Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011 • 活 現 年 刊│2011 年 3 月 Core Family Ministries of Presence in 2011
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2011 年 活 現 核 心 家 庭 事 工
More Effective Youth Ministry
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更有效的青年事工
Senior Pastor as Mentor, Friend and Father Figure to the Youth Workers
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為師為友為父： 牧者眼中的青少年工作
Youth Ministry: 19 青 少 年 輔 導 事 工 ： 作為青少年牧師的心聲 Through the Eyes of Youth Pastors College Led Me Home 24 大 學 引 領 我 回 家 Introducing the Presence Staff 11 介 紹 活 現 同 工 團 隊 Introducing the Presence New Speakers 17 介 紹 活 現 新 講 員 Presence Ministry Report for 2010 13 2010 活 現 事 工 報 告 2010 Presence Ministry Financial Report 18 2010 活 現 事 工 財 政 報 告 Presence Ministry Recommended Product 28 活 現 事 工 產 品 推 介 Publisher 出 版 ：Presence Ministry 活 現 事 工 20651 Golden Springs Dr., #104, Walnut, CA 91789 Tel 電話：(626) 810-5200 │ Fax 傳真：(626) 810-5220 │ Email 電郵：info@presenceministry.org │ Website 網址：www.presenceministry.org Editorial Director 編輯總監：Agnes Ip │ Managing Editor 執行編輯：Katy Lee Editorial Department 編輯部：Lily Ma, Janice Teng, Christine Wu, Cindy Eng, Jocelyn Loie, Roranda Yeung, Phoebe Chow, Sue Wong Cover & Layout Design 封面及版面設計：Silvia F. Liu │ Back Cover Advertising Design 封底廣告設計：Stanley
活現年刊│2011年3月
Core Family Ministries of Presence in 2011 2011年活現核心家庭事工 Agnes Ip 葉顏瑋茵 Presence Founder and President 活現創辦人及總幹事
Family Foundations for Newlyweds
初婚家庭建立 (2 & 2 +)
Immediately following the wedding ceremony,
新婚夫婦婚禮的完結，迅即進入現實生活中。
newlyweds begin to face the reality of daily life. This is
這是夫婦二人一個關鍵時刻，須在互動中學習溝
the most critical time in establishing the foundations
通，並調整對對方的期望。家庭的結構從二人開
of a healthy family. Everyday interactions require
始，進而增加到三人、四人或更多的人數。婚後生
the couple to adjust their communication patterns
活的模式，由單身轉為二人行，三人或多人行。在
and their expectations of one another. The make up
第一個小孩的來臨時，生活的改變和挑戰變得特別
and model of the family unit grows from one person
明顯。三人行的責任增多了，個人和二人的空間和
to two, and slowly expands to three, four, or more.
時間變得越來越少，卻需要更多的忍耐和愛心來面
Both changes and challenges become most obvious
對。這對於一些在結婚後還過“單身”生活的人
when a newborn arrives. Time and personal space
士，一剎那要兼負作伴侶和家長的身份與責任，家
for self and for the couple are less and less available
庭生活漸漸變成了他們一項沉重的壓力。此外，我
while the responsibilities of being both spouse and
們又常聽到已婚婦女的抱怨，說自己像單親媽媽般
parent become more and more demanding. Rather
照顧孩子，獨力摃起家庭責任，婚姻似明存實亡。
se than accepting the new roles, some choose
總 總而言之，不少初婚家庭，在新生命初
et to maintain the lifestyle and mindset
臨 臨的階段，正是他們婚姻和家庭面
of a "single" person. We often hear
臨危機的時刻。
married women complaining about feeling like a single parent, singlehandedly trying to uphold the family. In essence, the existence of marriage seems
defeated.
Many
young
couples, in fact, face a very ominous threat to the marriage and the newly built family with the arrival of the first-born.
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Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
Addressing the needs of and providing resources
家庭事工是活現的核心工作。除了幫助華人
to the young family will be a major focus for us in 2011.
家長在美國文化下教導土生子女之外，我們在2011
This goes hand-in-hand with Presence’s core family
年將加強對初婚家庭的服務。由一月至六月，我們
ministry of helping Chinese American parents relate to
和國語浸信會合作，為年青夫婦提供每月一次的講
their American-born children. From January through
座。四至六月，我會在鑽石崗羅省基督教會，為
June, we will collaborate with Mandarin Baptist Church
年青夫婦舉辦“夫妻關係和靈命成長”主日學。
and present a monthly young couples seminar. From
為了幫助初婚者建立健康的家庭，我們將在今年三
April to June, Agnes herself will teach a Sunday school
月廿七日的感恩籌款晚宴中，有進一步的專題研討
series catered to young couples at First Evangelical
─ 2 & 2+ 新動力。下半年活現網站中更計劃加入幼
Church of Diamond Bar (FECDB). The title of the series
兒教育、家庭簡易健康食譜、家長討論區和以婚姻
is Spiritual Growth and Marital Relationship. To equip
為主題的文字和影音製作，以回應社區的需求。
young families in building healthy relationships, the Presence Annual Fundraising Dinner will be devoted to the topic of “Dynamic 2 & 2+”. The event will be held on March 27, 2011. In the second half of the year starting in July, the Presence website will be redesigned to include resources in multimedia format in response to the needs of the communities we serve. These resources include toddler education, quick and simple cooking recipes for the busy families, parent discussion forums, and other literature and media products. The goal is to provide guidance to build a solid foundation for a Christ-centered family.
The Growth of Men
男性的成長
Presence recognizes that in order to bring
我們明白家庭事工要發揮果效，不能不向丈夫
success to the family, we must provide the much
和爸爸們提供支援。今年的10月8日，活現很榮幸請
needed assistance and guidance to the husbands and
到財經專家林修榮先生，協助主講一個以男士為主
the fathers of the family. On October 8, 2011, we will
題的粵語講座─「做個好男人」。一天的日營中，
have the privilege of holding a one-day conference in
還有多位的男性講員出席，探討男人的苦處、並一
Cantonese featuring renowned financial expert, Mr.
起尋找出路。
Sau-Wing Lam as the main speaker. The conference theme is “Be a Good Man”. There will be an all-men panel of speakers to share candidly the challenges men face and how to overcome the obstacles in their lives.
活現年刊│2011年3月
Keeping the Faith in the Adolescents
青少年保育
One of the most serious responsibilities for
青少年子女進入大專前的準備，乃為人父母者
parents is not only protecting the mind, body, and soul
一項艱巨的任務，對子女身心靈健康的鞏固之餘，
of their children, but also preserving their children’s
最重要更是信仰的保存。事實上，這任務必須由家
Christian faith when they enter college. Churches and
長、教會和社會一起共同承擔。活現除了在今期年
society also play a role in contributing to the faith of
報中初探青少年事工之外，還會在四月中與多間教
the adolescents. This newsletter presents some of the
會的青少年團契，以咖啡茶座的形式，合辨「對非
trends and observations in the area of youth ministry.
