牧者心聲 廖傳道 2010年7月

從心而發

萬民堂6月份的讀經運動正讀出埃及記。一天,當我讀到35-36章﹐提及以色列全會中如何甘心樂意為神的帳幕造各樣的工﹐獻各樣的禮物﹐甚至不必再拿來﹐因為一切已｢富富有餘｣時, 我被經文中不斷重覆出現的 ｢心｣字深深吸引﹕｢凡心裡受感｣､｢甘心樂意的｣､ ｢心裡有智慧｣､｢甘心獻的禮物｣､｢心中有智慧的｣……我們的內心﹐能發動一切､奉獻一切､擺上一切﹐成就神一切的美意﹔卻也能拆毀一切､敗壞一切。

您和我常專注和介懷別人怎樣看我們的外妝﹐但是 神卻看重我們內心! 馬利亞那從心而發的愛和奉獻香膏﹐雖帶來不少門徒的批評揶揄﹐卻得著了將被賣主耶穌的心﹗窮寡婦獻上的兩個小錢﹐勝過財主擲地有聲的滿滿奉獻﹗該隱對神｢草率｣和｢責任式｣的奉獻﹐不及弟弟亞伯把頭生和最好獻上而得神的喜悅…皆因是我們的內心是怎樣﹖

初信時候﹐曾聽一位長輩分享﹕

責任叫人把事情做完了﹔用心卻叫人把事情做得更好更美﹗  

無論面對家庭､親人､工作､面對顧客､事奉﹐這說話常在我心內﹗它提醒這忙碌和容易失迷的我﹗如果內心是一個人最寶貴的地方﹐那麼我們讓它充滿了什麼﹖

我們可以用哪個形容詞來形容自己內心常有的狀態﹖是 ｢倦透了｣﹖｢平靜安穩｣﹖｢詩般樣的心｣﹖還是｢煩躁｣､｢傷心｣､｢忿怒｣､｢抽離｣､｢批判｣﹖沒有安靜與神相交的靈﹐又怎能擠出或裝出平靜安穩､或溫柔安靜的內心﹖沒有謙卑和清晰的調整､重修﹐生命並不能再綻放異彩。  再說﹕在生命裡又如何把  神交托給我們的事情做得美﹖做得好﹖

女兒參與跳舞學校年終表演後跟我說﹕很多女孩子跳得很棒﹐很出色。我跟她說﹕｢是的﹗她們不單努力﹐而且用心﹗但媽媽很想和您說﹕這世上有很多 great performers (出色表現者), 但往往很少能夠是天父眼中的 great worshippers(美好的敬拜者)! 我很希望囡囡學用心﹐盡心做好每件事﹐用敬拜的心來敬拜天父﹗做一個worshipper!｣

美善的內心把平凡的事變成愛和祝福別人的美事﹗ 2008年我和丈夫兒女回港探望病塌中的家姑﹐那時得著一個姊妹接待﹐把她的主人房騰出來給我們一家住宿﹐而她自己和丈夫兒子則在大廳睡﹐齊齊做廳長﹗  我在旅程完結前送給她一筆金錢感謝她的照顧和開支﹐但在我回加途上﹐嚇然發現行李中有她的一封信﹐信封面上寫著﹕｢一切從心以發﹗｣  ﹐裡面她把所有的金錢退還給我﹗執筆之際﹐我的眼淚現今仍掉下來﹗

但願我們在愛我們的主面前﹐好好調整和保守內心﹐成為一個美善之泉﹗

聖經說﹕｢您要保守您心﹐勝過保守一切﹐因為一生的果效﹐是由心發出來﹗｣箴4:23

 

Pastor’s Corner                                           Mrs. Liu                                                                     July 2010

A heart with Passion

PGC’s bible reading movement has reached the book of Exodus in June.  One day while I was reading chapter 35 and 36, I was captivated by how the whole Israel nation was involved by their willingness to offer many different kinds of gifts for the making of the Tabernacle until Moses gave an order to stop, for it was more than enough (36:5)! I also noticed how the words “willing”, “willing and whose heart moved”, “skilled” (wisdom in his heart) are repeating all the time!   These words all point to our hearts.  Our hearts and our passion motivate us to offer, to give, to achieve what God has planned, but they can also destroy and ruin everything we own.

