All posts by Jian Shao

Investing in the Future: Why We Must Prioritize Youth Ministry

Lilian Wang 

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

The sound of laughter and voices float up as you walk down the stairs to the basement. When you turn the corner, you see a group of teens rambunctiously playing four square and small groups of kids standing off to the sides, chatting or playing on their phones. The worship team is finishing up their practice and sound check. Counselors are milling around, catching up with students about how their week has been. While most students are of Chinese heritage, you can see there is a diversity of age, style, and personality. There is a table of snacks on the side, with opened bags of chips spilling onto the table and a fruit platter barely touched. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and vibrant.

This is the CBCGB ALIVE Youth Ministry. This year, we will meet from 7:00-9:00 pm in the basement of the church. We offer programming that includes games, worship, and small group Bible study for grades 6th-12th. We average about 80-100 students every Friday night, 15-20 students in middle school Sunday School, and 15-20 students in high school Sunday School. Our Sunday School teachers work hard to teach biblical curriculum in a way that is fun and engaging. Our dedicated counselors sacrifice every Friday evening to mentor and disciple our youth as their older brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of these relationships go far beyond Friday nights, since the youth will often text and call their counselors throughout the week and stay in touch even after graduating high school. Youth Ministry has been a core ministry of our church, providing a space for the younger generation to learn about God, study Scripture, and build lasting genuine relationships with one another.

I myself grew up in CBCGB’s youth program. It was there that I heard the gospel, saw it lived out through the lives of others, and eventually accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I then stayed in the Boston area for college and attended CBCGB’s then-thriving Intercollegiate Fellowship (ICF), which now no longer exists. After I graduated, I got a job nearby and decided to stay at CBCGB because I felt called to return and serve as a youth counselor. It was a full circle, coming back to serve alongside the same men and women who had been so instrumental in my own faith journey. I now attend Cross Bridge service and serve as a Friday night counselor, while also advocating for the Youth Ministry as the Youth Deacon on the Church Council. As you can see, I have been at CBCGB for many years and have seen firsthand how our Youth Ministry is a powerful and essential part of the growth of our church.

Yet I have also seen firsthand how the Youth Ministry is not prioritized and our youth staff’s concerns are often not taken seriously, all the while as they quietly burn out. We are relegated to the basement and have met in leftover spaces scattered across the campus, such as the coat room and the stairwell. We struggle to recruit new coworkers who can connect relationally with the youth because the pool of college/young adults from which we draw volunteers from has dwindled significantly. There have been several leadership transitions over the last few years and we currently do not have a youth pastor. There are a variety of reasons for this turnover, such as lack of competitive pay for a Boston cost of living and a culture where our younger staff’s opinions and voices are not as valued. Despite these challenges, Youth Ministry coworkers continue to show up for our students. We continue to advocate for their needs, whether that is providing mental health support, seeking education on cross-cultural parenting, or tackling the unhealthy culture of prioritizing academic excellence above all else. These coworkers are the backbone of our Youth Ministry and as such, pillars of our church community.

Our youth are the future. We must invest our time, energy, and resources into this next generation if we desire a strong future for our church. Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate. This trend is true nationwide, as well as within the Chinese heritage church. While there are a variety of reasons why, the biggest one in my opinion is that young people feel that the church is not responding to changing needs or listening to younger voices. This has led to a lack of trust in leadership and a sense that the church is “out of touch”. The youth want to see the church living out the gospel in justice work. They want to see their parents’ lives transformed by the gospel not just on Sunday mornings, but in the home as well. They want to discuss controversial topics and ask hard questions instead of avoiding the discomfort. They seek vulnerability and authenticity, and are turned off by the facade of righteousness. The work being done in the Youth Ministry each week is to create a safe space for the difficult yet necessary exploration of faith. We hope to walk with our youth in the messy but beautiful process of recognizing their need for Jesus. We desire for them to have a faith that develops in high school, flourishes through college, and sustains them far beyond.

I urge our church leaders, our congregation members, and our families to recognize the need to prioritize our Youth Ministry. If we do not take action to respond to their needs, then one day there will be no more next generation. I believe our church loves and cares for our young people. I believe we want to see a revival in this new generation. We want their voices to be heard. We want to empower them. So let us come together to lift up this next generation by prioritizing the very space where this important work happens – our Youth Ministry.

日常分享中的福音

⸺2024台灣短宣見證

趙卓瑩

我最近去台灣二水的短期宣教之旅是一次難忘的經歷,充滿了快樂、學習和有意義的連結。我們的使命是教中學生英語,但很快它就變得不止於此。

從我們到達的那一刻起,我們就受到了學生和社區的張開雙臂的歡迎。每天,我們都會透過課程與孩子互動。這些課程不僅具有教育意義,而且我們通過玩遊戲、唱歌並利用創意活動讓學習英語變得有趣。我們的目標是以某種方式將課程與福音聯繫起來,分享與孩子產生共鳴的故事和價值觀,幫助他們在日常生活中看到信仰的美麗。

建立聯繫是我們使命的核心。我們花時間聆聽孩子的故事,了解他們的夢想,並了解他們面臨的挑戰。這些對話非常豐富,讓我們與學生建立了真正的連結。當他們掌握新概念或與我們分享個人故事時,看到他們的臉上閃閃發光,真是令人心曠神怡。

我們旅行的亮點是週五的晚會。這是對我們這一周的辛勤工作和樂趣的慶祝。我們一起敬拜、跳舞、玩遊戲,享受彼此的陪伴。整個房間充滿歡樂和笑聲,證明了我們建立的牢固聯繫。這是對社區和信仰力量的美好提醒。

這次去二水的宣教之旅是一次深刻的經歷,它教會了我聯繫、同情心以及以一種既有意義又有趣的方式分享福音的重要性。我很感激有機會參與這趟旅程,並對二水中學生的生活產生正面的影響。

Gospel Impact with Connections

-2024 TMT Testimony

Christabel Chiu

My recent short-term mission trip to ErShui, Taiwan, was an unforgettable experience filled with joy, learning, and meaningful connections. Our mission was to teach English to middle school children, but it quickly became so much more than that.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by the students and the community. Each day, we engaged with the children through interactive lessons that were not only educational but also fun. We played games, sang songs, and used creative activities to make learning English enjoyable. Our goal was to tie our lessons to the gospel in some way, sharing stories and values that resonated with the children and helped them see the beauty of faith in everyday life.

Building connections was at the heart of our mission. We spent time listening to the children’s stories, learning about their dreams, and understanding their challenges. These conversations were incredibly enriching and allowed us to form genuine bonds with the students. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up when they grasped a new concept or shared a personal story with us.

The highlight of our trip was the end-of-the-week party. It was a celebration of all the hard work and fun we had throughout the week. We worshiped together, danced, played games, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. The joy and laughter that filled the room were a testament to the strong connections we had built. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and faith.

This mission trip to ErShui was a profound experience that taught me the importance of connection, compassion, and sharing the gospel in a way that is both meaningful and fun. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journey and to have made a positive impact on the lives of the ErShui middle schoolers.

“為你爭戰的是耶和華”

⸺2024台灣短宣

邵健

今年7月5日至15日,由來自CBCGB教會和CBCGL(Lowell)教會的36位短宣隊員(其中CBCGB28人,CBCGL8人)組成的台灣短宣隊(Taiwan Mission Team,TMT),受教會的差派,從波士頓出發,以“波士頓青年訪學團”的名義到台灣彰化縣二水鄉國立中學進行了爲期10天的英語教學與交流。與去年的TMT短宣隊不同的是,這一次的短宣人數增加很多,目的地也由嘉義東石鄉變爲彰化縣二水鄉國中。

與去年TMT短宣隊相同,今天短宣隊繼續由張子義牧師帶領,並聯絡了二水鄉本地教會的邱福源長老;感謝讚美主,邱長老對聯絡二水國中校長、原住民布農族的人倫教會,及協助安排整個行程給予了極大的幫助。短宣之前半年我們就開始預備,包括購買機票、隊員培訓、準備出自聖經的英語教學課程資料、募款等等。值得一提的是,5月12日短宣隊在教會廚房同工的大力協助下主辦了母親節宣教籌款午宴。這是十幾年以來第一次全教會規模的籌款午宴。

內容豐富的英文課程

短宣隊設計的英文課程是針對二水國中2年級的37名學生,分爲5個小組,主題分別爲:

  1. 生命好嚮導(詩篇23篇)
  2. 有序的宇宙;寶貴的你和我(詩篇第8篇)
  3. 心田好土(路加福音第8章)
  4. 做正確的選擇;用愛來原諒(路加福音15章)
  5. 成爲一個好鄰居(路加福音10章)

針對這五個題目,各個小組制定了詳細的教學計劃;五個題目正好對應週間的五天。今年因爲學生午餐、校車等限制,校方只安排了週一至週五的上午時間。基於這一期營會非常正面的反饋,期待明年學校有可能把教學時間延長至全天,並增加一個年級的學生。

屬靈的爭戰

值得一提的是,因爲今年短宣所在的二水國中英語營是我們第一次嘗試,對於校方的要求一開始並不是很清楚;剛剛開始制定教學計劃的時候,我們都是以聖經爲中心、以傳講福音信息爲主。初版經校方檢查之後,應校方的要求,我們需要把所有宗教相關的內容去除,而改以純英文教學的內容。這是因爲國立中學受教育署要求,所有的教學內容都不能有宗教色彩。這對我們是一個很大的挑戰,不光是要在很短的時間內再製作出一份新的教學計劃,而且我們原來傳福音的計劃也需要重新思考。本以爲與中國大陸相比,台灣是享有宗教自由的地方,在那裏我們可以放膽傳講福音,哪知這次的福音之旅還是要受到種種嚴格的限制。我們只能把短宣在禱告中交託給主,求主親自做工,讓我們看到主在前面對我們的帶領。我們深知自己是不配的僕人,主耶穌說:“我是葡萄樹,你們是枝子。常在我裏面的,我也常在他裏面,這人就多結果子;因為離了我,你們就不能做甚麼。(約翰福音‬15:5)”當年以色列人出埃及進入應許之地,不是主一路在前面帶領,爲他們爭戰嗎?出埃及記‬14章14節這樣告訴我們:“耶和華必為你們爭戰;你們只管靜默,不要作聲。”同樣的,在申命記1:30、3:22,約書亞記10:14、10:42又幾次重申:“為你爭戰的是耶和華”。這樣,我們帶着跟隨主的心來到了屬靈的戰場。

到二水國中的第一天是週六,我們在和二水教會和人倫教會的弟兄姐妹、青少年一起午餐之後,乘坐大巴車回校園的途中,一路上看到很多的廟宇⸺佛寺、孔廟、媽祖等等數不勝數,另外還有很多的檳榔店。這告訴我們本地有很多人相信鬼神,但是因爲還不認識真神而去拜鬼(哥林多前書10:20 “我乃是說,外邦人所獻的祭是祭鬼,不是祭神。”)台灣是福音的一個很大的禾場。

正思考時,大巴車突然在一條小路上靠邊停下,伴隨着司機無理地大喊:“全部都下車!”雖經過牧師和領隊的同工詢問及勸阻,仍然在半路上把我們一車三十幾個人在還有10分鐘大約6公里的中途全部趕下。後來聽座位臨近司機的子義牧師說,這個司機全程一直口嚼檳榔,並且情緒激動地打電話。牧師只是稍加勸阻便遭致強烈報復。後來二水和人倫教會的車聞訊趕來,送我們都平安返回。

撒但的攻擊一浪接一浪,有兩位隊員突然收到航空公司的通知,無原因地取消了他們的回程機票。在與航空公司磋談多小時後,最終他們需要提早三天離營,乘搭較早的航班回美。

在我們剛剛到達福音禾場的第一天,就經歷了這樣激烈的屬靈交戰,讓我們在看到當地人普遍祭鬼現狀的同時,也更加清楚,鬼魔也感受到了危機,並且試圖阻止我們。

在被巴士放下途中的小橋上留影

人倫教會的敬拜

7月7日的主日,我們去參加了人倫教會的主日崇拜。人倫教會是台灣原住民⸺布農族一所建於高山上的教會。在聽說了台灣的原住民因爲接受早期宣教士的傳播,有着較高的基督徒比例( 70%以上)之後,我們不禁感恩。布農族有一個著名的八部和音的傳統唱法,雖然我們沒有機會聽到,但是人倫教會敬拜的優美曲調給我們留下了深刻印象。短宣隊員們也在崇拜中獻詩⸺“我要向高山舉目”。

在人倫教會的午餐之後,我們短宣隊的青少年和人倫教會的青少年有了一點交流和互動,爲週五一起在二水國中的敬拜晚會做準備。後來週五晚會上人倫教會的同工起到了非常重要的作用,爲我們和全校師生展示了奔放的民族舞蹈,結合現代敬拜詩歌,並伴有布農族特有的烤山豬篝火晚宴,不僅爲二水國中的師生帶來了熱情的歡慶,也讓我們見識到了少數民族特有的載歌載舞的敬拜方式。伴隨着“凡有氣息,讚美祂”的歌聲,國中同學、人倫同工、波士頓隊員都拉起了手,跟著領隊學習部落的舞步,沈浸於敬拜的滿足中。不管是講英語、國語、台語、客家話,還是講部落方言,凡有氣息的,都在讚美祂,因為祂是主、祂配得!

