By Kiera Lhys | 中譯：小米
An open window invites a refreshing breeze
Into a hot, stuffy room with ease.
An open door provides a warm welcome
To a weary traveller at last approaching home.
An open book fires the imagination,
Taking it to faraway places just for fun.
An open heart…what does it do?
Allows Christ to enter, and fill it up with love for you!
開啟一扇窗，請進一陣涼風
悶熱的屋子裡從此恬淡清爽
開啟一道門，熱烈歡迎
歡迎那個疲憊的旅人，終於重歸故里
開啟一本書，點燃想像的火花
只為了喜笑顏開，帶著它直到遠方
開啟一個心靈——能做什麼呢？
讓基督走進去，為你將它裝滿愛！
Friday, December 11, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Extremity of God
By Brad Snider
A few years ago I visited San Francisco for the first time. Besides being a fascinating city, there was something else that struck me. It was something that I read one afternoon in Starbucks as I was waiting for my coffee. I was looking at a specialty mug that they were selling, featuring some general information about the city. On the mug was listed the average temperatures of San Francisco in both January and July, and it read something like this, “Average temperature in January: 14 degrees Celsius. Average temperature in July: 16 degrees Celsius.” “What?” I thought to myself. “Two degrees – that’s it?” Apparently it is never hot, it is never cold, it is always just somewhere in between.
In a strange way, on a spiritual level, God hates San Francisco. Not the city, not the people, but the temperature.
A few years ago I visited San Francisco for the first time. Besides being a fascinating city, there was something else that struck me. It was something that I read one afternoon in Starbucks as I was waiting for my coffee. I was looking at a specialty mug that they were selling, featuring some general information about the city. On the mug was listed the average temperatures of San Francisco in both January and July, and it read something like this, “Average temperature in January: 14 degrees Celsius. Average temperature in July: 16 degrees Celsius.” “What?” I thought to myself. “Two degrees – that’s it?” Apparently it is never hot, it is never cold, it is always just somewhere in between.
In a strange way, on a spiritual level, God hates San Francisco. Not the city, not the people, but the temperature.
上帝的極端
原文：Brad Snider｜中譯：蔡穎
我幾年前第一次去舊金山，那是個很有意思的城市，不過有一點令我很震驚。某天下午，我正在Starbucks買咖啡，看到賣架上有一個特別的咖啡杯，杯上列出了舊金山一月及七月的平均氣溫：「一月平均氣溫，攝氏14 度；七月平均溫度，攝氏16度」。我心想：「什麼？只相差兩度而已嗎？」看來這裡從不炎熱也從不寒冷，總是在酷熱和寒冷之間。
奇怪的是，在屬靈層面上，上帝恨惡舊金山。祂恨的並不是這城市，也不是這裡的人，而是這地方的溫度。
我幾年前第一次去舊金山，那是個很有意思的城市，不過有一點令我很震驚。某天下午，我正在Starbucks買咖啡，看到賣架上有一個特別的咖啡杯，杯上列出了舊金山一月及七月的平均氣溫：「一月平均氣溫，攝氏14 度；七月平均溫度，攝氏16度」。我心想：「什麼？只相差兩度而已嗎？」看來這裡從不炎熱也從不寒冷，總是在酷熱和寒冷之間。
奇怪的是，在屬靈層面上，上帝恨惡舊金山。祂恨的並不是這城市，也不是這裡的人，而是這地方的溫度。
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Taiwan Part II: The Public Declaration
By Iris Lo
It was a cloudy Sunday afternoon, and I was sitting at a restaurant with my friends, waiting for our take-out orders. We were planning to take our lunch to the beach, where we can hang out until the baptism later that day. I looked across the table at my friend Cindy*. She had just graduated from senior high school, and today she was going to be baptized in the ocean. Her face showed a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and she was very quiet, as if trying to contain all the emotions within herself.
It was a cloudy Sunday afternoon, and I was sitting at a restaurant with my friends, waiting for our take-out orders. We were planning to take our lunch to the beach, where we can hang out until the baptism later that day. I looked across the table at my friend Cindy*. She had just graduated from senior high school, and today she was going to be baptized in the ocean. Her face showed a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and she was very quiet, as if trying to contain all the emotions within herself.
台灣第二章：公開宣言
原文：盧詠莛 | 中譯：蔡穎
那是個多雲的星期日下午，我和幾個朋友坐在餐廳裡等我們點的外賣，計畫著將午餐帶到海邊，在那兒打發時間，等待將在海邊舉行的浸禮儀式。我看著坐在對面的朋友Cindy*，剛高中畢業的她要接受浸禮。她很安靜，彷彿要將一切情緒隱藏起來，可是我卻在她臉上看到了夾雜著興奮又緊張的心情。
那是個多雲的星期日下午，我和幾個朋友坐在餐廳裡等我們點的外賣，計畫著將午餐帶到海邊，在那兒打發時間，等待將在海邊舉行的浸禮儀式。我看著坐在對面的朋友Cindy*，剛高中畢業的她要接受浸禮。她很安靜，彷彿要將一切情緒隱藏起來，可是我卻在她臉上看到了夾雜著興奮又緊張的心情。
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Illusion of Control
By Ephesus
Our culture tells us that we need to be in control of our lives in every aspect possible. Take for example the weather. In the past, if there weren’t any snow on our world-renowned snow-peaked Vancouver mountains, we’d cancel the ski trip and make other plans. Then along came the invention of the snow machine, which allowed us to make snow whenever and however much we want it. On July 1, 1997 during the famous Hong Kong handover, the flags of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) both flew with the help of wind-blowing machines even though it was a dry windless day. At first glance, we humans seem to have a firm grasp on life.
Our culture tells us that we need to be in control of our lives in every aspect possible. Take for example the weather. In the past, if there weren’t any snow on our world-renowned snow-peaked Vancouver mountains, we’d cancel the ski trip and make other plans. Then along came the invention of the snow machine, which allowed us to make snow whenever and however much we want it. On July 1, 1997 during the famous Hong Kong handover, the flags of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) both flew with the help of wind-blowing machines even though it was a dry windless day. At first glance, we humans seem to have a firm grasp on life.
控制是個虛幻的概念
原文：以弗所 | 中譯： 楊光
現代文化告訴我們，生活的各各層面都應該被我們控制。用天氣打個比方：在過去，如果溫哥華世界聞名的山峰上沒有積雪，我們便會取消滑雪旅行，去做些別的。但隨著高科技的不斷發展，我們發明了造雪機，能夠在任何時間製造大量的雪，也就可以隨時滑雪了。一九九七年七月一日，香港回歸那日，儘管是個乾燥無風的日子，中國國旗和香港特別行政區的旗幟卻靠著吹風機的幫助飄揚起來。乍一看，我們人類似乎對生活很有把握。
現代文化告訴我們，生活的各各層面都應該被我們控制。用天氣打個比方：在過去，如果溫哥華世界聞名的山峰上沒有積雪，我們便會取消滑雪旅行，去做些別的。但隨著高科技的不斷發展，我們發明了造雪機，能夠在任何時間製造大量的雪，也就可以隨時滑雪了。一九九七年七月一日，香港回歸那日，儘管是個乾燥無風的日子，中國國旗和香港特別行政區的旗幟卻靠著吹風機的幫助飄揚起來。乍一看，我們人類似乎對生活很有把握。
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Interviewing Edith: Getting a Taste of the Life of a World Changer
By Linda Yang
Office conference room after lunch. Edith with her usual tall thermos of caffeinated liquid. Me with my fingers poised to type on the slick keyboard of my MacBook. What followed was an interview that whetted my appetite for the oh-so-clichéd but still vastly appealing aim of “making a difference.”
