譚國權、譚何詠湘代禱信2023年9月

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親愛的禱伴,主內平安:

意外的驚喜
        七月正值南非的隆冬,在10日那天我們剛起牀,探頭伸出窗外,竟然發現下起雪來。白雪紛紛落在屋頂和樹上,草地也蓋上了一片白雪,這是約翰內斯堡自2012年以來,相隔了12年再下一場雪,大家難得一見,不少家長帶著孩子在雪地上玩耍,雖然臉凍得通紅,但他們非常盡興。這場「七月雪」為市民帶來歡笑,也帶來愁苦。約翰內斯堡還有許多窮困、飢寒交迫的人,我們立刻想到在教會附近,瑟縮在天橋下的露宿者,於是教會趕快買了一些毛毯分發給他們,盼望這小小的心意,能幫助他們度過困難的日子。

祈求的,就得著;尋找的,就尋見
        九歲的Grace每週主日都由祖母帶她來參加兒童主日學,她很喜歡教會的生活,從來不遲到或曠課;Grace因為不知道怎樣向媽媽傳福音,所以便邀請她來教會,期望牧師或教會的成年人可以引導她信主,但屢屢遭到拒絕。Grace的媽媽是一位無神論者,認為教會的人平白無端自創一位神來崇拜很可笑,去教會是一件浪費時間且不切實際的事。

        意外地,有一個主日Grace的媽媽竟然來了教會參加崇拜,會後她主動告訴我,過去一週她被一些揪心的事纏擾,導致白天鬱悶、晚上失眠。當Grace看到媽媽的情況,她勸說媽媽凡事要依靠耶穌,並邀請媽媽一起禱告,媽媽起初抱著半信半疑的心態儘管一試,但在禱告的過程中,Grace的媽媽經歷了一股莫名的平安像暖流般充滿內心,心靈感受到像被洗滌過一般。這感覺太震撼了,她忽然明白為甚麽世界上會有那麼多人信奉耶穌,這個信仰絕對不能被小覷,她開始認真思想有關信仰的問題。直到如今,煩擾她的事情雖然尚未得到解決,但無神論和唯物論不再成為她信仰的障礙,使她一直站在真理的門外;反而以新的眼光和價值觀來審視人生,最終接受耶穌為救主,得著寶貴的救恩。「依靠耶和華,以耶和華為可靠的,那人有福了。」(耶利米書十七7)願Grace的媽媽一生堅定跟隨主,成為蒙福的家庭。

代禱事項:

  1. 有幾個信徒家庭將從國內回流南非,求主幫助他們的新適應,能在南非有安穩的生活。
  2. 求主保守每位移居南非的長者,願他們身體健康,心靈健壯,靈命豐盛。
  3. 求主穩固Grace一家的信仰根基,能常親近主。
  4. 請記念兒童主日學人手的需要,求主預備合適的事奉者加入團隊。
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兒童主日學獻詩

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        轉眼間又快到中秋節,在此預祝大家中秋節快樂!

您的同路人                  
國權,詠湘敬上
2023年9月8日

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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        最近經由一位南非教會姊妹的介紹,在網上幫助一位基督徒,脱離她的家暴生活。她因為在原生家庭中沒有得到愛和照顧,故此很渴望得到愛和人對她的關注,以至她過著一個只懂遷就人,很容易被人利用、沒有尊嚴、受虐的生活。感謝神,她現在悔改及尋求神的幫助,張姊妹分享:「我只是覺知自己的軟弱吧!若不緊緊抓住神,我就要滅沒在活人之地了!神救我,會救我!前題就是我要盡心盡意盡力聽神的話。」我們成立查經小組,藉著查考聖經人物來重新建立她的人生目標和價值觀,希望能建立她的自信心和對神的信心。感謝神,因為從姊妹的回應中,我們已經看見她的改變,對神也有信心。她分享:「神要潔淨我,修復我!恢復祂初造我時的美好!祂要把那些被蝗蟲吃掉的歲月都還給我!我是有進一步看見,不看別人,也不看自己,單單注目主耶穌。」

        今天收到南非週三查經小組的一位弟兄轉寄來自約翰尼斯堡歐弟兄的見證。歐弟兄曾經住在開普敦,近兩年才搬去約堡。我們與他熟識是因為他的太太是開普敦福音教會的姊妹。歐弟兄慕道已有一段時日,他們夫妻間有時會因為基督信仰而爭執,姊妹為著信仰背負了不少重擔。她有時會慨嘆其難處,但她仍然有對主堅定不移的信心。我們和歐弟兄相處融洽,曾經多次在他們的公寓聚會。後來姊妹的公司調派她返回約堡總公司,所以我們便沒有聯絡了。我們一直感到很可惜,因為和歐弟兄已經建立了友誼和互信的基礎。可惜沒有更多的時間跟他分享信仰,及幫助他們的婚姻關係。但是神有祂的時間和方法,神的道路高過人的道路。歐弟兄因為突發肝癌需要換肝,經歷許多神的幫助。神徹頭徹尾的改變了他,也更新他們的婚姻關係。我們驚嘆神的奇妙作為!神實在以格外的恩慈對待歐弟兄。

        這提醒我們神工作直到如今(約五17),無論人多叛逆抵擋神,神還是能改變他,拯救他。所以,我們千萬不要放棄慕道友。第二,姊妹在主裡為丈夫的犧牲終有美好成果,而且得神記念。姊妹尊主為大的生活,她的丈夫必要因她而改變,姊妹的付出絕對不浪費。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 感謝主使查考聖經人物的查經小組正常運作。求主幫助我們能有效的帶領查經小組。
  2. 請為張姊妹前面的道路代禱,求主幫助她早日脱離困境。
  3. 請為歐弟兄身體得康復代禱。
  4. 求主保守當地網絡能正常運作,使我們能繼續透過網路,與南非兩個教會的弟兄姊妹一起敬拜和查考聖經。