We care about our appearance, but God cares about our heart. When Mary brought an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume to offer to Jesus, the disciples were indignant and gave her a hard time!  Only Jesus told them it was a beautiful thing!    While everyone admired how the rich man offered, Jesus praised the widow’s offering of her two small coins.  While Cain offered some fruits faithfully to God, God looked more with favour for Abel’s offering because they were the best from his flock.  How they reminded us relationship with God is not just finishing a task, but how our passion to give God the best.

While I was a young Christian, someone reminded me, “A responsible person finishes his job, but a person with passion makes his work beautiful!”

It’s such a great reminder for me from time to time as I face my family, meet different people, and in ministry and so on.   If heart our generator of life, what is inside our hearts? Is it fatigue? Is it serenity? Strength? Or do we allow sadness, anger, withdrawal and critical spirit to control us?   If we don’t have fellowship time with God each day in quietness, how can we façade ourselves with strength and stability?  If we don’t have time to reflect and adjust our lives, our lives can never be beautiful!     Furthermore, how can we finish the tasks God has assigned to us and make them beautiful?

While I attended Charis’ dance school recital in June, she admiringly told me, “Mom, a few girls danced so brilliantly!”  I answered, “Yes, because not only did they dance, but they danced with joy and passion!  Listen!  There are indeed a lot of great performers in all disciplines, but there may be only a few worshippers you can find among them!   Mom wants you to be a worshipper in whatever God has placed you.”

A noble heart can turn ordinary tasks to be a channel of love and blessing to others.   Back in May 2008, William and I took our children back to Hong Kong to visit my ailing mom-in-law.  We were so grateful that my friend in Hong Kong offered us to stay with her family.  I will never forget how they spared their own master bedroom for us, while 3 of her family joyfully slept in the living room!    At the end of my trip, we gave her some money as a token of thanks.    On our way back, we were surprised to find an envelope in our luggage!    On the envelop she printed, “Everything was from my heart.”  When I opened it, I found the whole sum of money that I gave her.  I still could not hold me tears as I write this.

May we always treasure our relationship with Jesus, and keep our hearts clean to be a fountain of blessings to others.

The Bible says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

牧者心聲 李建國傳道 2010年6月

自信主以來都懷著一個心願, 就是希望能有機會到以色列一遊聖地,一嘗發古思之幽情, 體驗一下聖經中的歷史及文化. 相信這對明白聖經更能深刻了解. 因為正如古人所說:「讀萬卷書不如行萬里路」. 感謝神! 就在今年的五月, 我和內子被邀請到以色列參加一項盛大的榮譽頒授儀式上作嘉賓. 同時在儀式後也會被安排到以色列,約旦及埃及各地參觀不同的名勝古蹟. 這實是我們夢寐以求的機會. 但就在這旅程出發前一個月的晚上, 我九十歲的母親在家中突然跌倒, 頭破血流, 後被送往醫院中急救. 在醫生的診斷後, 發現她頭皮受損, 大腿與盤骨間也有一裂縫, 須要留院數星期治療及康復. 眼見年老的母親受著皮肉之苦, 我們心裡都是不好受. 在她留院其間, 每天家人都輪流地探望陪伴, 也不斷的為她祈求神的看顧醫治. 過了兩星期後, 家中各人都開始感到疲乏擔憂. 當內子和我正禱告為照顧母親的安排上考慮取消這次以色列之旅時, 醫生告知我們母親的康復情況比預期快速, 並可在數日後出院回家. 眼看母親在短短日子便可下牀行走, 而且還可回家休養, 實是神奇異的恩典. 聽到母親在留院期間常常學習禱告依靠神, 又學習常常讚美神. 這次她從經歷中, 學曉了信靠順服神的美好一課. 母親出院後, 家兄願意在我們旅行時接她到他家中暫住休養. 這樣, 我和內子就能安心地經歷這次的旅程.

