吳以勒代禱信(3)2023年9月

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可敬的阿姨和叔叔:

        讚美神!

        今年的暑假過得很精彩。上帝賜我有機會在這暑假回到烏干達,與家人和朋友團聚。感恩能再次與我熟識的人共度時光,呼吸家的空氣,去我長大的地方。今年夏天,我也終於受洗了。當我回顧過去兩年從荷蘭學習,到現在在布裡斯托爾學習的旅程時,我讚美祂,因為整個過程中的所有學習和經歷,都讓我更接近祂。

        一周後(9月13日),我將離開烏干達返回布裡斯托爾,繼續第二年在西英格蘭大學學習英國文學。臨近假期結束,逐漸回到「現實生活」,我在思考明年該如何生活。神去年讓我在布里斯托爾有一個新的開始,故此我充滿激情和動力,想要成為最好的自己、想做很多事情及想取得成功,以此作為上帝賜予我所有奇蹟和祝福的回應。然而,我嘗試了不同的事,都沒有成功;測試了不同的路向,但這一切都讓我陷入了一種不舒服的停滯狀態。同齡的人,有的在網上經營生意,讓家人可以安心退休,而我卻仍在努力平衡大學生活及一日三餐;同齡的人,有的能大膽地見證神,但當我在非信徒面前談論耶穌時,仍然感到焦慮。我給自己很大的壓力,因為我覺得自己做得還不足夠,每一次挫折,都讓我感覺自己在浪費上帝仁慈地所賜予的一生一次重新開始的機會。我再一次被困住了。

        再次讚美上帝,我能夠回到烏干達渡過暑假。感覺就像上帝看到了我新的掙扎,把我從布裡斯托爾拉出來,把我送回家休息三個月。離開那個環境後,打破了我狹隘的視野,我開始從不同的角度看待去年發生的一切。我過去想做很多事情,想成為課程中最好的學生,將自我發展和專業發展融入我所擁有的每一分鐘,盡可能服侍並參與教會一切所作的,在我參與的運動中表現出色等等。不知不覺中,我耗盡了。整整一年都被一個想法所驅動——我必須在每件事上盡我所能,在每件事上做到最好,以向上帝展示我是多麼的感激祂,這最終讓我筋疲力盡,勉勉強強地通過學業。

        整整一年,我從來沒有停下來問上帝要我做什麼。我所做的一切都是出於我自己的智慧。我以我認為最好的服侍方式去服侍祂,從來沒有問過祂希望我如何服侍。最近,伊莉莎白·艾略特(Elisabeth Elliot)曾經說過的這句話極大地鼓舞了我:「我意識到,最深刻的屬靈功課不是通過祂讓我們最終如願以償,而是通過祂讓我們等待,以愛和耐心包容我們,直到我們能夠誠實地祈禱祂教導祂的門徒的禱告:願祢的旨意成就。」這個想法非常發人深省。我是真的祈求祂的旨意成就,還是下意識地將自己的慾望和願望注入禱告中?所有我認為足以取悅上帝的忙碌和努力,最終只是傷害了我;因為畢竟,即使在我最好的情況中,我也需要耶穌使我成聖,以取悅上帝。所以,最後我明白,反映我對上帝的愛和服侍祂的最好方法,不是通過我個人想要如何服侍祂,而是按照祂希望我服侍的方式去服侍祂,並誠實地祈禱「願祢的旨意成就」。踏入布裡斯托爾的第二年,我將不再盲目地向前衝,而是專注於祂的聲音和祂的方向。我會專注目前的首要任務:那就是完成大學的學習及畢業,至於其他的事情上,我會等待,讓祂帶領我前進。

        致所有的叔叔阿姨和所有在基督裡的弟兄姊妹,非常感謝你們抽出寶貴的時間閱讀這封信,感謝你們的禱告和支援。知道在我身後是你們所有人的祈禱推動我前進,這真的是一種祝福。這就是基督徒團體的美,這就是跟隨祂的喜樂!我懇求你們繼續在禱告中記念我,祈求上帝繼續引導我,讓我繼續更多地瞭解祂,加深我與祂的關係。

親切問候
吳以勒
2023年9月6日

        吳以勒正在英國的西英格蘭大學修讀英語文學和寫作課程,為期三年。九月份升讀二年班一年學費港幣140,000元、住宿費40,000元、食用保險等55,000元,合共235,000元。請支持吳天德宣教士家庭,奉獻請註明「吳以勒大學教育資助」。


To all the lovely aunties and uncles:

        Praise God!

        This year’s summer holiday has been wonderful. God blessed me with this opportunity to return to Uganda to be with my family and friends over the break. It has been a privilege to spend time with my people again, to breathe the air of home, and to go to the places I grew up on. I also finally got baptized this summer, and as I reflect over my journey for the past two years from studying in the Netherlands to now studying in Bristol, I praise him for all the lessons and experiences throughout has brought me closer to him.