您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二三年八月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Recently, we were introduced to Sister Zhang by one of our sisters in South Africa.  She was in a bad relationship and suffered from domestic violence.  As she was growing up, she was not loved and was being neglected.  She tried desperately to seek love and other people’s attention.  As a result, she was being lured into an abusive and undignified living situation.  We thank the Lord that she is now determined to leave this way of life and ask God for help.  This is what she shared, “I know I am very weak.  If I do not hold on to the Lord, I will never be able to hang on.  God saves me; He will save me as soon as I turn back and follow Him with all my heart, all my mind and all my strength.”  We started a new Bible study group with her.  Through specific characters of the Bible, we are helping her to re-establish her purpose of life and value system as well as her self-confidence and faith in God.  We praise the Lord as we have already started to see changes in her.  She told us, “The Lord is going to cleanse me, heal me and return me to the way He first created me!  He will give me back those days that were destroyed by locusts!  I have learned to put my eyes on Jesus, not on other people nor myself.”

        Today we received a copy of Brother Ou’s testimony from a brother in Johannesburg.  Brother Ou had stayed in Cape Town for about two years before moving to Johannesburg.  We met him through his wife who was attending our Cape Town church.  Brother Ou was not a believer at the time and had frequent conflicts with our sister due to her faith.  We had counseled her a number of times, and she maintained a strong faith in the Lord.  We had a good relationship with Brother Ou, and we were able to hold a few Bible study meetings at their home.  As our sister was being transferred back to Johannesburg, we were not able to continue with our well-established rapport and our support in their marriage.

        However, the Lord has His way and timing.  A few months ago while he was visiting China, he was diagnosed with liver cancer and urgently needed a transplant.  With unbelievable speed, a match was located, and he had a successful operation.  He has become a total changed person!  God also saved his marriage!  We were in awe of God’s wonderful deeds!  He showered Brother Ou with amazing grace and mercy.

        This is a reminder to us that God “is always at work to this very day.” (John 5:17) No matter how one resists God, He is able to turn him around and save him; so we must not give up on anybody.  Moreover, our sister’s sacrifices for her faith were not in vain; they are being remembered by God.  When she persisted in honoring God in her life, her husband was being won over.

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord help us to effectively lead our new Bible study group.
  2. May the Lord continue to lead Sister Zhang out of her difficulties.
  3. May the Lord continue to help Brother Ou in his recovery.
  4. May the Lord continue to bless our on-line Bible study meetings and worship services.

 

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina

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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        感謝主的恩典,南非電力不足、長時間斷電的問題,最近有了改善;現在有些地方每天只停電兩三個小時。傳聞是電力公司中那些監守自盗的人被查出了,所以問題才能如此迅速改進,真相如何恐怕永遠無法知道。對大多數的人民來說,只要恢復供電,不影響生活就好。希望南非的工商業也能夠因為電力的恢復而興旺,經濟能更好。

        前幾個星期我們收到紐卡索教會曾弟兄的短訊,告知我們他的近況:「最近我開始了帶領一週的查經團契:有星期二的福音查經團契、有星期五的新生命查經團契、有星期六的新生命查經團契。這些我都參與帶領。星期二是魏弟兄跟我搭配帶領。星期五是老楊弟兄跟我搭配帶領。星期六只有我帶領,但因為停電時間影響,暫時停止。」

        我們實在為曾弟兄感謝神,因為他接續了帶領查經的事奉。神對他一步一步的帶領,直到今天。他受到母親的影響,本來是拜佛的,他的基督徒朋友將他介紹給我們認識,我們向他傳福音及帶領他信主,並且介紹他繼續接受浸信會牧師的聖經裝備課程,前前後後有兩年的訓練。那時不明白是神在預備他,現今看見其實是神的計劃。因為曾弟兄較年輕,我們曾經擔心大家能否接納他作教導,現今看見一切的運作都很平順,證明大家在靈性上的成熟,大家才能夠彼此接納,如此融合。感謝主。

        這件事的發展也提醒我們,要從神掌管萬事、凡事神都有計劃的角度去看我們的事工。事工是神興起,不是人的努力而促成的,事工的延續是因為神有衪的工作要成就,神必預備合宜的人選完成衪的工。衪是耶和華以勒。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 感謝主使查經團契正常運作。求主幫助曾弟兄能有效地帶領一週的查經團契。
  2. 求主幫助南非政府能完全解決電力供應的問題。
  3. 求主幫助南非政府能有效發展經濟並控制通貨膨脹,提高就業率。
  4. 求主保守我們能繼續在網絡上,和南非兩個教會的弟兄姐妹一起敬拜及查考聖經都能正常運作。

您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二三年六月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Praise the Lord!  The electricity crisis in South Africa has been turned around for now.  Instead of long hours of load shedding, most areas only experience two to three hours of outages.  Rumor has it that some corrupt officials and those responsible for sabotage were caught, thus most areas are able to recover so smoothly.  Yet we may never know the whole story!  To the general public, their main concern is that their lives can get back to normal.  May this improvement stabilize all businesses and quickly strengthen the economy.

        A few weeks ago, we received the following message from Brother Tseng of our Newcastle church:“Recently I began to lead all the weekly Bible study meetings – Tuesday Gospel Bible Study, Friday New Life Bible Study and Saturday New Life Bible Study.  Brother Wei co-leads with me on Tuesday, and Brother Yang co-leads with me on Friday.  I am leading Saturday by myself, but due to power outages, it is now being suspended.”