信徒的問與答」的護教訓諫。同時我們希望今年能
In April, we will be holding a coffeehouse-style event
為青少年出版一份通訊，討論他們的信仰和生活。
targeted to helping youth in strengthening their faith.
有志參與此項出版工作的基督徒，歡迎與我們聯
The theme is “Answering the Atheist”, featuring music
絡。
and the speaker Brett Kunkle. Our continued ministry to youth will include a new publication we are producing, with in-depth discussions on the relevance of faith in daily living. We gladly welcome Christians, willing to volunteer to help with this project, to contact us for more information.
While the needs are many, Presence is seeing the
在經濟困難中我們看見神的大能，使活現事工
power of God at work. We are continuously moving
在眾多挑戰下，得以穩步向前邁進。我們需要您繼
forward and growing despite today’s tough economic
續不斷為活現禱告，並給予金錢上的支持。您的參
climate. We value your continued prayers and financial
與將成為活現團隊事奉中強大的後盾。
support more than ever. Your involvement is truly the key contribution to the success of Presence Ministry in reaching families for Christ.
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Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
More Effective Youth Ministry 更有效的青年事工 Katy Lee Youth ministry is an important component of
青年事工是每間教會的重要一環，教會領袖都
every church. Church leaders are well aware that the
明白下一代是教會的未來。但是研究和經驗都證明
future of the church depends on the next generation.
很多年青人從中學畢業到大學，跟著便離開教會，
However, research and experience show that when
甚至有些很熱心事奉的都對信仰失去信心。
youth graduate from high school and go on to college, many leave the church. Even those who are once involved in youth groups struggle with their faith
「福樂神學院」有見及此，便成立了「福樂青 年研究所」，專門將研究結果化成對領袖，青年與 家庭都的實用資源。
when they enter college. This
growing
concern
has
研 究 所 的 行 政 主 任 Dr.Powell
prompted
Fuller
Seminary
in
在一次訪問中有見地指出現今年青
Pasadena to establish the Fuller
人的狀況：『我會用「受傷」與「
Youth Institute. The mission of the
開放」這兩個字去形容現今的年青
institute is “Leveraging research into
人。現今的家庭多有破碎，成年人
resources that elevate leaders, kids,
越來越忙碌，青年人因此覺得被遺
and families”.
棄，但同時他們也對關心及肯聽他 們的神及成人存開放的心。』
In an interview with Dr. Kara E. Powell, the Executive Director of
Dr.Powell的 研 究 指 出 青 年 人
the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) , she
離開教會有幾個原因，其中最基本
gave an insightful view of the state
的因素是缺乏父母的參與，她解釋 道：『父母一般都把子女信仰的建
of young people today. “If I were to describe the youth in two words, they would be ‘hurting’ and ‘open’. As
Dr. Kara E. Powell Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute 福樂青年研究所行政主任
families are becoming fractured and adults are busy, kids are feeling more and more abandoned. At the same time, they are open to the Lord, and to adults who will take the time to listen to them and care about them.”
立交給教會，實際這樣做是不可行 的。最理想的模式是父母主導子女
的信仰教育，而教會則在旁協助。』
活現年刊│2011年3月
Dr. Powell’s research at FYI indicated a few
很多時候青年人容易被誤導。研究所發現他們
reasons why youth are leaving the Christian faith. One
對福音的認知只是一份甚麼可做和甚麼不可做的事
primary reason is the lack of parental involvement. Dr.
情清單， 這正反映出成人過份注重行為的後果。
Powell explains it this way. “Parents often think they can outsource the faith development of their kids to the church, but they really can’t. Ideally they take the lead in their kids spiritual growth, and the church reinforces what is already happening in the home.”
Dr.Powell說：『青年人不真正認識聖經中的福 音，他們接受Dallas Willard所講關於處理罪的福音， 一個關乎行為而非恩典的福音，也非保羅所傳耶穌 基督的福音。所以當他們做錯事的時候， 他們便誤 以為自己在信仰上完全失敗。』
Often the teaching that the youth are getting is
研究所也發現青年人離開信仰的另一原因便是
not the right message. FYI found that many kids only
與教會這大家庭的隔膜， 因為由此至終他們只參與
know the gospel as a do and don’t list, because the
青年活動。
adults are overly behavior focused. “Kids don’t really know the Biblical gospel.
Dr. Powell指出：『年青人參加整體教會生活是
They know what Dallas Willard calls the gospel of sin
十分重要的，兩代事工對青年人信仰的重要性是不
management, the gospel that’s more about behaviors
可致疑的。』
rather than the gospel of grace, or the gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul describes,” says Dr. Powell. The result is that when they fail in their behavior, they think they don’t have faith anymore. FYI research also found that kids who drop out are generally segregated from the rest of the church, only participating in the youth group activities. “We are seeing how important it is for kids to be involved in the overall life of the church. We see intergenerational ministry as being vital for kids to maintain their faith,” says Dr. Powell.
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Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
What can we do to better minister to the youth at church? Dr. Powell suggests four practical way churches to be more effective in guiding their youth: 我們怎樣可以加強教會的青少年事工呢？Dr Powell 提出四個實際方法：
1)
Surround kids with adults of all ages
１) 使用不同年紀的成人去關心他們，多
who care about them. More inter-
些兩代之間的互動可以增強他們信仰
generational interaction can foster a
生活化的基礎。
stronger faith in the youth.
2)
Teach the Biblical gospel of salvation
２) 教導聖經的福音及神的恩典，使他們
and God’s grace. God is bigger than all
明白神比他們的錯誤更大，鼓勵他們
their mistakes, and encourage kids to
跌倒失敗時要回轉歸向神。
turn back to God when they’ve failed.
3)
Teach parents how to have spiritual
３) 教導做父母的如何與子女在屬靈的事
conversations with their kids. Parents
上溝通。父母不需要完全，但要給子
do not have to be perfect, but to be
女看到他們怎樣與神同行。
transparent for their children to see their walk with God.
4)
Youth ministry needs to focus on developing
relationships
with
４) 青少年事工要注重與青少年建立關
the
係，不應只流於聚會和節目的編排。
youth, rather than being program oriented.
The Fuller Youth Institute website has many useful articles and resources for ministry to parents and youth. For more information, visit www.FullerYouthInstitute.org 福樂青年研究所有很多有用的資源可以供青少年及家長使用。 詳情可瀏覽他們的網址：www.FullerYouthInstitute.org
活現年刊│2011年3月
Senior Pastor as Mentor, Friend and Father Figure to the Youth Workers An interview with Pastor Joseph Tsai, Senior Pastor of Home of Christians Eastern Los Angeles
為師為友 為 父 ─ 牧 者 眼 中 的 青 少 年 工 作 訪 東洛杉磯基督徒之家主任牧師 蔡 國 文 牧 師 Christine Wu 吳曉光 Janice Teng 鄧正儀 Under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Tsai and his wife,
東洛杉磯基督徒之家在蔡國文牧師
Home of Christians Eastern Los Angeles has a very vibrant ministry
及師母的帶領下，青少年事工非常活躍。
among teenagers. The teens are spirit-filled and exhibit genuine
孩子們不僅被聖靈充滿，對信仰認真，積
faith. They are an example to younger children in their service
極投入兒童事工，成為兒童的榜樣，並且
in children’s ministry; they started small groups in their school
在校園裏成立小組帶領門徒，每年還自行
campuses to disciple their peers; they raise funds every year to go
籌款出國宣教，將愛帶到世界各地被人遺
on short-term mission trips to spread the gospel to the unreached
忘的角落。
across the world.