        I leave Uganda in a week (13th September) to return to Bristol to continue into my second year of studying English Literature in the University of the West of England. Nearing the end of the holiday season and edging back into “real life”, I’ve begun contemplating about my approach to the forthcoming year. Last year, I was full of passion and drive to become the best version of myself and to do many things and be successful as that was what I thought was an appropriate response of gratitude to all the miracles and blessings God gave me to have a fresh start in Bristol. I tried out different side hustles that didn’t work out, tested different future paths, but it all led me into an uncomfortable position of stasis. People my age are running businesses online and retiring their families, while I was still struggling to balance university and cooking three meals a day. People my age are boldly testifying God, yet I still get anxious when speaking about Jesus in front of non-believers. I gave myself a lot of pressure because I felt like I wasn’t enough and didn’t do enough, and every setback felt like I was wasting this once in a lifetime opportunity to start afresh that God so graciously blessed me with. Once again, I was stuck.

        Praise God again that I was able to return to Uganda for the summer holiday. It felt like God saw my new set of struggles and plucked me out of Bristol and dropped me back home to have a good three months of rest. Being removed from that environment, my tunnel vision started to crumble, and I began to view everything that happened last year from a different perspective. I wanted to do so much, to be the best student in my course, to fit self-development and professional development into every spare minute I had, to serve as much as possible and involve myself with everything the church was doing, to excelling in the sports I was involved in, and much more. Without realizing it, I was burned out. The whole year was driven by a single thought that I had to do my utmost in everything and be the best in everything to show God how grateful I am, which ultimately left me exhausted and barely managing to scrape by and pass my studies.

        Throughout the whole year I never stopped once to ask God what he wanted me to do. I did everything out of my own human wisdom. I served him how I thought would be the best way to serve, and never did ask Him how HE wanted me to serve. Recently I’ve been greatly encouraged by this quote that Elisabeth Elliot once said:“I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.” This thought has been very sobering to reflect upon. Do I truly pray that His will be done or do I subconsciously inject my own desires and aspirations into the prayer? All the hustling and the striving that I thought would be enough to please God really just hurt me in the end, as after all, even in my best work I need Jesus to sanctify me to be pleasing to God. So, in the end I’ve reached the understanding that the best way to reflect my love for God and to serve him is not through how I personally want to serve him, but to serve him how he wants me to serve, and to truthfully pray that “Thy will be done.” Entering into the next year in Bristol, I’ll no longer blindly charge forward, but instead focus on His voice and His direction. I’ll concentrate on my current priority, which is completing and graduating from university, but in everything else I’ll wait and let Him lead me forward.

        To all the uncles and aunties and all fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, and for your prayers and support. It truly is a blessing to know that behind me are the prayers of all of you pushing me forward. Such is the beauty of Christian community, and such is the joy of following him! I ask that you may continue to remember me in your prayers, praying that God continues to guide me and that I may continue to learn more about him and deepen my relationship with him.

Kind Regards,
Jireh Wu

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大家好:

        我在香港中文大學讀三年級了,一切進展良好。我學了一些新的藝術技巧,完善了以往所學的。我上了韓國、日本和中國的藝術歷史課,被她們在歷史進程中,文化與藝術間如何相互影響而著迷。

        我快將畢業,對畢業後應做什麼工作,仍需要一些指引。這段日子,我做了一些兼職,但是並沒有一樣適合我。我在大學圖書館幫忙,當過補習老師,也嘗試做攝影師;但是未有一樣能激發我的興趣使我延續下去。所以,請你為我的前路祈禱。

        最後,除大學學習以外,我在中文大學和教會團契認識了一些好朋友,也有美好的時間來探索香港的神秘之處。我也在香港的圖書館裡讀了很多好書。總的來說,我一切安好。

        祝好。

柏謙上                        
2023年1月19日

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Hi All,

        I am now in my third year of study, and everything is going well. I have learnt some new art techniques and perfected some of my old techniques. I am also learning some art history in Korea, Japan and China, and I am fascinated by how these countries and cultures influence each other throughout their history.

        I am going to graduate soon and will need some guidance to what I will do after graduation. I have done some part-time jobs, but none of them are suitable for me. I have worked in the university library. I have done some tutoring. I have also tried taking photos for others. But none of them spark my interest to continue. Therefore, I need prayers for my future career.

        And lastly, I am doing well outside of my studies. I have made good friends at my church fellowship, and in CUHK. I have a wonderful time exploring Hong Kong’s secrets. And I have read many good books in Hong Kong libraries.

        All in all, I am doing well.