        We are really excited for Brother Tseng.  Due to his mother’s influence, he used to be deeply involved with Buddhism.  Some of his Christian friends introduced him to us.  We shared the gospel with him and led him to Christ.  He was so eager to serve the Lord.  We put him in contact with the pastor of a local Baptist church to begin Bible training which lasted for two years.  We did not know at the time that God had searched him and equipped him for the church.  At first, we were concerned that the church might have reservations about him because of his young age (in his early 30’s).  Now we can see this acceptance and embrace as a sign of the church’s spiritual maturity.  We are so thankful!

        This reminds us that we should view our ministry from the perspective that God reigns and He already has a plan for all His work.  Nothing is accomplished due to men’s efforts.  He raises up and keeps his Church, and He provides the right people to serve His Church.  He is Jehovah Jireh!

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord continue to equip and lead Brother Tseng in his service.
  2. May the Lord continue to help the government in resolving its electricity crisis.
  3. May the Lord give wisdom to the government in controlling its inflation rate and improving its economy.
  4. May the Lord continue to bless our on-line Bible study meetings and worship services.

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina

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親愛的禱伴,主內平安:

        感謝主帶領我們在港工作匯報,時間匆匆而過,謝謝眾教會弟兄姊妹的愛心款待和支持,讓我們有機會分享在過去幾年的宣教工作、事奉的挑戰和神的奇妙作為;感謝差會同工們在行政上的支援。因著您們的愛心,我們得以繼續在宣教路上前行。

「難道我們從神手裡得福,不也受禍嗎?」(伯二10)
        甫踏出南非機場,接機的弟兄馬上告訴我們約堡福音教會在過去兩週內頻生意外。一位弟兄從餐廳購買便當出來時,被一輛摩托車撞倒,頭破血流倒在地上,檢查後證實腦部受到劇烈震盪;另一位姊妹在家中被一道又高又重的大閘砸到,身體嚴重受傷,髖關節也斷了,送到醫院時醫生說如果大閘砸壓得高一點傷到心臟,姊妹必定失救。想不到隔了幾天,有一位姊妹開車接女兒放學回家時,途中跟另一輛車相撞,導致坐在駕駛座旁邊的女兒大腿骨折,由飛行服務隊送往醫院急救。我們回家放下行李即去探訪受影響的家庭。感謝主的憐憫,帶領他們走過死蔭的幽谷,最近喜見他們的傷勢慢慢有進展。經過接二連三的事故,弟兄姊妹更積極禱告,唯有禱告能使他們得安慰和平安,也深感禱告的重要,現時教會除了週三禱告會外,在主日崇拜後也增加了禱告會,願這些遭遇能成為彰顯神大能的見證。

「因此,人要離開父母,與妻子連合,二人成為一體。」(創二24)
        教會也不儘是壞消息,上週六國權為教會一對新人證婚,婚禮當天風和日麗,邀請了不少賓客,新娘的父母表示當天心情異常複雜,當爸爸挽著新娘的手進場及在台前將新娘交給新郎時,就在這瞬間,媽媽已難掩飾激動、開心、緊張、幸福的心情,忍了很久的眼淚最終還是流下來。是的,女兒長大了,但腦海裏還滿是她孩童的模樣。我在回香港前已為一對新人上了婚前輔導課程,在婚禮上再以聖經的話勉勵一番,但願神賜福新家庭,榮神益人。

代禱事項:

  1. 我們將展開新一期服事,求主賜我們身心靈健康,以信心回應主的托付。
  2. 求主徹底醫治在意外中受傷的弟兄姊妹,叫他們心裡剛強、早日康復。
  3. 請記念六月份新一季的神學課程,將教導「教會歷史」,求主激勵弟兄姊妹堅持學習,裝備成為主合用的器皿。
  4. 在南非要收的莊稼多,作工的人少,求主興起工人去完成祂的大使命。
  5. 因著南非經常停電,令全國經濟大受影響,也因著種種因素致使南非百物騰貴,物價大幅度上升,失業率高企。求主賜政府有智慧,早日解決危機,讓百姓能脫離危困。
  6. 請記念國權在港的二姐及姐夫,因為姐夫是長期病患者,二姐需照顧他的起居,求主賜二姐有忍耐和愛心,並能抒解因照顧姐夫所帶來的壓力。

        祈安!

您的同路人                  
國權,詠湘敬上
2023年6月12日

在母會九龍城浸信會分享

在母會九龍城浸信會分享

與差會同工一起接受裝備

與差會同工一起接受裝備

與多年未見的香港靈糧堂同工飯聚

與多年未見的香港靈糧堂同工飯聚

崇真會救恩堂宣教部同工 暢談宣教的喜與憂

崇真會救恩堂宣教部同工
暢談宣教的喜與憂

回到南非約堡福音教會

回到南非約堡福音教會

陶弟兄分享被摩托車撞倒的經過及主大能拯救

陶弟兄分享被摩托車撞倒的經過及主大能拯救

為一對新人證婚

為一對新人證婚

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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        南非電力供應危機仍末見到有好轉跡象,南非總統最近宣佈,考慮延遲關閉高污染的火力發電廠,以紓緩停電的壓力;也有消息指金磚銀行願意出資幫助南非汰換老舊的發電設備,但都未有立竿見影的果效。更荒唐的是,停不停電竟然被南非極端的反對黨(EFF)利用去做宣傳,威脅政府未來三天不可停電,否則會發動全國罷市罷工。如此的解決方案亦有人提議和接受,真是奇葩!但完全供電三天後,又回到原來的停電日常!