 

回想在旅途中, 當我們到達耶路撒冷古城時, 我們的心情實感到非常興奮. 特別在導遊的帶領下一步一步地走過橄欖山, 客西馬尼園, 大衛王的古墓, 聖殿的遺址, 希律王的故居, 及至主耶穌背十字架的苦路(Via Dolorosa)時, 心裡不斷的想起一幅幅主耶穌受鞭傷的情景. 特別在這又長又滑又破舊的苦路上, 更深深體驗主背著沈重的木頭, 忍受著羅馬兵丁的鞭打, 兩旁人群對衪的嘲笑和藐視, 但衪仍忍耐順服地走過這條苦路, 抵達加略山上, 被釘在十字架上而死. 衪甘心把生命交出, 是因為衪愛世上的人, 為他們完成父神救贖的恩典. 現今苦路雖然仍在, 但兩旁的商店己將這裡本來讓人懷念主的氣芬完全變為商業化. 起初有許多團友都很想從導遊講解中明白主耶穌受死的經過, 可惜當他們看見苦路兩旁商店所陳列的記念品時, 他們都一窩蜂似的走進商店裏, 只剩下我和內子兩人仍存著懷古的心情繼續向前行. 當時想起主曾對眾人說：｢若有人要跟從我，就當捨己，天天背起他的十字架來跟從我。因為，凡要救自己生命的，必喪掉生命；凡為我喪掉生命的，必救了生命。人若賺得全世界，卻喪了自己，賠上自己，有甚麼益處呢？….”｣（路加福音9:23-25）主耶穌要求信徒跟隨祂, 效法祂的生命和順服祂的命令。背十字架的意思是要克制我們自私的慾望。放下世上的一切, 甘願跟隨主進入永遠的榮耀. 當我們在苦路上不被商店的金銀精品所心動時, 專心繼續往上跑, 到了盡頭便看到一所教堂, 裏面便是主被埋葬, 又從死裡復活的空墳墓. 正如信徒若效法主背起十字架走人生的道路, 最後必像基督復活進入永恆的榮耀國度裡, 永遠與神同住. 背十架行苦路雖然在世人眼中看來是愚蠢的, 但卻不這是神所預備的一條永生之道. 那些留暖著物質世界的人, 是永遠不能明白在人生苦路上背十架跟隨主是何等榮耀和福氣.

 

參觀完耶路撒冷後, 我們繼續朝著舊約遺址的約旦和埃及去. 沿途在旅遊車上我們為一些團友講解聖經中的故事及問題, 就在一個午宴上甚至有機會向兩位團友分享福音, 他們最後還接受了主救恩. 這福音果子是我們旅程中最大的喜樂.

 

最後, 當旅行完畢回到家門時, 真想不到看母親已行動自如, 完全康復的樣子. 這真是主對我們的憐憫, 當然, 我們也知道有許多教會中的肢體也常為我母親代禱. 真感謝他們! 願一切榮耀讚美歸給我們施恩慈愛的神.

 

同工消息

1．     葉牧師已完成在菲律賓訓練韓國及菲律賓宣教士的短期宣教回來。

2．     英文堂實習傳道Tom More 將會在恩典堂延長多一年的實習傳道事奉。

3．     肖松弟兄已完成他在國語堂實習傳道的事奉。

Pastor’s Corner               ___    Pastor David Lee         June 2010

 

 

Ever since I became a Christian, I have been dreaming to travel to Israel.  Captivated by its ancient charisma, I also yearned to step into the Bible lands that I have been reading my whole life.  Dreams became true finally back in May! My wife and I were overjoyed as we were surprisingly being invited as guests to attend a big ceremony in Israel.  After that, we were also arranged for sightseeing tours in Israel, Jordan and Egypt!  It was indeed our “memorable trip of the lifetime”!   Yet, just one month before we set out, my 90-years-old mom had a bad fall at home. She broke her head and was sent to emergency room.  The doctor found cracks on her head and also on her hipbone.  She was hospitalized for a few weeks.  It was painful to see her suffering.  We all took turns to stay with her and prayed for God’s healing grace.   After two weeks, we were already exhausted.  While Anna and I thought we might have to cancel the trip, the doctor told us that mom was recovering faster than expected.  Not only could she walked by herself, she could also go home for rest.   What an amazing grace!  We knew this is the result of her dependence upon God during her stay. She prayed consistently with praises all day.   This was indeed a great gain for her to trust in God.   My brother kindly took her home while we were away so that we could enjoy the trip.