Regards,
Himson

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各位教會的弟兄姊妹,你們好:

        首先,非常感謝你們過去三年不斷支持我的大學學習,真心感謝過去教會為我做的一切。

        這個學期特別忙碌!有點分身不暇:忙於學習、忙於為籌委會組織活動、忙於小組功課和衝各項死線。儘管充滿挑戰,我仍然享受學習工程。對十二月初的期末考試,的確有點緊張。加上,去年我參加了兩個籌委會:一個是伍宜孫書院的環保小組,另一個是中大橋牌學會。為此,組織大大小小的活動,忙到透不過氣。不過,值得與大家分享的是,今年我有份帶動中大與港大聯合舉辦——「兩大橋牌大賽」——的籌備工作。最後,這個比賽舉行得非常成功,我們也感到非常榮幸和驕傲。

        另一方面,2022年的暑假,我在中華電力公司(屯門青山發電廠的發電組)做了兩個月的暑期實習。這是一個相當啟發性的機會,透過上司和同事的幫助,讓我學會很多關於職業前景、工作環境、發電過程和工程師的角色。感恩的是,這是一個有薪金的暑期實習,因此我能把所得的工資儲存起來,為下學期的一個大計作了準備。

        帶著非常興奮的心情告訴你,這個大計就是我將會在2023年1月到英國利物浦大學作交換生,這是一個無條件錄取的交換生。我已經訂了機票,也申請了當地大學校園寄宿。我急不及待期盼明年1月中起行!聽聞利物浦的冬天十分寒冷,而我相當害怕寒冬,希望能適應天氣。我十分期待這次令人興奮的機會!

        讓我再次感謝你們對我及家人的支持。這支持實在使我們不再一樣。

柏翹上                
2022年12月

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Hi everyone,

        Thank you so much for all your continuous support over these past 3 years of my university studies. I am truly grateful for all everything that the church has done for me.

        This semester has been particularly busy! I had a lot on my plate: from studies, to organising events for my committees, to projects and deadlines. My studies are quite challenging, but nevertheless I’m really enjoying studying engineering. Final exams are coming up in early December and I’ve quite nervous for them. In addition, I joined two committees last year: The Wu Yee Sun (WYS) Green Team and the CUHK Bridge Club. Both committees have kept me busy with organising events big and small. One noticeable event that I’d like to share is the CUHK Bridge Tournament that I organised in conjunction with HKU. The tournament was a huge success and I’m really proud to be given the opportunity to host it.

        In other news, I worked as intern at China Light and Power (CLP) during this past summer. It was an enlightening opportunity which taught me so much about my future career prospects and working environment. I joined their generation team at the Castle Peak Power Station in Tuen Mun, and with the help of my colleagues and supervisors, I learned a lot about the generation process as well as an engineer’s role in it. Luckily it was a paid internship so I saved up the pay cheques I received for something big this next semester.

        And that is that I’m going on exchange to the University of Liverpool for semester two! I’ve received the unconditional offer to exchange there for the whole semester and I’m so excited. I’ve already booked the flights and applied for on-campus accommodation. I can’t wait to fly next year in mid-January! But I hear that the winter in Liverpool is really cold so I’m quite dreading the cold, hopefully I get used to it. I’m really looking forward to this exciting opportunity!

        I’d like to thank you all again for all the support you’ve given me and my family. It really has made a huge difference for us.

Regards,
Pak Kiu

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親愛的弟兄姐妹,平安:

        「沒有消息就是好消息,而好的話,就真是好消息。」

        首先,非常感激你們每一位支持我在香港的生活,雖是不容易,但如果沒有你們的話,我是做不來的。

        2020年完成了兩年副學士的課程(社會科學),有兩年時間沒有再進修。感恩今年九月,我被香港浸會大學錄取了,入讀社會學三年級的課程,正在慢慢適應大學的學習生活。對大學生來說,時間非常緊迫,彷彿沒有足夠時間完成各項事情。但我希望保持平衡的生活,所以我繼續參加欖球會,以及恆常訓練中小學生玩欖球,冬天是最合適玩欖球的時間。

        長話短說,再次謝謝你們對我的信任,以及給我莫大的支持,使我感到十分蒙福和得力。認識你們成了我的後盾。

        請你們繼續禱告支持我。

        祝安康

柏廉
2022年10月17日

        本團再設「杜柏廉大學教育資助」,為的是幫助宣教士的兒女完成第一個大學本科學位,並讓關心柏廉的教會和弟兄姊妹支持他的學業。杜柏廉2022-2023學年的學費需港幣42,100元,如蒙感動,請予支持。奉獻並請註明「杜柏廉大學教育資助」。

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Dear kind members of the church, hope you are well.

        “No news is good news, but good is also good news”

        Firstly, I’d like to begin by thanking everyone in the churching community who has supported me throughout my years in Hong Kong, it hasn’t been easy but i wouldn’t have made it without you, thank you.

        Recently I have been admitted into the Hong Kong Baptist University, enrolling into their year 3 sociology program. I am slowly adjusting into my new life, having taken a 2-year gap year since graduating from the associate degree taken in 2020. Time is relative and for university students they’ll know, there is never really enough time now is there. I have been continuing to maintain a balanced life, by playing club rugby and coaching primary and secondary schools on regular bases, now that the winter season is upon us.

        To keep this letter short, I would love to thank everyone once again for their faith in me and continuous support of me in Hong Kong. I feel very blessed and strengthened knowing people will always have my back. Please keep praying and supporting, keep warm and stay healthy.

