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Deeper Life and Broader Vision

Written by Editor1

2022.12.31/2023.01.01

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev.Collins Kung

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

RCAC is an English/Chinese/Mandarin trilingual church. We have five worship congregations yet we share the same goal – to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and fulfill the Great Commission. We demonstrate the unity of our church through our common theme and common preaching messages.

This weekend’s worship will cross two years, from 2022 to 2023. We will also start a new theme from the New Year:  “Deeper Life, Broader Vision”. I have chosen to use two words, “deeper” and “broader”, to emphasize our need for action, and not just slogans. We uphold the traditions of the Christian Missionary Alliance.  On the one hand, we believe that believers must grow in spiritual life and  Christ followers must learn His teachings and put His teachings into practice. Jesus Christ is our role model, we deepen our spiritual life through His words and deeds. On the other hand, we need to broaden our horizons and recognize who are our neighbors, so that we can embrace the world and obey the Great Commission declared by the Lord.

From January to April 2023, we will study the Gospel of John and take the life of Jesus as examples of life deepening:

Beginning with the incarnation of Jesus Christ, He humbled Himself from the position of God to the likeness of man. John 1:18 ” No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”  Jesus Christ manifests a life centered on God. Wherever he went, he preached the gospel to the people he met and challenging their beliefs and lives.

  • He spoke to the Jewish teacher Nicodemus about the need to be born again.
  • He talked to the Samaritan woman about the living water and made her realize the Messiah in front of her eyes.
  • He fed 5,000 people with the miracle of five loaves and two fishes, exhorting people to pursue the bread of life.
  • How He treated a woman caught in adultery and declared Himself to be the Light of the world.
  • He declared Himself a good shepherd, willing to lay down His life for the sheep so that the sheep could have abundant life.
  • He raised Lazarus back to life, declared that He is the resurrection and the life, and gave hope of resurrection to the world.
  • According to the date prophesied in the Scripture, He entered Jerusalem meekly on a donkey, showing that He is the King of Israel who came in the name of the Lord.
  • He shared the Last Supper with His disciples, washed their feet, and instituted the Eucharist for the disciples to remember the new covenant with Him.
  • When the disciples were sad, He comforted them He is the way to God the Father.
  • He emphasized to his disciples that the relationship with himself should be connected like the true vine with its branches, and they should remain in the Lord.
  • Before going to the cross, He offered the High Priest’s Prayer to intercede for the disciples.
  • In the end, He fully obeyed, was delivered into the hands of the religious leaders, and died on the cross for us by laying down His life.
  • The story is not over yet…He resurrected on the third day and defeated death according to His prophecy to the disciples.
  • After His resurrection, He appeared to His disciples, strengthened Peter, and charged him to follow the Lord’s example and shepherd the flock.

Let us study the Gospel of John from a deeper life perspective, learn to imitate the life of Jesus as an example to a deeper life, and exhibit the beauty of Christ. May glory and praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ, amen!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Collins Kung

教牧心聲

進深靈命，擴闊視野

Written by Editor1

 2022.12.31/2023.01.01

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹：

列宣家是一間兩文三語的華人教會，我們有五個崇拜群體，卻有著一個共同的目標，傳揚耶穌基督的福音，實踐大使命。我們透過同一的全年主題，同一的講道信息，展現教會的合一。

本週崇拜將橫跨兩個年度，由2022年過渡到2023年，從新的一年開始，我們亦開始新的全年主題，就是「進深靈命，擴闊視野」。我選擇了以兩個動詞「進深」和「擴闊」，為要強調我們需要行動，盼望我們不是停留於口號。我們秉承宣道會的傳統，一方面，我們認定信徒要在屬靈生命上長進，信徒跟隨耶穌基督，就要學習祂的教訓，並且把祂的道理落到實處。以基督為靈命進深的榜樣。我們要從祂的言行學習進深。另一方面，我們要擴闊視野，認清誰是我的鄰舍，使我們能胸懷普世，遵行主頒佈的大使命。

2023一月至四月，我們從約翰福音，學習以耶穌之生命為進深的典範：

由耶穌基督道成肉身開始，看到祂從神的位分降卑到成為人的樣式。約1:18「從來沒有人見過神，只有在父懷裡的獨生子把他彰顯出來。」認識耶穌基督是怎樣彰顯一個以神為中心的生命。祂所到之處，向所接觸的人傳講福音，挑戰他們現有的信仰及生活。