        目前南非每天分區停電三次,共十一個半小時,未來每天停電的時間將會更長。人們已經開始調整生活,家中備有儲電和照明功能的電筒,有電時就儲電,晚間照明都習慣用電筒了。開商店的店主就得自己預備柴油發電機供電,商城中家家都得依靠發電機,除了吵雜的燥音外,也有空氣污染。工廠是依靠私人發電機供電的,所以營運成本提高,利潤降低。加上南非物價通脹,人們的消費意慾減低,生意較早些時日更差。有一些華人商人已經選擇另覓出路,轉往他國發展。

        每天十一個半小時的停電,對我們週間查經小組的聚會影響很大,有時因為停電出席人數不足而無法查經。求主恩待憐憫!雖然受到限制,但是大家彼此問候,仍然可以感受到互相的關懷,對主的信心並不減少。感謝主,每週的崇拜聚會都正常運作。

        在異國他鄉生活最害怕的就是遇見變故,特別是在毫無心理準備下要面臨生死別離。前兩個星期,一位查經組組員告知我們要特別為林姐妹代禱,因為她已經返回家鄉,處理她兒子因車禍過世的事。我們認識林姐妹已二十年,她是一位愛主且常在網路上用禱告和分享去服事人的姐妹。以前她每年總會來參加我們教會的營會。她的兒子亦是一個愛主的年輕人。上個月才聽林姐妹分享兒子已準備好結束奈及利亞的工作,要返回家鄉結婚,並往南非陪伴林姐妹。可以想像,這惡耗使林姐妹承受巨大的痛苦。求主恩待她,保守她。深信主必親自與她同行,再賜給她力量,突破黑暗,如鷹展翅上騰,再次頌讚神。請您為她代禱。

        莊姐妹的弟弟是一位成功的富商,每次莊姐妹向他傳福音,他總是說他沒有這個需要。物質上看來,他的確是很豐富,但是心靈上卻有缺欠;特別是最近他經歷婚變和離婚,使他對自己的信心動搖。他將聖經下載在手機上,經常會閱讀經文,還會向基督徒朋友提出信仰問題。請您為這位莊先生信主代禱,求主早日拯救他,引他出離黑暗,進入光明。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 求主幫助南非政府能有效發展經濟,並控制通脹,提高人民就業機會。
  2. 求主保守我們能在網路上正常的運作,和南非兩個教會的弟兄姐妹一起敬拜和查考聖經。
  3. 請為林姐妹代禱,求主恩待她,安慰她。
  4. 請為莊先生信耶穌代禱,求主揀選他,使他早日得拯救。

您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二三年四月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        The electricity crisis in South Africa is worsening.  Trying to relieve this pressure, the President has announced his intention to postpone the government’s plans to close many high-pollution coal power plants.  In addition, there are news that the BRICS Development Bank is considering lending to South Africa for replacing its worn-out equipment.  However, these measures are not going to produce any immediate results.  The most unbelievable thing is that one of the political parties (EFF) seized this opportunity to threaten with a country-wide strike if the government did not give the people of South Africa a three-day break.  The government conceded, but everything quickly returned to reality after the three days!

        Right now load shedding has reached 11.5 hours per day, and it will climb to another new level in no time.  People have learned to live with it.  Many homes are equipped with battery-operated lanterns that can last a few days during power outages.  Many stores have to use their own diesel-powered generators to keep their business going.  However, the loud rumbling sound and added pollution create more problems.  Factories have to resort to the same solution, thus making it more costly and less profitable to operate.  Coupled with the raising inflation rate and less consumer spending, businesses are struggling to survive.  Some of the Chinese merchants have already relocated to other countries.

        This has also been interrupting our weekly Bible study meetings.  Due to rotating load shedding, different areas have different outage schedules every week.  Sometimes we have to cancel our meetings due to low attendance.  We pray for the Lord’s mercy!  Under the circumstances, our brothers and sisters still make good use of the limited time we have to encourage each other and build up each other’s faith.  We thank God that our weekly worship services are not affected.

        Being away from our home country, our greatest fear will be unforeseeable mishaps back home.  About two weeks ago, we learned from a member of one of our Bible study groups that Sister Lin had to rush back to China to make funeral arrangements for her son who passed away from a car accident in Nigeria.  We have known Sister Lin for 20 years, and she is a faithful servant of the Lord leading different Christian groups on the internet.  During our time in South Africa, she would make every effort to attend our yearly family retreat.  His son is also a godly young man.  Just last month, Sister Lin told us that her son had already quit his job in Nigeria, planned to return to China to get married and come to South Africa to join her.  Imagine what a great shock and unbearable pain it would be!  May the Lord’s face shine on her and comfort her.  We believe that our Lord will be with her all the way and will give her strength.  She will soar on wings like eagles and praise God!  Please pray for her.

        Sister Zhuang’s brother is a very successful businessman.  She tried many times to share the gospel with him, but he used to tell her that he had no need for any religion.  He seems to have everything, but he is poor inside; especially he has been experiencing tremendous marriage difficulties which ended in a rather ugly divorce.  He begins to rethink everything.  A common friend shared with Sister Zhuang that, not long ago, her brother downloaded the Chinese Bible in his cell phone and started asking her questions about Christianity.  Please pray for Mr. Zhuang.  May the Lord lead him out of darkness into light.

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord help the government to fight inflation, revive the economy and increase its employment rate.
  2. May the Lord continue to bless the various on-line meetings so they will not be interrupted by electricity outages.
  3. Please pray for the Lord’s grace on Sister Lin and comfort her in her time of need.
  4. Please pray for the salvation of Mr. Zhuang.

