上两个星期六的傍晚,突然下了一场倾盆大雨,老大就很有雅致的到屋外赏雨,没赏多久,就跑来报告说三辆脚车都不见了(一辆是隔壁神学生的),我心想,可能是被伊邦牧者的孩子骑去了,因突然来的大雨,他们来不及还给我们。
到了晚上,隔壁神学生的太太跑来问起脚车,我们才到伊班牧者的家询问,那知,却是没人知道脚车在哪。。。。。。孩子们开始焦急了,因为他们才学会骑脚车,还在“爱恋”阶段。最后,只好接受事实 ,三辆脚车都被偷了。
孩子从焦急到期待(期待它突然出现),又从期待到愤怒,愤怒到想抓对方恨恨痛打一顿,心情非常激动。这时我就想到曾经看过陈德全妈妈写的《与孩子过招 - 妙招17式》的第一式 - 抢不走的好心情,心想可以试一试,就在睡前和孩子们一起分享这失车之宜,让他们把心中的怒气发泄后,就心平气和地和他们列出一些可能性问题,例如:“他们”可能因为突然的大雨,把脚车骑回去了,明天会还给我们也说不定(最后证实这个想法并不成立);上帝爱你们,可能他已经知道你们会因为骑脚车而发生意外,所以就叫人给偷了;要不,“他们”可能比我们更需要到脚车呀。。。。。,再说,“他们”偷脚车是他们的不对,我们却是可以控制我们的反应,如果因为他们的错误,导致自己伤害自己,而且还会因心情不好,和弟妹吵架,妈妈看了又生气,搞得全家人都不愉快,值得吗?孩子虽然还不能完全放下心,但心情却是平伏了许多。之后,还要他们自己反省在这次脚车失踪事件中学习到什么,他们都知道说要听爸爸的话,把脚车锁起来。然后,为他们祷告,我们就睡了。
之后孩子的心情都没有那么的激动,虽然会觉得惋惜。甚至有一天,老大在谈论环保的事情,就说到骑脚车也是一种环保,我就告诉他说:“那么我们脚车不见了,也是间接中帮助环保咯。”大家都笑了,心情反而很好。
撒旦总喜欢找一些小事来影响我们的好心情,不让我们生活在基督的爱里,但感谢主,因为生命里有主的同在,让我们知道万事都互相效力,叫爱神的人的益处。虽然脚车没了,但却让我们在处理情绪上懂得仰望主。
刘汉琳
以前在古晋因为工作的缘故,没能参加「快乐妈妈班」,因此非常羡慕那些能参加「快乐妈妈班」的妈妈们,总觉得她们在亲子互动中得着了许多的福气和知识,那时心中就决定了,倘若有机会我一定不放过参加这妈妈班。。。。。
现在,“莫名其妙”的搬到诗巫来了,做了全职的家庭主妇,当初的决心没有变,我报名参加了「快乐妈妈班」,并且每一次的课堂都抱着很期待的心情去学习和分享。我有三个分别为五,七,九岁的“小瓜”,虽说是同一“工厂”出产的成品,但性格完全不一样,再加上家中还有一个“大小孩”(老公),有时真的是要用四张不同的脸对着三个不同性格的小瓜和一个“大小孩”,对身为妈妈的我来说,这可不是一件容易的事,而且要做一个快乐的妈妈更不是一件一学就会的事,就因为如此,我要学,学习如何管教孩子,学习如何做一个快乐的妈妈,这是我所渴望的,也是我对妈妈班的期望。
因孩子尚处儿童期,因此我选择参加了为期三个月的「快乐妈妈班」(儿童期)课程。此课程分为三个系列,每个系列有四个不同的单元,每个单元都很生活化,都是可以学以致用的“法宝”,如:如何与孩子沟通、管教的技巧与原则、建立孩子的自我形象、读书的艺术、高EQ妈妈等等,都是很管用的体裁,不是空谈也不是理论,而是让妈妈们更能够走进孩子的心里去了解他们,帮助他们,给他们一个快乐成长的童年。
对我来说,妈妈班的特点不在于她的材料,说实在的,材料所教导的,大部分都已知道,因为教养孩童等类的书籍曾经是我的手中书。阅读可以增加我们的知识但却往往不能带进我们的生活中。妈妈班给了我一个带进生活的好管道,组长和组员们极积的分享、鼓励、接纳和提醒,让我觉得在走妈妈的路上有人在支持着,而不是孤军作战,也让我更能够去体会孩子的心情和接纳他们的本性,因为每上一堂课后,必须回家应用在亲子关系里,也因为这一招,妈妈们才能学以致用,看到关系的改变,看到自己的改变。而且每一次的相聚,就如每一次的提醒,提醒自己要关注孩子的心灵发展,而不是表面的包装,因往往我们会要孩子按照我们的要求生活,而忘了他们还只是一个孩子。
记得在上第三堂课中学习到管教的沟通,其中一个原则是要我们在管教孩童时要用清楚直接的字眼,当天回到家就立刻应用在五岁的女儿身上,得到的效果还真是有效啊!由此可见,上了妈妈班后,我们想要做个快乐的妈妈,就必须要应用在生活上,若只听不做,只能增加我们的知识,不能增加亲子关系的悦愉。
末了,但愿能有更多的妈妈们懂得爱自己,也懂得如何管教孩子。
刘汉琳 23/6/2008
感谢神的恩典让我在三月份的时侯有机会随欣歌合唱团到台湾参与他们的“以歌会友”演唱会。这个演唱会是由四个诗班联办的,就是台北调查局的展豹合唱团、宇宙光合唱团、爱心合唱团。
这是我第一次见到这种情景:非基督徒和基督徒在一起唱歌、分享音乐。当然,我们在音乐当中与他们分享上帝,这是一件令人兴奋的事!
荣耀归神!其他的团体都惊叹欣歌合唱团的“功力”,说我们的声音非常融合,情感丰富,对我们赞不绝口,极力邀请我们再来!甚至于我们在餐厅用餐时,也一再要求我们在餐厅当着大众面前献唱,这些都是让我觉得措手不及的体验!
当其他人询问许传勇指挥我们能够如此有生命力来唱诗的原因,传勇老师告诉他们,我们都是热心事奉上帝的人,因此愿意每个星期抽个一小时半至两个小时来练唱。他们听了都非常惊叹!我原本认为他们大惊小怪,但是后来我才知道,原来他们很少有练习的机会。因为地方大,车程遥远,加上繁忙的工作,他们几乎都没有时间练习,有些团员因为出差,一年都出席不上十次的练唱。他们也常常都要争取工作午休的时间练习诗班,非常紧迫。虽然情况是这样,他们却还是坚持要把歌学好,把歌唱好,这样的精神深深让我佩服!