 

Days were filled with excitement in the days when we were in Jerusalem.   The guide led us through Mount Olive, the garden of Gethsemane,  tomb of David, the remains of Holy Temple, the residence of King Herod, and finally to the way of crucifixion (Via Dolorosa).  We were deeply reminded of how Lord Jesus was beaten, how he suffered under the cruel hands of Roman soldiers, and how he faced the scorns and despises of the crowd.  It was powerful to remember how Jesus patiently walked through his journey towards the Calvary and then being crucified on the Cross.   He willingly gave up His life because He loves the world and He finished the salvation that Father had planned.    Today the Via Dolorosa has became hot commercial markets for tourists.   While our tour members were excitingly shopping for souvenirs as they stormed into the shops, Anna and I kept walking along heavy-heartedly.  We remembered Lord Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ²⁵What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (Luke 9:23-25)

Jesus asked Christians to follow His example as a life of obedience.  Take up the Cross means giving up of our own selfish desires.  We gave up on the worldly and willingly follow Jesus into His glory.   Interestingly, as we continued along the road without stopping by for shopping, we found a church that claimed to be the site where Jesus was buried and resurrected.  This reminded us that if we take up our Cross, we will enter into His eternal Kingdom.   Though the world may see us as foolish to abandon the material world and follow Jesus, they would never understand how blessed and glorious it is for the way of eternal life!

 

As we moved ahead towards Jordan and Egypt, we answered some questions that our tour members asked about the Old Testament.   A time also came when we shared the gospel to two of them and they committed their lives to Jesus!  They are our most joyful fruits for the trip!

 

As we came home, we found that mom has fully recovered.  This is truly God’s mercy!  We are also convinced that all these blessings resulted from the many prayers of you!  Thank you so much! May our loving and gracious Father receive all the glory!

 

(translated by Mrs. Liu)

 

 

教牧心聲 蕭智雄 May 2010

2010年的母親節

 

自從有了孩子，每年的母親節都是在家裡跟妻子和孩子們一同慶祝的，今年例外。。。

 

三月初，還在上海的時候，從妻子處收到母親摔跤進了醫院的消息。母親因為脊椎骨損壞，壓到神經，雙腿麻痺，又非常疼痛； 止疼藥吃多了，就頭暈，腳無力，兩次在衛生間摔跤，雖然頭上縫了幾針，身上的骨頭還好沒有一根破損，實在感恩！

 

小的時候，我喜歡到天台去放風箏，有時還會跟鄰近天台的小孩們鬥，看誰的風箏飛得高，飛得遠，有時兩個風箏相碰，便用力扯拽，要將對方風箏的線弄斷，每逢看到斷線的風箏，我們一票的小孩子就會在街上跑着去搶；我家在海旁，有時一陣大風刮來，斷線的風箏就會被吹到海浪的上空，慢慢地被帶走；那時的心情，已經記不清楚，只記得每次都是呆呆的站在那兒，直到風箏消失在無邊的天際裡。。。在外已經多年，不知道為什麼有時候還會感覺到自己好像一只斷線的風箏，隨風飄盪，從大洋的一邊，慢慢飄到另一邊。 

倦鳥歸林，遊子思鄉；父親去世後，十多年來，總是找機會，找藉口，要回老家看望母親。母親一向個性爽朗、獨立，只愛助人，不求人助，自己生活，不靠兒女。這回倒下來，她實在沒法接受。三月中旬，我從深圳到香港，哥嫂已經比我早一天從美國飛到；看著母親在病榻上的煎熬，疼痛難支，我們卻愛莫能助，心中只有跟她一同疼著。為著要替她打打氣，也難得咱們兄弟和小妹五個人都在一起，在過去的四十年中，這才是第五次呢，於是決定為她提前慶祝生日；餐廳裡，雖然身體上的疼痛沒有減少，但母親的臉上還是流露出歡慰的笑容。第二天，哥嫂就飛走了，再過兩天，我也回多市了。