Office conference room after lunch. Edith with her usual tall thermos of caffeinated liquid. Me with my fingers poised to type on the slick keyboard of my MacBook. What followed was an interview that whetted my appetite for the oh-so-clichéd but still vastly appealing aim of “making a difference.”
採訪Edith：感受一位「世界改變者」的人生
原文：楊光︱中譯：趙泰和
午飯後在辦公廳會議室裡，Edith端著她常用裝著咖啡的熱水瓶。我的手搭在我蘋果筆記本光滑的鍵盤上，準備記錄我們的對話。接下來就是一次令我大有感觸的訪談筆錄，其中展現了一位試圖給世界創造一些「不一樣」的人如何面對人生。
午飯後在辦公廳會議室裡，Edith端著她常用裝著咖啡的熱水瓶。我的手搭在我蘋果筆記本光滑的鍵盤上，準備記錄我們的對話。接下來就是一次令我大有感觸的訪談筆錄，其中展現了一位試圖給世界創造一些「不一樣」的人如何面對人生。
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Altar Boyz Raise the Praise
By Vickie Chow
As a child of the ‘90s, I was reared in an era when jeans were flared, track pants were tearable, and the domineers of pop music came in harmonizing quintets of prepubescent spikey-haired boys. Needless to say, it was much to my delight that the popular Off-Broadway musical comedy, Altar Boyz, was going to be tackled by the Arts Club Theatre Company on the Granville Island Stage. The musical depicts a Christian boy band hailing from the Midwest who are on the last leg of their “Raise the Praise” tour. With the unrelenting determination to spread God’s Word through catchy pop beats and synchronized dance moves, the band periodically looks through the “Soul Sensor DX-12”, a machine that magically gauges the number of burdened souls in the theatre, a number that the Altar Boyz make it their goal to lower down to a clean and sanctified zero by the end of the concert.
As a child of the ‘90s, I was reared in an era when jeans were flared, track pants were tearable, and the domineers of pop music came in harmonizing quintets of prepubescent spikey-haired boys. Needless to say, it was much to my delight that the popular Off-Broadway musical comedy, Altar Boyz, was going to be tackled by the Arts Club Theatre Company on the Granville Island Stage. The musical depicts a Christian boy band hailing from the Midwest who are on the last leg of their “Raise the Praise” tour. With the unrelenting determination to spread God’s Word through catchy pop beats and synchronized dance moves, the band periodically looks through the “Soul Sensor DX-12”, a machine that magically gauges the number of burdened souls in the theatre, a number that the Altar Boyz make it their goal to lower down to a clean and sanctified zero by the end of the concert.
祭壇男孩高舉讚美
原文：Vickie Chow | 中譯：楊光
在我成長的90年代裡，穿的是喇叭牛仔褲或能一手扯下來的運動褲，而且在流行音樂裡稱王稱霸的都是一組組會五重唱、頭髮尖尖、青春前期的男孩子。所以，當聽說Arts Club藝術劇團將在Granville島劇院舞台上錶演出自百老匯、極受歡迎的音樂喜劇《祭壇男孩》時，我興奮不已。這篇音樂劇描寫了一組從美國中西部來的基督教男孩樂隊，正在他們「高舉讚美」巡回演唱會的最後一站。他們有著堅定不移的決心，要通過上口的流行音樂和同步舞蹈動作來傳播上帝的話語，而且據說樂隊會不時地透過「靈魂傳感器DX-12」，能神奇地看到劇院中擔重擔的靈魂數目，《祭壇男孩》的目標就是在演唱會結束前將這數目降到又乾淨又聖潔的零!
在我成長的90年代裡，穿的是喇叭牛仔褲或能一手扯下來的運動褲，而且在流行音樂裡稱王稱霸的都是一組組會五重唱、頭髮尖尖、青春前期的男孩子。所以，當聽說Arts Club藝術劇團將在Granville島劇院舞台上錶演出自百老匯、極受歡迎的音樂喜劇《祭壇男孩》時，我興奮不已。這篇音樂劇描寫了一組從美國中西部來的基督教男孩樂隊，正在他們「高舉讚美」巡回演唱會的最後一站。他們有著堅定不移的決心，要通過上口的流行音樂和同步舞蹈動作來傳播上帝的話語，而且據說樂隊會不時地透過「靈魂傳感器DX-12」，能神奇地看到劇院中擔重擔的靈魂數目，《祭壇男孩》的目標就是在演唱會結束前將這數目降到又乾淨又聖潔的零!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Encounters Part I: Taiwan
By Iris Lo
Two months ago, I was on a plane bound for Taiwan to begin my one-year journey away from home as a Partner of OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) to do part-time missionary work whilst “tent-making” as a children’s English teacher. Having never lived on my own before and being fresh out of university, I felt like I had been plucked out of my sheltered life and dropped into an entirely new world. I am currently a part-time teacher at an English school and a helper at a new church-plant in the city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I’ve been pushed to learn Mandarin, to drive a scooter, and to look after myself.
Two months ago, I was on a plane bound for Taiwan to begin my one-year journey away from home as a Partner of OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) to do part-time missionary work whilst “tent-making” as a children’s English teacher. Having never lived on my own before and being fresh out of university, I felt like I had been plucked out of my sheltered life and dropped into an entirely new world. I am currently a part-time teacher at an English school and a helper at a new church-plant in the city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I’ve been pushed to learn Mandarin, to drive a scooter, and to look after myself.
「一見如故」第一章：台灣
原文：盧詠莛 | 中譯： 蔡穎
兩個月前，我搭乘飛機前往台灣，開始了離家為期一年去作「海外基督使團」的宣教事工，並且由當英文老師來維持生活。今年大學剛畢業的我，從未有自己隻身在外的經歷，突然覺得自己從一個備受呵護的生活中被拽出來、丟進了一個全新的世界。我現在臺灣高雄市一所英文學校作教師，也在當地一所新植堂的教會裡幫忙。因這裡的環境，我被迫學習國語、騎機車、並照顧自己的日常生活。儘管很想家，而且結識新朋友以及建立一個新生活很費力，但是上帝依然信實，祂的神性及祂對我的愛不曾改變。我也從「海外基督使團」的同伴和其他宣教士身上體驗了上帝的慈愛。遇到了這些從世界各地而來、堅守信仰的基督徒們，使我預先體會到以後在天堂裡的美好！
兩個月前，我搭乘飛機前往台灣，開始了離家為期一年去作「海外基督使團」的宣教事工，並且由當英文老師來維持生活。今年大學剛畢業的我，從未有自己隻身在外的經歷，突然覺得自己從一個備受呵護的生活中被拽出來、丟進了一個全新的世界。我現在臺灣高雄市一所英文學校作教師，也在當地一所新植堂的教會裡幫忙。因這裡的環境，我被迫學習國語、騎機車、並照顧自己的日常生活。儘管很想家，而且結識新朋友以及建立一個新生活很費力，但是上帝依然信實，祂的神性及祂對我的愛不曾改變。我也從「海外基督使團」的同伴和其他宣教士身上體驗了上帝的慈愛。遇到了這些從世界各地而來、堅守信仰的基督徒們，使我預先體會到以後在天堂裡的美好！
Monday, August 10, 2009
What I Learned from Moses
By Sharon Chan
We were driving westbound on Bridgeport road. Our car had just started moving again after stopping at a controlled intersection. We started to speed up for about fifty metres when traffic comes to a stop.