Yours Sincerely,
Leo

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可敬的阿姨和叔叔:

        『我有限的語言限制了我的世界。』是20世紀其中一位最偉大的哲學家路德維希·維特根斯坦(Ludwig Wittgenstein)的名言。

        與強調精確性和遵守規則的重要性的科學世界不同,文學和寫作恰恰相反——以作者選擇的任何形式和方向,表達思想和概念的自由,具體或抽象,所有這些都是為了追求探索、理解和分享。因為缺乏更好的詞,從字面上看,一切都沒有既定法律和規則的界限。在荷蘭的特文特大學修讀心理學一年後,我也渴望這種自由,從科學的極限中解脫出來,並將我的表達能力提高到一個新的水平,之後我將更自由地走下一步。這種願望並非沒有根據,因為我有更潛在的決心,要利用表達的言論來激勵他人。這源於我小時候移居烏干達,看到我的父母,以宣教士的工作,影響和改變了人們的生活。

        除了渴望獲得自由和擴闊認知,我也渴望更多探索和了解這個世界。我喜歡理論化地研究情境和人物,以為這是選擇修讀心理學作為專業的基礎;然而,我很快便意識到自己喜歡剖析人類的行為,根植於挖掘人物和思想的聯繫和關聯,就像我在高中時,選修的英語和世界史課程所學習的,而不單是大腦的機械成分。然而,儘管如此,我發現學習思維比編碼和數據分析更有趣,令我驚訝和沮喪的是,編碼和數據分析佔據了這課程的75%。去年,我沒有清楚地了解課程大綱,因此沒有想過要做這麼多技術工作。不過,我從錯誤中吸取了教訓,因而在申請轉讀英語文學課程時,確保課程列出的科目是我想尋找學習的。我對比了不同大學的課程綱要,從中找出哪一個課程更符合我的意願。

        當然,要轉換大學和修讀學系的決定絕不是一時之氣,而是經過多時的禱告,並祈求上帝引導我走上祂希望我走的路。我並不熱衷於賺錢,也不希冀過舒適的生活。那麼,我的目的是什麼呢?什麼是我的價值取向呢?我的未來目標是什麼?榮耀神。那麼,讓我成為作夢的人,透過我熱愛及認為有意義的媒介——寫作——來服侍和榮耀上帝,是多麼美妙!我相信,我的呼召不是坐在電腦後面做研究,也不是坐在治療師的椅子上去評估病人,而是通過言語觸動人心。畢竟,話語(上帝的話語)造出聖經,文字是向人們傳達上帝之愛的媒介(我想我絕對沒有不尊重其他的工作和領域,因為我們在基督的身體中都有不同的角色,我只是在我自己的角色中,發現了更多的意義,以至其他的事情對我來說是相形失色)。

        以前,我從來沒有想過我將來會做什麼,而我選擇心理學僅僅是因為我對解碼人心有一些興趣。我從來沒有想過要事奉主。然而,在這一年裡,隨著與主的關係日深,我發現了我的呼召,是通過我的寫作來榮耀衪。

        我已被英國的西英格蘭大學(簡稱UWE)英語文學和寫作課程錄取。為什麼我沒有單一選擇『創意寫作』作為一門課程,而加上英國文學呢?那是因為我也渴望瞭解世界和我們的社會,我相信一個人需要同時擴展語言能力和世界經驗,才能真正俘獲讀者的心。一個寫作者,不能知其一不知其二。

        感謝所有在背後為我祈禱和支持我的人。你們的支持使我感到鼓舞和堅強。請繼續禱告,求主賜給我力量和毅力,使我走祂為我打開的道路,並讓祂繼續引導我不偏離祂的路。願上帝保佑你,也引導你。

由衷感謝
吳以勒
2022年8月13日

        以勒將於2022年9月轉往英國的西英格蘭大學修讀英語文學和寫作課程,為期三年。一年學費港幣140,000元、住宿費40,000元、食用保險等55,000元,合共235,000元。請支持吳天德宣教士家庭,奉獻請註明「吳以勒大學教育資助」。


To all the lovely aunties and uncles:

        “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein, considered by some as the greatest philosopher of the 20th century.

        Unlike the world of science, which stresses the importance of precision and adherence to rules, literature and writing is quite the opposite – the freedom of expressing ideas and concepts in any form and direction the writer chooses, concrete or abstract, all in the pursuit of exploring, understanding, and sharing, for a lack of a better word, literally everything without the boundaries of set laws and rules. After a year of studying BSc psychology in the University of Twente, I too, desire this freedom and release from the limitations of science, and to raise my skill of expression to the next level, after which I would unlock even further freedom. This desire is not ungrounded, as I have an even more underlying determination to use the freedom of expression to inspire others. This stemmed from moving to Uganda when I was a child and seeing my parents, who are missionaries, inspire and change people’s lives.