五月九號是今年的母親節。十八歲以前，不懂得有母親節，父親是海員，終年在外，從沒有人提醒我們要慶祝母親節；十八歲之後，我就沒有在母親節的時候回過老家。思前想後，終於決定再回港一趟，與母親共渡母親節。好不容易，從醫院替她請了兩天假；和妹妹推着輪椅，帶她回老人中心，又去教會做禮拜。能夠和多年的老朋友相聚，兩個月以來的辛酸疼苦，終於得到暢懷喧泄的機會。後來，一家人去吃晚飯，孫子孫媳婦也在，開心極了！席中，母親突然冒出一句：『今天，我很高興；我是等了九十多年的！』聽後，內心不禁有點黯然。。。希望再有機會與她共渡母親節。

回程中，飛機遇到氣流，我從睡夢中被震醒；向窗外俯瞰，飛機正在加拿大洛基山脈的上空，高山峻嶺，終年積雪，在耀眼的陽光下炯炯生輝，我遊目四處尋找，看看在幽暗的山谷中有否人煙之處；忽然發現機旁有一朵孤雲，正從我的來路飛來。凝視着，心中的萬般思緒，又被帶返母親在醫院的病榻前。幾天以來，一直聽到她的痛苦呻吟、責問，心中的不甘、憤怒、掘強、無奈。。。歷歷在目。臨走的前一個晚上，我握着她的手為她禱告，說了『阿門』，正要張開眼睛，覺得母親緊握着我的手不放，我以為她捨不得我離開，突然聽到她放聲禱告，求神保守我回家的路程，然後一個一個為我家裡的人提名祝福；母親常為我們禱告，我是知道的，這時緊握我的手，懇切陳詞。。。卻是第一次！說過『阿門』，我就讓她安心睡覺；趕快轉過身來，拖著弟弟和妹妹的手離開，因怕在她面前掉下眼淚。

第二天，帶著母親的祝福，我踏上了回加的歸程。這時的一片孤雲，像是告訴我：母親的眷愛、看護、叮嚀，是會不斷地追隨着我。我與母親，雖然身隔萬里，卻是心心相繫在主裡。

Pastoral Corner                                   Rev. Siu   May 2010

 

Mother’s Day 2010

 

I celebrated every single Mother’s Day with my wife and kids ever since I became a father, but this year was a different one!

 

While I was in Shanghai this March, Dorcas sent me news that my mom was sent to hospital.  She lost strength and balance in the washroom due to an overdose of painkillers that was trying to relieve her pains that resulted from her deteriorating spine.    She got several stitches on her head.  Despite two falls, we thank the LORD that no bones were broken!

I love to fly kites on the rooftop with my neighboring kids when I was young.  We were dying to see whose kite went highest and farthest, to an extent that we even cut each other’s kite down.    Whenever a kite got broken, we ran after it to see who could  get it.   Since we lived by the sea, I can still remember many times I would stand frozen by the shore to watch a broken kite blown away towards the sea until it disappear from sight. ….many years later, I feel like myself as a broken kite: carried by the wind from one continent to another!

A Chinese proverb says “A wanderer longs to return home and a tired bird longs for his nest.”   It is true for me in the past ten years since my dad passed away.  I try my best to maximize the time to visit my mom in Hong Kong.   My mom is an independent, easygoing and helpful lady never expecting people’s return or our help.   Therefore she took her recent falls really hard.     As we visited her at the hospital in March (my brother and his wife also came back from US), we were heartbroken and yet so helpless to see her suffering from such unbearable pain.     In order to cheer her up and encourage her to move on, we five children decided to take her out for an early birthday celebration dinner.   How precious is this moment! This is only the fifth time in the past 40 years that all her children could gather together!   Although her pain was not lessening during the dinner, her face was brilliantly satisfied!     My brother, his wife and I all flown away and returned home the next day.

May 9^th was Mother’s Day this year.  I never knew about Mother’s Day before I was 18 years old.  My dad was a sailor and he was never home so nobody reminded us of celebrating Mother’s Day with her.  After I left home at 18, I had never celebrated Mother’s Day with my mom!   After much thoughts in April,  I decided to go back Hong Kong once more in May to celebrate Mother’s Day with her.     We took her out from hospital for 2 days.   My sister pushed her in a wheelchair. We took her to senior center, church worship service and even take her to meet with her old friends!  At a dinner time with all of us and her grandchildren together she was overjoyed! She suddenly said, “Today I am so joyful!  I have been waiting for 90 plus years for tonight!”  My heart sank at her words…..may God bless her so that we can celebrate Mother’s Day with her again!