“What’s going on?” I question aloud. We peer past the vehicles stopped all around us. From between the two westbound lanes, weaving throughout the attentive drivers, was a disoriented looking man. He was a young person and he looked utterly confused and lost. He ducked his head to look into our vehicle as he walked past, a deeply anxious look in his eyes. A couple of pedestrians on the sidewalk, as well as two vehicles with their hazards lights on, seemed to be phoning the police.
We were driving westbound on Bridgeport road. Our car had just started moving again after stopping at a controlled intersection. We started to speed up for about fifty metres when traffic comes to a stop.
“What’s going on?” I question aloud. We peer past the vehicles stopped all around us. From between the two westbound lanes, weaving throughout the attentive drivers, was a disoriented looking man. He was a young person and he looked utterly confused and lost. He ducked his head to look into our vehicle as he walked past, a deeply anxious look in his eyes. A couple of pedestrians on the sidewalk, as well as two vehicles with their hazards lights on, seemed to be phoning the police.
我從摩西那裡學到什麼？
原文：陳沙崙 ︱中譯：趙泰和
我們正在Bridgeport路上駕車向西行，在十字路口停了一會後，我們又繼續向前行，加速行駛了50米左右忽然大家都停了下來。
「怎麼回事？」我問道。我們向四週的車輛張望，在兩條西行車道間，一個迷失方向的人從中走了出來，是一名年輕人，看起來十分迷惑。當他走過的時候，他低下頭來朝我們的車裡看著，眼神充滿了焦慮，行人道上有幾個人好像在給警察打電話。
我們正在Bridgeport路上駕車向西行，在十字路口停了一會後，我們又繼續向前行，加速行駛了50米左右忽然大家都停了下來。
「怎麼回事？」我問道。我們向四週的車輛張望，在兩條西行車道間，一個迷失方向的人從中走了出來，是一名年輕人，看起來十分迷惑。當他走過的時候，他低下頭來朝我們的車裡看著，眼神充滿了焦慮，行人道上有幾個人好像在給警察打電話。
Cry 《呼喊》
By Kiera Lhys | 中譯：小米
My God, my God,
Why hast Thou forsaken me?
Hear my cry, quoted from Your Son.
How do You expect me to live in this earth
Surrounded by hate, sorrow, and frustration?
Why are You so far when I need you most?
My child, my child,
Why have you so little faith?
Does not every tempest give way to peace?
Does not My hand carry you through all adversity,
And in all your times of trial and fear?
Why doubt My love for you when I display it most?
Within every cloud, there is a silver lining.
After every storm appears a rainbow.
With every death, there is a new life.
After every Winter comes Spring.
While you are shaking your fist at heaven in fury,
God is holding you the closest in comfort.
我的神，我的神，
你為什麼離棄我？
聽我的呼喚，它本是你兒子在吶喊
你怎麼能指望我在這樣的世上活下去？
到處是仇恨、是挫折、是哀傷！
為什麼在我最需要你的時候，
你卻離我那麼遠？
我的孩子，我的孩子
為什麼你的信心只有那麼一點？
每場風暴不都一一平息了嗎？
我不是牽著你的手，度過所有艱險？
在你歷經磨難、在你膽怯時，
我不是總在你身邊嗎？
為什麼在我最愛你的時候，
你卻開始懷疑我的愛？
每片雲彩，都有一條銀邊
每次風雨過後，便有彩虹乍現
每一個消亡生命背後，是一次新生
冬天過後，迎來的是春天
當你朝著天堂，揮舞你憤怒的雙拳
神正緊緊抱著你——安慰不歇……
My God, my God,
Why hast Thou forsaken me?
Hear my cry, quoted from Your Son.
How do You expect me to live in this earth
Surrounded by hate, sorrow, and frustration?
Why are You so far when I need you most?
My child, my child,
Why have you so little faith?
Does not every tempest give way to peace?
Does not My hand carry you through all adversity,
And in all your times of trial and fear?
Why doubt My love for you when I display it most?
Within every cloud, there is a silver lining.
After every storm appears a rainbow.
With every death, there is a new life.
After every Winter comes Spring.
While you are shaking your fist at heaven in fury,
God is holding you the closest in comfort.
我的神，我的神，
你為什麼離棄我？
聽我的呼喚，它本是你兒子在吶喊
你怎麼能指望我在這樣的世上活下去？
到處是仇恨、是挫折、是哀傷！
為什麼在我最需要你的時候，
你卻離我那麼遠？
我的孩子，我的孩子
為什麼你的信心只有那麼一點？
每場風暴不都一一平息了嗎？
我不是牽著你的手，度過所有艱險？
在你歷經磨難、在你膽怯時，
我不是總在你身邊嗎？
為什麼在我最愛你的時候，
你卻開始懷疑我的愛？
每片雲彩，都有一條銀邊
每次風雨過後，便有彩虹乍現
每一個消亡生命背後，是一次新生
冬天過後，迎來的是春天
當你朝著天堂，揮舞你憤怒的雙拳
神正緊緊抱著你——安慰不歇……
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Not for the Faint-hearted
By Linda Yang
Want a job that’s multi-faceted and has variety and challenges? Check out this description of a week below.
Tuesday. Office: email and phone correspondence, follow up on prayer request items and questions, mentor session with an intern, begin preparing material for the week–sermon, small group study, meeting agenda, Sunday bulletin article, Sunday school lessons, etc. Night: attend meetings because most people are not available during the day, make house calls.
Wednesday. Office: staff meetings, mentorship session with an intern, work on weekly materials, work on long-range projects–church-wide events, planning, etc, finalize Sunday materials and sermon PowerPoint slideshow. Night: lead a Bible study class.
Thursday. Office: recheck Sunday materials for publication, send materials to secretary for publication tomorrow, correspondence. Night: attend meetings, counselling sessions: pre-marital and marital counselling, occasionally dealing with crisis situations (e.g. death in a family, losing one’s job, discovery of serious health condition).
Friday. A day much like the day before. Check over finished bulletin as it comes in. More email and phone correspondence. Deal with things as they come up.
Saturday. Meetings galore! Leadership team meeting can last 3 hours. Attend fellowship group, or share at a small group when invited. Night: reserved for reflection on the Sunday message.
Sunday. Busiest day of the week is spent at church. Preach sermon during service. Teach Sunday school. Lunch gathering with some members. Sometimes meetings in the afternoon. Preach occasionally at a Mandarin language service in the evening.
Monday. Finally, Sabbath Day. A day of spiritual renewal and physical rest. Try not to attend to church-related activities unless it is an emergency. Time of prayer, reflection, connecting with family, and often the only time of the week to get groceries!
Want a job that’s multi-faceted and has variety and challenges? Check out this description of a week below.
Tuesday. Office: email and phone correspondence, follow up on prayer request items and questions, mentor session with an intern, begin preparing material for the week–sermon, small group study, meeting agenda, Sunday bulletin article, Sunday school lessons, etc. Night: attend meetings because most people are not available during the day, make house calls.
Wednesday. Office: staff meetings, mentorship session with an intern, work on weekly materials, work on long-range projects–church-wide events, planning, etc, finalize Sunday materials and sermon PowerPoint slideshow. Night: lead a Bible study class.