蔡牧師和師母不僅
Pastor Tsai and his wife are actively
餵養青少年，給他們魚
involved, not only shepherding and feeding
吃，更教他們打魚。兩年
the teens, they also train them to become
前，他們將已長大成人的
fishers of men. Two years ago, they sent out
青年差派出去，離開母堂
a group of mature young people from under
的羽翼，自行成立一個分
the wings of the mother church to start
堂。他們自己的兩個兒子
a branch church. Like their father, Pastor
也都繼承父志，在傳福音
Tsai’s two sons are active in evangelism
宣教及牧養的事上熱心服
and shepherding. The older son recently
Pastor Joseph Tsai 蔡國文牧師
graduated from seminary and is now leading
Senior Pastor of Home of Christians Eastern Los Angeles 東洛杉磯基督徒之家主任牧師
the youth ministry at their church.
事，其中大兒子於神學院 畢業，現負責教會的青少 年事工。
To care for the next generation, we should take a look at
為了了解上一代牧者眼中的青少年
youth work through the eyes of the pastor who has been intently
事工，一同關心我們的下一代，活現事工
working with youth.
特別專訪蔡國文牧師，以分享他在青少年
Presence Ministry conducted a special
interview with Pastor Joseph Tsai to ask him to share with us his rich experiences in youth ministry. Here is the insightful advice from Pastor Tsai.
事工的豐富經驗。
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Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
Understanding the unique culture of youth
認識獨特的青少年文化
The youth of this generation are active thinkers
談到現在這個世代的青少年，思想活躍，個
with their own personality. They live in a very different
性鮮明，與上一代有非常不同的生活經驗和文化差
culture and have unique life experiences from their
異，服事這個世代的青少年和服事成人顯然非常不
parents. A different approach is needed to serve the
同。
youth of this generation.
蔡牧師說，成人的服事大都是可預期的，青少
“We know the usual methods of ministering
年事工則需要較多變化，要更用心去瞭解，可以多
to adults but the work among teenagers has to be
使用音樂與運動，務求要具有創意。此外，成人服
constantly changing. One has to use one’s heart to
事容易得到回報，青少年服事不容易看到回報，要
understand them, use music, activities and other
心存放長線釣大魚的投資心態來服事青少年。蔡牧
creative methods to reach out to them. When we
師提醒，青少年尚未成熟，滿腔熱血卻容易流於雜
work with the adults, the rewards are immediate, but
亂無章，所以服事青少年時要心存忍耐，並要多加
it is not so when working with the teenagers. One has
引導。
to look at youth work as a long-term investment,” said Pastor Tsai. “Teenagers are zealous but they are not mature yet and lack organization. We should patiently give them more guidance.” Youth work can be described as a cross-cultural mission work. The senior pastor has to be open-
對於青少年事工在教會整體牧養工作中扮演的 角色，身為主任牧師的蔡牧師認為，在北美的華人 教會，青少年事工是一種異文化的宣教事工，作為 牧者，開明的思想及接納的態度是不可或缺的。主 任牧師要多瞭解兩代文化上的差異，並成為家長與 青少年間溝通的橋樑。
minded and accepting. By understanding both the cultures of the adults and the youth, he serves as a
要知道，這事工正在與世界搶人。這個時代，
bridge between the parents and the youth in the
青少年面臨許多的試探和誘惑，我們若不得著這一
family.
代的年輕人，世界就要得著他們。據統計，得救
One has to view youth work as a battle with the world for our teenagers. In today’s world, our youth face many temptations. If the church does not reach out to the youth of this generation, the world will. According to statistics, seventy percent of born-again Christians accept Christ before they are twelve years old; ninety percent of them accept Christ before age twenty. We have to stress the importance of youth work and set aside special funds for its use. The youth work in our churches is not merely child care. Rather it is an all important and challenging evangelistic outreach.
的基督徒中70%是在12歲以前信主，90%在20歲以 前信主。所以要看重青少年的福音工作，撥專款為 青少年事工使用，青少年事工在教會不應該是孩童 照顧，而是一項極為最重要、極具策略性的福音事 工。
活現年刊│2011年3月
Training young adults to be youth workers
培養下一代的青少年工作者
Pastor Tsai points out that in order to train our
關於培養下一代的青少年工作者，蔡牧師指
next generation to become youth workers, we need to
出，要幫助年輕人養成好習慣。青少年的可塑性
first train them to have good habits. Developing good
強，要讓他們從年輕就養成讀經、禱告、聚會、傳
habits of reading God’s words, praying, worshipping
福音的好習慣，使他們一生不偏離主。
God and evangelizing will give them skills for the ministry for a lifetime.
也要教導他們計劃作息時間表，學習管理好 自己的時間，使他們成為時間和人生的好管家。此
Youth workers also need to know how to schedule
外，教會需要給與他們清楚的異象，挑戰他們擬定
their work and play time. If they can manage their time
有效的策略和步驟，去完成這些異象。他建議每個
well, they will be a good managers of all aspects of their
月一次定期跟進他們，旨在鼓勵與關懷，並且要在
lives. The church needs to give them a clear vision and
組織與架構上幫助他們，建立健康的牧養小組。如
challenge them to pinpoint effective plans and steps
此，也在為教會培養未來的領袖。
to accomplish that vision. Monthly meetings between the pastor and youth workers should be scheduled for the purpose of encouragement, caring, and helping them in organization and structure. This is good for building up a healthy shepherding small group and training up the future leaders of the church.
Building the relationship between the senior pastor and youth pastors
建立兩代牧者間的關係 至於上下兩代牧者間的相處和事奉，蔡牧師提
For pastors of different generations to serve
出了幾個重點。第一，彼此要保持良好的溝通。不
together effectively, it is crucial to have clear and
溝通會產生很多的懷疑和猜忌，許多不必要的誤會
effective communication. Lack of communication
都會因良好的溝通而得到化解。兩代牧師除了定期
will give rise to suspicions and jealousy due to
開會溝通以外，能找機會一對一溝通更為理想。
misunderstanding. First, it would be ideal to have a regular one on one time to talk between the pastors of different generations outside of the scheduled meetings.