二水國中的喜樂

之後的週一至週五,在二水國中與中學孩子們的英語教學是我們此行的重點。雖然在教學中不能直接傳講主耶穌,但是藉着“文學欣賞”中的經文我們還是把神的話帶給了他們,並在課間的時候與他們聊天、交朋友。同學們從第一天的羞澀逐漸地慢慢放開、和我們越來越多地互動和交流;我們以“生命影響生命”的方式傳遞神的愛。

正在我們對傳福音的果效還有一些疑惑的時候,從一萍師母那裏突然傳來喜訊⸺有兩位教師接受決志禱告信主了!雖然我們不能公開對孩子們傳福音,但是主的工作從來沒有停止,祂是以這樣奇妙的方式在帶領我們!

結語

今年的台灣短宣爲我們教會今後在二水國中扎根做長期短宣的目的地打下了一個根基。期間,短宣隊員們雖然遇到了種種困難,比如鬼魔的攻擊、天氣的炎熱、雙方都是第一次的磨合,我們也明顯看到了主親自的帶領與爭戰。祂讓我們親身經歷到“為你爭戰的是耶和華”這一聖經真理,在我們跟隨主“去,使萬民作主門徒”(馬太福音28:19)的征途中加添信心,要把福音傳遍台灣;或許主今後還會帶領我們把福音傳遍中國大陸。主耶穌的腳蹤在這兩千年來並沒有停歇!

淺談靈性塑造與普世宣教

黃俊文

靈命的成長與更新是每個重生得救的基督徒的渴望。華人基督徒對靈命進深的追求,通常偏重於對神的道的理解與進深,或是追求超然的屬靈經驗,對普世宣教常是望而卻步。例如本教會中文部近來舉行的神學講座,常是座無虛席,附近教會的牧長也共襄盛舉。此外,自20世紀80年代聖靈運動第三波,許多教會開始看重聖靈工作與恩賜的追求與應用,各地常舉辦有關追求聖靈恩賜或特殊服事的奮興聚會,也常能吸引許多熱心追求或有需要的基督徒熱烈參與。然而對宣教與傳福音做見證,許多基督徒經常望之卻步;當教會舉辦宣教的主日學或是把握時機的宣教課程,常是門可羅雀。

筆者於復活節期間參加了英國基督教華僑佈道會的復活節學生營短期宣教(見圖一)。在短宣隊中與一位來自加拿大教會、正在Gordon-Conwell進修有關“靈命塑造”的“教牧學”博士学位的牧師在宣教服事之餘,針對“靈性復興與教會事奉”進行了深入的意見交換。我們共同認為,通常教會事工不易推廣(尤其是宣教事工),必須從信徒的靈性塑造著手。靈性復興,自然就願意更多參與教會的事奉。換而言之,靈命的進深應該從“知”與“經歷”進到“行”的層次(參太7:24),才能對主及祂的道有真實深刻的認識。回到我們教會後,筆者就向中文部靈性塑造委員會提出教學提議案,經過靈性塑造委員會的核准,於2024年夏季開設了“使徒行傳29章⸺再思靈性塑造與普世宣教”開設在教會副堂的主題主日學課程(使徒行傳僅有28章,並以開放式的描述結束。使徒行傳29章一詞被一些宣教組織用來表示延續使徒行傳28章未竟之功),由教會牧師長老及資深的教師同工參與教學。本文將就“靈性塑造的真諦”、“淺談普世宣教”、“靈性復興與普世宣教的關聯”、“如何克服宣教恐懼症”及“多元化參與普世宣教”等各課題進行探討,盼能與弟兄姊妹彼此學習相互勉勵。

靈性塑造的真諦

靈性塑造是指基督徒透過讀經、禱告、教會聚會與信仰實踐,使其在思想、情感、意志等各方面,越來越像耶穌基督的過程。這個過程涵蓋屬靈生活的全面增長,並且最終體現在基督徒的內在生命與外在行為中,讓基督的形象得以彰顯。

靈命進深則強調基督徒與神的關係加深,在日常生活中透過對神的仰望、倚靠及順服,與主同行,並在生活的每個層面實踐“基督是主”的信仰。靈命進深是一個持續不斷的過程,每位基督徒應當渴望並追求靈命的成長,使我們的生命逐漸更新,最終我們能滿有基督榮美的生命。

筆者曾在幾個教學場合被問及靈性成長的要訣。為了達到教學果效,筆者設了一個屬靈生活的比喻,即是禱告⸺屬靈的呼吸、讀經⸺吃生命的糧,及聚會與行道⸺屬靈的運動操練(見表一)。其中最常被忽略的是“屬靈的運動操練”⸺“行道”,這也就是主耶穌在登山寶訓結尾提醒門徒“凡聽見我這話就去行的,好比一個聰明人,把房子蓋在磐石上(太7:24)”。由此可見行道對基督徒靈性進深的重要性。

簡而言之,靈性塑造與靈命進深就是一個人“基督化的天路歷程”。當我們靈命復興時自然會願意順服聖靈的引導,回應來自各地的“馬其頓的呼聲(參徒16:9)”,在神所命定我們的崗位上為主作見證。所以,靈性塑造的目標是不能限制在信徒知識與經驗的增長方面,更應該看重基督化生活的實踐與落實。

淺談普世宣教

從聖經第一卷書創世記的記載,始祖墮落後神就開始尋找拯救失喪的人並預言基督救恩(創3:15)。我們常誤以為舊約聖經是為猶太人而記載,其實救恩的故事是“從人開始”而不是從“猶太人”開始(創3:16);福音恩澤萬民的記載也是從舊約的啟示開始。在創世記上帝對以色列族長的顯現都包涵一個共同的應許:“地上的萬族必因你和你的後裔得福(創18:18及22:18)”,舊約聖經也多處預言萬民歸主(詩67:1,亞9:10,賽45:21及51:4)。所以,福音的開展是從猶太人社群開始,這也應驗主的信實,因祂曾應許“祂是以色列人的主,以色列人是祂的子民(參利26:12)”,所以救恩必須先臨及猶太終必傳遍地極。在四福音書的結尾與使徒行傳的開始都記載不同形式主耶穌的大使命(太28:18-20及詳見表二)。若是一個主的命令被四個聖經作者在五本不同書卷記載下來,以不同的側重點來闡明(表格三),我們就可以知道主是如此看重“信徒普世宣教,萬民得以歸主”。

大使命可以簡而言之,是靠主的恩典與能力,“我作門徒,我也幫助世上萬民作主的門徒”。當我們如此行必常經歷主的同在(參太28:20),這也是靈性復興的落實。

總而言之,普世宣教是神愛世人的彰顯(約3:16),“因為神差祂的兒子降世,不是要定世人的罪,乃是要叫世人因祂得救。(約3:17)”其中“差”字就是“差派宣教士”之義。換而言之,普世宣教的基礎就是“上帝只有一個獨生子,祂就差祂成為拯救世人的宣教士”。普世宣教確實是神的心意,因“祂不願一人沈淪,乃願人人悔改(彼後3:9)”。

在宣教學中常區分“傳福音”(Evangelism)和“宣教”(Mission)這兩個概念。“傳福音”是直接向當地人分享福音的信息,引導人相信耶穌;而“宣教”主要是指從事“跨文化”的福音工作及福音的預工。

我們常會發現本地福音工作仍有許多需要,為何主耶穌不讓我們專注在本地福音工作而是要我們“胸懷天下”普世宣教呢?其原因有三:(1)主命定“福音傳遍地極,末期才臨到”(參太24:14)(2)主耶穌的大使命(太28:18-20)(3)普世廣大禾場有許多的需要(太9:35-38)。這三個理由都是奠基於主“不願一人沈淪,乃願人人悔改”的心腸(彼後3:9)。

於此,也分享一些宣教學的基本認知。根據文化背景的不同,可以將宣教分為同文化宣教、近文化宣教和跨文化宣教三種類型,幫助我們更精確地理解不同的宣教挑戰,制定相應的策略與計劃。

  • 同文化宣教(Homogeneous Mission,M1)是指在與宣教士自身文化相同或非常相似的文化背景中進行福音傳播。因此,宣教士在這類宣教環境中不需要進行太多的文化適應,傳講福音相對容易(徒2:9-11)。
  • 近文化宣教(Near-Culture Mission,M2)是指在與宣教士文化有一定相似性,但仍存在文化差異的背景下進行福音傳播。這需要宣教士進行一定程度的文化適應,但不會像跨文化宣教那樣困難。在這類宣教中,宣教士仍然能夠利用一些相似的文化基礎來建立福音的橋樑(徒8:5)。
  • 跨文化宣教(Cross-Cultural Mission,M3)是指在與宣教士自身文化有顯著差異的文化背景中進行福音傳播。這需要宣教士花費大量時間來學習當地的語言、社會習俗、價值觀和宗教背景,才能夠有效地傳講福音。這是最具挑戰性的宣教形式,也是對宣教士要求最高的一種宣教模式(徒10:24-48)。

宣教既然是傳遞福音信息並改變信徒生命的過程,透過不同的文化背景和挑戰,門徒將福音帶到世界各處,使教會成為基督生命的彰顯。無論是同文化、近文化,還是跨文化宣教,都是對大使命的回應,也是每個基督徒應擔負的責任。

靈性復興與普世宣教的關係

使徒行傳第二章中,記載了五旬節聖靈降臨的事件,不僅促成了門徒的靈性復興,門徒也展開新約時代的第一次“本地同文化宣教”,對象是散居海外回耶路撒冷朝聖的猶太僑民。在彼得講道後,三千猶太海外僑民悔改信主,這是五旬節聖靈降臨信徒靈性復興後的第一個“本地同文化宣教”。此後,使徒行傳中也陸續記載了近文化(撒瑪利亞)及跨文化宣教的推展,使門徒走出耶路撒冷,將福音帶向當時所認知的地極西班牙(羅15:28)。

特別是在使徒行傳第13章中,我們看到聖靈在門徒敬拜與禁食中,親自差派巴拿巴和保羅進行跨文化宣教。保羅的傳福音策略仍是先是向猶太人進行同文化宣教,隨後再向外邦人進行跨文化宣教。這些聖經歷史驗證了靈性復興與普世宣教之間有密不可分的關係​。