Thursday. Office: recheck Sunday materials for publication, send materials to secretary for publication tomorrow, correspondence. Night: attend meetings, counselling sessions: pre-marital and marital counselling, occasionally dealing with crisis situations (e.g. death in a family, losing one’s job, discovery of serious health condition).
Friday. A day much like the day before. Check over finished bulletin as it comes in. More email and phone correspondence. Deal with things as they come up.
Saturday. Meetings galore! Leadership team meeting can last 3 hours. Attend fellowship group, or share at a small group when invited. Night: reserved for reflection on the Sunday message.
Sunday. Busiest day of the week is spent at church. Preach sermon during service. Teach Sunday school. Lunch gathering with some members. Sometimes meetings in the afternoon. Preach occasionally at a Mandarin language service in the evening.
Monday. Finally, Sabbath Day. A day of spiritual renewal and physical rest. Try not to attend to church-related activities unless it is an emergency. Time of prayer, reflection, connecting with family, and often the only time of the week to get groceries!
心力衰弱者不宜！
原文：楊光︱中譯：楊愛程
想要找一份多層面、多樣性和多種挑戰的工作嗎？請看以下的一週日誌:
週二：辦公室：發電子郵件、打電話、跟進代禱請求和問題、與實習生面談、準備本週所要用的材料—講章、小組查經、會議議程、要印在主日崇拜程序單上的文章、主日學課程，等等。晚上：參加各種會議（因為人們白天無法與會），家訪。
週三： 辦公室：同工會議、與實習生面談、預備本週所要用的材料、籌劃長期事工—教會整體的活動、計劃等等、完成主日崇拜用的材料和與講章相配套的PowerPoint幻燈片。晚上：帶領一個查經班。
週四： 辦公室：再查核主日崇拜用的材料和主日崇拜程序單內容、送交秘書準備第二天刊印、通信。晚上：參加各種會議、輔導：婚前輔導、婚約輔導、不時處理危機情勢（例如，失去家庭成員、失去工作、發現嚴重健康問題，等等。）
週五：這天基本上與前一天相似，查閱即將付印的主日崇拜程序單，更多電郵和電話通訊、處理許多遇時發生的事情。
週六：這天總是有許多會議，而帶領團隊會議常常歷事三小時！還要參加團契聚會，或者應邀在某個小組分享信息。晚上：專為思想主日證道信息而保留。
主日：這是每個教會一週內最忙碌的一天：崇拜中證道、教主日學課程、與會友共進午餐、有時下午還要開會、有時還要在晚上聚會的國語堂證道。
週一：終於到了休息日，這天可以有靈性上的更新和身體上的休息，盡可能不參與與教會有關的活動，除非事出緊急。在這一天有時間作祈禱、與家人相處，也是一週內唯一採購日用物品的時候。
想要找一份多層面、多樣性和多種挑戰的工作嗎？請看以下的一週日誌:
週二：辦公室：發電子郵件、打電話、跟進代禱請求和問題、與實習生面談、準備本週所要用的材料—講章、小組查經、會議議程、要印在主日崇拜程序單上的文章、主日學課程，等等。晚上：參加各種會議（因為人們白天無法與會），家訪。
週三： 辦公室：同工會議、與實習生面談、預備本週所要用的材料、籌劃長期事工—教會整體的活動、計劃等等、完成主日崇拜用的材料和與講章相配套的PowerPoint幻燈片。晚上：帶領一個查經班。
週四： 辦公室：再查核主日崇拜用的材料和主日崇拜程序單內容、送交秘書準備第二天刊印、通信。晚上：參加各種會議、輔導：婚前輔導、婚約輔導、不時處理危機情勢（例如，失去家庭成員、失去工作、發現嚴重健康問題，等等。）
週五：這天基本上與前一天相似，查閱即將付印的主日崇拜程序單，更多電郵和電話通訊、處理許多遇時發生的事情。
週六：這天總是有許多會議，而帶領團隊會議常常歷事三小時！還要參加團契聚會，或者應邀在某個小組分享信息。晚上：專為思想主日證道信息而保留。
主日：這是每個教會一週內最忙碌的一天：崇拜中證道、教主日學課程、與會友共進午餐、有時下午還要開會、有時還要在晚上聚會的國語堂證道。
週一：終於到了休息日，這天可以有靈性上的更新和身體上的休息，盡可能不參與與教會有關的活動，除非事出緊急。在這一天有時間作祈禱、與家人相處，也是一週內唯一採購日用物品的時候。
The Radical Fringe of Christianity
By Vickie Chow
There is something consoling in the fact that there are millions of people around the world that share our belief and convictions as Christians. Knowing that we are all intricately connected as one family under God infuses hope into my future outlook for the world and instills warm fuzzies in my inner being. Now, before I get everyone to join hands and mislead you into a rousing chorus of Kumbaya amidst a swarm of laughing multi-ethnic children, I feel obliged to forewarn you that this article does not focus on this inner ring of Christianity, but rather I feel the need to address those Christians that are marching to the beat of a different drum—an angrier, more abrasive drum. I’m referring to those Christians who claim the gospel but engage themselves in activities that exemplify anything but Christ’s character.
There is something consoling in the fact that there are millions of people around the world that share our belief and convictions as Christians. Knowing that we are all intricately connected as one family under God infuses hope into my future outlook for the world and instills warm fuzzies in my inner being. Now, before I get everyone to join hands and mislead you into a rousing chorus of Kumbaya amidst a swarm of laughing multi-ethnic children, I feel obliged to forewarn you that this article does not focus on this inner ring of Christianity, but rather I feel the need to address those Christians that are marching to the beat of a different drum—an angrier, more abrasive drum. I’m referring to those Christians who claim the gospel but engage themselves in activities that exemplify anything but Christ’s character.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Pick up and Read!
By Ephesus
As it has been said, one of the most profound theological statements is found in the hymn “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” We Christians generally seem to be ecstatic about the first half of the phrase, but how often do we get excited about the second part: the Bible is the written revelation of God.
As it has been said, one of the most profound theological statements is found in the hymn “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” We Christians generally seem to be ecstatic about the first half of the phrase, but how often do we get excited about the second part: the Bible is the written revelation of God.
拿起來讀吧！
原文：以弗所 | 中譯：楊光
「耶穌愛我！我知道，因有聖經告訴我」，有人說，這句幼兒讚美詩歌歌詞是一句深奧的神學真理。作為基督徒，我們一般對上半句很興奮，但經常忘記注意下半句：聖經是上帝的啟示。
「耶穌愛我！我知道，因有聖經告訴我」，有人說，這句幼兒讚美詩歌歌詞是一句深奧的神學真理。作為基督徒，我們一般對上半句很興奮，但經常忘記注意下半句：聖經是上帝的啟示。
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Examples of Love
I went from being a happy girl to someone totally different. I went through a time where I decided I wanted to die, and I told God I want to die. The next morning, I woke up, and I was still alive. I thought maybe God wanted me to keep living. I wanted to die because I was tired of this world. I thought that everything was strange. I also did not know how my future would be like.