9
10 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
第二，要制定合理的要求。青少年工作創意多
Second, senior pastors need to set reasonable Youth work
活動多變化多，這意味著青少年工作者的服事形態
is always creative, always changing with constant
需要有很大的彈性。因此制定每週在辦公室的時間
activities. Youth pastors maintain flexible schedules,
要合理，不能違反安息日的法則。適當地給與休假
so their office hours have to be reasonable by allowing
或獎勵，青少年牧師將會有更好的表現和成績。
expectations for the youth pastors.
time to observe the Sabbath. If the youth pastors are appropriately encouraged and given reasonable days off, they will have a more productive ministry. Third, one has to give more freedom to the youth.
第三，要多給青少年一點自由的空間，讓他們
They need more freedom in the style of their meeting,
有聚會型態的自由，服裝穿著的自由，使用不同樂
in the way they dress, in their choice of musical
器的自由，傳福音方式的自由等等。只要是合乎聖
instruments, and in their methods of evangelism, etc.
經原則，就不要給太多的限制。要求青少年與成人
As long as Biblical principles are adhered to, there is no
有同樣的主題，同樣的年度計劃，同樣的步調，有
need to restrict them. Expecting youth to follow the
時會帶來反彈，甚至造成分裂。
same theme, same yearly plan, and same time frame as adults will result in rebellion and even a church split. Last, and the most important of all, the older
最後，也是最重要的，上一代的牧者要亦師
generation pastor should be a mentor, friend, and
亦友亦父。今日的青少年最需要的是一位循循善
father figure for the younger generation pastor.
誘的導師，一個可以交心的朋友，一個慈愛父親的
Today’s youth need a mentor who is consistently
榜樣。青少年牧師也同樣需要這位導師、朋友、及
guiding them, a bosom buddy, and a kind father figure.
父親。在這樣無師無友無父的世代中，神正在呼召
Youth pastors also need the same. God is calling the
長一輩的牧者成為青年人的導師、朋友和屬靈的父
older generation pastor to come alongside the youth
親。
pastors to fulfill those roles.
活現年刊│2011年3月
Introducing the Presence Staff│介 紹 活 現 同 工 團 隊
By the grace of God and with the help of many supporters, Presence Ministry has been growing and expanding our ministry to the community in the past few years. Now we have a total of five part-time staff along with many volunteers who are serving faithfully. We would like to introduce the new ones to you and ask for your continued support to them and to our ministry. 靠著主的恩典及一眾支持者的幫助，活現事工在過去數個年頭在服事家庭和社區的事工上經歷了不少成 長。目前我們有五位半職同工及多位義務同工同心事奉。在此願意為您介紹一些新同工，期盼您繼續支持活現 事工和我們的同工隊伍。
Janet Fang is our office Administration Manager. She first joined Presence in 2009 as a speaker on topics related to parenting and parent-child relationship building. In July, 2010, she accepted the invitation to be on staff to manage the office as well as to help coordinate programs and events. She is currently pursuing her Master Degree in Child Development with the goal of developing a program that connects parents and youth together to enhance their relationship. Janet Fang (戚方向青) 是我們的行政經理。她早於2009年已參與活現成為我們幼兒管教的 專題講員。2010年7月她接受活現的邀請，加入我們的同工隊，負責管理辦公室行政及事工 統籌。她目前亦在修讀兒童發展心理學碩士，旨在協助活現發展一套促進父母子女關係的 課程。
Christine Wu is our newest staff, our Event Coordinator. Coming with strong relationship with local churches and experience with another Christian organization, Christine will focus on networking with volunteers and partnering with families and other organizations. With Christine’s help, Presence will be more effective in planning programs and events to meet the needs of our target population. Christine Wu (吳曉光) 是我們同工隊中最近期加入的新血。Christine 與教會和福音機構均有 深厚的關係和豐富的經驗，因為對活現事工的認同而決定加入，負責聯絡及推廣的工作， 也主力協助義工配搭的管理。有了Christine的支援，我們可以更有效把活現及我們的事工， 推廣至教會和社區。
Monica Chuen, our Administrative Assistant, was first acquainted with Presence when she attended a Sunday school taught by Agnes Ip. Since joining Presence in August, Monica has been faithfully holding down the fort at the office everyday. With a strong background in accounting and bookkeeping, she is very organized and detail-oriented. Besides answering daily phone calls, she attends to many tedious tasks in the office. She is enthusiastic to learn and looks forward to growing with Presence in the future. She loves to share her salvation experience as well as the vision of Presence with people. Monica Chuen (秦李慧玲)，是我們的行政助理。她是因為選讀Agnes的主日學班而接觸到 活現。Monica八月份加入活現，一直忠心地負責辦公室的大小事務，對會計、簿記具豐富 經驗，是我們辦公室不可或缺的角色。她更熱衷於與人分享她的救恩和活現的異象。她謙 卑學習、期望與活現一同成長。
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12 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
In the upcoming year, Presence will continue to be equipped to be more effective in ministering to the needs of the family. Our staff is looking forward to an exciting year in fulfilling God’s mission. We thank you in advance for your prayers and support for the work of Presence Ministry. 在未來一年，活現將努力裝備，繼續有效地牧養家庭。我們的同工也興奮和深切期待，在來年於活現好好 實踐上帝對我們的召命。在此，我們先感激閣下對活現事工的支持和禱告。
Agnes Ip 葉顏瑋茵
Janice Teng 鄧正儀
Founder and President 創辦人及總幹事
Web Editor 網絡編輯
Katy Lee
Vicky Ly 李雪梅
English Ministry Development 英文事工發展
Volunteer Staff 義務同工
Lily Ma 馬王藹麗
Jinny Chow 周銘湄
Publications Coordinator 出版部統籌
Volunteer Staff 義務同工
Presence Board Member 活現董事 Agnes Ip 葉顏瑋茵 – Board Director 主席 L. Ma 馬太 – Treasurer 財務
Jenny Lee 李曉清 – Board Secretary 文書
Rev. Timothy Tin 田森傑牧師
Elsa Tseng 曾海詩
活現年刊│2011年3月
Presence Ministry report for 2010 2010活現事工報告 Katy Lee Presence had a very productive year in 2010.
2010是活現事工忙碌但豐收的一年。經歷了幾
Previous years have laid the foundation for the
年的探索和發展，活現逐漸得到不少教會的支持和
opportunities that opened up for our ministry recently.
認同，這一年裡我們與教會有不少合作的機會，服
We are very thankful for the meaningful partnership
事了不同地區的信徒和家庭。
with different churches and individuals that has allowed us to serve Christians and families in various areas.
3月14日活現事工舉行了感恩分享晚會，除了請 到Advocates for Faith & Freedom 的Robert Tyler博士 來匯報有關八號提案的進展，活現的創辦人兼總幹
Our Thanksgiving & Fundraising dinner was held
事葉顏瑋茵女士也分享教會青少年工作的逼切性和
on March 14, 2010, featuring an update of Proposition
隱憂，並活現渴望與教會攜手應對的承擔。感謝教
8 by Dr. Robert Tyler of Advocates for Faith & Freedom.