相较之下,诗巫虽然地方小,但是我们有太多的机会唱诗班、太多的机会学声乐,我们真是身在福中的人!
一群基督徒在一起,同心用歌声来歌颂上帝,这是一件美事,这种机会也决不是偶然!你是身在福中的人,你惜福了吗?
其灵
趁着学院第一学期放假前,班上同学就提议去郊游吃风,我就想到风景如画的木桂兰退修中心,那事就这样成了。
到了出发那天(24/5),一行7人再加3个小孩分别乘坐两辆车往目的地前进。一路上天晴气爽,我们途经油菜岛,看那一排排录油油的青菜,就感觉大自然的美,好一个清新的空气,令人精神一振。
第二站到下坡的凯胜之家,宗泗弟兄热烈的欢迎我们,并参观了火龙果园及一些的设施。当中宗泗弟兄也分享他的见证。这福音真是神的大能,要救一切信他的人。他过去是怎样的被判入狱,是对明天没有希望的人,在无意中听了福音而悔改,如今极积参与监狱事工并帮助出狱者来到凯胜之家学习自力更生,为这班被社会排斥的人提供了一个中途站。
在当胜传道带领下,我们也到常青板厂参观了在那里的聚会所,这是今年才开始的事工。他说整个板厂有员工整千人,其中以土著为多,却只有三十多人来聚会。这工场实在不易为呀!但相信只要有开始就不怕太迟。
在小档子用过午餐后,一行人就到木桂兰退修中心安顿行李。这牧师屋有两个房间,在大家同心合力的整洁下,总算可以小歇一会儿。下午趁着载妇女会姐妹回家时,我们参观了24甲的道源堂,并拜访些妇女姐妹的家,他们都非常热情的招待我们,其中更参观了在城市难见的农场,这些见闻都是在学院学不到的呀!
美中不足的是,在户外活动时,我们准备的风筝却飞不起来,因为没有什么大风吹来,另外在钓鱼时,因连日来干旱的天气,使土壤的蚯蚓都不见了,没有鱼饵,怎能钓到鱼呢!无论如何,大夥们苦中作乐,以面包来取代,也聊以乐一下。
当天色逐渐昏暗时,也是预备晚餐的时刻,虽然青一色都是青菜,但还是吃得津津有味,可见吃的享受不在于山珍海味,而是那种大家一起预备的气氛。令大家最难忘的还是夜间清冷的天气,不用什么冷气机,都很舒服了。有的在半夜还忙着找被子保暖呢!
第二天我们参加榕南堂的崇拜,并带领赞美时光。他们的崇拜有五,六十人,刚巧今天也是他们的儿童乐园,有整50多位小朋友参加。主题为’勇敢的小小宣教士’,除了趣味游戏,天才表演外,就是教导小朋友们明白福音并用五色珠向别人传讲福音。这也是教会存在的目的,向怎样的人就用怎样的方法来吸引他们前来认识并相信耶稣。在这个儿童乐园中,虽然不是做的最好,但是看到许多老师投身其中,献出时间,精神,厨艺,游戏等。我为这些老师感恩,也求主赐福他们手所做的工。虽然一些因临时的变动而缺乏人手,导致我们都参与其中,身体疲惫,内心确是喜乐的,因为算的是为主的缘故去服事别人。在这样的郊游中,在享受大自然的当儿,更能为主做一点点的事,那是美好和值得的。
结束儿童乐园后,收拾一下,回到学院宿舍已是下午五点多了。啊!这是一次难得的郊游,相信木桂兰的风已吹进每个人的记忆中。
池贤新
趁着学院第一学期放假前,班上同学就提议去郊游吃风,我就想到风景如画的木桂兰退修中心,那事就这样成了。
到了出发那天(24/5),一行7人再加3个小孩分别乘坐两辆车往目的地前进。一路上天晴气爽,我们途经油菜岛,看那一排排录油油的青菜,就感觉大自然的美,好一个清新的空气,令人精神一振。
第二站到下坡的凯胜之家,宗泗弟兄热烈的欢迎我们,并参观了火龙果园及一些的设施。当中宗泗弟兄也分享他的见证。这福音真是神的大能,要救一切信他的人。他过去是怎样的被判入狱,是对明天没有希望的人,在无意中听了福音而悔改,如今极积参与监狱事工并帮助出狱者来到凯胜之家学习自力更生,为这班被社会排斥的人提供了一个中途站。
在当胜传道带领下,我们也到常青板厂参观了在那里的聚会所,这是今年才开始的事工。他说整个板厂有员工整千人,其中以土著为多,却只有三十多人来聚会。这工场实在不易为呀!但相信只要有开始就不怕太迟。
在小档子用过午餐后,一行人就到木桂兰退修中心安顿行李。这牧师屋有两个房间,在大家同心合力的整洁下,总算可以小歇一会儿。下午趁着载妇女会姐妹回家时,我们参观了24甲的道源堂,并拜访些妇女姐妹的家,他们都非常热情的招待我们,其中更参观了在城市难见的农场,这些见闻都是在学院学不到的呀!
美中不足的是,在户外活动时,我们准备的风筝却飞不起来,因为没有什么大风吹来,另外在钓鱼时,因连日来干旱的天气,使土壤的蚯蚓都不见了,没有鱼饵,怎能钓到鱼呢!无论如何,大夥们苦中作乐,以面包来取代,也聊以乐一下。
当天色逐渐昏暗时,也是预备晚餐的时刻,虽然青一色都是青菜,但还是吃得津津有味,可见吃的享受不在于山珍海味,而是那种大家一起预备的气氛。令大家最难忘的还是夜间清冷的天气,不用什么冷气机,都很舒服了。有的在半夜还忙着找被子保暖呢!