此外,我們也可從近代教會歷史來檢視靈性復興與普世宣教的關聯。自1517宗教改革後,更正教教會脫離中世紀天主教教會腐敗,此時的靈性復興運動強調回歸聖經的權威、堅守因信稱義和全民祭司。宗教改革更新歐洲教會的信仰,為後來的全球普世宣教奠定了穩固的神學基礎。隨著基督教在歐洲的穩定和發展,更正教教會開始逐漸投入跨文化的宣教工作。18世紀的大覺醒(Great Awakening)不僅遏制了啟蒙運動理性主義對基督信仰的衝擊,也促使美國與英國教會的復興推動了宣教浪潮,特別是對未得之民(如印第安人的宣教)也影響了美國的獨立革命;19世紀被稱為“宣教的偉大世紀”。在這一時期,福音被廣傳到世界各地。威廉克理(William Carey)被譽為“現代宣教之父”,他在印度開啟了現代跨文化宣教的序幕。在印度宣教的41年,他將聖經翻譯為44種文字。他強調“要期待神做大事並要為神做大事”。他的宣教事工體現了跨文化宣教的挑戰及信心和奉獻的重要性​;20、21世紀福音派與靈恩派教會致力於將福音廣傳至未得之民。福音派強調聖經的權威、信仰對生命的轉變、社會關懷、“福音的本土化”及、“文化基督化”,而靈恩派則強調聖靈的能力和神蹟奇事,看重全人醫治與發展,特別在第三世界國家和弱勢群體中興起宣教工作,也成為普世宣教的重要力量。

從聖經及近代教會的歷史來看,靈性復興帶來對神的順服、對失喪靈魂的愛和經歷聖靈的能力,感動基督徒願意進入宣教工場。普世宣教也同時帶給信徒靈性成長。當我們願意參與宣教工作就是效法主耶穌基督道成肉身的榜樣,我們必經歷神的同在與靈命的更新,靈性必自然而然地長進(太18:20)。

在此我也想剖析近代的宗教發展及宣教趨勢。圖三修改自2020年我在Gordon-Conwell神學院的跨文化宣教與靈性塑造的課程講義。過去一百年來,全球宗教信仰格局發生了顯著變化。全球基督徒人口的比例略有約1.6%的減少,但基督徒的族群構成卻與百年前大不相同。回教人口的出生率高,呈現近乎倍增的趨勢。中國的民間信仰在這100年來減為原來的1/3,這可能與10年文革有密切的關係。此外,全球基督徒人口分佈在這100年內也發生顯著的變化(圖四)。1900年代歐洲基督徒占人口的66%,但21世紀歐洲的基督徒人口減少60%;北美的基督徒人口比例比100年前少了17%;南美的基督徒人口比例近乎倍增;非洲的基督徒人口更是增加了10倍;亞洲的基督徒人口比例增加了接近4倍。基督教的影響力正在亞洲不斷地擴大。非洲、亞洲等地的基督徒人數大幅增長,神正在使用這些地區的教會來為主作見證。

中國是亞洲第二大人口國,中國的基督化遠比官方報導的更加普及。中國教會的復興,必有助於亞洲及全球的福音化。此外,在亞洲國家中的印度是世界人口第一大國;過去,俗諺是“四海都有中國人”,隨著中國出生率的減緩及移民潮的減緩,以及印度大量的海外技術移民,未來的俗諺可能是“四海都有印度人”。未來印度與中國的福音化,會成為普世宣教運動的重點。華人教會也將在末世普世宣教扮演一個很重要角色。總結來看,儘管不同地區的宗教發展有所不同,神仍在全球各地興起祂的教會,尤其是在亞洲與非洲,華人教會的普世宣教使命愈加顯著。

如何克服宣教恐懼症

許多基督徒對普世宣教心存畏懼,其原因是因為對宣教工場的環境及對象的認知不足,及不熟稔跨文化事工而產生的擔憂。然而主耶穌基督的大使命清楚地指引我們:“所以你們要‘去’,使萬民作我的門徒”(太28:19)。當我們順服聖靈的引導並走向宣教工場時,便可以經歷神在我們生命中的大能帶領與同在(太28:20)。

此外,如前文的討論,靈性的復興與普世宣教是密不可分的。當基督徒在靈命上經歷神的復興時,他們會自然地願意向他人分享使人“出死入生”的福音(約3:16),也會願意參與支持普世宣教。正如前文所引述的使徒行傳的記載,靈性的復興帶來了第一世紀的普世宣教運動。

誠如屬靈生命的比喻(表格一),我們的屬靈肌肉需要不斷的鍛鍊(即是行道),才能克服宣教恐懼症。我們可以先從為宣教士代禱開始,讓神常常感動我們的心,對普世宣教心中有負擔;我們也可以學習為許多宣教事工奉獻,或者實際參與本地同文化(傳福音給我們周遭同文化的親友)、參與本地近文化宣教工作(傳福音給在我們周遭來自不同地區近文化的親友)、或是參與本地跨文化宣教工作(傳福音給在我們周遭來自不同國家不同文化的親友同事)。如此循序漸進地參與遠處的宣教工作,從短期宣教、中期宣教、乃至於長期宣教。

此外,另類的本地跨文化宣教工作,對我們第一代移民來說,也可以是傳福音或關懷造就我們的“異文化的下一代”,這些都是實際可行的“宣教屬靈操練”。

多元化參與普世宣教

隨著全球化的推動和科技的進步,今日的普世宣教已不再侷限於特定的地域或文化。無論是同文化、近文化或跨文化宣教,基督徒都可以透過不同的方式參與其中。我們可以利用科技在本地或遠距離參與宣教事工,甚至支持全球各地的宣教工作。

耶穌的大使命是呼召所有的基督徒將福音傳遍地極,這也提醒我們,普世宣教不是宣教士的工作,而是每位基督徒應當共同承擔的責任。我們應該意識到,靈性塑造的最終目的,不僅是為了我們個人的屬靈成長,而是為了能夠更好地完成主的託付的大使命—普世宣教​,讓世人都能聽聞福音成為主的門徒。筆者近年來,在短宣之後,都與當地的宣教機構定期進行線上禱告或事工研討。也透過社交媒體及定期線上會議進行跨國界的關懷造就及靈性塑造(見圖二)。這些都是今日我們可行的“本地海外宣教工作”。

結論與勉勵

靈性塑造是每一位基督徒在靈命成長過程中不可或缺的,使我們能更像基督,並預備自己回應主在各樣事奉上對我們的引導。普世宣教是我們對主耶穌大使命的實踐,無論我們身處何地,神都可以使用我們將福音傳遞給那些近處或遠處未曾聽聞福音的靈魂。靈性復興帶來屬靈生命的長進,進而促進基督徒積極參與普世宣教;而參與宣教事奉也讓我們更深地認識主及祂的權能,從而教會能更好地預備自己等候主的再來。

作者黃俊文長老來自台北,於1986年在台北基督徒芝蘭教會受洗信主。1994年來美國進修,於1999年獲得密西西比大學電機博士後開始從事電機工程研究,也在2020年獲得Gordon-Conwell神學院基督教研究碩士學位。在教會參與成人主日學教學與講道、靈命塑造事工也在社青(在職青年)年團契擔任輔導。他與妻子鄭琇圭育有二子一女並有2個孫子。

責任編輯:Sandra

圖一:英國華僑佈道會2024年復活節營會
圖二:透過科技進行英國宣教工場的跟進工作
圖三:近百年各宗教占世界人口比例
圖四:近百年基督徒與世界人口的分佈

表格一 有關屬靈生活的比喻

屬靈的活動比喻相關的聖經
禱告屬靈的呼吸弗6:18 靠著聖靈,隨時多方禱告祈求,並要在此儆醒不倦,為眾聖徒祈求,
讀經吃生命的糧約6:63 叫人活著的乃是靈,肉體是無益的。我對你們所說的話,就是靈,就是生命
聚會與行道屬靈的運動提前4:8 操練身體,益處還少。惟獨敬虔,凡事都有益處。因有今生和來生的應許。

表格二 新約聖經中有關大使命的記載

可16太28路24徒1約20
15他又對他們說,你們往普天下去,傳福音給凡受造的聽。16信而受洗的必然得救。不信的必被定罪。17信的人必有神蹟隨著他們,就是奉我的名趕鬼。說新方言。18手能拿蛇。若喝了甚麼毒物,也必不受害。手按病人,病人就必好了。18耶穌進前來,對他們說,天上,地下所有的權柄,都賜給我了。19所以你們要去,使萬民作我的門徒,奉父子聖靈的名,給他們施洗。20凡我所吩咐你們的,都教訓他們遵守,我就常與你們同在,直到世界的末了。46又對他們說,照經上所寫的,基督必受害,第三日從死裡復活。47並且人要奉他的名傳悔改赦罪的道,從耶路撒冷起直傳到萬邦。48你們就是這些事的見證。49我要將我父所應許的降在你們身上。你們要在城裡等候,直到你們領受從上頭來的能力。8但聖靈降臨在你們身上,你們就必得著能力。並要在耶路撒冷,猶太全地,和撒瑪利亞,直到地極,作我的見證。21耶穌又對他們說,願你們平安。父怎樣差遣了我,我也照樣差遣你們。22說了這話,就向他們吹一口氣,說,你們受聖靈。23你們赦免誰的罪,誰的罪就赦免了。你們留下誰的罪,誰的罪就留下了。

表格三新約聖經中不同的大使命記載的分析比較

書卷特別的記載權柄與能力目標方法對象與範圍
信的人必有神蹟隨著信的人必有神蹟隨著他們傳福音給凡受造的聽去,傳福音凡受造的
做主的門徒常與你們同在,直到世界的末了天上,地下所有的權柄,都賜給我了使萬民作我的門徒使萬民作主的門徒萬民
路/徒在城裡等候,直到你們領受從上頭來的能力要將我父所應許的降在你們身上奉他的名傳悔改赦罪的道,從耶路撒冷起直傳到萬邦傳悔改赦罪的道,作基督的見證從耶路撒冷起直傳到萬邦
你們受聖靈,你們赦免誰的罪,誰的罪就赦免了就向他們吹一口氣,說,你們受聖靈你們赦免誰的罪,誰的罪就赦免了赦免人的罪任何人

Spiritual Formation and Short-Term Mission Testimony: Kyrgyzstan (Cross-Cultural)

Nancy Yen Cintolo

Self-Introduction

My name is Nancy Cintolo (Chinese name: Yen Meili). I was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States when I was in high school. The Lord met me during my freshman year of college. Jesus is the living God. His words changed my life forever. 44 years ago, I was baptized in this church. Later, through short-term and long-term missions, the Lord gave me the opportunity to understand the needs of the gospel in Far East, Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.

The Cry of Central Asia and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

My family and I went on vacation to Xinjiang, China, in 1999, and found that there were Kyrgyz, Uyghur and other ethnic groups there. At that time, I didn’t understand the cultural traditions of these ethnic groups, as well as Islam, people who believe in Islam, mosques and the food they ate (mutton and horse meat). We even stayed in a non-Chinese hotel to experience a different culture. Our visit also brought a different culture to the local ethnic groups, attracting the attention of many local people.

The local society is male-dominated. Women are second-class citizens, and dirty children who seem to have been forgotten can be seen everywhere. Our tour guide, a Han lady, relayed the story of her best friend: She was a Muslim who was unable to continue her education after graduating from primary school and was forced to stay at home to prepare for marriage. The fate of this Muslim girl broke my heart. I was shocked that this tradition still exists in modern times at the end of the 20th century! At that time, all I knew was to pray to God to save the suffering people of Central Asia, most of whom were Muslims and needed the Lord! I prayed fervently to God: “If God would send me, I would serve the Muslim communities in that region or around the world and help them know God’s love.”

New life shaped by Spiritual formation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17), gradually becoming more like the Lord Jesus Christ(refer to Romans 6:4). God’s love inspires believers to determine to follow Jesus. Our hearts are willing to live for the Lord, to walk with the Lord throughout our life and be an “overcomer” when we meet the Lord. This can only be achieved by the grace of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to have a spiritual perspective on life and service. Following God’s will, whether in life or service, we must think about how to connect what we do, who we are, and eternity. Take action, learn and develop throughout our life, perfect to maturity and perfection. We must ask the most critical question:”What really ‘matters’ in life?”