牧及肢體的支持，我們當天出席人數共120人，並籌
Our founder and president Agnes Ip also shared with
得奉獻$6860。
us the urgency and the hidden issues of youth ministry and the way Presence can work hand in hand with churches to tackle these issues. We truly appreciate the support from pastors and friends of Presence as a total of 120 people attended this event with $6860 raised to support our ministry.
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14 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
Family conferences are always the major events for Presence. We aim at serving the whole family in a one-day conference through keynote messages, panel and testimonies, parenting and youth workshops, EQ training for children, theater presentation and family dynamic discussion. This year is our first attempt to have two family conferences in one year. We partnered with Great Commission Church International in Hacienda Heights to hold “Wise parenting in the 21st Century” on May 22nd. This conference was conducted in both English and Mandarin with a high turnout of 327 people. We were invited to conduct the second family conference in English and Cantonese at Chinese Bible Missions Church in Alhambra, titled “Dynamic Family in 21st Century,” held on October 23rd. There were 195 people in attendance. Our goal is that these family conferences will give the church and community a comprehensive overview of our ministry in order that we can continue to serve them more in the future. 家庭事工研討會是活現的大型家庭聚會，旨在 一天裡在不同環節同時服事家長及子女。內容包括主 題信息和見證、親子講座、青少年專題、兒童情緒智 商訓練以及劇場演譯和討論。今年活現傾盡人力大膽 嘗試，與兩間不同區域的教會合作舉辦家庭事工研討 會。5月22日於哈崗國際大使命教會舉行以“作個二 十一世紀智慧的父母”為題的家庭研討會，參加者達 327人之多，語言以國、英語為主。10月23日則與位 於亞罕布拉的羅省華人聖經宣道教會合作主辦以粵、 英語為主的“二十一世紀活力家庭”系列，參加人數 合計共195人。我們的目標是讓參加者對活現事工有 全面的了解，讓我們未來對他們有更多服事的機會。
活現年刊│2011年3月
In response to the serious issue of internet addiction among youth and adults, Presence partnered with Chinese Evangelical Free Church in Monterey Park to present a series of topics related to Internet addiction on June 11th & 12th. We were honored to have Dr. Melvin Wong, licensed clinical psychologist, to be our main speaker. We had a total of 152 in attendance. With his professional knowledge and clinical experience, Dr. Wong spoke on how painful or broken family relationships contribute to addictive behaviors and gave very practical suggestions on overcoming the problem. 有感現時青少年、甚至成人在網路沉溺方面的困 擾越來越嚴重，活現致力回應這些社會需要，榮幸得 到羅省華人播道會具同一負擔，成為合作的伙伴，於 6月11、12兩天合辦一系列有關網路沉溺的講座，主 題講員為臨床心理學家黃偉康博士，出席人次共152 人次。黃博士就其專業知識和臨床經驗與我們剖析網 路沉溺背後的原因，並就家庭問題和關係的疏離或破 裂的緣由，提出不少實用的建議。
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16 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
With invitation and requests from different churches, Presence has provided seminars and Sunday School series at many locations this year. Topics include family and parenting education, emotional health, social value and personal bias, spiritual formation, etc. Speakers included Agnes Ip, Annette Jewik, Janet Fang, Katy Lee, Phillip Lowe, Dr. David Phan and Alfreda Ip. We are thankful for these partnerships that allow Presence to build solid and long term relationship with churches. 活現事工亦不時因應教會的邀請和訴求，為教 會安排及提供主日學課程及研習班。題目涉及家庭 和親子教育、心理健康、社會價值觀、屬靈操練和 個人偏見等。有關講員包括葉顏瑋茵女士、趙楊愛 雲女士、戚方向青女士、Katy
Lee女士、劉慈謙先
生、潘光明醫生及Alfreda Ip女士。透過這些服事， 活現可以更具體進入基督徒群體當中，建立更深厚 和長久的關係。
活現年刊│2011年3月
Introducing the Presence New Speakers│介 紹 活 現 新 講 員
Phillip Lowe completed
劉慈謙先生 於福樂神學
his MA studies in theology and
神院完成神學及心理學的碩士學
psychology at Fuller Seminary.
位。過去他專攻婚姻家庭輔導，
He studied Marital and Family
目前他繼續於福樂神學院心理學
Therapy in the past, and is currently
系攻讀臨床心理學博士課程。他
completing his doctoral degree
同時也擁有電機工程的學士及碩
in clinical psychology at Fuller
士學位。在過去幾年中，他參與
School of Psychology. He also received his Bachelor and Master degrees
教會家庭事工，輔導成人及家庭，也在教
in Electrical Engineering. He was involved
會及研討會中主講多場有關婚姻、家庭、
in family ministry, counseling adults and
兒童、自我認知、性別、及基督徒靈命的
families at church during the past few years.
講座。
He has conducted numerous workshops on topics related to marriage, family, children, identity, sexuality, and spiritual renewal at churches and conferences in the past.
Annette Jewik received
趙楊愛雲女士 於阿蘇薩
her Master of Arts degree in Marital
太平洋大學取得婚姻家庭碩士學
and Family Therapy from Azusa
位，並於1994年獲得心理治療師
Pacific University. She was licensed
執照，有超過二十年輔導成人、
in 1994 and has been counseling adults,
children,
youths,
and
families for over 20 years. She has conducted numerous parenting
孩童、青少年及家庭的經驗。她 在教會、學校及研討會中，主講 多元化的親職教育專題。她同時
workshops at churches, schools, and
也是中文廣播節目“天空下的彩虹”經常
conferences. Mrs. Jewik is also a frequent
邀請的來賓。最近趙女士接任成為教會的
guest on the Chinese Radio talk show
兒童事工主任。趙女士育有兩個成年的兒
called "The Rainbow Under the Sky." She
子。她專長的講題是青少年發展及所面對
has recently taken on the Children Ministry
的問題及挑戰。
Director position at her church. Mrs. Jewik has two adult sons. Her specialty is speaking on teen development and its challenges.
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18 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
Presence Ministry Financial Report 活現事工財政報告 Annual Financial Report for 2010 Total Income 總收入 $93,445
Total Expense 總開支 $97,665
Net Deficit 淨虧損 ($4,220)
Total Asset 總資產值 $11,009.98
Offering Form 奉獻表格
活現年刊│2011年3月
Youth ministry: Through the eyes of youth pastors 青少年輔導事工：作為青少年牧師的心聲 Katy Lee
The work of a youth pastor is a difficult one. It
青少年牧師的工作並不容易，他們並非只是策
is more than planning fun activities and teaching
劃有趣的活動和教導主日學。他們所面對的挑戰，
Sunday School. The challenges they face are often not
常常得不到教會其它會友甚至同工們的諒解和支
understood by the congregation or other church staff.
持，結果就是很高比例的離職率和挫折感。統計數
The result is a high turnover rate and discouragement.