第二天我们参加榕南堂的崇拜,并带领赞美时光。他们的崇拜有五,六十人,刚巧今天也是他们的儿童乐园,有整50多位小朋友参加。主题为’勇敢的小小宣教士’,除了趣味游戏,天才表演外,就是教导小朋友们明白福音并用五色珠向别人传讲福音。这也是教会存在的目的,向怎样的人就用怎样的方法来吸引他们前来认识并相信耶稣。在这个儿童乐园中,虽然不是做的最好,但是看到许多老师投身其中,献出时间,精神,厨艺,游戏等。我为这些老师感恩,也求主赐福他们手所做的工。虽然一些因临时的变动而缺乏人手,导致我们都参与其中,身体疲惫,内心确是喜乐的,因为算的是为主的缘故去服事别人。在这样的郊游中,在享受大自然的当儿,更能为主做一点点的事,那是美好和值得的。
结束儿童乐园后,收拾一下,回到学院宿舍已是下午五点多了。啊!这是一次难得的郊游,相信木桂兰的风已吹进每个人的记忆中。
池贤新
院牧的话
THE TRUTH ABOUT TONGUE-SPEAKING
Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor. 14:21-22
Introduction
Some of our church members have been disturbed by some other brothers and sisters who told them false teachings like unless one speaks in tongue one would not be saved. I feel we must know the truth about tongue-speaking, so that we would not be led astray into accepting and practicing things that may not be true biblically. Be reassured from the outset that you DO NOT have to speak in tongues to be saved or as a mark of Christian maturity. Let the Bible judge what is genuine tongue-speaking and what is counterfeit tongue-speaking.
The New Testament divides tongues into two categories: a) Glossolalia, - which is when someone supposedly speaks in an unknown tongue which is usually thought to be of heavenly rather than human origin and b) Xenoglossia, - which is the supernatural ability to speak in an ordinary human language unknown personally to the speaker. Both are languages. So tongues in the Bible are languages. A complexifying factor in this matter lies in the fact that when no distinction is made between these two types of speech, both types are collectively referred to as glossolalia. As this is the position taken by the Pentecostal, charismatic movement, we will look more closely at glossolalia
Pentecostal charismatic tongue-speaking is neither angelic language nor language of heaven
Pentecostals and charismatics today generally claim that the type of tongues they speak is angelic language. It should be noted that the Greek word ‘glossa’, translated “tongue” is used not only to mean the physical tongue in a person’s mouth, but also to mean “language”. The NIV Bible foot-noted the word “tongues” also as “or languages” in Acts 2:4, 11; 10:46 ; 19:6 and throughout 1 Cor. 12-14. All language by definition must have structure, with rules of grammar, syntax, vocabulary, etc and since it has a structure it must be possible to study and interpret it.
In view of the fact that detailed scientific studies show conclusively that there is no structure of any kind in the charismatic tongue, beyond the infantile ga-ga gurglings of tiny children (the vowel ‘a’ tends to predominate), the possibility of it being a language must be discounted. Glossolalia manifestly fails this test and cannot therefore be a bona fide language. How can it be angelic language when it is not a language in the first place?
Then it is claimed that the “tongues of angels” mentioned in 1 Cor. 13:1 and 2 Cor. 12:4 where Paul says he was “hearing inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” is the tongue spoken today. However the same verse which says “not permitted, or not allowed to tell”, itself proved there is no basis for such claim.
Some see their heavenly language in Rom. 8:26-27 where Paul says that at times we don’t know how to pray and the Spirit intercedes with groanings (KJV) or “sighs” that words cannot express. These groaning sounds, if they can be heard at all are certainly not the “shalamalala-ma-la” or any of the other meaningless words one hears in Pentecostal meetings. Given the meaning of the word “language” I think the burden of proof is on the tongue speakers to show that their dissociated gibberish babbling speech is “angel talk”.
The Bible mentions many encounters between human beings and angels (e.g. between Abraham and the three angels in Gen. 18; Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3-4; Joshua before the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 5:13-15; the Virgin Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38; the shepherds’ encounter with the angels on Christmas eve in Luke 2:8-14, to name just a few). In every single encounter the angel is comprehensible. He has spoken to the human in his or her own language, whether Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek or in some modern language today, certainly not in the incomprehensible, meaningless gibberish babbling of modern day tongue speakers.
Language of a race of people reflects the level of culture and sophistication of that society. The more advanced and intelligent the race the more complex and sophisticated their means of communication especially in the form of language. The supernatural world of angels and spirits is definitely far more complex than the human world. Angels and spirits are highly intelligent beings. The God Head, being the creator of all things seen and unseen surely must be the most intelligent of all, whose complexity is beyond the understanding of our finite human intellect. Who are we to say that the ‘meaningless, infantile dissociated ga-ga gurglings’ of human invention is the means of communication of the highly sophisticated community of heaven?
Hence the conclusion: Glossolalia is dissociated human speech and is not a language whether heavenly or earthly. In fact many tongue-speakers have said they just follow others for the fun of it or that they are forced to do so because they would not be acceptable in ‘the group’ unless they also learn to speak in the so-called “tongues”.
The only other areas where the Bible mentions tongue speaking are in Paul’s writings. In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 Paul used the word tongues 21 times and in his other epistles he used it only 3 times. In the 3 times he quotes Old Testament (e.g. Ps 5:9 in Rom.3:13; Isa. 45:23 in Rom. 14:11 ; and again in Ph. 2:11). In these references to the Old Testament, whether he referred to the positive aspect (Rom. 14:11 and Ph. 2:11 ) or negative aspect (Rom. 3:13 ) the meaning in each case is clear and easily comprehensible. To translate the word “tongue” of 1 Cor. 13 and 14 as “ecstatic utterance” is utterly unconvincing.
Involving in ecstatic utterances can be dangerous
Since we have seen that glossolalia is not a language, whether heavenly or earthly, some claim the tongues they speak are ecstatic utterances. Such teaching can be very dangerous and heretical.
The use of ecstatic utterances in religious worship has its historical roots in paganism, centuries before the formation of the Christian church. Ecstatic utterances have survived the ages and are still a staple in such diverse religions as Hinduism, Buddhism and a variety of spiritualist cults and animism. Glossolalia occurs frequently among the Eskimos (Inuits) of the Hudson Bay area of Canada . The ‘Ar Bayuh’ (mediums) among the ‘Ar likou’ (pagans) of the Melanaus speak incantations known only to the ‘Tous’ and themselves. ‘Tous’ are demons in Melanau. The repetitious chanting of meaningless syllables often induces in the speaker a trancelike, pre-hypnotic state in which the speaker becomes highly suggestible and vulnerable to mental manipulation. And this is where the danger lies. If you deliberately create and allow a foothold for the devil, he is only too happy for the opportunity to come in. No wonder the wise man wrote in Pro. 21:23 “he who guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps his soul from troubles”
Pentecostalism and the day of Pentecost
Pentecostals claim that their movement is linked and based on the events of the day of Pentecost, from which day the movement derived its name. But we can prove absolutely from the Bible that the so-called “glossolalia” of the modern Pentecostal, charismatic movement had nothing to do with the Day of Pentecost at all. Pentecost was Xenoglossia, not Glossolalia. The Bible is very clear about this. When this gift was first manifested to the infant Christian Church on the Day of Pentecost, it was quite clear that the disciples were speaking in xenoglossia, that is, known human languages and dialects, because spectators there recognized them as uniquely their own (Act 2:4-6). The irony of this is that Pentecostals and other charismatics hardly ever, if at all, speak in xenoglossia.