We need to know why God created us, because God has His perfectly good plans for us, and we have a responsibility to fulfill them. We also need to have an open heart towards God and be ready to meet Him face to face at any time. Because we know God, experience grace, and gain freedom, we will not be distracted and avoid temptations and traps. When we encounter difficulties and setbacks, we will not be discouraged and finish the race with perseverance.

Spiritual discipline is reliance on the Holy Spirit and daily exercise. In addition to emphasizing Christian devotional life (Bible reading, prayer), we must also pay attention to glorifying God by practicing silence, contemplation, pursuing holiness, participating in social justice, and living out love.

Why Reach out to Muslims?

God gave me a purpose, but I didn’t know how to serve Muslims. I have been praying and thinking for many years: Are Muslims of many ethnic groups the same? Will China’s construction of the “Belt and Road” spanning Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe help bring the gospel back to Jerusalem? How do I fit into the big picture? I don’t know anyone in the area, how do I get there? 

God first helped me understand “Why should we reach out to Muslims?”

• Will God always be in control of the restoration of the kingdom of God, just like God is in control of Israel? (refer to Isaiah 49:12) Whether I decide to join or not, God will raise up others to take the gospel to the Muslim community.

• The gospel of Jesus Christ led many Muslims to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Today, the Muslim countries of Iran and Afghanistan have the fastest growing number of Christians. After these Muslims turned to the Lord Jesus, their lives underwent a huge transformation.

• Praise the Lord! He has given me new perspectives and new challenges to participate in His Great Commission. Jesus Christ said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and I will always be with you until the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Which Mission Field is God Calling Me to be?

From 2010 to 2024, God led me several times across the Tianshan border to Kyrgyzstan, allowing me to understand the needs of the people there and why He was training me for His good purposes as a long-term missionary in China for 8 years.

What Can I Do Serving the Needy in Central Asia?

Before retiring, I was a financial professional and worked as a corporate and national financial director in China for 7 years. I helped Philips Medical and Liva Nova Medical invest, design, plan and execute the construction of two large-scale medical manufacturing plants and R&D centers in Suzhou, China. Therefore, I know I can use my business and financial management expertise to help Christian businessmen and entrepreneurs establish Kingdom businesses in Central Asia. Business missions and workplace vocational missions are God’s will. God wants to raise up Christian businessmen and entrepreneurs to be kingdom people and run their businesses with the concept of kingdom enterprises. Christian businessmen are God’s missionaries in both marketplace and workplace. In the workplace, they can contact people every day that full-time pastors cannot.

Kingdom Business/Business as Mission (BAM)

What is a Kingdom Business? It is an enterprise that is explicitly, consciously, clearly and intentionally intended to establish the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the world. If we commit to running our company or business operations according to the teachings of Jesus, we must commit to connecting our company to the Great Commission! It starts locally and extends developing internationally of making disciples of all nations according to the command of Jesus Christ: “Teach all people – follow me.” (refer to Matthew 28:18-20).

Kingdom Business is vocational. God has given us His Great Commission, and Jesus Christ rules over all things, including churches, businesses and commerce, families, governments, and all life (refer to Colossians 1:16-20). Christian businessmen are all called, sanctified to God, and are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. They should behave in a manner worthy of the calling (refer to Ephesians 4:1).

Kingdom Business is purposeful. It has a very clear purpose: this business is not our own, but God’s, and He wants us to fulfill the purpose for which He established this business, because Christian businessmen are all created in Christ to do good, prepared by God Let us do it (refer to Ephesians 2:10).

Kingdom Business is relational. God has specially blessed us with relationships with many people. These are relationships we can’t get anywhere else. There are many unreached peoples among them. God wants us to value these relationships and share the gospel of the Lord with these unreached peoples. 

Kingdom Business is operational. The way we run our business shall reflect God’s kingdom culture. We are called to run our businesses with excellence, giving the best to God for the glory of His name. Therefore, create outstanding companies and quality business management that embody the culture of the Kingdom of God. Integrity, efficiency, financial honesty and transparency, active management, cutting-edge technology, high-quality personnel, etc.

What Mission Works have been done in Central Asia?

In 2018, along with a group of Christian friends, I went on a “vision trip” and listened to the sharing of many local Christians and missionaries. We learned a lot, especially the Mercy Charitable Christian Foundation (MCCF), which Elder Yang has been working on for 25 years with “education as his mission” after retiring at the age of 65. MCCF is the only school that has received an “irrevocable Christian education license” from the country’s government. Other business missionaries such as Korean doctors and dentists have established multiple medical centers in Kyrgyzstan. North American businessmen have developed socio-economic opportunities through different business opportunities and helped local pastors train disciples in that area.

How did the Lord Open the Door for me in Kyrgyzstan? BAM

Kyrgyzstan lacks many resources. Parents did not pay much attention to the education of their children until children go to elementary school. In order to reverse the socio-economic situation of the country, in 2019 we plan to use the “Montessori Education Method” to introduce and share the love of God with children. This was supported by the local education department. Although we did not speak Russian or Kyrgyz, God led Maria and I to have a vision for Montessori teaching together in June 2019, and to further collaborate. At that time, there was no Montessori School (MS) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Maria is a Muslim Born-Again Christian, and so is her husband. She is an expert in Montessori education/teaching. She established a Montessori school full of the love of Christ. She hopes to make it affordable for all children and train more Montessori teachers in Kyrgyzstan. God has truly answered our prayers and His call to us. Now, through early childhood education combined with the gospel, we are working with them and 3 other couples to start our first business mission project in Bishkek. Work to build Montessori educational institutions, through which more and more Muslim parents come to know Jesus Christ, the living God. Our long-term goal is to expand this education to other towns, but we need to find more co-workers like Maria and her husband, people with high integrity and passion.

The Results of Business as Mission in Central Asia

It is normal for local people to leave their hometown and country to find work in other places to support their families. They struggle to survive and long for change in their country, but none of them know where to start. They lacked knowledge and resources, and they lacked the gospel too. God raised up many Christians to work with local believers to provide discipleship work and resources to help them function competently in Islamic society, thereby enabling the Kingdom of God to spread throughout Central Asia. Many missionaries have committed themselves to this business mission work and have long-term assisted local people in establishing sustainable Kingdom-of-God businesses in their own countries, fulfilling the great mission of “making all nations disciples of the Lord.” Kingdom Business earns the respect of local government and communities. Not only does it have the funds to carry out needed Christian service projects, but it also creates many jobs and boosts the local economy. Compared with the traditional missionary model, the locals perceived that pastor lived a comfortable life, coming and going, having fun, and talking to people. They did not need to perform hard labor work and yet easily receive money from American or Western believers. This misconception gives a bad reputation and testimonials of Christian life.

Investing in Young Eager Believers

I spent a lot of time in Central Asia helping many young people who were new to Christ pursue their dreams of sharing the gospel with unreached peoples. They don’t know how to make and implement plans. Drawing on my past professional experience, I guide them in conducting feasibility studies, market surveys, market analysis, and formulating business and financial plans, and guide them in obtaining financial loans so they can establish their own small businesses. I also teach them to document their business operating policies and procedures and supervise their business management. I visit them once or twice a year and meet with them on Zoom to follow up on any business issues. I also assist them in fulfilling God’s calling for them when they preach the gospel to the unreached.

Spiritual Formation – Our life and services reflect the Glory of God

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (refer to Luke 10:2) This is the call of Jesus Christ. Cultivating leaders for the kingdom of God today is an important challenge for Business as Mission. First there are leaders, and only then can there be godly groups and outstanding enterprises.

A leader’s life journey can be divided into five stages:

• The first stage: In the early days, God cultivated our character through home school, and we responded positively to God.

• The second stage: We study the Bible, meditate on God’s words, learn to pray and listen to the Lord’s words, and practice obedience to the Lord’s words, the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Then, God tests us more deeply and gives us lessons. After we learn and pass them, we can take on greater responsibilities and expand our service.

• The third stage: Use our gifts in service and build relationships in the kingdom of God. In order for God to work in our lives, our focus is not on the promotion of ministry nor on bearing more fruits, but put Christ in the center of our life. Only then we can have Godly desired service in the kingdom of God. 

• The fourth stage: Life moves towards maturity. At this moment, our “communion with God” becomes a more important discipline than the success of our ministry. After passing the test of isolation, crisis and conflict, the effectiveness of his ministry will be greatly improved.

• The fifth stage: God will lead us to a service position that matches our roles, gifts, and experiences. God will also prepare spiritual mentors to guide us.

Finally, the fruits of a lifetime of service and growth have reached their peak, blessing and benefiting many people, and allowing their service lives and who they truly are to reflect the glory of God.

Get Involved – why it is so important to invest in CA now

I have been in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, for the past five years. The country was not known as an “Islamic” country. In recent years, people in Central Asia have been hungry for God’s love because most children grew up without a father in their lives. Several developed Muslim countries are actively influencing the region through their economic system and education, and are actively building “mosques”. Patriarchal families severely persecute Christian family members. New believers long for freedom in Christ and the support and cultivation of the Christian community. We are foreign Christians who can freely share the faith of Jesus Christ and the love of God with the locals, support and encourage these vulnerable MBBs (Muslim Background Believers), so that they can continue to firmly believe in and follow Jesus Christ, and our biggest threat is just to be sent back Home. Therefore, the field of Central Asia is ripe now. People are hungry and thirsty for God’s love. It is the time for us to actively cooperate with local Christians, share the good news of the gospel of Jesus, and sow the seeds of the gospel, especially to preach the gospel to young children, teenagers, and adults (20-29 years old) who are willing to accept the gospel and help them seek truth, be shaped by the Lord, and learn.

After we had been working with Maria and her husband for four years, they invited us to work together to organize an English summer camp for children in the Muslim community, so that local Muslim children could feel the love of God in Tengir Church. We pray that these parents will step into the church of Christ Jesus and trust in the Lord. This year’s summer camp was filled with the presence of God and the experience of God’s power in prayer through courses such as Bible stories, medical knowledge, iCrobot, and artworks: Many children were moved to call on God to help their broken families and declare Jesus Christ as their superhero, with the hope to know more about Jesus Christ.

How to Pray for Central Asia

• When the heads of households can believe in the Lord, they lead their family members to believe in the Lord.

• Pray that God will bless believers with unity and unity in the will of the Lord.

• The minority Christians in the villages are suffering severe persecution. Please pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to grant wisdom, strength, courage and perseverance to the new believers.

• Break legalism and tradition – Ask God to give church leaders and disciples the strength so that they do not have to worry about what other brothers and sisters will think, but only ask God to give the church His word, preserve the unique culture of the ethnic group, and bear witness to the gospel.

• Ask Jehovah to give them dreams, visions, and signs to open the door to the gospel in Central Asia.

• Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to clarify to the Central Asian countries: There is only one truth in the world – Jesus Christ.

• Pray that God will help the local believers to simply trust Him, know Him, and settle down there instead of pursuing Western money and culture. Pray that the Lord will enable them to live in their own mother tongue and race, trust in and bear witness to Christ.

• Pray that the Lord will revive the spirituality of those who believe in the Lord in the 1990s and zealously preach the gospel.

Summary:

As we respond to the “Macedonian cry” in Central Asia, we will experience personal spiritual renewal and the promise of the Lord’s presence. “And surely I am with you always” (refer to Matthew 28:20). Just imagine what will happen to the Lord’s gospel work when you dedicate your gifts to the Lord? If you haven’t heard clearly from the Lord about His Great Commission and where He wants you to serve Him, pray and ask the Lord of the harvest and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and prepare to fulfill God’s work in your life set plans and goals.