愛的範例
原文：佚名 | 中譯：趙泰和
我從一個快樂的女孩變成了一個完全不同的人。我曾經有一段時間想結束生命，告訴神我想死，可是第二天早上醒來，發現自己還是活著，或許神希望我繼續活下去。我之所以想死是因為我厭煩了這個世界。我覺得所有的事情都很奇怪，並且對未來的路一無所知。
我從一個快樂的女孩變成了一個完全不同的人。我曾經有一段時間想結束生命，告訴神我想死，可是第二天早上醒來，發現自己還是活著，或許神希望我繼續活下去。我之所以想死是因為我厭煩了這個世界。我覺得所有的事情都很奇怪，並且對未來的路一無所知。
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Once Upon a Time
By Kiera Lhys
Artwork by Iris Lo
Once upon a time.
Simple words that begin a fairy tale.
Fairies, and magic, and evil queens,
And happily-ever-afters.
Once upon a time.
There once lived a little girl.
Her mama ran away without a thought,
Leaving her alone with Papa and Granma,
And her once-upon-a-times.
Her papa got her a new mama,
And her granma went to heaven.
Still, the little girl kept living
In once-upon-a-times.
She grew up a dreamer.
Her mind was always in the clouds.
Reality is fantasy, and fantasy is reality
With once-upon-a-times.
The little girl always felt alone.
She didn’t know that God was always near,
Even when she loses herself
Within once-upon-a-times.
A trusted friend finally showed her
God’s outstretched hand and unfailing love.
The girl reached out and took His hand.
No more once-upon-a-times.
God has saved her from herself
And has redeemed her from evil.
If not for God, she would still be cursed to live
Inside once-upon-a-times.
There is no life within fantasy.
God gave new life with new meaning
The moment she accepted Him and
Left her once-upon-a-times.
Once upon a time.
Simple words that bring only emptiness.
In Christ alone, I place my trust.
Simple words that bring happily-ever-afters
When He calls us home.
Artwork by Iris Lo
Simple words that begin a fairy tale.
Fairies, and magic, and evil queens,
And happily-ever-afters.
Once upon a time.
There once lived a little girl.
Her mama ran away without a thought,
Leaving her alone with Papa and Granma,
And her once-upon-a-times.
Her papa got her a new mama,
And her granma went to heaven.
Still, the little girl kept living
In once-upon-a-times.
She grew up a dreamer.
Her mind was always in the clouds.
Reality is fantasy, and fantasy is reality
With once-upon-a-times.
The little girl always felt alone.
She didn’t know that God was always near,
Even when she loses herself
Within once-upon-a-times.
A trusted friend finally showed her
God’s outstretched hand and unfailing love.
The girl reached out and took His hand.
No more once-upon-a-times.
God has saved her from herself
And has redeemed her from evil.
If not for God, she would still be cursed to live
Inside once-upon-a-times.
There is no life within fantasy.
God gave new life with new meaning
The moment she accepted Him and
Left her once-upon-a-times.
Once upon a time.
Simple words that bring only emptiness.
In Christ alone, I place my trust.
Simple words that bring happily-ever-afters
When He calls us home.
曾幾何時
原文：Kiera Lhys ︱中譯：小米 | 插圖：盧詠莛
曾幾何時，
童話的開頭只需三言兩語:
魔法、巫婆和仙女，
然後，就是永遠幸福快樂的結局。
曾幾何時，
有一個小女孩，
她媽媽走的時候不曾猶豫，
留她下來跟爸爸、奶奶相依。
曾幾何時，
爸爸給她找了個新媽媽；
奶奶去了天堂，
而她仍舊不斷長大。
曾幾何時，
她整天都在做夢；
她的心裡一片混沌，
現實是一場幻覺，而幻想裡面的一切卻那麼真。
曾幾何時，
小女孩總是覺得孤單；
她並不知道主一直在她身旁，
即使，當她已經變得認不出她自己。
曾幾何時，
一個好友終於讓她知道，
主的膀臂一直為她而伸，主愛無窮無盡；
女孩於是伸出自己的手，握住主的手。
於是–再也沒有曾幾何時，
主把她從舊我裡面拯救出來，
主已經把她從罪惡裡贖出，
如果沒有主，她會仍舊生活在詛咒中，
仍舊不斷重復著“曾幾何時”。
幻覺沒有生命，
而在主裡的新生卻還有了簇新的意義；
當她接受主的那一刻，
她就離開了那些“曾幾何時”。
曾幾何時，
三言兩語之後有的只是空虛；
我只信靠主，
這同樣簡單的語句，卻真意味著幸福快樂的結局，
因為它，我們得以到天家裡與主團聚。
童話的開頭只需三言兩語:
魔法、巫婆和仙女，
然後，就是永遠幸福快樂的結局。
曾幾何時，
有一個小女孩，
她媽媽走的時候不曾猶豫，
留她下來跟爸爸、奶奶相依。
曾幾何時，
爸爸給她找了個新媽媽；
奶奶去了天堂，
而她仍舊不斷長大。
曾幾何時，
她整天都在做夢；
她的心裡一片混沌，
現實是一場幻覺，而幻想裡面的一切卻那麼真。
曾幾何時，
小女孩總是覺得孤單；
她並不知道主一直在她身旁，
即使，當她已經變得認不出她自己。
曾幾何時，
一個好友終於讓她知道，
主的膀臂一直為她而伸，主愛無窮無盡；
女孩於是伸出自己的手，握住主的手。
於是–再也沒有曾幾何時，
主把她從舊我裡面拯救出來，
主已經把她從罪惡裡贖出，
如果沒有主，她會仍舊生活在詛咒中，
仍舊不斷重復著“曾幾何時”。
幻覺沒有生命，
而在主裡的新生卻還有了簇新的意義；
當她接受主的那一刻，
她就離開了那些“曾幾何時”。
曾幾何時，
三言兩語之後有的只是空虛；
我只信靠主，
這同樣簡單的語句，卻真意味著幸福快樂的結局，
因為它，我們得以到天家裡與主團聚。
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Best in the World: Thoughts on the Good Samaritan
By Brad Snider
When I was younger, my favourite sport was road hockey, and I played every chance I got. Consequently, I became pretty good at it. But in my young mind, I soon thought I wasn’t just pretty good; I was the best in the world! Everyone I played with couldn’t run like me, couldn’t shoot like me, couldn’t stick-handle like me – I would play with older kids and I was better than them too! But that little world all came crashing down one day.I was at a friend’s house, and the two of us were playing road hockey outside. As we were playing, a friend of his came walking down the street. “Hey, my friend is coming to play with us,” my friend said to me. “He’s pretty good. In fact, he’s better than you!” I was indignant! “We’ll see about that!” I said as I grabbed the hockey stick out of his hand, determined to show him the error of his ways. We played, and it turned out he was better than me, much better! I soon discovered that not only was I not the best in the world at road hockey, now I wasn’t even the best on the block! I had an encounter that day with someone which left me with a very different view of myself than when I had arrived. And it was humbling.