In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina

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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        昨天突然收到相識多年的楊弟兄以通訊軟件與我聯繫,原來他已經從南非返回家鄉。近年不少華人因為不同的因素撤離南非,回到故居。新冠疫情嚴重打擊南非經濟,加上電力供應不足,導至停水停電,通貨膨脹,經濟受到一重又一重的打擊。現今經營生意比新冠疫情之前困難許多,購買物品的顧客大大減少,經濟不景也使治安比從前更糟。以前只怕買不到店做生意,現在想賣店卻找不到買家,因為想離開南非的人比想進入南非的人更多。楊弟兄那時為一個主內弟兄打工,有休假就會來崇拜。他除了問候我們外,也提到他常常思念在南非時的教會生活、牧師師母和弟兄姐妹。他說:「從前在一起時,不感覺到相親相愛,現在卻懷念那一段美好日子中的每個人;就是能重遊舊地,也找不回每個弟兄姐妹了。」我提醒他,神有更美好的安排,就是我們有一天在天上還可相見!

        我們服事流動性高的散居人口,經常會有這種甘甜又惆悵的感受。甘甜的是我們萍水相逢,就在他們需要神的時候,我們的一個行動讓他們遇見了神。這個行動可能是傳了福音給他們,或陪伴了他們,安慰了他們,鼓勵了他們。楊弟兄在異地他鄉生活時,教會是他的家,弟兄姐妹就是他的親人;神通過弟兄姐妹在主裡愛的關顧,使他感受到神的愛。惆悵的是在異國環境人常變動,教會甜美真誠的相處終會結束,我們只能擁有美好的回憶,只能說珍重再見!我們要完全相信神引領我們的事工,神知道也掌管一切。

        引領弟兄姐妹成長有時亦很艱辛,要用耐心和愛心去對待他們。時候到了,必結出好果子。今年聖誕節,我們收到一位許久沒有聯絡的姐妹的問候。這位姐妹受到異教徒的影響,在信仰上一直爭戰很大。不管她被牽引離開神有多遠,多久沒有來聚會,我們總是去探望她、鼓勵她,在她需要時去幫助她。今年她的問候附上一個短訊:「我回到神的家了。雖然我曾遠離過主,但主的愛並不減少!感謝你們一直以來對我的信心不變,相信我、支持我。」她的話提醒我們,愛心的付出絕對不會浪費。要體恤落在軟弱中的人,要繼續去鼓勵他們,關心他們。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 請為返回原居地的弟兄姐妹能尋到合適的教會代禱,使他們在主裡繼續成長。
  2. 求主幫助南非政府能早日解決電力供應的問題。現在每天停電10小時,影響生活與工商業發展。
  3. 求主幫助南非政府能有效發展經濟,並控制通貨膨脹,提高就業率。
  4. 求主保守我們能繼續在網絡上跟兩個南非教會的弟兄姐妹一起敬拜和查考聖經,不被停電影響。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二三年二月

 

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Yesterday I received a message from Brother Yang whom I knew for many years.  We have not been in contact for a few years.  He told me that he is now in his homeland and is using this new account to connect with me again.  Due to different reasons, many Chinese had chosen to return home.  The pandemic has been a huge blow to the South African economy, the country’s dire condition is being compounded by unstable supply of electricity, water shortage and high inflation.  With decreasing customer base and worsening crime rates, businesses are impossible to make any profit these past few years.  It used to be hard for new immigrants to find businesses to acquire.  Now the table has turned, and it is hard to find buyers for their businesses.  Brother Yang used to work for another brother in Christ, and he would come to church whenever he had the day off.  He mentioned that he missed everyone in church and lamented, “I did not think much about our time together when I attended church, but now I remember all the great times we had and cherish every single one of them.  Even if I visit South Africa again, I would not be able to find everyone!”  I reminded him that our Lord has greater plans for us, and one day we will meet again in heaven!

        Ministering among Chinese diasporas let us experience this emotional roller coaster.  It would give us great joy to meet them and witness their encounters with God.  It could be a witnessing opportunity or just a passing when they needed help and encouragement.  To Brother Yang, our church was a home away from home where he was showered with God’s love through fellow Christians.  Nevertheless, we felt sad when we had to part our ways.  Since South Africa is not our permanent home, we can only say our goodbyes and embrace our wonderful memories in our hearts.  We fully entrust our future with our Lord because He reigns and holds the keys to tomorrow and eternity.

        To foster growth in Christians requires a lot of hard work, patience and love, but we will see our work in completion in due time.  Around New Year’s time, we received greetings from a sister who had left the church a number of years ago.  She was pulled away by another religion and had been struggling back and forth.  Yet we still visited her from time to time, encouraged her with God’s Word and stood by her in her time of need.  In her message, she told us, “I have returned to God’s family!  Even though I had wandered away, God’s love was always there!  Thank you for never doubting my faith, believing in me and supporting me.”  We rejoice that our persistence in love was not in vain.  Let us continue to have compassion for the weak, to encourage and support them.

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord lead our brothers and sisters who had returned to China to find new church homes where they can continue their spiritual growth.
  2. May the Lord help the government in resolving its electricity crisis. It is now escalated to Level 6 Load Shedding with 10 hours of blackouts per day.  It seriously affected daily living and business operations.
  3. May the Lord also help the government find effective ways to curb inflation and create more employment opportunities.
  4. May the Lord continue to bless the various on-line meetings so they will not be interrupted by electricity outages.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

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親愛的禱伴,主內平安:

人生是湊孫?