靈命塑造和短期宣教見證

⸺吉爾吉斯

嚴美莉

自我介紹

我是嚴美莉(Nancy Cintolo),出生於台灣,高中時移居美國。我在大一時信主,並認識主耶穌是永生的神。神的話改變了我的生命,於44年前我在本教會受洗。自此,主藉著短宣和長宣,使我有機會認識了遠東、亞洲、中亞和非洲在福音上的需要。

中亞的呼喊與聖靈的感動

我和家人在1999年到中國新疆度假,發現該地有吉爾吉斯、維吾爾族等多種民族。當時我並不了解這些民族的文化傳統,包括伊斯蘭教、信奉伊斯蘭教的人、清真寺和他們所吃的食物。羊肉和馬肉對我來說像是小說中的食物。當時我們還住一家非華人的酒店,從中體驗異當地文化。我們的到訪也為當地的民族帶來一種異文化,吸引很多當地人的目光。

當地是男性主導的社會,女性是次等公民,到處都可以看到似乎被遺忘的骯髒的孩子們。我們的導遊是一位漢族女士,她轉述她最好的朋友的故事:她是穆斯林,小學畢業後就無法繼續升學,被迫留在家裡預備結婚。這位穆斯林女孩的命運使我的心整個沉了下去,我很震驚這種傳統在20世紀末的現代竟還存在!當時我祈求上帝拯救中亞受苦難的人們,其中大多數是穆斯林,他們迫切需要主!在中亞所看到的一切讓我心碎。我切切地向上帝禱告:“如果神要差遣我,我願意服事那個地區或世界各地的穆斯林的族群,幫助他們認識上帝的愛。”

靈命塑造的新生命

若有人在基督裡,他就是新造的人(林後5:17),漸漸更像主耶穌基督的樣式(參見羅6:4)。神的愛激勵信主的人立志跟隨主耶穌基督。我們的心願意作主的門徒、為主而活,一生與主同行,直到見主的面時,被主稱為是一位“得勝者”。這完全是要靠主的恩典、聖靈的大能,才能達到的。我們的人生要操練屬靈的生命與事奉的視野(perspective),根據神的心意,不論在生活或事奉中,我們都要思考如何將我所做的、所是的與永恆連结。積極採取行動,一生學習基督的生命,凡事合神心意,在基督裡長大成熟、直到完全。我們自省:“人一生中,到底什麼是‘真正有關係(matter)的事’?”

我們需要知道神創造我們的目的。因為神對我們有祂全然美善的計畫,我們有責任完成這個計畫。我們也需要對神有開放的心,随時預備與神面對面。因認識神、得主的恩典、生命得自由,使我們專一跟隨主、遠離試探。即使遇到困難與挫折時,我們仍堅持到底。除了恆心靈修讀經和禱告,我們也要依靠聖靈、每天操練屬靈纪律:靜默、靜觀、追求聖潔、參與社會公義、活出愛心等,為要榮耀神。

為什麼要向穆斯林宣教?

神讓我立下心志,但我不知道如何服事穆斯林。我持續多年的禱告和思考:很多民族的穆斯林是一樣的嗎?中國建造橫跨中亞、中東到歐洲的“一帶一路”,是否有助於將福音帶回耶路撒冷呢?我該如何融入當今大局?我沒有認識該區域的朋友,如何進入那裡?

上帝先使我明白為什麼要向穆斯林宣教。

•神國的復興始終有神在其中掌權,就像神掌管以色列一樣(參見賽49:12)。無論我是否決定加入,神會興起其他人將福音傳入穆斯林族群。

•耶穌基督的福音使許多穆斯林開始接受耶穌基督為他們的救主。現今穆斯林國家伊朗和阿富汗的基督徒人數成長最快。這些穆斯林轉向主耶穌後,他們的生命就發生了巨大的轉變。

•讚美主!祂給了我新的視角和新的挑戰,參與祂的大使命。耶穌基督說:“所以,你們要去,使萬民作我的門徒,奉父、子、聖靈的名,給他們施洗,凡我所吩咐你們的,都教訓他們遵守,我就常與你們同在,直到世界的末了。”(太28‬:19‬-20)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

神呼召我去哪個宣教工場?

從2010年到2024年,祂幾次帶領我穿越天山邊境,到吉爾吉斯斯坦,使我了解那裡人們的需要,以及為什麼神為了祂的美好目的而訓練我在中國擔任長期傳教士八年。

我能為中亞的貧困人口提供哪些服務?

退休前,我是一名財務專業人士,在中國擔任企業和國家財務總監7年。我幫助飛利浦醫療和Liva Nova Medical公司在中國蘇州投資、設計、規劃和執行建造兩家大型醫療製造工廠和研發中心。因此,我運用我的業務和財務管理專業,幫助基督徒的商人和企業家在中亞建立神的國度企業或營商宣教的業務。企業與職場宣教都是神的心意,神要興起基督徒的商人和企業家成為神的國度人才,以神的國度之企業的觀念來經營事業。基督徒商人是神的商場及職場的宣教士。在職場上,他們每天可接觸專職牧者所不能接觸的人,進入人們的生活、生命中。

國度企業和營商宣教(BAM)

什麽是國度企業(Kingdom Business)?它是一個明確地、有意識地、清楚地和有意圖的要在世上建立耶穌基督的國度的企業。藉著結合企業與主耶穌基督的大使命,從本地開始,也發展到國際,照耶穌基督的吩咐:“教導所有人——來跟從我。”(參見太28:18-20),是使萬民做主的門徒的事工。

國度企業是著重使命(vocation):

神吩咐我們祂的大使命,耶穌基督掌管萬有,包括教會、企業和商業、家庭、政府以及所有的生命(參見西1:16-20)。基督徒商人都是蒙召的、分别為聖歸給神,是耶穌基督的使者,行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱(參見弗4:1)。

國度企業是著重意圖(intention):

它有一個非常明確的意圖這企業不是自己的,乃是神的,祂要我們完成祂設立這企業的目的,因基督徒商人都是在基督裡造成的,為要行善,就是神所預備叫我們行的(參見弗2:10)。

國度企業是看重關係(relationship):

透度在商業與企業的人際關係是神帶領的,當中有許多未得之民,神要我們看重這些關係,並分享主的福音給這些未得之民。

國度企業是看重經營(operation):

經營企業的方式會要反應神的國度文化。我們蒙召要以卓越來經營企業,把最好的獻給神,為要榮耀祂的名。因此,創造傑出的公司和優質的企業管理,體現神國度的文化。誠信、效率、財務誠實而透明、管理的積極、尖端的科技、優質的人事等。

在中亞進行了哪些宣教工作?

2018年我參加了“異象之旅”及聆聽許多當地基督徒和傳教士的分享,學習很多,尤其楊長老65歲退休後以教育為使命深耕了25年的慈善基督教基金會(MCCF),是唯一獲得該國政府頒發“不可撤銷的基督教教育許可證”的一所學校。其他的營商宣教如韓國的醫生和牙醫在吉爾吉斯坦建立了多個醫療中心,北美商人藉由不同商機發展社會經濟機會,幫助當地牧師訓練基地的門徒。

主如何在吉爾吉斯為我打開經商宣教的大門?

吉爾吉斯斯的國家缺乏資源,父母不太重視兒女的教育。為了扭轉這個國家的社會經濟狀況,2019年我們計畫用“蒙特梭利課教育課程”,向孩子們介紹和分享上帝的愛,這受到當地教育部門的支持鼓勵。雖然我們不會說俄語或吉爾吉斯語,上帝在2019年6月,帶領我和瑪麗亞一起為蒙特梭利教學的異象,進一步合作,當年吉爾吉斯首都比什凱克沒有蒙特梭利學校(MS)。瑪麗亞是一位穆斯林重生基督徒(MBB),她的丈夫也是MBB。她是蒙特梭利的專家,她建立了充滿基督耶穌之愛的蒙特梭利學校,她希望讓所有孩子都能負擔得起、在吉爾吉斯培訓更多蒙特梭利的老師。上帝真實回應了我們的禱告,回應祂對我們的呼召。如今透過早期兒童教育結合福音,與他們和另外3對夫婦合作,在比什凱克開始我們的第一個營商宣教的事工,建造蒙特梭利的教育機構,越來越多的穆斯林父母因此認識賞賜永生的耶穌基督。長期目標是推廣這教育到其他城鎮,但我們需要找到更多像瑪麗亞夫婦的同工,具有高度誠信和充滿熱情的人。

營商宣教事工在中亞的成果

當地的人們離開自己家鄉和國家,尋找異地的工作,藉此養家,這已是常態。他們為了生存而奮鬥,渴望自己的國家改變,但他們都不知道從哪裡開始。他們缺乏知識和資源,也缺乏福音。神興起許多基督徒與當地的信徒一起工作,進行門徒訓練的工作和資源,幫助他們在伊斯蘭的社會中有能力工作,藉此使神的王國能夠傳播到整個中亞。許多宣教士委身此營商宣教,長期協助當地人在自己的國家建立可永續經營的神的國度的企業,完成“使萬民成為主的門徒”的大使命。Kingdom Business贏得當地政府和社區的尊重。它不僅有資金開展所需的基督教服務項目,而且還創造了許多就業機會,並促進了當地經濟。對比於傳統宣教士的模式,使當地人誤認:牧師過著安逸的生活,來來去去、玩樂、與人交談,不需要辛苦勞作,只需從美國或西方信徒那裡輕鬆領受金錢,他們有了不好的聲譽和見證。

投資年輕熱切的信徒

我花了很多時間在中亞幫助許多初信基督的年輕人追求他們的夢想,他們渴望與未得之民分享福音。他們不知道如何制定和實現計劃。我藉過往的專業經驗,引導他們進行可行性研究、市場調查、市場分析以及製定商業和財務計劃,輔導他們獲得金融貸款,他們因此能建立自己的小型企業。我也教他們記錄其業務運營政策和程序、督導其業務管理。我每年拜訪他們一兩次,並在Zoom上與他們會面,跟進解決任何業務問題。我也在他們傳福音時協助他們實現上帝對他們的召命。

靈命塑造⸺我們的生命與事奉能需反映出神的榮光

“要收的莊稼多,做工的人少。所以,你們當求莊稼的主打發工人出去收祂的莊稼。”(參見路10:2)這是耶穌基督的呼召。今日培育神國度的領袖是“營商宣教”重要的挑戰,先有領袖,才有屬神的小組和卓越的企業。

一位領袖的生命成長線(life journey)可以分為六個階段:

•第一階段:初期神藉著家庭學校培育我們的品格,我們積極回應神。

•第二階段:我們研讀聖經、默想神的話、學習禱告與聆聽主的話,操練順服主的話、聖靈的感動與帶領。然後,神更深試驗我們,給我們功課,學習通過,便能承擔更大的責任,使事奉擴展。

•第三階段:在事奉中發揮恩賜,建立屬神國度的人際關係。神要在我們生命裡面動工,焦點不在事工的推動和多結屬神生命的果子,而是更像基督的生命,以基督為中心,才有屬神國度的事奉。

•第四階段:生命邁向成熟期。此刻,我們“與神相交”成為比事奉成功更重要的操練。通過隔離、危機和衝突的試驗之後,其事奉的果效將大為提升。

•第五階段:神會帶領我們到一個使我們的角色與恩賜、經歷相符的服事位置,神也會預備屬靈的導師來引導我們。

•第六階段:“餘暉期”(glowing)。至此,一生的事奉與成長的果子達到顛峰,使許多的人蒙福獲益,使其事奉的生命能反照神的榮光。

參與其中⸺為什麼現在投資於中亞是如此重要

過去五年我一直在中亞的吉爾吉斯斯坦,它不是“伊斯蘭”國家,近年中亞的人們對神的愛很飢渴,因他們渴望天父的愛,因多數孩子沒有父親。許多已開發的穆斯林國家正在嚴重影響銀行經濟體系和教育思想該地區,並積極建築“清真寺”。父權體制的家庭嚴厲的迫害信主的家人,新信主的人渴望在基督裡的自由、基督教團體的支持和培育。我們是外國人基督徒可以自由地與當地人分享耶穌基督的信仰和神的愛,支持和鼓勵這些弱勢的MBB,讓他們繼續堅定信靠與跟隨耶穌基督,而我們最大的威脅只是被送回家。因此,現在是我們積極與當地基督徒合作、分享耶穌福音好消息的時候,並播下福音的種子,特別是向願意接受福音的幼兒、青少年、壯年(20-29歲)傳福音,幫助他們尋求真理、被主塑造、學習。