When I was younger, my favourite sport was road hockey, and I played every chance I got. Consequently, I became pretty good at it. But in my young mind, I soon thought I wasn’t just pretty good; I was the best in the world! Everyone I played with couldn’t run like me, couldn’t shoot like me, couldn’t stick-handle like me – I would play with older kids and I was better than them too! But that little world all came crashing down one day.I was at a friend’s house, and the two of us were playing road hockey outside. As we were playing, a friend of his came walking down the street. “Hey, my friend is coming to play with us,” my friend said to me. “He’s pretty good. In fact, he’s better than you!” I was indignant! “We’ll see about that!” I said as I grabbed the hockey stick out of his hand, determined to show him the error of his ways. We played, and it turned out he was better than me, much better! I soon discovered that not only was I not the best in the world at road hockey, now I wasn’t even the best on the block! I had an encounter that day with someone which left me with a very different view of myself than when I had arrived. And it was humbling.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
世界上最好的：「好撒瑪利亞人的比喻」讀後感
原文：Brad Snider | 中譯：楊光
小的時候，我最喜歡在街道上打曲棍球，一有機會就出去玩，所以我打得還挺不錯。但是，過了一陣，在我幼小的心靈中，我覺得我不僅僅打得好，而是世界上最好的！沒人比我跑得快，沒人射門比我射得準，沒人的球技比我的精，連比我年齡大的孩子都沒我打得好！但是有一天我的這個世界崩潰了。那天我在朋友家玩，兩人在外面打曲棍球，他的一個朋友走過來說，「我有個朋友要來和咱們一起玩。」我的朋友對我說，「他打得可好了，比你都好！」我感到很不以為然，便說，「哼，走著瞧吧！」我一把從他手中搶走了球棍，決定向他證明他的想法是多麼錯誤。我們開始打球，結果他真的打得比我好，而且好很多！我很快發現，我不僅僅不是世界上最好的曲棍球手，現在連我們街上鄰居中都不是最好的！我那天遇到的人改變了我對自己的看法，使我感到慚愧。
小的時候，我最喜歡在街道上打曲棍球，一有機會就出去玩，所以我打得還挺不錯。但是，過了一陣，在我幼小的心靈中，我覺得我不僅僅打得好，而是世界上最好的！沒人比我跑得快，沒人射門比我射得準，沒人的球技比我的精，連比我年齡大的孩子都沒我打得好！但是有一天我的這個世界崩潰了。那天我在朋友家玩，兩人在外面打曲棍球，他的一個朋友走過來說，「我有個朋友要來和咱們一起玩。」我的朋友對我說，「他打得可好了，比你都好！」我感到很不以為然，便說，「哼，走著瞧吧！」我一把從他手中搶走了球棍，決定向他證明他的想法是多麼錯誤。我們開始打球，結果他真的打得比我好，而且好很多！我很快發現，我不僅僅不是世界上最好的曲棍球手，現在連我們街上鄰居中都不是最好的！我那天遇到的人改變了我對自己的看法，使我感到慚愧。
Sunday, April 5, 2009
To be like Christ
By Sharon Chan
Humility is one of the hardest Christ qualities to emulate. Jesus personified humility by his death. Though He is God, he made himself lower than sinful humans by taking their sin. Though he did not deserve suffering, he obeyed the Father’s will which earned Him the wages of sin. It was entirely in Lord Jesus’ right to exercise His authority: to overcome his human tormentors, to punish those who showed contempt to Him, and to judge those He came to save. But He didn’t.
Humility is one of the hardest Christ qualities to emulate. Jesus personified humility by his death. Though He is God, he made himself lower than sinful humans by taking their sin. Though he did not deserve suffering, he obeyed the Father’s will which earned Him the wages of sin. It was entirely in Lord Jesus’ right to exercise His authority: to overcome his human tormentors, to punish those who showed contempt to Him, and to judge those He came to save. But He didn’t.
更像基督
原文：陳沙崙 ︱中譯：趙泰和
謙卑是基督的品格中是最難效仿者之一。耶穌的死真實地展現了謙卑。雖然祂是上帝，祂卻自我降卑，甚至低於人，甘願擔當人的罪。雖然祂不該承受這樣的苦難，但祂順服天父的旨意，得到了罪的工價。耶穌其實有絕對的權利來行使祂的權柄：制服那些折磨祂的人，懲罰蔑視祂的人，並且審判所有祂要拯救的人。
謙卑是基督的品格中是最難效仿者之一。耶穌的死真實地展現了謙卑。雖然祂是上帝，祂卻自我降卑，甚至低於人，甘願擔當人的罪。雖然祂不該承受這樣的苦難，但祂順服天父的旨意，得到了罪的工價。耶穌其實有絕對的權利來行使祂的權柄：制服那些折磨祂的人，懲罰蔑視祂的人，並且審判所有祂要拯救的人。
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Happy《快樂》
Poem and artwork By Naomi | 原文及插圖：小米
It is true
that
I am no longer young and pretty
I am living a life without family
I have no lover, no career
no money
But you know what?
Because of Jesus,
I am happy
這首名叫《快樂》的詩，是我為主耶穌作的見證。也許，在世人眼中，自己一事無成，可是，主耶穌親自把聖靈，栽種在我的心裡讓我得以在喜樂和平安中，迎接每一天的晨曦。
that
I am no longer young and pretty
I am living a life without family
I have no lover, no career
no money
But you know what?
Because of Jesus,
I am happy
這首名叫《快樂》的詩，是我為主耶穌作的見證。也許，在世人眼中，自己一事無成，可是，主耶穌親自把聖靈，栽種在我的心裡讓我得以在喜樂和平安中，迎接每一天的晨曦。
Friday, April 3, 2009
His Grace is Enough
By Emily Xu | English Translation: Linda Yang
When I first accepted Christ, all I focused on was the receiving of eternal life and going to heaven. I didn’t really understand the Lord’s sacrificial love nor was I able to make myself interested in reading the Bible. I also was not very keen on attending church and often tuned out during sermons.
There were even times when I felt that the Lord’s commandments impeded my freedom, as if this “label” of being a Christian had trapped me. It was not until once during service, we were singing a hymn, and when we sang the words, “God’s grace is sufficient for me,” the tears began to fall. I thought of myself, entering this world naked and yet had been given so many blessings and so much love, I was moved and felt filled in a way that has never happened before. At the end of the song, my heart was uncharacteristically at peace, and the tears kept pouring down. I felt the realness of God, like a child, who had left home for many years, now finding herself tightly held in her father’s arms. My heart was seized by both gratitude and repentance. A few days later, it was Easter, and as I watched the film “The Passion of the Christ,” each whip-inflicted wound on Jesus’ body shook me to the core. I could not imagine that pain, could not imagine that shame.
When I first accepted Christ, all I focused on was the receiving of eternal life and going to heaven. I didn’t really understand the Lord’s sacrificial love nor was I able to make myself interested in reading the Bible. I also was not very keen on attending church and often tuned out during sermons.
There were even times when I felt that the Lord’s commandments impeded my freedom, as if this “label” of being a Christian had trapped me. It was not until once during service, we were singing a hymn, and when we sang the words, “God’s grace is sufficient for me,” the tears began to fall. I thought of myself, entering this world naked and yet had been given so many blessings and so much love, I was moved and felt filled in a way that has never happened before. At the end of the song, my heart was uncharacteristically at peace, and the tears kept pouring down. I felt the realness of God, like a child, who had left home for many years, now finding herself tightly held in her father’s arms. My heart was seized by both gratitude and repentance. A few days later, it was Easter, and as I watched the film “The Passion of the Christ,” each whip-inflicted wound on Jesus’ body shook me to the core. I could not imagine that pain, could not imagine that shame.