        「拉關係」常常給人有「走後門」的感覺,然而現今生活忙碌,人際關係疏離,若不先建立好關係,很少人願意和你深談,更遑論談信仰,跟你返教會。其次,中國人很看重關係,所以「關係佈道」常被視為最有效的傳福音方法。

        最近一對公公婆婆來到南非探訪兒媳一家。我們帶了一些水果登門造訪,閒話家常。閒談間發現這對「老友記」累積了不少情緒,他們過去的情感一直依附在兒媳及孫兒身上,在國內主要的工作是「湊孫」。但自兒媳一家移居南非後,他們便如失去生活主軸,自覺是兒孫的累贅,情緒受到極大困擾。在這次家訪中,我們彼此建立了關係,有些事情他們也願意與我們深談。我們嘗試邀請他們來教會。感謝主,現時他們能穩定出席主日崇拜,融入教會的活動,對福音的反應也頗開放。這是一個好開始,盼望他們不單可以認識基督,歸入基督,將來回國後能重建社交網絡,從「湊孫」過渡至其他有意義的新角色。

人生呆在家?

        姊妹的丈夫經營一間製衣工厰。她常常覺得自己在家中的地位低微,被丈夫輕視,沒出色。我們常常鼓勵她不要用家庭地位、社會階層來衡量自己,不管別人怎樣看,神看妳為至寶,是有價值的人。其次,每一位姊妹都有神創造的獨特身分,是家庭的守望者,是丈夫的幫助者,並且兼負著一個重要使命,就是向家人傳福音。起初,姊妹還是很膽怯,在眾弟兄姊妹的鼓勵和代禱下,她終於鼓起勇氣跟丈夫分享信仰。感謝主,姊妹的丈夫上週出席了教會的主日崇拜,崇拜後他與我們相談甚歡才離開。誠然,上帝不是看我們能不能傳福音,而是看我們肯不肯。

        類似以上的故事,不斷發生在南非華人教會中間。誰來幫忙我們?

感恩事項:

  1. 感謝神從歲首到年終帶領南非約堡福音教會及紐卡索華人基督教會,即使面對很多挑戰,但蒙神看顧保守,恩典夠用。

代禱事項:

  1. 求主帶領合適的弟兄姊妹加入不同的事奉崗位中,願意付出時間心力,委身服事。
  2. 南非通貨膨脹,物價飆升,令基層市民百上加斤,求主憐憫幫助,賜政府定出有效策略,幫助減輕市民負擔。
  3. 我們將於3月3日至5月3日返港工作匯報,求主帶領一切預備工作。如教會、小組、團契想邀約分享,請與本團香港區辦事處聯絡。

您的同路人                  
國權,詠湘敬上
2023年2月13日

 
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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        最近有一位參加我們週間查經小組的姐妹告知,有一位從鄰國納米比亞來的女牧師和一位自稱是使徒的人,在南非傳「恩典福音」,還徵召人加入他們。早幾年,我們已經聽過這個只談恩典赦免而不談聖潔的異端在約翰尼斯堡活動,後來沒有聽到他們的消息。但現在他們似乎壯大了些,在弟兄姐妹之間傳播一些三至五分鐘的「基督教信仰」短片,有的滲入了謬論曲解的聖經內容,對不熟悉真道的信徒就很容易被誤導。另一位弟兄說他看了短片,覺得與真理不和,但是一時又說不出錯謬之處,說明這異端的詭詐。我們知道有人已經被這個異端吸引去了!使徒保羅要以弗所的長老警醒,因為必有兇暴的豺狼進入,也必有人起來說悖謬的話,要引誘門徒跟從他們(徒二十29-30)。請為已經誤入歧途的姐妹禱告,求主憐憫使她能脫離,求主幫助我們以真理裝備信徒,賜我們智慧的話勸導那些正被迷惑的人,警誡信徒不要接待傳異端的人,不要在他們的惡上有分(約貳10-11)。

        南非的供電問題一直令人非常困擾,因為不清楚根本的問題到底是什麼,南非政府和電力公司從沒有說清楚,也沒有提出解決的方法。前兩個星期電力公司宣佈將要更長時間停止供電,因為今年度(到2023年3月)的緊急備用油已經用完了。原因是過去的八個月,一般供電站故障太多,所以為了填補缺少的電力,就用了緊急備用油去發電。電力公司說政府必需補貼這些緊急備用油的費用,否則大家就得忍受斷電。在過去八個月用油的消耗量大增時,卻沒有提出警告,到油將用完時才公佈,很明顯管理的人沒有好好盡責辦事。這一類管理問題在南非很普遍,而另一個問題就是貪腐。南非的能源部長竟然對電力公司執行長反腐倡廉的工作公開表示不滿,數落他「僅僅是抓罪犯,無助於改善電力集團的狀況。」認為他不稱職,沒有專業知識。還好,南非的總統拉馬福薩賞識並且支持電力公司執行長的反貪腐工作。由此可見貪腐問題的錯綜複雜。而聖經提醒我們:賄賂是滋生腐敗的溫床,小則擾害己家,大則使國家傾敗(箴十五27;二十九4)。