        Aside from my desire to attain freedom and expand the limits of my world, I also have a hunger to explore and understand more about this world. I enjoy theorising and examining situations and characters, which my previous self-took as a base for choosing psychology as a major. However, I soon realized that my liking of dissecting people’s behaviours was rooted in unearthing connections and networks of characters and ideas (as in English class and AP World History that I took in high school), and not the actual mechanical components of the brain. Yet despite that, I found learning about the brain much more interesting than coding and doing data analysis, which, to my surprise and dismay, took up 75% of the course. Last year, I did not clearly look at the module components of the course and hence did not anticipate doing so much technical stuff. I learned from my mistake though, as recently applying for courses around English Literature I made sure to make a list of what I am looking for, and examined universities and their courses over the years to see which one checks the most points off the list.

        Of course, this decision to change university and course was not made on a whim, rather I have prayed over time and asked God to guide me to path he wants me to take. I do not aspire to make money, nor do I aspire to live a comfortable life. So, what was my purpose? What do I value? What is my future objective? To glorify God. Well then, indulge the dreamer in me, but how wonderful would it be to serve and glorify God through a medium that I am passionate about and find most meaning in– writing! I believe that my calling is not to sit behind a computer doing research or leaning back on a therapist couch assessing a patient, but rather to touch people’s hearts through words. After all, words (God’s words) are what formed the Bible, and words are what convey God’s love to people, not bundles of data ready to be analysed (I mean absolutely no disrespect to all other jobs and fields, as we all have different roles in the body of Christ, but I just find much more meaning in my role that the others pale to me).

        Before, I never thought much about what I would do in the future, hence I choose psychology simply because I had some interest in deciphering someone. I never thought much about serving the Lord. However, throughout this year, as I deepened my relationship with the Lord, I found my calling to glorify him through my writing.

        I have been accepted into the English Literature and Writing course in the University of the West of England (or UWE for short). Why did I not choose to focus on Creative Writing as a course instead of English Literature then? That is because I also desire to understand the world and our society, and I believe that one needs to expand both language ability and world experience to truly be able to capture the reader’s heart; a writer cannot only have one or the other.

        Thank you to everyone praying and supporting me from behind. I am encouraged and strengthened by your support. Please continue to pray that the Lord gives me strength and perseverance to walk the path he has opened for me, and for him to continue guiding me and me not to wander from his path. God bless you and guide you all too.

Kind Regards,
Jireh Wu

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各位弟兄姐妹:

        願你們在這個嚴重的疫情下有平安。

        向你們更新一下過去一年我的學習。上個學期是我第一個在中文大學就讀期間,用實體上課的學期。我十分享受這個學習經驗,因為可以在課堂中認識不少朋友。經過用功努力,這學期我的成績相當好(不錯)。

        此外,我申請了做交換生,並準備在三年級第二個學期到英國利物浦大學上課。中文大學已經接受了申請,現在要等待利物浦大學接納。我真的很興奮,而且希望在疫情之下也能夠成行。為此,我嘗試儲蓄,但是因為在目前疫情的情況下,我無法繼續做部分時間的補習班老師。希望今年暑假,當疫情穩定的時候,我可以繼續做補習老師。

        疫情影響了我在中文大學的學習。我們再沒有實體上課和實驗,全部課程都在網上進行。這真是令我變得有點無心機,因為我無法與我的朋友一起實體上課,另一方面上網課是十分沉悶,叫人提不起興趣。

        學習以外,我參加了兩個活動。第一個是我所屬書院的環保小組(Green Team),第二個是香港中文大學橋牌學會(Bridge Club of CUHK)。因為疫情的緣故,我們的活動都在網路上進行。而那些不能在網路上進行的活動,都要被迫取消了。我喜歡成為委員會的一份子,因為這讓我可以有機會體驗到大學生活裡面的社交活動。

        最後,我再次感謝各位弟兄姐妹的支持。我心中非常感激。

柏翹上
2022年3月

課外活動:種植小盤栽

課外活動:種植小盤栽

課堂作業:用電腦程式控制這機器

課堂作業:用電腦程式控制這機器

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Hi everyone,

        I hope you are all staying safe during this severe pandemic in Hong Kong.

        I am writing to update you on my academic progress over the past year. Last semester was my first semester having in-person classes at CUHK. I really enjoyed the experience and I made a few friends during the classes. I studied hard and as a result my grades were quite good.

        In addition, I applied to go on exchange during the second semester of my third year. I applied to exchange at the University of Liverpool in the UK. The application was well received by CUHK, but I still need to wait for the University of Liverpool to accept my application. I’m really excited and I really hope I get to go even during the pandemic. I’m trying to save money but because of the current pandemic situation I am unable to continue part-time tutoring. I’m hoping to be able to continue again in the summer once the pandemic situation gets better.

        The pandemic has also affected my studies at CUHK. We no longer have any in-person classes or labs and everything is conducted online. It is disheartening not being able to attend classes with my friends and online classes can be very boring.

        Besides academics, I’ve also joined two committees. The first is the recycling committee of my college, Green Team. And the second one is the Bridge Club of CUHK. Because of the pandemic we are conducting our activities on online, but other activities that cannot be conducted online has sadly been cancelled. I’m glad to be a part of these committees because it gives me the chance to experience the social life of studying at university.