據顯示，平均青少年牧師的留任期為１８個月。然
Some surveys show the average tenure of a youth
而，有些牧師卻能堅持相當長的時間。究竟是什麼
pastor is about 18 months. However, some youth
能激勵這群青少年牧師，幫助他們持守著這項神聖
pastors have stayed with the same church for
的任務呢？
much longer. What motivates a youth pastor? What encourages them to keep on? Presence Ministry interviewed two youth pastors
活現事工訪問兩位青少年牧師，從他們的觀 感，了解他們的需求，以及教會如何能給予他們足 夠的支持。
to get their perspectives to better understand their needs, and how the church can give them support.
Presence Ministry: Tell us about your ministry background.
活現事工： 可否分享閣下從事青少年事工的經
Andrew Gu:
I served for 5+ years at the First Evangelical Church of Diamond Bar, including 4 years as full-time youth director. I’ve led worship since high school.
辜牧師：
我曾在鑽石崗羅省基督教會事奉五 年，其中四年全職為青少年事工主 任。而且我從中學時期已開始帶領 青年崇拜。
Tim Lum:
I’ve been serving in full time youth ministry at Chinese Baptist Church of Central Orange County for about 4 years. Before that, I had served at my home church working with college and high school students for about 8 years.
林牧師：
我在中橙縣華人浸信會全職從事青 少年事工已有四年，之前我在所屬 教會約有八年時間參與輔導大學生 和中學生的經驗。
歷。
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20 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
PM: What motivated you to go into youth ministry? AG: When I was in high school, I noticed how many of my friends came to church because we invited them. A good number of them received Christ and are very active in the church today. So naturally, this age group really resonates with me and is a pivotal time in one’s faith journey. TL: I had a burden to work with young people when I was in college. I felt that there was a great need to help them grow in their relationship with God and with each other. I felt a lot of my life was shaped by my counselors when I was a teenager too.
PM: What do you find challenging in your position as a youth pastor? AG: Where do I start? Generally speaking, what needs to be understood is that this time period is probably the time where the most change happens in a person’s life. They are going through adolescence, where changes, not limited to the physical, are occurring. They are trying to figure out their identity as they grow into adulthood. A youth pastor then finds himself/herself playing many roles in the student’s life. More specifically, for me personally, it would have to be all the “gimmicks” we need to incorporate into sermons/bible studies, etc., which aim to help catch students’ attention. It can be time consuming. I sometimes wish that there was more of a maturity where we can bypass this part and get straight to the heart of the matter. TL: I find it challenging to reach out to all the youth in my ministry. I realized that I can’t reach out to all of them equally because there is only one of me and many of them. So I rely heavily upon my counselors and student leaders to reach out to the rest of them. I also found it challenging to work with the parents until I learn to communicate better with them. In fact, it helps a lot when I get a few parents involved in the youth ministry.
活： 當初是甚麼激勵你參與青少年輔導事工？ 辜： 在中學期間，我有很多同學因接受邀請而來 到教會，並且大多數信了主，至今仍然在教 會內熱心事奉。我深信青少年時期是天路歷 程上一個非常關鍵的階段，而且我很容易與 這個群體產生共鳴。 林： 當我就讀大學的時候，我就對青少年事工有 負擔，我渴望能幫助他們建立與神和與人良 好的關係，我主要的人生觀也是在青春期間 深受青年輔導的影響。
活： 作為一位青少年牧師會遇到甚麼樣的挑戰？ 辜： 應從那裡說起呢？總而言之，無論在生理上 或心理上，青春期可能是人的一生中遇到最 多變數的時候，他們試圖去認識自己並肯定 自我價值，而青少年牧師在其中可能擔任多 種不同的角色。就我個人來說，我必須能用 各式各樣的方法吸引他們，將聖經的教導融 入他們的生活中。雖然這樣比較費時，但可 惜沒有其他更好和更直接的途徑。 林： 在我的事奉中，最大的挑戰是不能照顧到所 有的學生。因為他們人數太多，我不能同時 兼顧到每一位。我需要依靠輔導們和學生領 袖去分擔我的工作。另一項的挑戰是我認識 到要服事青少年，必須先和他們的家長有良 好的溝通。事實上，如果我能邀請到幾位家 長一起參與青少年事工，會有很大的幫助。
活現年刊│2011年3月
PM: Do you find that youth pastors today are facing discouragement and perhaps dropping out of ministry? AG: Of course. But, to be fair, I would say that this is true for all in ministry and for anyone working directly with people. TL: I think pastors in general are facing discouragement and many of them drop out of ministry because they have too many responsibilities. They may have responsibilities where they are not gifted in, and it can be a very frustrating experience for them.
PM: What do you think contributes to their discouragement? AG: I think a major issue is that many youth pastors feel alone, especially for youth pastors within a second-generation Asian context. They can feel like they are, along with their ministry, secondclass citizens, and that they are not an integral part of the church, even though there are a plethora of beautiful God-filled things occurring within the ministry. Even though the variety of cultural expressions within a church body can be a beautiful thing, it also takes a lot of compromise that both sides needs to be willing to make in order for a church to be truly unified. TL: There’s a verse in Scripture that I think explains a lot about why pastors face discouragement. “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” (Eph 4:11 NLT) I think the pastor is expected to fulfill all those roles. The pastor is expected to be the authority figure (apostle), the visionary (the prophet), the evangelist and the pastor and teacher. If a pastor has to fulfill all these roles, I think the person will get burned out. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:12 that it is their responsibility, not one single person's responsibility. I don’t think there is one single pastor who has all these spiritual gifts. If the church can find people who are gifted in each of these roles, including the pastor, I think there will be less discouragement for the pastor.
活： 你是否認為現今青少年牧師容易感到沮喪， 甚至離職放棄事奉？ 辜： 當然有啦。但坦白說，這也是所有神職人員 或從事服務行業者都會遇上的難題。 林：我認為大部分牧師都會有感到沮喪的時候， 很多牧師辭退聖職，是由於工作量太重，或 者是他們需要擔負一些非他們能力所及的工 作，使他們感到吃力和困擾。
活： 你認為導致他們沮喪的原因是甚麼？ 辜： 我認為最主要是他們感到孤軍作戰，特別 是移民美國的第二代華裔牧師。他們覺得自 己，包括自己所服事的工場，是屬於次等公 民，不能溶入教會主流。雖然說教會集合著 不同文化背景的事工是一件美事，但這同時 也意味著雙方需有許多的妥協，才能夠做到 真正的教會合一。 林： 我想引用聖經在以弗所書2章11節所記載的 經文來解釋為甚麼牧師們會感到沮喪：『他 所賜的有使徒、有先知、有傳福音的、有牧 師和教師。』牧師總被要求擔任所有這些角 色：領導者(使徒)、有異象(先知)、傳教牧者 和教師。如果一位牧師要獨力承擔所有這些 職務，他怎能不筋疲力盡。使徒保羅在以弗 所書４章１２節已說明是聖徒們各盡其職， 並非一人獨力承擔。我認為沒有一位牧師能 夠擁有全部的恩賜，如果會友們能獻出他們 屬靈的恩賜，協助牧師完成各項的聖工，牧 師便比較不會感到沮喪無力了。
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22 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
PM: What helps a youth pastor stay strong?
