the details.

Today, six months later, we testify to the same unchanging character and presence of God in our lives.  Do we continue to experience needs, challenges and questions in our lives?  Yes, we certainly do.  It’s in the midst of real life that we long to serve God for His glory and for the Gospel.  This much we know: we surely worship and serve a wise, powerful, loving and awesome God!

May God in highest heaven fill you with His presence and peace in this precious Season of remembering the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Victor, Rebecca, Charlotte and Eloise Goh  

 

牧者心聲    吳子瀚傳道(恩典英語堂)  2009年12月

 

當我們一家回顧過去6個月在多倫多的日子﹐我們就想起神是如何一直如這段經文所寫﹐垂聽我們的禱告﹕

因此，我们常为你们祷告，愿我们的神看你们配得过所蒙的召。又用大能成就你们一切所羡慕的良善，和一切因信心所作的工夫。叫我们主耶稣的名在你们身上得荣耀，你们也在他身上得荣耀，都照着我们的神并主耶稣基督的恩。帖後1:11-12

因著順服神的呼召和美意﹐我們在7月份從 Colling-wood遷到多倫多居住。在此期間﹐我們也遇上不少的挑戰和障礙﹐從人的角度看來﹐有時實在覺得沒有可能勝過這一切困難。但神不斷堅固我們的信心﹐告訴我們呼召我們的主是不變､信實､從不誤事､也充滿良善。

 

靠著我們一班在Collingwood及Wasaga Beach 地區的親愛弟兄姊妹的支持﹐我們學習繼續信靠神的應許。驚奇地﹕神蹟接二連三地發生﹐禱告也一個一個地蒙應允..…直至今天﹐神實在奇妙地把我們放在這裡﹐與您們一起服侍﹐一起同奔天路。

神很清楚讓我們看見﹕能使我們活出一個配得起他所恩召我們的生命﹐是全憑祂加力量､全憑祂奇妙供應､全憑祂的大能和祂的恩典。願祂得著一切榮耀和尊貴。 

一位弟兄曾經提醒我﹕“神永沒半點遲疑﹗”這是何等真實﹗我們曾經用1年半時間等候祂的帶領﹐當祂讓我們看見祂怎樣開路﹐祂又賜我們足夠恩典踏出信心來服從和信靠祂。就是似乎力不能勝時﹐祂必定會處理其它一切我們不能承當的事。

6個月後的今天﹐我們更深感神的同在和不變的屬性。我們現在還有困難嗎﹖當然還有﹗但是我們更渴慕在這些困難中仍然為主的榮耀﹐為祂的福音來事奉﹗因為我們知道我們事奉的是一位全智﹐全能﹐慈愛和偉大的神﹗

願至高之處的神在這聖誕佳節中賜祂愛子為您降生的平安﹗

 

吳傳道一家(Victor, Rebecca, Charlotte and Eloise)

(廖傳道翻譯)

同工消息

 

 

牧者心声 Pastor’s Corner Pastor Dali Ren任大立传道 2009.11

 

2009年是国语堂经历很多变化的一年。我们很欢喜快乐庆祝了国语堂成立十周年，也欢送了一些弟兄姐妹前往万民福音堂开始国语事工；因着他们和其他一些同工的离开，我们在各方面的事工必须进行相当大的调整；有不少弟兄姐妹回去中国或转去其他教会，也有很多弟兄姐妹和朋友们从别处来加入我们。对我来说，所有这些的变动既是挑战，也是学习的契机，更是仰望和经历神工作的机会。我不过是神的仆人，是与神同工的，我所要做的不过是尽心尽力地栽种和浇灌，观看神叫人的生命成长，使教会被建造起来。

这一年多与神同工的过程中有各种的感受和认识，其中最常出现的一个感受就是保罗所说的：“似乎忧愁，却是常常快乐的。”当我看到弟兄姐妹遭遇失业，疾病，失去亲人等各样的试炼和痛苦时，我与他们一同忧虑；当我在传福音过程中看到人们虽然在生活中痛苦挣扎却不愿意回应和接受神的爱时，我感到难过；当我看到有的弟兄姐妹对神的爱浅尝辄止，轻易又回到依靠自己，按照世界的方式生活时，我既觉得可惜，又感到爱莫能助；当我看到弟兄姐妹们在生命成长过程中常常被生活的担子，世界的引诱，或自我的软弱拦阻分心，不能专心一志跟随信靠主活出他所应许的美好生命时，我担忧叹息。。。在这些忧愁之中，我也看到自己的软弱，自己的有限，自己的缺乏，自己的小信。

然而，也就是在这些的忧愁和软弱之中，我们真正认识到什么是“在人是不能，在神凡事都能。”我看到弟兄姐妹们没有被试炼和苦难压垮，反而经历神大能的同在和爱的浇灌，得到真正的信心和盼望，我心里的重担就脱落；我看到虽然人的智慧有限，但圣灵的大能却使人一个一个归向主，我便欢喜快乐；我看到虽然弟兄姐妹的生命成长和教会的事工发展虽然没有按照我的期望进行，但我看到神的意念高过我的意念，他所拣选的一个也没有失落，我的心里就大得平安。

虽然我自己软弱不足，神却一次又一次告诉我：“我的恩典是够你用的，我的能力要在你的软弱上显得完全。”感谢神医治我妈妈的身体，是妈妈在家务上对我们的全心帮助使我们能够有更多自由的时间来服事；感谢主让Vivian全心帮助我一起来面对事工上和家庭里的各样挑战；也感谢主保守Jonah, Elim, 和Jesse在身量，智慧和灵性上都成长。我更感谢主赐给我们这么多接纳，包容，支持和爱护我们的弟兄姐妹，能够和你们一同跟随主是我最大的喜乐，最美的祝福。

 

 

 

2009 marks a lot of big changes for the Mandarin congregation.  As we celebrated our 10^th anniversary, we joyously send out a group of brothers and sisters to Peoples Mandarin Church plant.  With this sending of co-workers, our ministry has gone through a large-scale adjustment: many went back to China or transfered to another church. At the same time, we also received many newcomers.   For me, all these changes mean challenges and opportunities of growth by relying solely on the work of God.  Who am I but His own servant and co-worker?  Therefore I am called to work hard for Him by planting and sowing and to see how God makes things grow and built up His church.