主恩典夠我用
原文：徐淼
初信主時，想的是可以得永生，可以上天堂，並不瞭解主耶誕犧牲的愛，提不起興趣看《聖經》，上教會不積極，有時聽道還會開小差，甚至有時覺得主的戒命限制了我的自由，我像是被「基督徒」這個頭銜束縛住了。
直到一次聚會，當讚美詩唱到「主的恩典夠我用」時，我的眼淚簌簌地落下，想到赤身裸體來到這世上的我，卻得如此多的祝福和愛，心裡是從未有過的感動和滿足。唱到最後一段，我心裡變得異常平靜，眼淚依然止不住地如泉般湧出，我感到神是如此真實，我就像個離家多年的孩子突然被父親抱在懷裡，心被緊緊揪住，感恩和悔恨參半。接著又在幾天後的復活節看了《耶穌受難記》，主受鞭打的一道道深深的傷痕，都震撼著我的心靈，我沒有辦法想象那是怎樣的劇痛，沒有辦法想象那是怎樣的恥辱。
初信主時，想的是可以得永生，可以上天堂，並不瞭解主耶誕犧牲的愛，提不起興趣看《聖經》，上教會不積極，有時聽道還會開小差，甚至有時覺得主的戒命限制了我的自由，我像是被「基督徒」這個頭銜束縛住了。
直到一次聚會，當讚美詩唱到「主的恩典夠我用」時，我的眼淚簌簌地落下，想到赤身裸體來到這世上的我，卻得如此多的祝福和愛，心裡是從未有過的感動和滿足。唱到最後一段，我心裡變得異常平靜，眼淚依然止不住地如泉般湧出，我感到神是如此真實，我就像個離家多年的孩子突然被父親抱在懷裡，心被緊緊揪住，感恩和悔恨參半。接著又在幾天後的復活節看了《耶穌受難記》，主受鞭打的一道道深深的傷痕，都震撼著我的心靈，我沒有辦法想象那是怎樣的劇痛，沒有辦法想象那是怎樣的恥辱。
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Steady Hands
By Thomas Hong, guest contributor
Today we commemorate the life and grieve over the departure of a devoted husband, an admirable father, a compassionate grandfather, and a loving friend. I’ve never experienced the passing of a family member, nor have I ever been to a funeral before, much less give a eulogy. However, when the recipient of this solemn occasion is my grandfather, the man who took care of me in the first four years of my life, nothing can stop me from this honour.
Today we commemorate the life and grieve over the departure of a devoted husband, an admirable father, a compassionate grandfather, and a loving friend. I’ve never experienced the passing of a family member, nor have I ever been to a funeral before, much less give a eulogy. However, when the recipient of this solemn occasion is my grandfather, the man who took care of me in the first four years of my life, nothing can stop me from this honour.
穩重的雙手
原文：洪斯民 | 中譯：楊光
今天，我們紀念這位忠誠的丈夫，令人欽佩的父親，富有同情心的爺爺，充滿愛的朋友的一生，並為他的離去而哀悼。我從來沒有經歷過家庭成員的離世，也沒有參加過葬禮，更沒有致過悼詞。可是這莊嚴的時刻是為了記念我的爺爺，這位在我生下後替我父母親扶養了我四年的人，我無論如何都不能推辭這樣的榮幸。
今天，我們紀念這位忠誠的丈夫，令人欽佩的父親，富有同情心的爺爺，充滿愛的朋友的一生，並為他的離去而哀悼。我從來沒有經歷過家庭成員的離世，也沒有參加過葬禮，更沒有致過悼詞。可是這莊嚴的時刻是為了記念我的爺爺，這位在我生下後替我父母親扶養了我四年的人，我無論如何都不能推辭這樣的榮幸。
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dating vs. Courtship
By Iris Lo
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to take a look at what dating is. People seem to have different purposes when entering into a relationship – some may be dating because they’re exploring “the field”, while others are seriously looking for a life-long partner. In his book, Boy Meets Girl, Joshua Harris argues that the notion of dating has become too ambiguous, which raises the potential of relationships ending in broken hearts. Instead, the American author and pastor makes a case for courtship in his book.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to take a look at what dating is. People seem to have different purposes when entering into a relationship – some may be dating because they’re exploring “the field”, while others are seriously looking for a life-long partner. In his book, Boy Meets Girl, Joshua Harris argues that the notion of dating has become too ambiguous, which raises the potential of relationships ending in broken hearts. Instead, the American author and pastor makes a case for courtship in his book.
約會vs.婚前交往
原文：盧詠莛 | 中譯：趙泰和
隨著情人節的來臨，約會的浪漫氣氛也隨之而來，但約會究竟是甚麼？不同的人似乎對開展交往關係抱有不同的目的—有些人只是為了「探索人生新領域」而約會，但也有人是真心地尋找未來的人生伴侶。在《當男孩遇見女孩》一書中，作者約書亞•哈裡斯闡述了現今社會對約會的觀念越發模糊，從而導致許多以心碎告終的交往。這位美國作者兼牧師在書中提出了「婚前交往」（courtship）這一概念來取代「約會」。
隨著情人節的來臨，約會的浪漫氣氛也隨之而來，但約會究竟是甚麼？不同的人似乎對開展交往關係抱有不同的目的—有些人只是為了「探索人生新領域」而約會，但也有人是真心地尋找未來的人生伴侶。在《當男孩遇見女孩》一書中，作者約書亞•哈裡斯闡述了現今社會對約會的觀念越發模糊，從而導致許多以心碎告終的交往。這位美國作者兼牧師在書中提出了「婚前交往」（courtship）這一概念來取代「約會」。
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
God Breaks Through
By Michael Yeo, guest contributor
I was addicted to morphine at the age of twelve, during the early 70s when hippie culture and underground R&B music had tremendous influence on drug addicts. Dad passed away when I was fourteen, so my mum had to work really hard because my family was poor. Growing up, I developed a rebellious never-say-die attitude.
Later in the 80s and 90s, my involvement with gangs made me more violent. I often got into gang-fights and pushed drugs in the nightclubs. I was deeply engaged in black magic and was tormented by the spirits to the point of almost committing suicide. I was also using many different drugs. When I exhausted all my resources for money, Mum was the only avenue that I could rely on to sustain my addictions. Out of love she supported me, but I could see the hurt and grief I have caused deep down in her heart, as she often cried and begged me to change. In fact, I was more than willing, but it was beyond my own strength. And being so tormented by such a life, there was constant strife in the family.
I was addicted to morphine at the age of twelve, during the early 70s when hippie culture and underground R&B music had tremendous influence on drug addicts. Dad passed away when I was fourteen, so my mum had to work really hard because my family was poor. Growing up, I developed a rebellious never-say-die attitude.
Later in the 80s and 90s, my involvement with gangs made me more violent. I often got into gang-fights and pushed drugs in the nightclubs. I was deeply engaged in black magic and was tormented by the spirits to the point of almost committing suicide. I was also using many different drugs. When I exhausted all my resources for money, Mum was the only avenue that I could rely on to sustain my addictions. Out of love she supported me, but I could see the hurt and grief I have caused deep down in her heart, as she often cried and begged me to change. In fact, I was more than willing, but it was beyond my own strength. And being so tormented by such a life, there was constant strife in the family.