In fact, Luke in Acts 2:5-12 wrote when the disciples spoke in “tongues” after the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that they were speaking in known languages which were spoken by the people who listened to them. The people were amazed not from hearing gibberish, unintelligible utterances but their own local languages spoken by Galileans. That is the truth of Pentecost and if people tell you otherwise, then they speak against Scripture. The Pentecostal movement had nothing to do with the day of Pentecost.
The great difference between the tongues spoken at the Day of Pentecost and that of the Pentecostals, Charismatics, is that whereas in the Biblical Day of Pentecost, the hearers moved from the position of “do not understand” to the position of “understand” after hearing. But in the case of the present day tongues, the hearers move from the position of “understand” to “do not understand” after hearing.
Is tongue-speaking a mark of Christian spiritual maturity?
Charismatic church leaders such as Bob Jones, Jimmy Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart all taught that tongue-speaking is a mark of Christian spiritual maturity. But the Bible clearly shows there is absolutely no connection between tongue-speaking and spirituality, because firstly, the world’s most spiritual person, our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the record of the Bible, never practised tongue-speaking. Secondly, in the Bible, the Corinthian church engaged in tongue-speaking the most, yet why were they also the most carnal, with the most problems of divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, boastfulness, pride, lawsuits among believers, etc? (refer 1 Cor. 5-6). Thirdly, In 1 Cor. 14, Paul’s attitude towards tongue-speaking was not positive at all. Instead the opposite is more prominent. For that matter, Paul listed Tongue-speaking as the last and the least important of all the gifts (1 Cor. 12:10 ). Moreover tongue-speaking doesn’t edify the church (1 Cor. 14:4,6,23)
Tongue speaking is not a mark of Christian spiritual maturity. In fact, quite the opposite is true. When we consider the way modern so-called tongue-speakers pride themselves in the so-called gift and insisting that others follow their way, I think it only exposes their spiritual infancy and immaturity. Some Pentecostal churches still make tongue-speaking an evidence of a person’s conversion. The Bible does not support this view at all.
Place of tongue-speaking in Pentecostal, charismatic movement
Whether in private prayer, praying for others or in worship assemblies, tongue-speaking is rampant. This use of tongues has created confusion, and disorder. Many speak at the same time, with no interpretation. This is going against the principles God wants us to follow because 1 Cor. 14:27-28 says “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at most three should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God”. It is only sensible to presume that the phrase “speak in a tongue” here means xenoglossia not glossolalia.
There are church leaders who insist on laying hands on people to impart the gift of tongue-speaking but the Bible says that the Holly Spirit gives gifts to each one, just as He determines” 1 Cor. 12:11. (Not as the leaders determine).
Some leaders even conduct classes to teach the art of tongue-speaking. If we do this, then we have totally misunderstood the work of the Holy Spirit and rob Him of his sovereignty. We suspect many people with ulterior motives are cheating and manipulating many innocent people in the process. Let us be cautious and beware of such people.
False tongues keep people away from the biblical Christ and lead them into false security. It deludes them into thinking that they have been baptized in the Spirit when they may not have. Satan has gained a major foothold in the so-called tongue-speaking people through false glossolalia on whose heels have come all kinds of pernicious and spiritually destructive doctrines. In the opinion of many Christians loyal to the truth of the Bible, tongue-speaking has degenerated at best into mere carnal entertainment and at worse into a Satanic farce. It is judged as being good because it makes people “feel free and happy inside” when instead the criterion for judging the truth must be the Word of God. Let us not forget that Rock Music makes people feel free and happy but most certainly quenches the Holy Spirit.
False tongues are but one symptom however, and while they serve as the door through which most of the other false teachings come, they are but a door and are not the whole problem. There is the wider problem of a lack of sound biblical knowledge which lazy Christians are compensating for by swallowing wholesale the teachings of famous charismatic evangelists, instead of getting their hands out and digging into the Bible themselves.
People who hunger and thirst for the ‘feel free and happy inside’ sensationalism and ‘prosperity gospel’ in general, do not understand what Christianity really is. They do not understand Christ’s message that “if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
How should our church respond to the so called tongue-speaking?
In the first place there is no indication that the tongues spoken by the Pentecostal, Charismatic movements are really gifts of tongues as mentioned in the Bible, so why should we follow? We have seen that they are not xenoglossia, neither language of angels nor language of Heaven. In fact they are not language at all but the Bible’s tongue is a language.
The Methodist Church has been greatly blessed by God throughout its existence with many gifts, yet the entire “Book of Discipline of the Methodist Church in Malaysia” no where indicates that we, as Methodists should speak in tongues or engage in other manifestations.
True to the teachings of the Bible our church should encourage the use of gifts of evangelism, teaching, caring etc as Paul instructs us in 1 Cor. 14:19, 31 and Eph. 4:11-12. According to the teachings of the Bible, in church worship service we should use language or speech that the congregation can understand and not tongue-speaking.
The basic rule of a church gathering is to allow everyone gathered to clearly understand the content of the program. Therefore the language used should be one that can be understood by all. Follow Paul’s example in 1 Cor. 14:18-19, and the examples of the other apostles. Follow particularly the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus never spoke in tongues. He didn’t need to. He had an inner harmony, peace and power that precluded the need for such.
The church should encourage its members to seek being filled with the Holy Spirit and thus bear fruit of the Holy Spirit as in Gal. 5:22-23 which means showing; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”.
How should we deal with those who insist on influencing others to speak in their so-called tongues? Ignore them. Avoid listening to them if you disagree with them. Know that you don’t have to speak in the type of tongues they speak.
May God guide you and preserve you in His truth.