活： 甚麼能幫助牧師迄立不倒？
AG: One major thing is to continually reaffirm one’s called nature. The fact is that we live in a fallen world and so everything and everyone, including youth pastors, are not perfect. The only way anyone can be successful is to remember to be attached to the Vine, and to know that God is the source and the one who does the work.
辜： 最主要是常常持守個人的呼召。我們都生 活在一個墮落的世代裡，沒有一個人是完美 的，甚至牧師也不例外。成功只能夠靠著那 賜給我們力量的神，如枝子與葡萄樹相連， 讓神親自帶領作工。
TL: I think that if pastors can find out what their gift is and find other people to come along side with the other gifts, that this will help them stay strong. I also think that when they get a lot of support that this will help them stay committed in the church as well. I read a book called Simple Church which made me look at my youth program differently. Instead of putting a lot of different programs, I try to fit things into three programs. I’ve learned from other pastors that planning ahead and structuring things in a simple matter makes a difference. I’m trying to work with my counselors and teachers to look at the three programs differently. The Worship service is more inspirational in nature. The Sunday school is more theological in nature, and the fellowship is more relational in nature. If I set a vision and get my counselors and teachers working towards that vision, it helps a lot. So those are some things that helps me stay strong personally with the ministry.
林： 我認為如果牧師能清楚了解個人的恩賜，同 時得到有其他恩賜的會友互相配合和支持， 他們便能迄立不倒地在教會內委身事奉。 我讀過一本書名叫『簡單教會』，它使我重 新反思青少年事工的方針，我嘗試把各種不 同形式的活動編入三大分類：注重靈命的崇 拜、強調神學理論的主日學、和建立人際關 係的團契。我效法其他牧師的做法，以簡單 為主並作好充分準備，帶領其他輔導向著同 一目標努力，結果成效截然不同，使我能重 新得力的堅持下去。
活現年刊│2011年3月
PM: Where does a youth pastor such as yourself get support? What type of support system is there for youth pastors? AG: I personally have not found many support systems, although there needs to be more, like youth pastors getting together to mutually encourage one another. Unfortunately, as much as this is important, even youth pastors are too busy to commit to such a support group. And then, there are the unfortunate problems inherent when pastors of different denominations get together. Ironically, our theologies get in the way of us loving each other biblically. TL: I find support from different people. First I get support from my family. Then I meet with my head pastor weekly for a one on one meeting, and I talk with the other pastors pretty regularly, I also talk to one of my peers for accountability as well. We have an English support group that pastors around the local area can meet pretty regularly too.
PM: What can the church and parents do to help you succeed in ministry? AG: One big thing would be to trust youth pastors and support them in every possible way. The youth are not the church of tomorrow, but they are an integral part of the church today. Their expression of church will be different and foreign to their parents' generation, but rest assured, youth pastors love the church and are trying to be faithful to God. They sincerely want what’s best for your children. TL: I believe the church and the parents are giving me a lot of encouragement and support. The church leaders are constantly praying for me and praying with me. I also have the parents involved in the youth ministry. I give weekly emails to the parents so they can see what we are teaching. I also found great encouragement from parents who got involved as counselors and coaches for our youth programs. They also help me provide rides for the youth for our socials, and they help chaperon our kids for our youth retreats.
活： 你們這群青少年輔導牧師從那裡能得到所需 要的支持呢？現在有甚麼資源可供使用？ 辜： 我實在覺得資源有限。其實牧師們之間是十 分需要互相勉勵和支持，可惜大家都因為工 作繁重而無時間相聚。再加上因不同宗派而 存在的岐見，很遺憾地阻礙了我們按照聖經 的教導彼此相愛。 林： 我得到幾方面的支持。首先我的家人給我很 大的力量。其次，每星期我會單獨與我的主 任牧師會面，並常常和其他同工互相鼓勵。 我亦有一位同輩的朋友對我支持和提醒。我 們還有一個以英語為主的支持小組，附近地 區的幾位牧師可以經常分享代禱。
活： 教會和家長如何能協助你達成任務？ 辜： 我們最需要是他們的信任和全面的支持。青 少年並非只屬於未來的教會，他們是現今教 會不可缺少的一環。可能我們在聚會形式上 有異於傳統教會，但是請相信我們都是本著 愛神愛教會的心，盡心盡性地把最好的給孩 子。 林： 我相信教會和家長已經給了我很大的鼓勵和 支持。教會領袖時常為我代禱，我們也經常 一起禱告。還有家長參與青少年事工，我每 個星期將我所教導的電郵給這些家長讓他們 了解。當家長擔任這些青少年的輔導或教練 時，這給我特別大的鼓勵。他們還主動幫忙 接送孩子參與活動，並在退修會中協助帶領 這些孩子。
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24 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
College Led Me Home 大學引領我回家 Shaina Pan
It was in college that I fell in love with the Lord.
大學時，我才真正認識上帝。我七歲便接受
Deeply and personally. Sure I had known about God
耶穌，邀請祂住在我心，也無數次向祂呼求，但對
all my life, I had invited Jesus into my heart and I had
我來說祂始終只是一個外人，一個當我在困境中才
called on Him countless times before since I accepted
去呼求的對象。我曾感受到祂的大愛，也經歷過祂
Christ at the age of 7. But He was just on the sideline,
的同在。但我卻不知道如何與祂同行，活在主的愛
a person I’d pray to in desperate moments. I had
裏。
certainly felt His love and experienced His touch and warm presence, but I don’t think I knew how to really walk with Him and live in Him.
中學期間我已不再上教會了，在教會內我沒 有朋友，我的家人經常遲到，只聽到一半的證道對 我來說並不造就，遲到也令我覺得渾身不自在。高
In my high school years, I stopped going to
中四那年，一個男生出現在我生命中。他喜歡我漂
church because I didn’t feel comfortable there. I didn’t
亮又令他著迷，我們很快便開始交往。他也十分吸
have friends at church and my family was always late,
引我，最終成了我的男朋友；上帝的事早就拋諸腦
so hearing half a message seemed pointless to me.
後。亦如很多年輕的戀情，我們的關係很快就演變
Then a boy came along my senior year and told me I
成為肉體的情慾，令我活在罪與失落的循環中。十
was beautiful and fascinating and that he wanted to be
七歲的我心碎了，差點兒連對神的信心也失去。這
with me. He made me feel good, and that boy became
段戀情為我帶來萬分的痛苦，當他無情地提出分手
my boyfriend and God became an afterthought. As
時，我幾乎崩潰。
many relationships go, puppy love turned into lust and a cycle of sin and confusion. A 17-year-old me lost her heart and nearly her faith. Despite how miserable I was in the relationship, I was also devastated when he ended it. So there I was, seventeen and depressed and broken. I had nothing left but God, if He would take me back after I had so forsaken Him.