        I’d like to end off by thanking everyone for their support. I really appreciate it!

Regards,
Pak Kiu

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你們好:

        我現在就讀中文大學二年級的第二個學期,一切事情都很順利。能夠在我的學系裡認識很多朋友,也有一些是在大學的其他課堂中認識的。我學習到很多主修科和其他科目的知識,這些都是我沒有預料到的收穫。現在我能夠在食和住方面照顧自己。執筆之時,中大有一些新冠確診個案,我只希望不會嚴重地影響這個學期的學習。如果停止面授課堂,就會大大影響到在藝術系裡面的學習,因為藝術系學習的,都是一些實用的技巧。

        同時,我已經適應了在香港的生活,能夠在運輸系統中找到方向,並且知道在那些最好的商店買到食物和用品,而且能夠在大學以外認識很多朋友。

        謝謝你們。

柏謙上                        
2022年1月26日

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Hi All,

        I am currently in the second semester of my second year of study in CUHK and everything is going well. I have made many friends in my faculty and my other CUHK courses. I have learned many unexpected knowledge about my major and outside of my major. And I am living and eating well on my own. As of this moment, there has been few coronavirus cases in CUHK. I just hope that it does not affect the semester in a severe way, such as stopping all face-to-face classes, because it affects the ability to learn practical skills in Visual Arts.

        I have also adapted to living in Hong Kong. I can find my way around the transport system, know the best shops to buy food and supplies, and made many friends outside of my university.

Regards,
Himson

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可敬的阿姨和叔叔:

        願榮耀歸於我們的主上帝。因著我們主的恩典和引導,我能處於現在光景中。感謝你們所有人對我的支持及將我放在你的禱告中,叫我得以堅固,並知道在這旅程中我並不孤單。

        我在荷蘭的生活已經開始習慣了。起初文化衝擊很大,就是買生活日用品的情況與我預期的都有很大不同(我要騎15-20分鐘的自行車才能到達最近的超市)。天氣的影響也與我想像的不同,我以為冬天應該很有趣!下雪應該很好玩!為什麼沒有人告訴我有「冬季抑鬱症」呢?

        撇開意想不到的事情,我還有很多事情對上帝感恩。其中一件事,是我的住宿安排。今年(我的意思是2021年,從技術上講,這是去年,但仍然不太習慣),我所在的城市恩斯赫德(Enschede)出現了住房短缺。根據我大學的通訊,在9月新學年開始時,大約有300名學生沒有地方住宿。由於我是來自歐盟以外的學生,所以大學保證我第一年可以有住宿的地方。然而,有住宿的地方並不意味著有一個好的住宿環境。我擔心我唯一能找到的地方是一個骯髒的房子或與一些不負責任的室友同住。然而因著上帝的恩典,我能夠在校園裡找到一個房間,並且與負責任和成熟的室友同住(他們都是24-28歲的碩士生),我甚至有自己的廁所和淋浴的地方(大約80%的學生宿舍都需要與其他人共用衛生間)。我的房間也是帶傢俱的,所以我沒有購買傢俱的煩惱。當然,我每天都有一些感謝上帝的事情,但住宿仍是最重要的,直到今天我仍然感恩。

        至於我的學業,我不會說它很順暢,但至少我還沒有被迫輟學(哈哈)。來到一個全新的環境,所承受的艱難比我預期的多,再加上我必須應付課堂上大量的功課,說實在的,我真的不知所措。有很多日子我感到情緒低落,我開始在課業上落後,甚至有時好幾天沒有走出房門。但是,一如既往,感謝上帝,因為我在那裡遇到了很多真正理解和支援的人。我的教會每週二都會舉行小組聚會,每次我與他們見面時,我都會感到神清氣爽,得著更新。我的室友們也讓我有這種感覺,因為到2021年底,我開始在宿舍的公用廚房裡遛達,而不是把自己鎖在房間裡,透過與室友互動和交流讓我感到比以前更快樂。

        總而言之,我在新地方的第一個學期很艱難。然而,藉著我們上帝無盡的愛和恩典,我挺過來了。對於所有支持我並為我祈禱的人,再次感謝你們。知道我的掙扎被體會,並你在我背後給了我力量。願上帝賜福你們。

親切問候您的
吳以勒
2022年1月12日


To all the lovely aunties and uncles:

        First and foremost, glory be to the Lord our God. Truly, without the grace and guidance of our Lord, I would not be in the position I am in right now. And thank you all for supporting me and keeping me in your prayers. I am strengthened by the knowledge that I am not alone on this journey.

        The Netherlands was a lot to get used to, to say the least. Culture shock quickly became the norm, access to commodities was very much different from what I expected (15-20 minutes’ cycle to the nearest supermarket), and even the effects of the weather differed from what I thought. I thought winter was supposed to be fun! Snow was supposed to be fun! Now why had nobody told me about this “winter depression”?