Rev. Ang Keng Yong
常恩堂 短宣之旅
在大专短宣课程当中,我们有一次的组队的短宣体验。我琳贵,德祥,贞洲三人在9/6-15/9到木山的kem 去做传福音的工作。此行,我们有幸与叶荣珠传道一起配搭。在短宣之前,我们被告知所应该预备的节目与物品。因此,我们三人组就积极去筹备这次难得的短宣之行。
出发的日子到了,我们满怀希望地踏上征途。第一天,我们搭船由诗巫到加帛。在那里,我们休息一天及预备一些活动。我们大大地感受到神丰盛的恩典。就在我们吃午餐的时候,其中一位木山经理正好看见我们就帮我们付了那一餐的费用。为着这件事,我们向主献上感恩,因为祂是眷顾我们的上帝。
第二天,我们先搭小船到木山的码头。之后,我们有两个小时的车程到我们的第一个目的地,kem Garu. 在这kem 当中,设有一座板厂。他们主要的工作就是将运输到他们那里的木桐制成木板。我们在那里就分派福音单张,并邀请木山工友来参加我们的聚会。可是,我们发觉我们只有在用膳的时候才见得到他们,因为其他时间工友们都在工作。因这缘故,他们很难抽出时间听我们分享全备的福音。这是我们感到遗憾的地方。晚上的聚会,神大大地赐福于我们。虽然在我们眼中不是很多人,但是那是他们当中聚会人数最多的一次。我们呈现短剧,唱游及分享信息。会后,我们与工友们有很好的交流时间。
第三天,我们要去kem Stobak 。但是四个小时的车程被耽误了,因为经理要去处理一位工友死亡的一切后事。我们听到那工友的死亡给当地的工友带来很大的恐惧。我们就为这件事向神祷告,求主帮助他们从惧怕中得释放。神的工作十分奇妙,虽然我们被迫逗留在kem Garu 很长的一段时间,我们却有机会与一两位工友传福音。虽然没有成功,但我们坚信福音的种子已经播种下去。晚上十点多左右,我们才抵达kem Stobak 。因此,当天晚上的聚会自然而然地取消了。
Kem Stobak 位于高山上,所以平均气温在20摄氏左右。第四天早上,在与工友的交流当中,我们发现工友很迷信,也很惧怕那件的死亡事件,有人因此而失眠了好几天。于是,我们就在当天晚上分享了主耶稣的平安的信息。当天晚上的出席人数破纪录地多,因为他们想从信息当中得着安慰。我们也在聚会当中迫切为他们代祷。
第五天早上,其中一位工友分享她昨晚睡得很好。我们就归荣耀于上帝,因为祂是听我们祷告的神。凡我们所祈求的,祂都赐给我们。接着,我们就到kem Bakun Logging 去。当天下午的分享时光当中,荣珠传道对我们说kem Stobak 的经理有意在另外一个kem 也开始聚会。我们都很感恩,因为工友们终于看见了主耶稣的大能力和福音的重要性。藉着这件死亡事件,我们终于体验到万事互相效力的真谛。神很奇妙地透过这件事开启了祂在木山的另外的事工。我们只有将一切颂赞荣耀都归给上帝。
在kem Bakun Logging 的晚上聚会当中,出席人数是我们这几天的聚会当中最少的。但是,我们并不灰心,因为得时或不得时,总要将主的福音传播出去。在探讨当中,我们晓得木山工友是因为晚上还得工作,以致不能参与我们的聚会。我们想若是经理能好好安排聚会时间,也就是下命令让工友们早些放工,让他们有时间来参加我们的聚会。毕竟这样的聚会一个月只有一次,但是我们也晓得经理也有他的难处。所以,我们祷告求上帝能在这件事上动工,让这策略能在木山各营当中施行。
第六天,我们到kem Stapang 去。那里是一个重植树木的营,我们可以看见许多的树苗。工友们每天都到曾经伐木的地区将树苗栽下,施肥,及浇灌的工作。虽然,树木被砍倒的有许多,但重植树林的工作是值得嘉许的。这是为保护树林,控制温室效应的一项环保工作。此外,我们也晓得此工程即耗时又耗力,且目前没任何的经济效益。
在kem Stapang 的聚会当中,神大大赐福于我们。当天的出席人数是我们短宣旅程中最多的一次。聚会是以马来语为传播媒介,因为出席者多数是友族同胞。我们带领他们唱诗敬拜赞美上帝,与他们分享信息及呈现一些节目。他们都很热情,积极地参与,给我们很大的肯定。会后,我们有很好的交流时光。
时间过得很快,我们就得踏上回家的路途。第七天早上,叶荣珠传道就送我们到一站后就与我们分别。我们很舍不得,但我们仍然祝福她接下来的路程,因为她还得去其他kem 供给弟兄姐妹属灵上的需要。我们坐了四个钟头多的船才回到诗巫。
从这次的短宣当中,我们学习到许多的功课。一路上的奔波劳累,环境的恶劣,我们都忍受过来。因为我们晓得主在十字架上所受的一切尚且比我们更大,我们所受算得了什么呢?我们也晓得如何在困境当中仰赖神的帮助,学习以祷告来向神交托,相信祂会为我们开路。我们短宣除了带给他人祝福,更重要的是我们能经历与神同工的体验,因为若不靠着主,我们什么都不能做。我们渴望还有一次这样的短宣体验。愿一切颂赞荣耀都归于我们在天上的父。阿门。
感谢神,我终于实现我的梦想了,也实现了跟主的承诺。回想我刚进来短宣时,心中是有点害怕,因为不知道自己是否会适合这里的环境,而且我是很容易生病的人。很感谢主,神没让我生病只是要去短宣前给我感冒罢了。
感谢神,透过这短宣认识了很多来自不同的地方,不同的血脉,不同家庭背景的弟兄姐妹。我能感受到你们很热情,很可爱,给我很多的温暖与保护,在他们身上也学了很多的知识,也受到他们的帮助。亲爱的弟兄姐妹们,如今我们分散了,不知会在什么时候会再见面。但我想告诉你们,认识你们是我一生的幸福,你们都是我心目宝贝。朋友,你们的笑容会常常铭记在我心里。我们相约在主里。
第三届大专短宣生 ~ 感言
从我开始考虑到决定要参加短宣,当中经历了许多的挣扎,心里有很多的事要担心和考量。所以,我就在祷告中求神给我确实的凭据。结果,神真的垂听了我的祷告,祂让我看见只要我愿意顺服,其他的挂虑和问题祂都会帮我解决。在这短短的七个星期里,我真的学习了很多之前未接触过的东西,好像如何读经解经、教会音乐的由来及演变和几种布道法等。我也有机会经历第一次的出外布道和上木山短宣。我一直很清楚自己信仰最大的一个破口就是传福音,很常只有心动没行动。感谢主,祂让我在短宣中重新看见自己的问题与软弱,并且激励我回去大学及将来出社会都要努力去为主做见证。目前,心里最大的负担就是在回去念书前要向我的父母传福音。其实,心里还是会很害怕,担心自己话到嘴边又错过机会了,唯有求主刚强我的心,赐给我有勇气及智慧去为祂得着我的父母。最后,要趁这个机会谢谢所有老师们耐心的教导与爱心的包容,也谢谢荣珠传道所抛给我的两个值得不断思考的问题,谢谢同学们及神学生们的爱戴及所带来的欢乐,更谢谢天父让我的生命经历大专短宣,那里面有你们每一位的出现并给了我许多美好的回忆。虽然离别在即,但是我深信我们相约在主里,记得我的名言哦~今天我所做的任何一件事,若是与上帝的国度扯不上任何的关系,那么我所作的这一切都是空的。。。大家一起加油哦~~
~ ah chew ~
我记得我刚来到神学院时,我跟上帝作了一个这样的祷告,我对上帝说:“主啊,求你让我爱上传福音。”此外,我进来神学院的另外一个目的是要寻求上帝对我的心意。我很好奇也很想知道这一生上帝要怎样使用我。他对我的人生有什么计划?