突破死亡線
原文：楊明弟 | 中譯：蔡穎
在70年代早期, 當嬉皮文化和地下藍調音樂對毒癮者有著極大的影響力時, 十二歲的我染上了嗎啡的毒癮。父親在我十四歲時過世後, 我的母親必須要辛勤工作才能撐起我們貧窮的家庭。也因此, 我從小就養成了一個叛逆甚至死不罷休的人生態度
在80-90年間, 我加入了一個幫派組織，使我變得更加暴力，很多時候我會參加幫派鬥毆，也會在夜總會裡販賣毒品。我對邪術深深著迷，因此被靈界的力量折磨，使我瀕臨自殺的邊緣。我也使用許多不同的毒品。每當我耗盡金錢時，就向母親要，她是唯一的金錢來源。她因為愛我，所以才繼續給我錢，但她經常哭著求我改變。而我也知道自己傷透了母親的心，雖然我也很想改變，但我那已遠遠超過我自己的能力所及。而我扭曲的生命帶給我的家庭不斷的衝突。
在70年代早期, 當嬉皮文化和地下藍調音樂對毒癮者有著極大的影響力時, 十二歲的我染上了嗎啡的毒癮。父親在我十四歲時過世後, 我的母親必須要辛勤工作才能撐起我們貧窮的家庭。也因此, 我從小就養成了一個叛逆甚至死不罷休的人生態度
在80-90年間, 我加入了一個幫派組織，使我變得更加暴力，很多時候我會參加幫派鬥毆，也會在夜總會裡販賣毒品。我對邪術深深著迷，因此被靈界的力量折磨，使我瀕臨自殺的邊緣。我也使用許多不同的毒品。每當我耗盡金錢時，就向母親要，她是唯一的金錢來源。她因為愛我，所以才繼續給我錢，但她經常哭著求我改變。而我也知道自己傷透了母親的心，雖然我也很想改變，但我那已遠遠超過我自己的能力所及。而我扭曲的生命帶給我的家庭不斷的衝突。
Monday, January 5, 2009
Reality of the Homeless
By Iris Lo
As the New Year rolls in, we all sigh with relief – the Christmas tree has been put away, presents have been bought and given, and all those family dinners are behind us. Sitting in your warm house, you smile as you imagine the happiness that your $25 donation to the local charity must have been substantial to those who have very little. But is this really fulfilling what Jesus taught in Matthew 25 when He told us to feed the hungry?
It is estimated there are 10,500 homeless people in the province of BC, with up to 8,000 people in parts of the Lower Mainland (Georgia Straight, April 10, 2008). The issue of homelessness in Vancouver seems to arise only during Christmas and Thanksgiving time, when charity groups are working actively to raise funds for meals. Yet people need to realize that homelessness is a year-round issue and that helping the needy is not a seasonal activity.
As the New Year rolls in, we all sigh with relief – the Christmas tree has been put away, presents have been bought and given, and all those family dinners are behind us. Sitting in your warm house, you smile as you imagine the happiness that your $25 donation to the local charity must have been substantial to those who have very little. But is this really fulfilling what Jesus taught in Matthew 25 when He told us to feed the hungry?
It is estimated there are 10,500 homeless people in the province of BC, with up to 8,000 people in parts of the Lower Mainland (Georgia Straight, April 10, 2008). The issue of homelessness in Vancouver seems to arise only during Christmas and Thanksgiving time, when charity groups are working actively to raise funds for meals. Yet people need to realize that homelessness is a year-round issue and that helping the needy is not a seasonal activity.
無家可歸的事實
原文：盧詠莛 | 中譯：趙泰和
新年到了，我們終於可以松一口氣。聖誕樹已經被收了起來，買的禮物都已送出，家庭團圓飯也吃過了。坐在溫暖的屋裡，你正在欣喜地想象著你所捐的二十五元會給那些一無所有的人帶來多大的幫助。但耶穌在馬太福音廿五章中僅僅教導了我們這些嗎?
據估計，BC省大約有一萬零五百人露宿街頭，並且有報導說溫市有近八千名無家可歸者（喬治亞海峽周刊，二零零八年四月十日）。無家可歸的問題似乎只是在慈善機構籌款最為活躍的聖誕節和感恩節期間才會被人重視，可是這些問題是長期存在的，而幫助無家可歸者也不單單是節日期間的一個活動而已。
新年到了，我們終於可以松一口氣。聖誕樹已經被收了起來，買的禮物都已送出，家庭團圓飯也吃過了。坐在溫暖的屋裡，你正在欣喜地想象著你所捐的二十五元會給那些一無所有的人帶來多大的幫助。但耶穌在馬太福音廿五章中僅僅教導了我們這些嗎?
據估計，BC省大約有一萬零五百人露宿街頭，並且有報導說溫市有近八千名無家可歸者（喬治亞海峽周刊，二零零八年四月十日）。無家可歸的問題似乎只是在慈善機構籌款最為活躍的聖誕節和感恩節期間才會被人重視，可是這些問題是長期存在的，而幫助無家可歸者也不單單是節日期間的一個活動而已。
Figs and Olive Trees: A Story
By Linda Yang
“You’re a spy for the American Empire! How can you believe in a foreign devil’s God?!” spat out the pock-faced village gossip next to her ear, as she knelt on the cold dirt floor. The jeers of the rest of the villagers who turned up were rising up in volume on the threshing ground, used for larger meetings. Tears threatened to break free, but she bit her lip and kept her head down, waiting for the participants of the “struggle session” to get tired of “re-educating” her. She began going over her favourite song in her head in an attempt to fade out the angry voices. “Even though the fig trees have no—” Suddenly, a thick wet glob fell onto her neck—someone had spat on her. This was not the first time it happened, and she knew better than to wipe it away then—it would provoke them to spit again.
“You’re a spy for the American Empire! How can you believe in a foreign devil’s God?!” spat out the pock-faced village gossip next to her ear, as she knelt on the cold dirt floor. The jeers of the rest of the villagers who turned up were rising up in volume on the threshing ground, used for larger meetings. Tears threatened to break free, but she bit her lip and kept her head down, waiting for the participants of the “struggle session” to get tired of “re-educating” her. She began going over her favourite song in her head in an attempt to fade out the angry voices. “Even though the fig trees have no—” Suddenly, a thick wet glob fell onto her neck—someone had spat on her. This was not the first time it happened, and she knew better than to wipe it away then—it would provoke them to spit again.
無花果與橄欖樹：一個故事
原文：楊光
「你是一個美帝特務！既然還相信洋鬼子的上帝！」村子裡滿臉麻痕的長舌婦在她耳邊喊道，而她卻跪在冰冷的土地上。其他來湊熱鬧的村民們的譏笑唾罵聲也在村子裡的打谷場上越吵越大。她熱淚盈眶，卻狠狠地咬著嘴唇，把頭低著，等著這些來「批鬥」她的人「鬥」累了。她在腦海中開始唱她最喜歡的歌，試著將他們氣憤的聲音蓋住：「雖然無花果樹不——」突然，濕漉漉的一團東西掉在她的脖子上，有人向她吐了唾沫。這不是第一次了，所以她知道不能現在擦掉，這會使他們繼續向她吐唾沫。
「你是一個美帝特務！既然還相信洋鬼子的上帝！」村子裡滿臉麻痕的長舌婦在她耳邊喊道，而她卻跪在冰冷的土地上。其他來湊熱鬧的村民們的譏笑唾罵聲也在村子裡的打谷場上越吵越大。她熱淚盈眶，卻狠狠地咬著嘴唇，把頭低著，等著這些來「批鬥」她的人「鬥」累了。她在腦海中開始唱她最喜歡的歌，試著將他們氣憤的聲音蓋住：「雖然無花果樹不——」突然，濕漉漉的一團東西掉在她的脖子上，有人向她吐了唾沫。這不是第一次了，所以她知道不能現在擦掉，這會使他們繼續向她吐唾沫。