當時的我只有十七歲，沮喪又心碎，除了上 帝，我一無所有，雖然我早就將神丟棄，但祂依然 愛我。
活現年刊│2011年3月
He did. He had never left. I knew now how empty
原來神從未曾離開過，相反世界可以給我的卻
the world’s offerings can be and decided that I wanted
是如此空虛。上大學前，我毫不猶疑便決志洗禮，
to commit myself to Christ before college, a time when
我知道只有神才可以填滿我的內心。受洗時當海水
there is so much freedom to explore and try new things.
漂過我的臉，深深感受到神的愛、神的恩典及祂的
I was no longer hesitant to get baptized because I had
寶血把我全然洗淨。
resolved that only God can fill me. As the beach waters swept over my face, I felt my heart washed over with His love, grace and cleansing blood. Grace is what I experienced my first year of
我雖曾犯錯，神依然讓我感愛到祂愛我，更 讓我經歷到祂的同在，這叫我一次又一次問：為甚 甚像我這樣的罪人竟能得到如此福氣、經歷神的大 愛？神的恩典實在太美麗！
college. So much grace because after all that I had done that senior year, God still allowed me to feel His love, to feel His presence. He overwhelmed me with His goodness and all I could think over and over is, “Why?” Why does such a terrible sinner like me have the glorious blessedness to experience God’s love for me? What lavish grace!
我就讀UCLA，校園所有的事物對我來說都非 常新鮮。校園充滿了熙來攘往不同種族的人，各 種不同類型的團體和交際活動。我不想老是與自己 教會的人往來，更不想局限自己參加他們在校內所 設的小組團契。我渴望交新朋友及探索新事物。當 我看見校園團契的成員時，我會故意蹺道而行避開 他們，但他們總是伸出友誼之手，一而再地邀請我
I started college at UCLA. Everything is vibrant and
參加他們團契的各種活動。禮貌上我免為其難答
the campus is bustling with different kinds of people,
應了。每一次聚會，每一頓飯，一起溫習或步行上
clubs, and social outings: frat row, house parties, dorm
課時，我見証到他們對神的愛及堅定為主而活的追
floor hangouts all at my fingertips. I did not want to be
求。為了讓我更認識神，他們對我亦顯出無私的付
tied down by people from church, who had formed a
出。
home group on campus. I wanted to make new friends and see more in the world. In fact, when I saw home group members, I’d purposely walk the other way, but they were persistent and intentional in getting to know me and building a relationship with me. They invited me to their meetings, different events and befriended me. Everything in my flesh did not want to attend, but I ended up going to be polite. And in the meetings, the dining hall meals, study groups and walks to class, I saw how much these people, fellow college students, loved the Lord and desired to live for Him. I saw their efforts to love on me and see me grow closer to God.
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26 Presence Annual Newsletter│March 2011
A particular sister in the group asked me if I
有一位主內的姊妹邀請我接受門徒訓練，在小
wanted to be discipled. Through the discipleship and
組內我學習如何與主聯繫、與主同行。我也明白到
home group meetings, I was taught how to walk with
神不單是我患難中的安慰者，祂更是我每天生活不
God and abide in Him. I learned that He is a part of my
可或缺的一部份。
everyday life and not just that big comforting helper guy when I am down in the dumps.
在這段期間，我參加過其他校園內不同的團 契。那些團契提供很好的教導和豐富的活動，但參
Throughout this time, I checked out other campus
加這些團契的人數也很多，對我來說卻少了一份親
fellowships and they had solid teaching and well-
切感。這促成了我回到自己教會的校園小組去。我
orchestrated events but they were so big that I was
覺得這個小組很適合我，正如組長所說，這不但是
drawn to the smaller group from my church. I found
我們的小組，我們的宣教園地，也是我們的使命和
it more personal, especially since the home group
呼召。我平日委身這個校園小組，每主日則從學校
leader stressed ownership of the group, how this is
回到哈崗的母會教拜。
our group, our mission field, and our commission. I committed myself to the home group and went back every Sunday to my home church in Hacienda Heights.
小組令我可以在校園同時享受到教會的生活， 而教會內我有朋友，亦有家人，因此感覺十分溫 暖。但有時小組亦為我帶來一些要求甚至壓力，由
Church was enjoyable now because I had friends,
於小組人數不多，事工的需求大，各人就自然必須
family even. That is what home group became for
參與服事。大一那年我被推選為小組組長。神在這
me, but it was not always glamorous. It was tough
個過程中為我栽種一顆服侍人的心，並開我的眼
and flawed as all types of ministry can be. With such
睛，讓我看見拯救失喪靈魂和建立使徒的需要和異
a small group, everyone was expected to serve and by
象，因此事奉雖有付出，但所得的卻更加寶貴。
my junior year, I was a leader. God really grew in me a heart for the people and the vision of the group, which is to save the lost, make disciples and bear everlasting fruit.
活現年刊│2011年3月
My story is rare. More often than not, we hear of Christians falling away in college, and the question often asked is: what does it take to prevent this? There isn’t a simple formula for how to retain college-age church membership. For me, I stayed at my home church because I was invested in the church’s UCLA home group. I saw that I had a purpose at UCLA for His kingdom and not just for grades or building an impressive resume. Home group also was my family, people that I grew to love. So I think a lot of the answer comes down to God using people who are willing to obey and intentionally love on others, particularly reaching out to freshmen. It is about becoming their friends and spiritual family, where they are accountable for that brother and sister in teaching them to live out the Word. It is God’s grace to convict that person’s heart to know God is real and His love is strong and relevant even in college. And it also takes a personal realization that you have been
我的故事並不典型，數據顯示，很多基督徒上
called to a mission and kingdom-minded purpose
大學時都離棄神。我們會問：『如何可以避免呢?』
so that you can be faithful to it. More accurately, it is about being faithful to Him because it all comes down to Jesus’ heart and crazy love for His people, for us. And it is when people respond properly to that love
其實沒有一個簡單的答案。對我來說，我的秘 訣是保持每個主日在自己的母會敬拜及參與母會在 校內的小組團契。這小組成了我的家，是我成長和 被愛的基地。
that a testimony is birthed. 神的恩典在人內心動工，一方面讓我經歷衪是 Now, my testimony is not glorious because I still go to the same church. What is glorious is how God used the home group, an extension of the church, or rather, His people simply being the church at UCLA to
那位又真又活的主，另方面亦呼召我去牧養他人， 特別是校內的新生們。透過成為他們的朋友及屬靈 伙伴，我學習喂養他們的需要，最終幫助他們活出 神的樣式。
teach me how to live a life with God and for Him. 我的見証很平凡，我一直在參加我從小長大的 教會。不平凡的是神使用校園小組團落實了教會對 我的牧養，引導我如何在真理上成長，為神而活！
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