感谢主,在大专短宣中,我终于明白了上帝对我的心意。当我寻求上帝的心意时,上帝就在我灵修时藉着圣经来向我说话。“现在耶和华你的上帝向你要的是什么呢?只要你敬畏耶和华你的上帝、遵行他的道、爱他、尽心尽性事奉他。”(申10:12)当时我有点迷茫。我就问上帝说怎样才叫做爱他,尽心尽性事奉他呢?后来上帝又在主日崇拜时再次的告诉我说要尽心尽性尽力尽意的事奉他。无知的我还是不明白该如何做到上帝的心意。我祈求上帝给我更明确的指示。感谢主,后来上帝藉着我身边的人来向我说话。爱玲传道提醒我在教导方面好好事奉上帝(因为我是读教育系的)。此外,上帝也藉着劲用牧师告诉我要在学生团契里服侍中学生同时也要做校园福音工作。上帝也很奇妙的让我想起我曾经在中学时期向他立志要做学生团契的导师。
在整个的短宣里,上帝也帮助我处去对传福音的恐惧感。除了在知识上受神学装备外,上帝也为我预备了传福音的机会。感谢主,他也让我有机会听到一些为福音癫狂的基督徒生命的见证。从他们身上,我看到了上帝奇妙的作为。从他们的分享中,我看到了上帝的信实。圣经告诉我们说要先求神的国和神的义,因为这些东西都要加给我们了。当他们很迫切的去传福音时,上帝不只赐福给他们的家庭同时也赐福他们的事业。在加帛短宣时,上帝让我亲身经历他的信实。上帝应许当我们愿意去传福音时,他就常与我们同在直到世界的末了(太28:18-20)。当我们去菜巴刹传福音和逐家布道时,我真实的经历了上帝的同在。他为我们开道路也为我们预备了一群爱主的福音堂的弟兄姐妹来参与我们的布道。
我希望自己有机会再进来受神学装备。我祈求,希望有一天可以成为一位会友传道。在教会里与牧师同工。在校园里牧养我的学生。最后,愿至高之处荣耀归给上帝,地上平安归给上帝所喜悦的人。
教完这个学期,院牧就要荣休了。
相信大家都很依依不舍。
请把想跟院牧说的话留言在“同一屋檐下”
也为院牧的健康/往后的事奉方向祷告。愿上帝祝福使用她的每一天!
三月25日(星期一)来自香港的梁燕城博士在卫理神学院授课。学院特安排他在早会时与大家分享信主的见证。
他说自小便体验到宇宙的庄严优美,在暮色四合、群星在天际呈现时仰望穹苍,深觉宇宙深处隐藏美善的另一面。梁博士因此尝试通过体验去深入了解各种宗教的道理。
年轻时觉得中国的文化与哲理实在精彩高深,希望亲身通过实践打坐来体验宇宙的终极。至中四时,受一位老师影响而读佛学,幵始尝试实践佛家的打坐。后来也学道家的因是子静坐法,希望藉此可以探寻一条心灵开悟而体会真相之道。这样一直打坐了近五年。
往下而非往上
在打坐中他有六种不同经验,曾遇到一些灵界的力量来接触他并说要梁博士来拜它。这样他便能拥有来自灵界的能力,可以影响他人的思想,控制他人的心。在打坐时他曾感觉有一条通向无穷无尽的路,但却是往下而不是往上的路。当时他觉得奇怪,后来才知道圣经记载雅各梦见一个天梯是往上通向耶和华神那里,有天使上去下来。
当用理性分析后,梁博士发现这六重境界所遇者,很可能是邪灵,只增加利欲之心,根本与体悟真理无关。因他原本只想体悟完美的真理,但其上所遇的与正宗佛家的中观或道家的无为全无关系。梁博士说自己打坐多年,得到的都是个人修养的精神境界,这些境界不论多深广,仍是个人的提升和内转,却不是与天地之主相往来。
与天地之主有情的往来
那时他对基督教有很深的偏见,觉得这信仰比起中国文化是很肤浅,而且也很不理性。当时他对基督徒甚至有些虐待狂,每次都用理性难题非难他们。但他们永不恼怒,仍是带着爱心和温柔地回答。后来接触多了,渐渐觉得真基督徒确实有与众不同的一些生命质素,他们与宇宙的根源有种微妙的沟通,与天地之主有情的往来,以致生命活得很美、很善良,而这些体验却是他所缺少的。
他幵始去研究,发现所有宗教的教主都有追求真理,但只有耶稣说:“我是道路、真理、生命”。于是他便幵始感觉事情并不简单,谁人敢自称为真理本身呢?如果这宣称是真的,那是非同小可!如果宇宙真有上帝,而这作为真理本身又真的来到人间,那他所指明的岂不正是人类穷尽心思要了解的宇宙人生奥秘吗?于是梁博士开始认真去钻研基督教,又去请教一些有学问的基督徒。
惟基督带来灵性复苏
他也发现一切宗教的修炼是提炼人的精神境界;所有的哲学,都是要人成圣成佛。但人表面上道貌岸然,内心深处却实在仍隐藏无数私欲、自私、自大,惟有基督带来灵性的复苏。这正如在圣经罗马书7:18所说“我也知道,在我里头,就是我肉体之中,没有良善。因为立志为善由得我,只是行出来由不得我。”
终于在一个夏令会的清晨,梁氏迎着初升的阳光,心中默默祷告:“主啊!我愿意放下一切跟从祢,让我整个生命投到祢的完美无限中。祢要我放弃学问,我愿放幵;祢要我不念博士,我愿不念;祢要我去非洲工作,我愿意即日起程......”就在那一刻,他真正遇到了天地的完美者,那是一个奇异的境遇,深觉心中的墙幵始溶解,而无尽完美的上帝立时涌进他的心。那种美妙的喜乐和平安,使他确知上帝的存在,一直到今天他都不后悔。(池贤新整理)
(转载自684期卫理报)
三月28日晚上,诗巫怀安堂人满为患,盛况空前。圣堂里,信众甚至坐到台前,实在饱和了,信众还是没有放弃的意思,即便被迫坐到副堂和底楼停车处,只听讲员的演说也足矣。
吸引了约二千三百位兴致盎然的会众的这一场旋风,是一个拥有神秘经历的彻彻底底寻道者带来掷地有声、铿锵有力的现身说法,并从基督徒的立场看“风水、气功、瑜珈”。他是远近遐迩致力于文化教育工作的文化更新研究中心创办人梁燕城博士。
风水:心理推论的地理学问
对于一个真实的寻道者,寻遍且精通各种宗教、哲学,包括柏拉图、道儒学、佛教、印度教、锡克教……,又有通灵的神秘经历,梁燕城博士认为风水不过是一种模糊的语言,透过地理学问,把一些常识说得神怪化了。
风水中有许多符号的另解。譬如松树被解读为“尖物”,意头不好,好比“插心矛”。曾有这样一个案例:一家屋主听信了一名风水师的上述言论,砍了自家四周的松树也就算了,竟也把隔壁家老外的松树给毒死,结果招惹了一场种族纠纷。其实,据梁博士透露,风水师对同一样符号却有着迥异的解说呢。同样是松树,另一个风水师却对该屋主说,怎么把好意头的松树给砍个清光了呢。
因此,风水是一种巧妙的心理推论,非不变的真理。这不是一个寻道者所追求的意义。找着了不变的真理的梁博士坚定、笃定的道出,我们有全能、全爱、全知的上帝掌管一切,还看什么风水,算什么命呢?