        我們繼續經由網路的通訊和南非的弟兄姐妹聯絡、主日敬拜、週間查聖經。主日敬拜在講詩篇,週間仍在查馬太福音。感謝主,從前和我們一起服事的黃弟兄今年中從南非移居去了紐西蘭。他們主動要求要像他們在南非時一樣服事教會,從上星期開始帶領小組專題「像基督一樣的引領」。這幾個星期他們將繼續跨國的服事!充份的使用網路(紐西蘭、南非、美國)一起上課!求主記念他們的辛勞及愛心。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 請為誤入異端歧途的姐妹代禱,求主引領她回頭,早日脫離異端。
  2. 求主制止異端謬論的傳播,幫助信徒明辨真道,拒絕並遠離異端。
  3. 求主幫助南非政府能早日解決電力供應的問題。
  4. 求主助南非政府嚴厲整頓治安,使犯罪案件下降,穩定人心。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二二年十二月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Recently, a sister in one of our Bible study groups informed us of a female pastor from Namibia and an accompanying self-proclaimed “apostle” who are spreading a new “grace gospel” in and around Johannesburg.  Actually, we already heard about this new group that preaches total grace and forgiveness but no need to repent again in order to lead a holy life.  Now they have resurfaced again stronger, advertising themselves as the truth gospel with 3-5 minutes’ short video clips and trying to attract other Christians to join.  We watched a few of these video clips and found that they are mixed with some truth and some false teachings which can easily confuse those who are not very well-versed in the correct interpretation of the Bible.  One of our brothers also received them from another sister.  He can sense that something is not right but cannot quite pinpoint what it is.  They are really deceitful!  Paul warned the Ephesian elders that after he left, “savage wolves will come in” and “distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).  Please pray for the sister that had been deceived; may the Lord help her realize this falsehood and leave them.  May the Lord also grant us wisdom to equip our flock with truth, guide the swayed back and encourage fellow Christians to reject these false teachers so they may not share in their wicked work (2 John 10-11).

        The country’s electricity crisis has been worsening.  People are angry because neither the government nor the utility company can give them any explanation or solution.  A couple weeks ago, the company even announced further plans for more load shredding.  Their excuse was that over the past eight months there were too many power station breakdowns so they had to draw from the emergency reserves.  If the government does not agree to subsidize them in replenishing these reserves, the country will have to face blackouts.  What were the management doing over the past eight months?  Why didn’t they give out any advanced notification or respond earlier?  They are either incompetent or irresponsible, or both.  Sadly, this is not uncommon in South Africa.  It is compounded by the country’s widespread corruption. The Energy Minister even reproached the new CEO of the utility company for being unprofessional in spending too much time to fight corruption, saying that it did nothing to relieve the energy crisis!  On the other hand, the CEO has President Ramaphosa’s support.  It is an intricate issue and a political tug of war!  Yet we need to take into heart our Bible’s warning that bribery is the breeding ground for corruption; it not only can bring troubles to one’s family but also can tear down a country (Proverbs 15:27, 29:4).

        We continue to hold on-line Bible study meetings and worship services with our churches in South Africa.  Currently, our Sunday sermon series is on the book of Psalms, and our Bible study is on Matthew.  A couple who used to serve with us in the Cape Town church immigrated to New Zealand about six months ago.  Praise the Lord!  They are joining us again.  Starting from last week, they will be leading our Bible study on a series entitled “Lead Like Jesus.”  We are fully utilizing the internet to support each other in three different countries (New Zealand, South Africa, United States)!  May the Lord bless them in their service!

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord lead our sister out of the cult.
  2. May the Lord stop the spreading of false teachings and help Christians discern the truth.
  3. May the Lord help the government in resolving its electricity crisis.
  4. May the Lord empower the government in fighting crimes and restore security in the country.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

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親愛的禱伴,主內平安:

        聖誕節臨近,南非在經濟低迷的情況下,為了減少開支,很多商場的聖誕裝飾和佈置都節約了,但商鋪仍期待在這個普天同慶的節日中,可以帶動消費,人流和生意上升。我們也在此預祝大家過一個蒙福的聖誕節,以馬內利。

        以下是我們事工的近況及代禱事項:
(一)孩童奉獻禮
        現今很多父母從小就把孩子培養成畫家、運動家、音樂家等專才,但往往忽略了孩子屬靈的教導。南非約堡福音教會於11月6日舉行了孩童奉獻禮,其實奉獻禮對父母有深遠的意義,就是一群基督徒父母公開立志,認定兒女是神所賜的產業(詩127:3),願意把兒女奉獻給神,按聖經真理教養孩子,引導他們走在神的心意中,這是基督徒父母要履行的屬靈責任。另一方面,教會既是一個大家庭,彼此互為肢體,所以每一個弟兄姊妹不單是見證人,也有責任關心奉獻孩童的家庭,並從旁給與支持和幫助,與他們同行。求神幫助每一位父母能守住此約。

(二)兒童樂繽紛
        「兒童樂繽紛」是教會恢復實體崇拜後第一次舉辦的兒童佈道活動,教會的孩子即使年紀小,但卻有一份佈道熱誠,早早就為佈道會禱告,列出他們的福音對象,然後踴躍邀請同學和鄰居參加。聚會當天有三十多名四至十二歲的孩子出席,內容有唱詩、遊戲、信息等,佈道信息由本地一位傳道人主講,他生動扼要地把福音重點講解,讓孩子容易明白及記憶,孩子與講員互動熱烈,當天有五名孩子決志,請記念他們能持守信仰及我們的跟進工作。

(三)浸禮
        教會於上月底舉行了浸禮,有兩位姊妹受浸,其中尹姊妹是「信二代」,她的父親於五年前信主。尹姊妹作見證時說,她父親在她的信仰路上起了重大的作用,起初她以為父親信主只是他個人生活上的點綴,但在這五年的觀察中,她看到一個敬畏神的父親是怎樣追求神,敬虔在他的生命中展現出來。後來,父親更鼓勵女兒返教會,認識耶穌,在聖靈的光照下,姊妹回應了神的呼召和揀選,決定一生跟隨基督,成為祂的門徒。可見父母的教導不只是言教,更重要的是身教。「但耶和華的慈愛,歸於敬畏他的人,從亙古到永遠,他的公義也歸於子子孫孫,就是那些遵守他的約,記念他的訓詞而遵行的人。」(詩篇103:17-18)願主賜福兩位姊妹,叫她們的生命茁壯成長。

祈安!