On my return flight to Canada, the plane met a strong air current that woke me up from a deep sleep.  As I watched the Rockies out of the window with dazzling white snow I wondered if there are any houses or villages.  Suddenly I saw a single piece of cloud by my window!  My mind flew back to my mother at her hospital bed of the past few days.  She was crying and moaning, questioning and feeling helpless…..everything was still clear on my mind! The night before I left her, I held her hands to pray for her. As I said, “Amen” my mother’s hands wouldn’t let go of mine!   I thought she did not want to see me go but she prayed out loud instead! She asked the Lord to protect my way home, and she blessed every person in my family by name!   I know that my mom had always been praying for us, but it was the first time I heard her earnest prayers holding my hands.  After she said “Amen” we let her sleep.  I quickly took my brother and sister’s hands to leave as I was holding my tears!

I took my mother’s blessing as I returned home next day.  This piece of cloud reminds me of my mother’s loving care and encouragement by my side.   Though we are thousand miles apart, our hearts are joined together in the LORD!

(translated by Mrs. Liu)

 

牧者心聲 陳牧師 Pastor’s Corner Rev. Chan April 2010

四月初與太太到美國賭城慶祝結婚廿週年，好不容易可以放下工作及家庭與太太共渡數日，又可以故地重遊，實在是賞心樂事。有趣的是人雖在外，但心裡無法忘記遠方的兒子，自己會每天都藉電郵與三子聯絡，太太則在購物時必先想三子的需要。當想到將來有朝一日空巢時，便要適應只有對方的生活，或許要找多些機會及借口，二人多些獨處才是，也可以此為借口，要三子多做一點家務，讓兩老可以去拍拖；我倆少一點家務，三子可以無王管，各得其所！

近期與李傳道及柯傳道開始每週一次在清晨開早禱會，雖然只是一個多小時，但每次結束時都意猶未盡，十分享受弟兄間同心禱告的甜蜜，並且可以清晨與主談心，實在美好。但可能年紀大了，每次早禱會完了，當天晚上都要早一點休息，這回可真是早起早睡了！

最近開始了一個新嗜好，就是寫網誌，要每日添新內容實在不易，然而這卻給自己另一個機會去反醒生活及與神的關係，不單叫自己更敏於用屬靈眼光看生活的點滴，且可以透過網絡與人分享信仰，是另一種滿足感。只盼可以透過現代科技，多一條渠道事奉神，利己利人，榮神益人。

 

同工消息

1.  蕭牧師將在5月5至11日回港探望正在醫院療養背痛的母親﹐請為她禱告。

2.  李傳道將在5月7日至26日休無薪假期與親戚到以色列旅遊。他母親日前曾跌傷盆骨﹐請為她禱告。

3.  感謝主﹐柯傳道上月會港探望他的外婆﹐並領她歸主。

4.  葉牧師將在5月31日至6月22日到菲律賓訓練韓國給菲律賓宣教士﹐請為旅程禱告。

Pastor’s Corner  Rev.  Chan        April 2010

Lena and I celebrated our 20^th anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas on April.    It was wonderful to re-visit a place where we went long time ago, not to mention the precious moments for two of us to spend a few days together! However, we couldn’t help thinking about our sons all the time.  I spent time every day writing emails to them, while Lena thought about their needs all the time she shopped.  

What will our empty-nested lives be like in the future if we are both left with each other in the house?   Perhaps we should practise more time-together now.   What a win-win situation as we enjoy time dating again while our sons enjoy more time on their own and be trained to take up their daily chores!

Recently I started weekly early morning prayer with Pastor Or and Pastor Lee.  Although it is just about an hour, we all enjoyed the sweetness of fellowship and time with the Lord a lot!     Perhaps it’s a sign of maturity that I need to sleep earlier at night each time we prayed in the morning, but I thank the Lord for giving me a healthier habit.

I have also started a new hobby – blogging.     I enjoyed this discipline not only to reflect my daily walks with God by sharpening my spiritual perspectives in life, but also sharing my faith through the internet.   It feels so rewarding to serve God through my writing to bless others and glorify God.        (translated by Mrs. Liu)

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!

 

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