通灵:通往魔鬼
就气功打坐练功来说,梁博士曾已通到第六重境界,他听到灵界的呼唤,诸天的佛或谓菩萨指他已练得最后顿悟,可成为佛,即所谓的活佛了。“菩萨”继续表示他需要借助特别的能力,便可“通灵”来掌握特殊知识,去控制他人,甚至“预知”,只要他拜他们。
不盲从也不盲信的梁博士,便进一步考查这事,发现这背后的“灵”乃属撒旦。他虽拥有特异功能,但他同时发现他的人性没有变好,只有丑恶,和沾沾自喜等骄傲。其次,他也发现,所谓的“观音”亦非客观存在。而且,印度教的观音原是男人呢。传到中国后,变成了观音娘娘。这意味了这种发展演化的神明,其实随着人文、地理而异,是虚假的神明,人自然不可能看/听得到他!若看/听得到,便是一种邪灵的假扮,更不可信!
这种虚造的神明,还有把人蒙骗得团团转的例子,一是《三国演义》的人物关公。梁博士指出,汉朝时代的关公不是红面的,而且也没配刀。可是,今天的关公不仅拿刀,拿的竟然是宋朝用的刀;所穿戴的盔甲又竟是明朝的。一个不过汉朝时代的人物,死后被人们莫明地奉为神来拜。
其二,《西游记》的孙悟空更只是小说人物,又怎可能透过“通灵”请他现身呢?若然,《神雕侠侣》中的小龙女不也可以请得她来咯?!可见,这背后均为骗人的邪灵在搞怪!
追求真实的神
寻道的梁博士拒绝诸如此类神秘的假象,他一心要追求的乃是真实的神。于是他问上帝说;“天地的主啊,我知道祢存在,我要如何认识祢?”万事通的他,却发现自己不能通到上帝。终于,在圣经的约翰福音书里他找到了!原来,因着耶稣基督,人们即可以通往上帝。事实上,耶稣基督乃唯一通往上帝的道路、真理和生命!(约翰福音14:6)
再者,耶稣基督那超自然的大能,譬如:平静风和海,喂饱五千人,叫死人复活等,并祂自己也从死里复活,均是“气功”所望尘莫及的!唯有那超越这一切的上帝(万君之耶和华是祂的名),方能成就这一切。
瑜珈:不只是运动
至于瑜珈,梁博士阐释说,它不只是一种运动,它其实拜“观音”最深,而“观音”事实上是由两个印度教的神明的名字合成而来。它的进阶也是一种“交灵”的活动。
职是之故,梁博士在结论时劝勉说,气功在初阶时尚可以调理身体,但若发现有些不对劲,就要马上收手。通灵的话,实际上乃通往魔鬼撒旦。而瑜珈最好避而远之,它实在蕴含太多神灵。梁氏鼓励基督徒们多祷告,因为祷告是一种“静功”,因此多祷告的人身体也会好健康的,与练气功同收健康却不至走偏,陷入撒旦的陷阱。他打趣说,许多老牧师总不死,那是因为他们多多祷告。
其次,他主张多一些基督教的运动,好比“感恩喜乐赞美操”便是一个很好的“动功”,边运动边默想神和神的话。
这项文化与信仰讲座是由卫理神学院所主办。(履星)
(转载自阿杰哥部落格http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/nictck)
这是我进神学院五年以来,第一次进行的迷你运动会。过去几年,常有听闻,但总是只闻楼梯响;不见人下来!
感谢主,今年终于梦想成真了!全院闹翻天!
(转载自阿杰哥部落格http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/nictck)
往年,怀安堂每一年都会趁着华人农历新年,到访卫神,向师生贺年。
连连数年,终于达致抛砖引玉之功,今年,连天道堂也在春节献温情,与卫神全家共庆佳节,当然也少不了“小孩子们”最热切期待的。。。红包啦!哈哈哈哈!
各位在籍的神学生,历届毕业生或校友,甚至历届短宣生,这是给你们的回应平台哦!
相信大家在与卫神共舞的这段时光中,肯定有许多美好的回忆,当然也有很多寒酸的噩梦吧?哈哈哈哈!无论如何,卫神学生会愿在此为大家开辟一个天地,请各位自由分享您在卫神数年或数个月的时光中,一件令你最难以忘怀的事,一件就好了哦!
不要太婆妈,但要仔细,要具体,以便能引起大家的共鸣哦!
来,跟我们分享吧!
征文比赛
2008年度“卫神与信徒同在”征文比赛
题目:1.神学与我
2.卫神与我
(二选一)
字述:2000-3000
截止日期:2008年8月31日
参赛资格:马来西亚基督徒皆可参与!
目的:a.拉近卫神与信徒们的距离
b.收集信徒们对神学教育及卫理神学
院发展之看法,集思广益,创新突
破!