您的同路人                  
國權,詠湘敬上
2022年11月14日

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親愛的代禱夥伴:

        感謝主,南非感染新冠疫情的人數兩個月前已開始下降,政府也開始放寬防疫監測的工作。雖然每天仍有人因疫症喪命,但是人們由於長期抗疫而產生疲乏和麻木的心態,因而對病毒的警覺性也降低不少。南非最近兩個星期染疫的人數又再增加,而症狀與Omicron BA. 5稍有不同,南非的病毒專家提醒民眾,如果這次的感染人數持續昇高,南非有可能會有第六波的疫情。

        好的消息是南非公司Biovac即將生產商用COVID疫苗Pfizer-BioNTech。十月份開始每年可生產一億劑供應非洲各國的需要,減少依賴西方國家供應疫苗。另外,新冠疫情在短短兩年為南非增加了十五萬名的孤兒,帶來多重問題,從撫養到照顧、失學、早婚、犯罪等等。這些問題像是病毒的後遺症一般,無法避免。政府需要投入資源去解决,但是疫情打擊著南非的經濟,政府已經很拮据了,情況實在窘困。

        由於經濟不好,物價高漲,南非最近各樣犯罪的事件增加不少。在一些治安較差的地區,綁架的事件增加了,在光天化日之下,綁匪極其猖狂,直接從商店中將店主擄走。綁架對象是以外國商人為目標(受仇外心態影響),受害人包括華人、索馬利亞人和孟加拉人,亦有城鎮中的商店收到字條通知,每月必需固定交付保護費給犯罪集團,否則就會成為被綁架的目標。犯罪集團收保護費的事件,警方亦有通告給商店,提醒各個商家小心處理,但是卻沒有整頓杜絕勒索的方案!由於沒有安全保障,一些華人商家已經計劃離開。請為南非的治安禱告,幫助警察杜絕綁架擄人事件。

        南非面臨很糟糕的電力供應問題,時好時壞,政府和電力公司都說不清楚原因,也沒有具體的解決方案和可恢復正常供電的時間表。有時會停電六個小時,有時會停兩個小時,大家似乎也習慣了,有電就用,無電就等;持續的停電會影響工業生產和商業復甦。斷電也影響我們週間小組查經的出席人數。求主幫助南非能盡快解決電力供應的問題,支持經濟的發展。

        我們繼續經由網路通訊與南非的弟兄姐妹聯絡,主日崇拜,週間查聖經。主日崇拜在講約伯記,週間在查馬太福音。有機會就會視訊聊聊天,大家互相問候。感謝主,沒有因為使用網路而感到不足。

請您為這些事情代禱:

  1. 求主保守南非的新冠疫情能平息穩定,不再高升。
  2. 感謝主,南非將可生產新冠病毒疫苗供應非洲各國抗疫。
  3. 求主幫助南非政府能智慧的解決新冠疫症帶來的孤兒問題。
  4. 求主助南非政府嚴厲整頓治安使罪案下降,穩定人心。
  5. 求主幫助南非能解決電力供應的問題,使工業和商業能發展。

您的同工                     
克達、雅麗                
二零二二年九月

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Dear Prayer Partners,

        Praise the Lord!  COVID infection rates started to subside since July, and the government has been lessening its restrictions steadily.  Even though related fatalities are still being recorded every day, people are getting tired of and being numb to the pandemic, resulted in loose adherence to protective measures.  We have seen the number of COVID cases increased over the last two weeks, and the symptoms are slightly different from Omicron BA. 5.  Experts in South Africa warn that they may be facing the sixth wave soon.

        The good news is that South Africa’s Biovac will start production of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in October, with an estimated output of 100 million doses per year.  This will greatly relieve African countries from relying on supplies from Western countries.  However, South Africa has experienced an increase of more than 150,000 orphans over the past two years, resulted with problems in caretaking, schooling, early marriages, crimes, etc.  These are unavoidable sequelae of the pandemic.  The government needs to devote more resources to resolve these issues, but it would be a difficult task under its already worsening economy.

        Because of the weakening economy and high inflation, crime rates are on the rise.  Kidnapping is happening in an alarming rate in a lot of the crime-infected cities.  Some kidnappers would walk into a store in broad daylight, bind and take the owner away.  Their targets are all foreigners from China, Somalia and Bengal (due to xenophobia).  Stores in these cities even received notices to pay monthly “protection fees”; otherwise, they would be the next target.  The police also issued warnings to the stores but did not offer any plan of action.  The Chinese in these cities are living in fears, and many of them plan to sell off their inventory and leave as soon as possible.  Please pray for improved law and order in South Africa, especially the police’s ability to tackle kidnapping crimes.

        The electricity supply crisis is still not under control yet.  Nobody can give a clear explanation of the problem or any definite date of restoration.  People need to face outages from two to six hours each day; they have no other choices but to work around it.  This in fact put an extra burden on its fragile industrial and business revival.  At the same time, our weekday Bible study attendance has also been impacted.  May the Lord help South Africa come up with effective ways in bringing back stable electricity supply to support the recuperation of its economy.

        We continue to serve our brothers and sisters in South Africa through online Bible study meetings and worship services.  Currently, our Sunday sermon series is on the book of Job, and our Bible study is on Matthew.  Praise the Lord, we enjoy good fellowship and sharing every time we meet.

Please pray for the following:

  1. May the Lord show His mercy and carry South Africa through the pandemic.
  2. We thank the Lord for the successful progress in the COVID vaccine production in South Africa.
  3. May the Lord grant wisdom to the government to devise effective solutions to the orphanage issue.
  4. May the Lord empower the government in fighting crimes and restore security in the country.
  5. May the Lord enable South Africa to solve its electricity crisis and revive its economy.

In His service,        
Ko-Ta & Christina

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