 

In the past year I have gained many experiences in the knowledge of God.  Time after time I felt myself feeling like Paul, “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”.   When brothers and sisters went through various trials and pains in losing their jobs, getting sick, or losing loved ones, my heart wept for them.    When I shared with people the gospel and saw them bound by all kinds of struggles in life and not willing to accept the love of God, my heart ached.  When I saw brothers or sisters returning to the ways of the world even after they had tasted the goodness of God, I was filled with sorrow and helplessness.   How many times I mourned when I longed for people to follow Christ whole-heartedly and experienced His promised abundance but found them only bogged down various burdens, temptations, distractions and weaknesses!  Not to mention how weak, limited and lack of faith for myself.

 

Yet I rejoice! Among these sorrow and weaknesses, we have truly learned the meaning of “what is impossible for man is possible in God!”  I have witnessed many brothers and sisters were not defeated by trials and pains but have experienced how God poured His love on them in a new way.  My burdens were cast away as I saw real hope and faith blossomed in their lives.    I was also overjoyed to see non-believers turning to Christ one by one in the power of the Spirit when we felt we lack wisdom to convince and share.    What’s more, even though people were not growing up on my expected pace, I found an unprecedented peace to see God keeping and not failing each one of them. His thoughts are indeed higher than my thoughts!

 

Though I am weak and limited, God told me again and again, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Thanks God for He has healed my mom.  She has been a great blessing by  takeing great care of our household so that we can devote ourselves to the Lord. I also thank God for my wife Vivian to support me whole-heartedly through every challenge in family and ministries.  I also thank the Lord for keeping my 3 children: Jonah, Elim and Jesse to grow in stature, wisdom and in spirituality.   I also want to thank God for all of you who overflow us with your acceptance, forbearance, support and love.  It is my greatest joy and blessing to follow the LORD with all of you!

 

(translated by Mrs. Liu)

 

 

牧者心聲 2009年10月 柯傳道

牧者心聲 2009年10月              柯傳道

問：柯傳道，你好！你近來怎樣？

答：我正在看幾本關于辨別神心意的屬靈書籍。在每個星期六早上，我參加了關于經禱的課程，并忙于計劃明年的事工。還有我每天也享受讀經和禱告。

問：你最喜歡圣經中的那一卷書？

答：我沒有特別喜歡那一卷，但是對福音書和詩篇比較有興趣。

問：請問你每天用多少時間讀經和祈禱？

答：在平常的日子，每天早上我大約用三十到四十五分鐘。但是在繁忙的日子，我會利用空閑的時間默想和禱告。

問：你不覺得讀經和禱告很沉悶嗎？

答：哈哈，我以前也是這樣想。一旦你明白如何和為何讀經和禱告的時候，你每分每秒也很享受。讓我告訴你，與神相處是很喜樂的，沒有任何一樣東西可以取替。可能你以前沒有這種體會，但是不要放棄，繼續嘗試，繼續學習，總有一天你會體會的。

問：除了教會事工外，你平日喜歡做什么？

答：我喜歡遛狗、看書、瀏覽網上有趣的信息、有時喜歡寫日記、看籃球比賽、與朋友下棋、看電影和玩電腦游戲。

問：柯傳道，多謝你寶貴的時間。愿神祝福你的家。

 

柯永聰傳道（Samuel Or） 正在恩典粵語堂成青和學生區服侍

 Pastor’s Corner October 2009                                    Pastor Samuel Or

Q: Hello Pastor Samuel Or, how are you?  What have you been up to?

A: I am  reading few books about spiritual discernment, taking a course about Scripture Praying on every Sat. morning; and I am busy doing ministry planning for next year.  Also I enjoy reading Bible everyday.

Q: What is your favourite book in the Bible?

A: I don’t really have any specific favourite parts, but I like to read the Book of Gospel and the Psalms.

Q: How much time do you spend in prayer and Bible reading daily?

A: I pray and read Bible every morning for around 30 to 45 minutes.  In a busy day, I will mediate on some passages and pray whenever I am free.

Q: Don’t you find reading Bible and praying kind of boring?

A: Haha, I used to think that, but if you know how and why you need to read (knowing how and why by heart, not just knowing the model answer) then you will enjoy every minutes out of it.  Let me tell you something, spend time with God is really rewarding and joyful; nothing in this world can give you such grateful moment.  You may not have that kind of experience before, but don’t give up, keep trying, keep learning and you will get it in some day.

Q: What do you like to do, besides church stuff?

A: I like to walk the dog, read books and online searching for interesting information. Occasionally, I like to write journal, watch NBA games, play board games, video games and watch movies. 

Q: Thank you for your time Pastor Or, God blesses you and your family.

Pastor Samuel Or is serving students and young adults in the Cantonese Congregation of GCGCNY

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!

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