  • 祂與猶太人的拉比尼哥德慕談論重生的必要。
  • 祂與撒瑪利亞婦人談論活水，讓她認識到眼前的彌賽亞
  • 祂以五餅二魚的神蹟令5000人吃飽，勸告人要追求生命糧。
  • 祂怎樣對待一個行淫中被抓住的婦人，宣告自己就是世界的光。
  • 祂宣告自己是好牧人，願意為羊捨命，叫羊得著豐盛的生命。
  • 祂叫拉撒路復活，宣告祂就是就是復活和生命，給世人復活的盼望。
  • 祂按聖經預言的日子，騎著小驢謙謙和和地進入耶路撒冷，表明祂就是奉主名來的以色列王。
  • 祂與門徒共享最後晚餐，為他們洗腳，設立聖餐要門徒記念與祂所立的新約。
  • 門徒憂愁時，祂安慰門徒祂就是通往父神之路。
  • 祂向門徒強調與自己的關係要像真葡萄樹與枝子這樣連結，要常在主裡。
  • 在上十架前，獻上大祭司的禱告，為門徒代求。
  • 最後，祂完全順服，被交在宗教領袖手裡，為我們捨棄生命，死在十字架上。
  • 故事還未完結…按著向門徒的預告第三日復活，戰勝死亡。
  • 祂復活後向門徒顯現，堅固彼得，囑咐他效法主的榜樣，牧養群羊。

讓我們一起從進深靈命的角度研讀約翰福音，學習以耶穌之生命為進深的典範，彰顯基督的榮美。願榮耀頌讚都歸與我們的主耶穌基督，阿們!

主僕
龔敏光牧師

教牧心聲

Farewell to 2022 and welcome 2023, passing the baton and stepping down

Written by Editor1

2022.12.24/25

From the Pastor’s Desk:Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

First of all, merry Christmas to you all! May the new year 2023 brings you God’s blessings, good health and spiritual growth!

2022 has been a roller-coaster year. We have gone through three years of Covid and even after 4 vaccinations I could not be spared catching COVID. This year for me, apart from facing challenges in ministry, in the first half of the year I was rear-ended, my car was totalled, and I suffered a whiplash injury to my neck for months. Then in November after a successful short-term mission to Malaysia, I was infected with severe UTI (urinary tract infection) in Hong Kong and was hospitalized. But all these events let me experience the unfailing faithfulness of God, His ever-present protection, and His mighty hand in healing at work. For example, I found out I had UTI in a very timely way and after an aggressive course of antibiotics at the hospital I was completely cured in 7 days! I really want to thank many brothers and sisters for your fervent prayers for me and Lydia. Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy!

From the Church’s perspective, in 2022, we faced a lot of challenges, but even in the third year of Covid, we had over 30 brothers and sisters (including many individuals privately) got baptized.  All 5 worship services, children ministries and fellowships have resumed in-person gatherings and activities weekly. The Chinese adult Bible classes and the Cantonese prayer meetings continued strong online. The mandarin worship was moved to Saturday morning at 9 am, meeting in the sanctuary with a steady attendance of over 80 people weekly. Rev. Mark Liu and the mandarin congregation has also launched a gospel outreach to Tsawwassen. The AYAYA congregation continues to reach out to newcomers from Hongkong and the weekly attendance has grown rapidly to as high as 200 people. Evangelism and mission efforts continue. This year we have two pastors ordained, namely, our mandarin pastor, Rev. Mark Liu and our AYAYA pastor, Rev. Francis Chan. Congratulations! For all these things God has done for RCAC, we need to give thanks to Him! May all the glory be given to God and God alone!

I pray 2023 will be a year of renewal for RCAC. The theme for the church has been set as “Deeper life, broader vision.” Let’s pray that we will stay united as a church which is comprised of people of 2 written languages and 3 spoken languages, so that people can see we are the disciples of Jesus Christ. The Board has appointed Rev. Collins Kung as the Administrator, and he has taken the baton to lead the pastoral team and coworkers moving forward in building the Church. We pray that our brothers and sisters at RCAC will give your full support to Pastor Collins. Let us also pray that we will find the next Senior Pastor soon. May the gospel spread speedily, the Church grows positively, and the Kingdom of God continue to expand, so the name of God is lifted high!