我們與瑪麗亞和她的丈夫合作四年之後,他們邀請我們同心合力為穆斯林社區的孩子們舉辦英語夏令營,讓當地的穆斯林孩子感受到神的愛就在Tengir教會裡。我們禱告這些父母能踏入基督耶穌的教會,並且信靠主。今年藉聖經故事結合、醫學知識、iCrobot、英語等課程,夏令營充滿神的同在和禱告中經歷神的大能:感動許多孩子呼求神幫助他們破碎的家庭、宣稱耶穌基督是他們的超級英雄、希望更多認識了解耶穌基督。

為中亞禱告:

•一家之主能信主,並帶領家人們信主。

•求神賜福信徒們在主的旨意合一和團結。

•村莊中少數的基督徒遭受嚴重的迫害,求主耶穌基督賜下智慧、剛強、勇敢、堅忍給新信徒。

•打破律法主義和傳統⸺求神賜給教會領袖和門徒力量,讓他們不必擔心其他弟兄姊妹會怎麼想,而只求神賜給教會的話語,保守該種族特色文化,見證福音。

•懇求耶和華賜下異夢、異象和神蹟,打開中亞的福音之門。

•懇求主耶穌基督向中亞國家闡明:世上只存在一個真理- 就是耶穌基督。

•祈求神幫助當地信徒們單單信靠祂、認識祂,在當地安身立命,而不追逐西方的金錢、文化,求主使他們生活在自己的母語和種族中,信靠和見證基督。

•求主復興90年代信主的人的靈性,熱心宣揚福音。

總結:

當我們回應中亞的“馬其頓的呼聲”時,我們必經歷個人靈性的復興及主同在的應許(參見太28:20)。試想當你奉獻你的恩賜給主,主的福音工作會是什麼光景?如果你還沒有清楚地聽到主的聲音,關於祂的大使命,祂想讓你在哪裡服事祂,祈禱並詢問莊稼的主,祈求聖靈引導你,做好準備,完成神在你生命中命定的計劃目的。

“你很特別”

⸺吉爾吉斯坦短宣記

楊薇

今年6月21日,我們經過數月的裝備,出發去吉爾吉斯坦短宣!

吉國位于中亞,東臨中國,是4000年遊牧民族不斷征戰形成的國家。是前蘇聯國家之一。目前宣稱是一個多民族,宗教自由的共和國。國土很小,人口約六百九十萬,經濟以畜牧業為主。GDP 115億,是一個較貧窮的國家。90%以上人口信奉伊斯蘭教,基督徒只占0.7%。

我們短宣的目的是在吉國首都Bishkek一個基督教會,以英語夏令營形式為孩子和家長傳福音。短宣隊包括CGCGB五人,菲律賓教會八人。夏令營為時六天,主題為“你很特別”。內容包括:1.醫學健康知識講座;2.聖經故事;3.小組英語課;4電腦編程遊戲(icrobot);5.唱歌跳舞;6.室內運動。波士頓隊員還為夏令營孩子及教會帶了捐贈的書,衣服及其它禮物。經過一天兩夜的飛行和中轉,我們于6月23日淩晨抵達Bishkek(圖一)。

圖一

我們住的客棧乾淨,方便,包早餐。乘出租車20-30分鐘去教會。一路上穿過繁華的市中心,可看見遠方的雪山(圖二)。教會位於一個小巷裏。路況很差,門外沒有任何標誌。裏面有寬敞的院子,左邊是兩層的小樓,有教室,餐廳和廚房。小樓與大堂連接。大堂寬敞明亮,有空調和LED大屏幕。我們到的這天是禮拜天。詩班用吉國語言唱我們熟悉的歌。聽衆專注地聽傳道人證道。我們被請到台上接受大家的歡迎(圖三)。

圖二

圖三

夏令營第一天,欣喜地見到了40多個吉爾吉斯坦的孩子。他們大多長得像亞洲人,少數像歐洲人。他們有禮貌,溫和,不很害羞。有一半的孩子來自本教會,還有一半是他們的穆斯林朋友。有些單親家庭的孩子。報名註冊和簽到都用紙筆,WiFi很慢。上午在大堂裏做了許多遊戲,讓孩子們放鬆,然後單獨與他們交談、判斷他們的英語水平後,將他們分為四個不同水平的英語課小組。午飯時,執事麗莎(化名)訂的外賣牛肉飯晚到了一個小時。麗沙很愧疚。她決定從明天起,不光自己做午餐,還要提供早餐。

第二天,課程正式開始。在翻譯的幫助下,我講了健康知識第一講“神奇的人體和我們居住的世界“(圖四)。翻譯是一個美麗的大學一年級女孩,夏令營青少年志願者之一。孩子們都聽得很專心。年齡小的孩子十分鍾後開始躁動,但還是堅持聽完了30分鐘的講座。然後排著隊上來提問,提問後可得到一枚糖。接下來是聖經故事。兩個大堂講座後,給孩子們發點心(如餅乾或椒鹽卷餅)。然後分小班上英語課。英語課後,做剪紙手工。他們對手工感興趣,很有創造性。午飯是廚房同工們在火熱的廚房裏揮汗如雨做的。有火腿腸,土豆泥,洋蔥炒紅蘿蔔絲。下午孩子們興趣盎然地做了Lego,與電腦相連可以動起來。另外一部分孩子參加了室內運動。這時大堂變成了一個體育館。運動有羽毛球,長曲棍球,飛盤,投沙袋,拼圖遊戲和撲克。個別孩子開始受傷,於是我做起了夏令營的營醫:處理傷口,肚子痛的孩子給熱敷。有幸成了孩子們信靠的人。有一只大螞蚱爬進了室內,他們也來找我。我不知所措。結果一個勇敢的女孩子徒手把螞蚱給抓了起來。

圖四

苐三天,我講了“生命的奇蹟和死亡的疑惑“。把細胞、染色體、基因等分子生物學概念介紹給孩子們。又告訴他們,人的一生從出生、長大,到衰老和死亡是不可避免的。講座後我感到抑鬱。之前我們被告知,不能通過講課直接給孩子們傳福音。沒有福音,人生就沒有希望。我在總結會上提出這個問題,吉方執事說可以在營會上傳福音!於是從第三講開始,我告訴孩子們,他們的身體是我們的神精心設計創造的。人的生命是有限的,但是只要相信上帝和耶稣,就有了永生的盼望。我帶著孩子們禱告,感謝神的愛!年輕的執事安妮(化名)告訴我,這個教會由一個南朝鮮傳教士建立,有25年的歷史。目前有160名成員,有三四十名孩子。安妮還告訴我,在吉國,基督徒處境很窘迫。公衆不了解基督教,怕會遭難。在學校,基督徒孩子會沒有朋友。在職場,基督徒會受排擠。甚至被家人責怪和疏遠。晚上,教會在一個高檔餐廳以招待貴賓的方式宴請我們(圖五)。夏令營三方包括波士頓,菲律賓和吉國教會同工和志願者歡聚一堂。晚宴之後,麗莎帶我們去附近一家博物館公園了解吉國的歷史和文化。麗沙告訴我,她的父母對她信基督教很傷心。但她看到了基督教徒的好。比如我們短宣隊員放下自己的工作,離開家庭和舒適的生活,來這裏為他們的孩子辦夏令營,讓她看到了主的大愛!

圖五

第五天,講了“常見病的自我治療“。英語課時,教孩子們詩歌“愛的真諦”。這些孩子從單詞都不會到能用英文朗誦詩歌,讓我很開心。下午照例有編程Lego和室內運動。經過幾天的反覆使用,所有的運動器械都到了分崩瓦解的程度!我們就用紙杯子做遊戲。麗莎安排我傍晚為教會的成年人講“疾病的預防“。大家為我禱告,留下兩人為我管理幻燈片和音響,麗莎做翻譯。聽衆都是中老婦女。一個小時的講座後,提問答疑持續了兩個小時。她們信任我,將她們所有的病痛都告訴我。她們不住地感謝我。從教會岀來,天已黑了。月光下,見年邁的牧師正揮著鐵鍬在輔平街上的坑……

最後一天,在聽聖經故事的時候,一個孩子失聲痛哭。原來他因父母離異受到傷害。在這裏他感到了愛。從其他孩子身上也看到了改變:他們低頭禱告,揚聲歌唱,歡快跳舞,高聲讚美主,臉上洋溢著喜悅。下午有才藝表演。孩子們表演了唱歌、跳舞、彈琴、吹黑管。“二年級”的孩子們朗誦了“愛的真諦”。孩子們得到了畢業證書,老師們也得到了謝禮(吉國巧克力和感謝卡)。全體進行了大合照。然後與孩子們擁抱,揮淚道別。夏令營以“水氣球”活動結束。熾熱的驕陽下,師生們嬉戲打鬧,感到神的大家庭的甘美。

夏令營結束後,我和南希約翰夫婦多留了三天。我們參加了國際教會的禮拜,參觀了國家博物館(圖六),到孤兒院去做醫學知識講座(圖七),到醫院探望病人,最後到另外一個城市訪問了慈善醫院。

圖六

圖七

第十二天,我們啓程回波士頓。回顧12天的經歷,悵然若失。失去的是疲憊和體力,時差和炎熱導致疲憊,異國食物讓我時常腹瀉,體力下降。但得到了對這塊土地的了解,人民的摯愛和福音的播種。感謝主,這麽愛我,讓一個微不足道的我為你做工,傳揚你的名!

再見,吉爾吉斯坦,願主祝福和保佑你!

致謝:

感謝CBCGB給短宣隊的禱告,支持和贊助!

感謝短宣隊領隊南希和約翰給我的信任,支持和引領!

感謝短宣隊隊友Mable和Max及菲律賓短宣隊給我的支持和幫助!

感謝我先生滕輝給予我和短宣隊的支持和幫助!

My Confession of Faith to Future Generations 

Anna M. Zhou 

As my loved ones are often in my meditation, I would like to take this chance to leave my confession of faith to future generations. 

To know Christ and His Cross is the most precious thing in life, to share intimacy with my God, to delight in the Lord and to listen carefully to His Spirit illuminating the Scriptures. Prayerfully reading the Scripture have enabled me to prevail against nightly medical episodes, and His mercy has preserved my life to this day. 

The Lord said, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (Ex. 33:19) We are God’s children who are greatly beloved. (I John 3:1) Praise and thank God for all His grace, for forgiving our sins, and for healing our diseases. (Ps. 103:4-5) Do not conform to the manners of this world, but be transformed by renewing our mind to pleasing God. (Ro. 12:2) Don’t we know that we ourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in us? (1Cor. 3:16) Friendship with the world means enmity against God. (James 4:4) We cannot have two masters by serving both God and money (materialism); nor should we idolize humans. (Matt. 6:24) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Tim. 6:6) Live in peace and joy in Him. Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you, they are full of the Spirit and life.” (John 6:63) 

Love the Lord and Glorify God, Refuse to Idolize Humans 

Some 38 years ago, someone said my faith was muddled, and that I did not understand God’s will. I was furious, for I thought I knew my own faith as a believer from childhood. However, when I calmed down and kept asking God, I knew that Lord’s greatest commandments—to love God and my neighbor—is easier said than done. It can only be achieved by being truthful and by humbling oneself, through reading the Scripture daily in prayer and through pondering Lord’s Word. Love the Lord and glorify God alone, refrain from idolizing other human beings or subscribing to online fast food culture. Listen to the Lord Jesus, who said: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26:14)

Wishes and Blessings 

My wish is that you will know the hymn: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…… I am weak but He is strong!” This hymn helped me prevail through numerous trials. My wish is that you will learn to recite Psalms 1, 16, 23, and 121. I give you these blessings like your great grandma, Dr. Esther Li, who was invited to give a prayerful speech by Presidents Reagan and Bush, and who blessed your father with the following words: Your cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Ps. 23:5b-6) Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. (Ps. 16:5-7) The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Ps. 23:1, 3-4) I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:1-2)

Appendices

·         Love your God with all you heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

·         A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45)

·Jesus replied: Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. (Mark 7:6-7) 

(9/1/2024)

The following is the secret of following the Lord throughout my life: reading the Bible every day and renewing my daily life.  I just choose five of my daily devotional records to share with my descendants.