奖金:冠军:RM250+精美奖状
亚军:RM200+精美奖状
殿军:RM150+精美奖状
安慰奖(2份): RM50+精美奖状
投稿方式:将稿件连同你的个人资料
(姓名、电话、地址、所属堂会):
1. 直接呈交给卫理神学院学生会宣传组,或
2.电邮至:tingkeeling850918@hotmail.com,或
3. 将稿件寄到:学生会宣传组收
Methodist Theological School Sibu
51,Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg
P.O. Box 78,
96007 Sibu,
Sarrawak
by: Christopher Ting陈平
(唯一那个男的}
The sign on the door read, Puppies for sale, so the little boy went inside to look. The man inside the pet store showed him five little puppies that were ready to leave their mother. They were about the cutest dogs the little boy had ever seen.
"How much are they?" the little boy asked.
The man replied, " some are 50 dollars, some are more."
The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. After counting it, he said, "I have a dollar and 47 cents."
"Well, I'm afraid i can't sell you one of the puppies for just a dollar and 47 cents, little boy. You'll have to save your money and come back next time we have more puppies for sale."
About the same time, the pet-store owner's wife brought out another puppy that had been hidden in the back of the store. It was smaller than the other puppies and had a bad leg. It could not stand up very well, and when it tried to walk, it limped very badly.
"What's wrong with the puppy?" asked the little boy. The pet-store owner explained that the vet had examined the puppy and had discovered that it did not have a hip socket. It would always limp and always be lame.
"Oh, I wish I had the money to buy that puppy," the little boy exclaimed with excitement. "That is the puppy I would choose!"
"Well, that puppy is not for sale, son. But if you really want him, I'll just give it to you. No charge," the owner offered.
The little boy became quite upset at this. He looked straight at the pet-store owner and said, "No, I don't want you to give me. That little boy is worth every bit as much as the other dogs you have for sale. I'll give you a dollar and 47 cents now, and I'll give you 50 cents a month until I have paid for this dog in full."
The pet-store owner was perplexed. He said, "You don't really want to spend your money on this little dog, son. He is never going to be able run and play with you like other puppies."
Then the little boy reached down and pulled up his pant leg to reveal a twisted, crippled left leg, supported by a metal brace. He looked up at the pet-store owner and said," Mister, I don't run and play too good myself. I figure this little puppy is going to need someone like me who understands."
The little boy in the story showed an unconditioned love that only come from grace and it just like God's grace towards us, we are just like the little puppy that was not for sale, wound, hurt and loneliness. But God choose us, He paid the same prices for you and me. Grace is unwarranted favor. It cannot be earned, and it is not deserved. Salvation is free gift and we owe God nothing for it. Dear readers, God love us. He died once for all our sins ( Rom 6:10). We are not sinners in the hand of Angry God. We are saints in the hand of loving God who called us to "draw near with a sincere heart in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Her.10:22).
Dear reader, God knows you and me. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow (Jas.1:17). So, what are you waiting for? Don't you want to accept the Grace that is free? The unconditioned love that only God can offer to us?
学生会会长,陈俊杰
首先,我谨以最愉快的心情,恭贺学生会宣传组再次成功出版2008年度第一期的《同一屋檐下》,成为神学院社体中每一个成员发表心声的平台,更让我们有机会藉着文字事工,彼此激励和扶持,在主爱中茁壮成长。
感谢神,在新学年开课的三个月以来,我可以感受到同学们非常享受在课业及学院生活中。讲师和同学们都生活在一个非常融洽的社体中,彼此间有更多的互动与交流,许多神学生和短宣生更建立了美好的友谊,顿时让欢笑声响彻整个校园,是个非常健康的学习环境与气氛。在这新的一年中,这肯定是个美好的开始!但愿每一个师生都能珍惜这美好的气氛,不要滥用学院对我们的爱心、关心与信任。反之,我们应该竭尽所能,充份体现出成熟的一面,活得更像耶稣基督。
在此,对于过去一年多来,学生会的方针和作风令部分讲师感到担忧一事,学生会在此表达深切的遗憾与歉意。其实,学生会在执行任务时,面对非常大的挣扎,一方面必须尽力维系与校方的良好关系,但另一方面又必须履行学生们及神所托付学生会的职责。根据学生会章程第二条条文,及Prospectus 6.1(ii)条文,学生会在此重申本会的主要宗旨与功能:-
(一)成为校方与学生之间的桥梁,一方面尽力配合校方的政策,另一方面也竭尽所能将学生们的心声向校方反映,甚至将社体与学生难题带入讲师会议寻求讨论,以致师生皆能在喜乐、轻松的环境中成长;
(二)帮助学生们在智、体、灵、群各方面皆能均衡成长
过去一年多以来,学生会全体同工都非常清楚地朝这两大宗旨迈进。我们发现,有者对本会的组织感到担忧,乃是出于他们不甚了解学生会真正的功能。学生们绝对不曾要求与讲师们平起平坐,我们愿意给予绝对的尊重,但我们希望在校方所赋予学生会表达的平台上,对事不对人的,尽力将学生们的心声向校方反映。我们不敢奢望大家的谅解,只求各界可以明白学生会的用心。
其实,环顾各个神学院及大专院校,学生会(或称学生理事会)向来都在学院迈向健全的过程中,扮演着举足轻重的角色,亦是学生们的最大、最重要且最高的代表机构,向来都致力维护及争取学生们的福利和权益。
希望透过上述解释,大家都能有美好的共识,能以更开明且成熟的态度,看待学生会所扮演的角色。希望大家都能将学生会视为学院迈向新里程碑的先锋,而不是威胁。且让我们在主里不分你我,只为神的国度而努力!当然,我们绝对不完全,仍在学习,非常欢迎且珍惜大家对我们的教诲。
学生会绝对是个吃力不讨好的工作,若非秉持着对学院及大家的爱心与关怀,想必学生们都不愿意,也绝对不需要付上时间、精力、才干,甚至金钱,做这些为人不为己的工作。我们的目标非常鲜明,就是希望能为大家缔造更喜乐、更正常、更健康的学习生涯,叫我们毕生难忘!
对于院方,我们要感谢神,更要给予高度赞扬,因为近几年来,学院都开始朝向自由与民主的开放政策,赋予社体中每一个成员互相表达与尊重的平台,使学生会的角色渐渐受到重视和肯定。也就因此,过去数年来一直蕴藏的问题和困难都一一浮出台面,终于有机会被提出讨论和解决。而讲师与董事们往往都持着正面且积极的态度,看待学生会所提出的意见和建议,大家都在致力落实“人间天堂”。对我们而言,这是一项美好的开始。
对于与我同甘共苦的学生会同工们,谢谢你们所展现出美好的团队精神,使我们在学生会的服事有满足的喜乐。盼望我们能继续有主耶稣基督牺牲的爱,继续为神在学院内外做更大的事!
ONE BODY, ONE MIND ! (同一个团队,同一个梦想)