        Unexpected things aside, there were still many things that I am grateful to God for. The one thing that still sits in the front of my mind was my housing situation. There was a housing shortage in my city, Enschede, this year (by that I mean 2021, which technically is last year but it’s still weird to say). I believe there was about 300 students without a place to stay at the start of this school year in September according to my university’s newsletter. Granted, I was a student from outside the European Union, so I was guaranteed by the university a place to stay for the first year. However, a place to stay does not necessarily mean a GOOD place to stay. I was worried that the only place I would be able to find would be a dirty house or a house irresponsible roommates especially because of the shortage, but that was not the case. By God’s grace, I was able to find a room on campus with responsible and mature roommates (they’re all masters students ranging from ages 24-28) and I even have my own toilet and shower (around 80% of all student houses have shared bathrooms). My room also came furnished, so I didn’t have to go through the hassle of purchasing furniture. Of course, there is always something I am grateful to God about every single day, but my housing situation was the biggest thing and one that I am still thankful about to this day.

        As for my education, I wouldn’t say that it’s going swimmingly, but at least I haven’t been forced to drop out yet (haha). Transition to a completely fresh environment was a lot more to bear than I had expected. Combine that with the swamp of work I had to do for my classes, well, I became really overwhelmed. I had many days where I was feeling low, I started falling behind in classes, and there were even times I didn’t step out of my house for days. But, as always, all thanks to God, because I met a lot of people there who were really understanding and supportive. My church there holds small group meetings every Tuesday, and every single time I meet with them I feel refreshed and energized. My roommates also made me feel that way, as towards the end of 2021 I started working inside our communal kitchen instead of locking myself in my room, and having the interaction and the liveliness made me feel much happier than I was.

        So, to sum it all up, my first semester in a new place was rough. However, due to the unending love and grace of our God, I made it through. To all of you who are supporting and praying for me, once again, thank you. Knowing that my struggles are seen and that you are behind me gives me strength. God bless you all.

Kind Regards,
Jireh Wu
January 12, 2022

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親愛的主內弟兄姊妹平安:

宣教士子女大學教育資助——吳以勒弟兄

        本團派駐烏干達工場宣教士吳天德、吳陳淑吟牧師師母的兒子以勒今年九月進入荷蘭特文特大學(University Of Twente)理學院,修讀心理學(Bachelor Psychology)。

本團一直堅持讓宣教士子女得到最好和最適切的教育。當孩子就讀中、小學時,教育費是放在宣教士經費中籌募。到了大學修讀第一個本科學位時,就為每個孩子設立專屬的「宣教士子女大學教育資助」,原因是基於兩個重要的考慮:

  • 大學費用的開支,因應不同國家地區的差異而有所不同,有些地區費用高昂,將這筆開支計入一般宣教士經費項目來支持,會為基本經費籌募帶來困難。
  • 用籌募資助專款的方式,可以鼓勵大家對宣教士子女的關注,特別是宣教士子女大學教育的需要。這課題正是眾華人差會的共同努力,我相信也是眾教會所關心的。

假若你關心宣教士子女大學教育,願意支持以勒前往荷蘭升學,請將奉獻擲寄本團,並請註明「吳以勒大學教育資助」。以勒大學畢業時若專款仍有結餘,會撥歸「宣教士子女大學教育資助專款」之用。

吳以勒修讀大學的費用預算

學系 學年

每一學年所需費用(港幣)

心理學

三年

1.學費74,000.00
2.住宿費36,000.00
3.食用保險等等30,800.00

合共140,800.00

懇請你繼續關心支持吳天德牧師一家的需要,同心禱告,仰望那厚賜各樣恩惠的主,使你們凡事充足!

敬祝
主恩豐盈!

國際總幹事
朱昌錂

二零二一年九月二十四日

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吳以勒心聲:

在高中的頭三年和高中最後一年的開始(美國學制是四年高中課程),我對上大學的前景非常不安,因為我對自己的未來沒有把握定論。我的朋友和同學都談及他們的願景和主修的科目,以及接下來的職業,而我則還在一邊感到躊躇不安,惟恐萬一選擇到一門不適合自己的主修,而毀了我的一生。在決定我未來計劃的整個過程中,我遇到了不同大學的大學生,他們都告訴我,我不應該太擔心會選擇錯誤的主修,因為若選修的科目真的覺得不適合,我還是可以途中轉換修讀的科目。聽從了他們的建議,我最終決定跨出一步,定下一個主修的科目,並嘗試尋找不同大學提供有關該科目課程的學習簡章比較。我選擇的主修科目是心理學,原因就是我單純喜愛這科目。

請恕我陳腔濫調,我一直對心理學這科目感興趣。從小到大,我發現試圖理解一個人為什麼以某種方式思考或行動是非常令人愉快的。然而,我的心理學知識僅限於讀過的兩本書和在高中所修讀的其中一門選修課,所以很期望能在大學裡有更多的學習。