20240830 Boast except in Christ’s Cross, Don’t Lift a Man High

      Matt 16:21-23; 4:8-10; 1Cor 2:2; Gal 6:14

  1 From then on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, be killed, and raised the third day. 21

  2 Peter began to rebuke him: Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you! Jesus turned and said to Peter: Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. 22-23

Meditate

    ·Peter just acknowledged:the Lord is Christ, but rejected God’s will for not knowing the Cross, rejecting it, being afraid of sufferings as Satan’s instrument.  Having in mind not God’s concern but only human concerns, steal the worship that God deserves, the Lord rebukes: Satan, get behind me! 16, 22; Matt 4:8-10

·Christ came to the world to accomplish the salvation on the Cross. We determined not to know anything among us except Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. Boast except in Christ’s cross, don’t lift a man high. 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal 6:14

  (Reading the Bible in one year: Ezekiel 10-12)

20240823 Listen to God

Isaiah 50:4-5; Heb 5:8-9

  The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to hear as the learned. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 4-5

Meditate

  ·Song of the Righteous Servant, enlightenment:

The Lord gave me the well-instructed tongue, the Lord himself calling me to be His servant, humbled and learned to obey. A well-instructed tongue made me to know the Word to sustain the weary, soft and considerate and merciful.  The Lord wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to hear, enable to listen and being taught, focusing the whole truth precisely. 4

The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; my ears to hear as the learned, I have not been rebellious and not turned away. 5

  ·Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered. And, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Heb 5:8-9

    (Reading the Bible in one year: Jeremiah 49-50) 

20240822 Commit to Obey God 

     Daniel 1:1-20

1The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took captivity of the Jews elite. Daniel and three companions were selected into the king’s palace to be trained in Chaldeans culture. 1-7

2 Daniel and his friends kept taking clean food, refusing king’s food and wine defiled by idol sacrifice. At the end of three years, they were appreciated by the king. 8-16

Meditate

   ·They were tempted in three aspects: standing by the king in his palace; receiving the king’s food and wine; entering pagan society. 5-7

   ·Daniel set an example: Determined to keep faith, not to be defiled by pagan food; gentle and polite, had favor and mercy in king’s sight. 8-9

·Clear minded, analyze things to make sense, easily accepted by others, God gave him wisdom, understanding and knowledge, and succeeded in literature career.  Talking and responding appropriately in the king’s favor, healthy with longevity,he continued in use even unto the first year king Cyrus. 12-21

Dear Lord, lead me daily read the Scripture in prayer and commit to obey my Lord.

      (Reading the Bible in one year: Jeremiah 46-48)

20240821Prervailing Prayer (Ro 12:12)

Rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

   1Continuing steadfastly: be earnestly persevere, constantly diligent; spiritual breath, open heart to heart.

   2Rejoicing in hope: Believers’ hope never come to nothing, the Spirit pours out joy, and His will be done. Ro 5:5; 8:16-26; 1Pet. 1:3-9

   3Eduring in tribulation: Enduring in hoping victory, for tribulation is unavoidable, but Christ has overcome. Jn 16:33

  4Continuing steadfastly in prayer: praying whether or not in tribulation, keeping in fellowship with God at any time.  Luke 18:1

Meditate

   ·God regards our prayer as more important than our works. The tax collector repent rather than that man (boating self-righteous Pharisee), went home justified before God. Desperately ask like the widow. Rejoice always, pray unceasingly, giving thanks in all circumstances.  Ask and listen to God, not with wrong motives. Luke 18:14; 1Thess. 5:16-18

   ·Focusing on Christ alone, remove idols without worshipping men. Confess sins to one another and pray for one another. No babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Matt 6:7, 33; James 5:16

     (Reading the Bible in one year: Jeremiah 41-45)

20240820 The Necessary Experience of Our Prayer

  Eph 3:14-21

Our prayer should have wonderful experience

  1 Our inner person be strengthened with might. 14-16

  2 Let Christ dwell in our hearts, so rooted and grounded in Love, enabling us to comprehend Christ’s the surpassing Love immeasurable in length, width, height, and depth.17-18

  3 Let the love of Christ pour out into our heats, and be filled with the fullness of God. 19; Ro 5:5

  4 Let God’s power work in us, knowing the church is Christ’s body of God’s glory. 20-21

Meditate

    Lord, remove obstacles to prayer. His hands scared on the Cross stretched wide-open to hold those who return to pray Him. God paid attention and heard them, in the book of remembrance written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed His name. The Spirit knows God’s mind helps us in our weakness not knowing what ought to pray for, the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans, leading us boldly to God’s throne of grace, for us to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Mal 3:16; Ro 8:26; Heb 4:16

         (Reading the Bible in one year: Jer 37-40)

20240819 The Spirit Helps Us Pray Full of Joy

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 

  1 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 16-18

  2 Do not quench the Spirit. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 19, John 14:26.

Meditate

   · My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.  In various trials, we love and trust Him, and rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Luke 1:47; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:18

   ·The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through. Ro 8:26

   ·Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Ask in Lord’s name means ask after His heart. Lord, make known to me the path of life; fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. John 16:24; Ps 16:11

       (Reading the Bible in one year Jer. 33-36)

寫給我子孫的信仰告白

周安娜

親人常在我默念中,這是我留下信仰告白的良機。

認識基督並祂十字架為至寶,與主親近,以神為樂,聆聽聖靈賜聖經亮光,禱讀勝過夜間發病。神憐憫我存活至今。

耶和華説:我要恩待誰就恩待誰,要憐憫誰就憐憫誰(出33:19)。我們是祂大蒙眷愛的兒女(約壹 3:1)。感謝讃美主,不忘神一切恩惠,祂赦罪醫病(詩103:4-5)。不要效法這世界,要心意更新變化(羅12:2)。豈不知我們是神的殿,神的靈住在我們裏面(林前3:16)。與世為友就是與神為敵 (雅4:4)。人不可有兩個主,拜神又拜錢財瑪門物質主義,也不把人偶像化(太6:24)。敬虔加知足便得大利(提前6:6)。在主裡喜樂平安。主耶穌說:我對你們所說的話是靈,是生命(約6:63)。

專愛主榮耀神,拒絕人為偶像

38年前,有人説我信得不透徹,不清楚明白神的心意,我很生氣,以為自幼信主不會糊塗。但冷靜下來求問神,方知「愛主愛人」這最大誡命,說易行難。唯有真誠謙卑,天天禱讀默想聖經。專愛主榮耀神,拒絕把人偶像化,不聽從網絡快餐文化。主説:總要儆醒禱告,免得入了迷惑。我心願意,靈裏卻軟弱(太26:41)。

心願和祝福

願你們會唱:耶穌愛我我知道,因有聖經告訴我……我們軟弱,祂剛強。這首詩歌助我走過無數艱難困苦。願你們會背或熟讀四首詩篇(詩1,16,23,121)。我給你們祝福,像曾祖母李璧夏醫師,受邀雷根和布希總統來美時,給她孫你們父親一樣:願你福杯滿溢,一生一世必有恩惠隨着你,你且要住在耶和華的殿中直到永遠(詩23:5b-6)。耶和華是我的產業,是我杯中的份;我所得的,你為我持守。用繩量給我的地界,坐落在佳美之處;我的產業實在美好。我心稱頌那指教我的耶和華,我的心腸在夜間也警戒我。我將耶和華常擺在我面前,因祂在我右邊,我便不至搖動,因此,我的心歡喜,我的靈快樂,我的肉身也要安然居住(詩16:5-7)。主是我的牧者。我必不至缺乏,祂使我靈魂甦醒,為自己的名引導我走義路。我雖然經過死蔭的幽谷,也不怕遭害,因為你與我同在(詩23:1,3-4)。我要向山舉目,我的幫助從何而來?我的幫助從造天地的耶和華而來(詩121:1-2)。

附錄

·你要盡心、盡性、盡意、盡力愛主──你的神。要愛鄰如己(路10:27)。

·善人從他心裡所存的善發出善來,惡人從他所存的惡發出惡來;因為心裡所充滿的,口裡就說出來(路6:45)。

·這百姓用嘴唇尊敬我,心卻遠離我。他們將人的吩咐當作道理教導人,所以拜我也是枉然(可7:6-7)。

寫於2024年9月1日

以下是我與我的後代子孫分享,我終生跟隨主的秘訣:在於日日讀經,生命更新;僅選五則:

20240830只誇基督十字架,不高舉人(太16:16,21-23;4:8-10;林前2:2;加4:16)

1從此耶穌指示門徒,祂必上耶路撒冷,受長老祭司長文士許多苦,且被殺,第三日復活。(21)

2彼得勸祂說:主阿,萬不可如此,這事必不臨到你。耶穌轉身對彼得說:撒但退我後邊去罷;你是絆我腳的;因你不體貼神,只體貼人。(22-23)

默想

·彼得剛認主是基督,卻攔阻神旨意,不受十架,怕苦,作撒旦工具,攔阻神意,體貼人意,竊取神該得的敬拜,主斥責說:撒但退去罷!(16,22;4:8-10)

·基督降世為成就十字架救贖。我們定意只認基督並祂十架。只誇基督十字架,不高舉人。(林前2:2;加6:14)

(全年讀經:結10-12)

20240823聽從神(賽50:4-5;來5:8-9)

主耶和華賜我受教者的舌頭,使我知道怎樣用言語扶助疲乏的人。主每早晨提醒,提醒我的耳朵,使我能聽,像受教者一樣。主耶和華開通我的耳朵,我並沒有違背,也沒有退後。4-5

默想

·義僕之歌感悟。主耶和華賜我,至高者親召,我是祂僕人,卑微學習順服。受教者的舌頭,使我用言語,輔助疲乏人,柔和體貼體卹。主每早晨提醒,提醒我耳朵,我能聽受教,專注完整準確。

·主開我耳能聽,沒違背後退,深入聆聽感受。祂雖為神子,還是因所受苦難學了順從。祂既得完全,就為凡順從祂的人成了永遠得救的根源。(來5:8-9)

(全年讀經:耶49-50)

20240822委身順服神(但1:1-21)

1巴比倫王到耶路撒冷,擄走猶大精英。但以理和三友被選入宮受訓於迦勒底文化。1-7

2他和三友保淨,拒絕祭偶像玷污的王膳。至三年終,獲王賞識。古列王元年,但以理還在。8-21

默想

·他們受試探有三個面向:在宮中侍立王側;受供王膳美酒;進入異教社會。5-7

·但以理立了榜樣:立志堅守信仰,拒絕異教食物玷污;溫文有禮,王前蒙恩寵憐憫。8-9

·思路清明,分析事物合情合理,易被人接納;神賜智慧聰明知識,文字學業有成。應對得體,受王恩寵;健康長壽,古列元年仍在職。8-21

·求主領我每早禱讀聖言,委身順服我主。

(全年讀經:耶41-45)

20240821得勝的祈禱(羅12:12)在指望中要喜樂,在患難中要忍耐,禱告要恆切。

在指望中要喜樂,在患難中要忍耐,禱告要恆切。

1恆切:迫切恆常,靈裡呼吸心相連。

2指望中喜樂:指望不落空,聖靈澆灌樂,主旨必成。(羅5:5;8:26;彼前1:3-9;詩16:11;賽55:9-13)

3患難中忍耐:患難不可免,主已得勝。(約16:33)

4禱告要恆切:困難與否,時時交通,以神為樂。(路18:1)

默想

·神重交通過於事工。稅吏認罪比法利賽人自誇有義,情詞迫切像寡婦。常常喜樂,不住禱告,凡事謝恩;求問聽神不妄求。路11:8,18:14;帖前5:16-18

·定睛基督,除偶像不拜人。互相認罪彼此代求。不像外邦人多重複說。先求神國和祂的義。(太6:7,33,雅5:16)

(全年讀經:耶41-45)

20240820禱告當有的經歷(弗3:14-21;瑪3:16;羅8:26;來8:26)

1我們內住新人剛強起來。(14-16)

2讓基督安住我心,在祂愛里紮根立基,基督之愛莫測,何等長闊高深。(17-18)

3讓基督之愛澆灌,充滿神的一切豐滿。(19)

4讓神的大能大力在我們心裡運行,認識教會是基督榮耀的身體。(20-21)

默想

求主除禱告障礙。主十架釘痕的手,保抱每個迴轉求祂的人,神側耳聽且記錄在生命冊虔誠人的話。

我們軟弱不知求什麼怎樣禱告,知神心意的聖靈在嘆息為我們代求,領我們大膽到施恩座前,得憐卹蒙恩惠和隨時的邦助。瑪3:16;羅8:26;來4:16

(全年讀經:耶37-40)

20240819聖靈助禱充滿喜樂(帖前5:16-19;約14:26,16:24;羅8:26)

1常常喜樂,不住禱告,凡事謝恩;因這是神在基督耶穌裡向我們所定的旨意。

2不要消滅聖靈感動;但保惠師,是父因主名所差來的聖靈,要將一切事指教我們,叫我們想起主所說的一切話。19,約14:26

默想

·我靈以神我救主為樂。百般試練中愛主信主,有說不出的滿有榮光的大喜樂。

(路1:47;彼前1:8;雅1:2)

·我們軟弱有聖靈幫助。我們本不曉得當怎樣禱告,內住聖靈親自用說不出的嘆息替我們禱告。(羅8:26)

·奉主名照主心意求,無不得著,喜樂滿足。求主指示生命道路,在主有滿足喜樂和永遠福樂。(約16:24,詩16:11)

(全年讀經:耶33-36)

主曾說“我總不撇下你,也不丟棄你”

⸺2024年6月姊妹會見證

菲比

第一次奉獻

我出生在一個基督徒的家庭裡,到我這一代應該已經是第四或第五代了。因為我是文革末期出身的,當時基督徒不敢公開承認神。直到70年代初,我的姑媽因為晚期癌症,病入膏肓已經只能等死,這時候神差遣一位姊妹到家裡,勸她要認罪悔改重新回到神面前,姑媽的癌症一夜之間完全被神醫治了。這樣我們全家都復興起來。從那時起我們家就開始了家庭聚會,而我是在這樣的環境中長大的。那時正是文革結束後,有一些為信仰的緣故坐監的弟兄姊妹陸續被釋放出來,帶來了中國家庭聚會的復興。

記得我大約七,八歲的時候,有一次跟著外婆和媽媽參加在上海的一個聚會,那次的聚會中聖靈的工作很強,屋子裡坐滿了人,有很多弟兄姊妹站起來流淚禱告,我也站起來流淚禱告並且把自己奉獻給神。我是在1979年11歲的時候和我主日學一群小朋友一起受洗歸主。想起那時候雖然靈裡糊里糊塗,但在主的愛裡成長是多麼幸福。

第二次奉獻

“所以我們當越發鄭重所聽見的道理恐怕我們隨流失去。”(希伯來書2:1)

時間過的很快,隨著年齡的長大我漸漸隨流失去,遠離教會生活,更喜歡和教外的朋友交往,媽媽常流淚為我禱告,直到1996年全家逐漸移民去了美國,神奇妙的把我留在了國內。當時我已經結婚有了一個女兒,雖然家裡只剩下我們但聚會仍然沒有停止。我就自然的開始了事奉的生活。一個活在肉體中的人怎麼能事奉神呢?

“因為主所愛的他必管教,又鞭打凡所收納的兒子。你們所忍受的,是神管教你們,待你們如同待兒子。焉有兒子不被父親管教的呢?”(希伯來書2:6-7)

正如聖經所說,神的管教臨到了我。(我是父母三個女兒的中間一個,從小爸爸就把我當兒子養,天不怕地不怕,很不好管教。)神最知道怎麼管我。我的女兒生下來的時候非常健康,但從兩歲開始就特別容易感冒,小兒肺炎生了兩次,我的心被她的身體狀況折磨的已經到憂鬱症的狀態,大家都說孩子小容易感冒很正常,長大就好了,但我就是害怕,天天活在恐懼中,每天像活在地獄裡一樣。我記得在99年的9月的一天,女兒剛剛生完病去上幼稚園了,恐懼的黑暗又一次臨到我,當時真是害怕的不得了。我心裡突然有個想法“禁食禱告”或許能給我開條出路,所以我決定三天禁食禱告。

主曾說,“我總不撇下你,也不丟棄你。”(希伯來書13:5)

當我在痛苦中跪下,抬起絕望的手向我的天父開口呼求的時候,神藉著詩篇103篇開了我的心。“我的心哪,你要稱頌耶和華,不可忘記祂的一切恩惠。祂赦免你的一切罪孽,醫治你的一切疾病。祂救贖你的命脫離死亡,以仁愛和慈悲為你的冠冕。”(詩103:23)這篇經文好像一股清泉澆在我這個面臨枯死的草地上,我一路流淚認罪,一路感恩讚美,像我這樣背約的人神仍然愛我,神的愛澆灌在我身上。神蹟真的發生了,懼怕、憂慮好像鎖鏈脫開,滿滿的喜樂充滿在我全身。從這以後我就像換了一個人,開始非常渴慕讀主的話並且神開了我的瞎眼,使我可以明白聖經,聖經越讀越有興趣,每天早上早早的起來與主相會。記得有一個父親節,早上晨更的時候,我說:“主阿,今天是父親節,大家都給父親送禮物,你想要什麼呢?可是萬有都是你的,像我這樣渺小的人又能給你什麼呢?”“我又聽見主的聲音說,我要差遣誰呢,誰肯為我們去呢.我說,我在這裡,請差遣我。”(以賽亞書6:8)神清楚的呼召使我興奮不已,神竟然還願意接受我,感恩的心使我再一次把自己奉獻給主。“不是我們愛神,乃是神愛我們,差祂的兒子,為我們的罪作了挽回祭,這就是愛了。”(約翰一書4:10)

從這以後教會也開始復興起來,各種的查經小組,探訪,傳福音。看見聖靈的同在。

“我們既有這許多的見證人,如同雲彩圍著我們,就當放下各樣的重擔,脫去容易纏累我們的罪,存心忍耐,奔那擺在我們前頭的路程。”(希伯來書12:1)

有一次我的嬸嬸從美國打電話來,她託我去看她的好婆,老太太已經昏迷在醫院裡,我嬸嬸以前帶好婆作過決志禱告,可是好婆的兒女們都是拜佛的,根本不讓老人與基督徒來往。嬸嬸不能確定好婆是否已經重生得救,她請我去看看好婆,最好能確定她的得救。我想老人都昏迷了怎麼帶她禱告呢?嬸嬸卻很有信心,她叫我只管去,在人不能在神凡事都能。我就叫了一個姊妹跟我一起去。到了醫院,果真嬸嬸的阿姨在那裡,她知道我的來意就走開在一邊和別人說話去了,好婆睡在床上完全不醒人世,有一個照顧她的阿姨坐在旁邊。這種情況下我只有憑信心抓着好婆的手為她作宣告禱告。她的女兒根本不理睬我們,當我們離開走到門口時,突然照顧好婆的阿姨叫住我們,“唉,她在叫你們,”我就看見好婆用癱軟的膀臂一揮一揮的召喚我們,我急忙回去抓住她的手,我說:“好婆,你是不是不放心?那我們再決志一次。”我就再一次的為好婆作了決志禱告,雖然好婆從頭到尾都沒醒過,但好婆的招手使我確實的知道她已經得救。後來嬸嬸告訴我,我去醫院前好婆已經昏迷了半個月,我走後沒多久好婆就被主接回天家了。

再一個讓我記憶猶新的見證,我們教會裡有一個姊妹早上打電話給我,告訴我她母親過世了,(我已經不太記得姊妹的媽媽是不是基督徒)為了辦理後事家裡吵吵鬧鬧的。請我為她家禱告。到了傍晚的時候她又打電話來,说她的姪子突然瘋掉了(孩子大約20歲左右,從小是她媽媽帶大的),請教會的弟兄姊妹去為他趕鬼。放下電話後我心裡真的害怕起來,雖然聽說過趕鬼的事,可是我自己從來沒有經歷過,趕快跪下來禱告,心裡感覺有平安。叫來三個同工弟兄姊妹(他們也沒見過趕鬼)我們先一起同心禱告,一路上一直唱著“十字架,十字架永是我的榮耀,我眾罪都洗清潔惟靠耶穌寶血。”姊妹家住在郊區,我們都住在城裡,開車大約40分鐘,到了她家天已經很黑了,一下車就看見她母親的靈柩就放在大門口,我們繞到後面的房間,當時我們都是忐忑不安的,只能心裡迫切的禱告神,進了房間就看見那孩子把自己裹在棉被裡一直在顫抖著,我們四個人加上那個姊妹就圍着床禱告,禱告了一會兒,那孩子從被子裡出來嘆了一口氣說:“走了,走了”。魔鬼離開後孩子就明白過來了。當時高度緊張的我也放下了懸著的心,神實在憐憫我們的無用,回去的路上我們滿心感恩讚美,雖然我們的信心軟弱,生命也幼小,但與我們同在的神是大有能力的。

第三次的奉獻

“你們必須忍耐,使你們行完了神的旨意,就可以得著所應許的。”(希伯來書10:36)

十多年的事奉中看見神太多的奇妙恩典,常常感嘆;神實在真實的住在我們中間,自己也感覺我靈裡的生命長大了很多,可是沒想到環境一來我的生命又跌倒了谷底。

2008年6月我們拿到了移民美國的簽證,全家來到了陌生的美國。雖然我的家人都在這裡,我們受到全家百般的照顧,但是一路學習,一路工作,還要照顧孩子,忙碌中漸漸和神疏遠,不要說事奉,有時候晨更也來不及就出門了。遠離主的生活真是苦。

又是一個父親節,早上起來禱告的時候,我問主:“主阿,今天又是父親節我拿什麼送給你?我是一無所有,可憐軟弱的人,主阿求你不要丟棄我。”我懊悔的哭起來。主卻用微小慈愛的聲音說:“我兒,我兒,將你的心給我,你的眼目也要喜悅我的道路。”(箴言23:26)我的心被主的愛緊緊抓住,主阿,為什麼還愛我這個背信的人。主阿,你若願意,我願再次把自己奉獻給你。“我們縱然失信,祂仍是可信的。因為祂不能背乎自己”。(提摩太後書2:13)

直到2016年,有一次文益弟兄和靜芬來看望我父母,我和靜芬交通到我的經歷,她就把我帶到了CBCGB的姊妹組和Grace Chapel的姊妹組,從那時起我有了團契的生活,也開始了一點點的事奉。“不是我們愛 神,乃是 神愛我們,差祂的兒子,為我們的罪作了挽回祭,這就是愛了。”(約翰一書4:10)

就像希伯來書12:28-29寫的:“所以我們既得了不能震動的國,就當感恩,照 神所喜悅的,用虔誠敬畏的心事奉 神。因為我們的 神乃是烈火。”

這首詩真實的表達了我現在感恩之心:

“我主到底你是為何,愛上敗壞如我的人,將我幸福作你喜樂,將我前途作你責任。”

“我主如果你不是神,我或可想你並不知,我的罪惡何等的深,我的心意何等自私。”

“但你是神無可疑惑,你知我的肺腑心腸,這個並不使你退縮,依然愛我始終一樣。”

“親愛的主真是可珍,這樣的愛這樣的福,賜我眼淚來哭一陣,因我喜到不能不哭。”