我所搜集研究的大多數大學所開設的心理學課程,都是有關教導傳統和正統的心理學教義(這本身就已經非常吸引)。然而,Twente大學提供了一種獨特的心理學教學法,將科技和21世紀的概念融入傳統心理學,使這門課程對我更具吸引力和趣味性。

Twente大學是一所科技大學,位於荷蘭Enschede市。我將會以全修生修讀這課程,但也在考慮若時間容許,可以找一份兼職工作,以獲得更多的經驗。這個課程以三年修畢,除非我在一年級時無法達到所要求的學分目標(以60個學分為滿分,合格是45個學分),若第一年不合格,我也無法繼續第二學年的學習,並會被要求退學。

對每一個願意支持我在Twente大學學習的捐助人,我表示最衷心的感謝。沒有你們的祈禱和支持,我無法想像自己能上及完成大學。所以,謝謝你們,希望你們會繼續支持我在學習中成長。

Throughout my first three years and the beginning of my fourth year in high school(there are four years in high school in the American curriculum), I was exceedingly distraught at the prospect of going to university as I was indeterminate about my future. All around me, my friends and other classmates all spoke about what they envisioned themselves majoring in and the careers that would follow, while I would be in the corner worried that I might choose a major unsuited to me and ruin my life. During the whole process of deciding my future plans, I came across multiple university students who all told me that I shouldn’t worry too much about choosing the wrong major, as I can always change it if I find it unfitting for me. Taking heed to their advice, I decided to finally step out and select a major, and find universities offering courses of that major. The major I chose was psychology, and the reason being that I simply had a passion for it.

Pardon the banality, but I have always had an interest in the subject psychology. Growing up, I found it extremely enjoyable to try to understand why a person is thinking or acting a certain way. However, my knowledge of psychology is only limited to the two books I’ve read and the single semester elective course I am currently taking in school, so I am excited to learn more in university.

Most of the universities I have researched offers psychology courses which entails traditional and orthodox teachings of psychology (which is already very fascinating in itself). However, university of Twente offers a unique approach to psychology in which technology and 21st century concepts are integrated into classical psychology, making this course much more attractive and interesting to me.

University of Twente is a technical university situated in the city of Enschede in the Netherlands. I will be a full-time student there, but I am also thinking of finding a part time job during my free time to acquire more experience. My course extends for 3 years, unless I am unable to reach the credit goal for first year students (45 out of 60 credits to pass), in which case I will be barred from continuing to my second year and will be forced to drop out.

To everyone who decides to go out of their way to support my education in the University of Twente, you have my utmost gratitude. I can hardly think of myself being able to go through university without all of you praying and supporting me. So, thank you, and I hope that you will continue supporting me.

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各位親愛的忠心支持者:

        我在香港中文大學第一年的學習已經結束了。

        這一年可以說充滿不同的挑戰,包括網上上課和適應隨之而來的改變。網上上課使我難於交朋友、不能認識班中的同學、甚至不能見到他們的面孔,也無法在班裡產生互動。更困難的是,不能在課堂後與講師討論問題。網上考試挑戰更大,因為我不習慣在家裡考試的時候,有一個鏡頭隨時隨地監察著我。我寧願與同學在學校禮堂裡考試。

        但是,在這一年也有很多恩典。其中一個是我有能夠在今年的第二學期和暑假住在大學宿舍。因為疫情,宿舍很多設備都沒有開放或是限制使用,但是我得以一個人享用整個房間,實在是一件快樂的事。

        暑假期間,我決定修讀德文課程,能夠充實自己。我對學習新語言很有興趣,也希望能夠在廚房開始煮飯,這樣我就不需要到餐廳買外賣或是買學生餐了。

        整體來說,我從心裡謝謝每一位支持我完成中大第一年的學習的弟兄姐妹。特別感謝你們在經濟上支持我,資助了學費和宿舍的費用。我衷心謝謝你們。

柏翹上                        
2021年6月5日

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Dear loyal supporters,

        My first academic year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has recently come to a close.

        It was a year filled with different challenges, such as attending classes online and adapting to the changes that came with it. Online classes made it difficult to make friends with other students in my class, not knowing who was even in my class, not being able to see their faces and interact with them in a classroom environment. It was also more difficult to discuss problems with lecturers after class. Online exams also posed as a potential challenge because I wasn’t used to writing exams at home with a camera watching me the whole time, I prefer writing in the exam hall with fellow students.

        But there were graces in the year as well. One of which was the opportunity to reside in my college hostel for the second semester as well as during the coming summer vacation. I got the whole room to myself which was a pleasure to acquire. Although due to the pandemic, many hostel facilities are closed or have restricted access.

        For the summer session, I decided to take a short course in German. It’ll keep me occupied for a couple weeks before the official summer vacation. It’ll be interesting to learn a new language. I’m also hoping to start cooking in the kitchen as well, that way I won’t have to constantly buy take-away and student meals from the canteens.

        Throughout it all, I would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me through my freshmen year at CUHK. And a special thank you to those who supported me financially, you helped pay for my education and my hostel residence, I am grateful to you all.

Regards,
Pak Kiu

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