After a decade of ministry, I believe I have completed my calling to serve at RCAC. Instead of saying “retiring” I like to say I am stepping down as I also believe a pastor never stop being a pastor in serving others.  It is true that the work is never completely done, but by stepping down, I hope that the next mature pastor will come to take the Church to new heights. Here I like to thank my pastoral team members and coworkers for their strong support, making my work more effective. At the same time, I want to apologise to those I have failed to serve because of my limitations, I beg for your forgiveness. As this is my last article, may I urge you to remember each other in the Lord. Good-bye (God be with you)!

Moving forward, may I present these words to you for our mutual encouragement:

“8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:8,9)  

Your servant in Christ
Pastor Simon

教牧心聲

送舊迎新、交棒退任

Written by Editor1

 2022.12.24/25

親愛列宣家的弟兄姊妹：

首先恭祝大家聖誕快樂，新年蒙恩，身體健康，靈命長進！

2022年可說是像坐過山車的一年，我們都捱過Covid大流行的第三年，連牧師也不能免疫而「中招」。牧師個人在面對事奉挑戰之餘，又在上半年遇上車禍傷了頸項，十一月馬來西亞短宣回途上在港患上嚴重的尿道炎…。但這些經歷卻讓牧師更經歷神的不變的信實、處處的保守和大能的醫治，就如神讓牧師及早發現尿道炎，又讓牧師迅速在醫院得到特效抗生素的治療，在七日內完全康復！謝謝眾多弟兄姊妹為我和師母代禱。感謝主的恩典與憐憫！

從教會整體來說，在2022年Covid大流行第三年這年間，教會有不少的挑戰，但竟然有超過30位弟兄姊妹(包括個別人)受洗加入教會。崇拜、兒童事工與團契亦陸續開放重回實體聚會。中文部的主日學與教會禱告會仍在線上舉行。國語崇拜改時到星期六早上九點並移師到大堂，崇拜人數維持在八十人以上，同時又展開Tsawwassen的福音工作。AYAYA崇拜不斷努力服侍由香港來的新朋友而增長到近二佰人。佈道與宣教的工作亦不斷展開。今年有兩位同工按牧，先有國語部的劉展權牧師，再有AYAYA的陳榮基牧師！這一切都是值得教會感恩的事！願一切榮耀歸主!

我深信2023年將會是教會更新的一年。教會全年的主題已定為「進深靈命、擴闊視野」。盼望教會在兩文三語的實況下能合一，讓世人看出我們是主耶穌的門徒。教會長議會已委任龔敏光牧師為行政主任，接棒帶領教牧團隊與同工，繼續努力建立教會。盼望弟兄姊妹同心支持龔牧師。更請為找到下一任主任牧師並早日履新代禱。願福音快速廣傳、教會積極成長，神的國度不斷擴展、令主名被高舉！

我喜歡說我將於年底「退任」，結束了神託付我在列宣十載主任牧師牧養的使命，因我相信服侍神的人該是「退而不休」。雖然不能說「功成身退」因為要作的事還多，但願我的退下給成熟的下一任能後浪推前浪，把教會帶到更高之處。在此衷心多謝每一位同工和弟兄姊妹十年來給我大力的支持，使我能事半功倍。但同時因著我能力所限沒有親自關心眾多肢體，我在此衷心致歉求恕。這是我最後的「教牧心聲」。願在主內繼續彼此記念！再見！

願將這寶貴的金句送給列宣家互勉：「8 這律法書不可離開你的口，要晝夜默誦，好使你謹守遵行書中所記的一切；這樣，你的道路就必順利，你必一路亨通。9 我不是吩咐過你要堅強勇敢嗎？ 所以，你不要懼怕，也不要驚慌；因為你無論到哪裡去，耶和華你的神必與你同在。」(約書亞記1:8,9)

主僕
李耀全牧師

教牧心聲

Jesus is Light of the World

Written by Editor1

December 17/18, 2022

From the Pastor’s Desk :Rev. Mark Liu

Hello, brothers and sisters. Merry Christmas. Wishing you all have a joyful Christmas Holiday.  This year, may we also take the opportunity to bring “Jesus is the Light of the world”, this important message, to your family, neighbors and colleagues.

This year’s Christmas Eve Service is special. Because the event will not only happen at RCAC but also at Tsawwassen.  The theme of this year’s Christmas Eve Service is “Jesus is the Light of the World.” (Chinese congregation) Whether in Richmond or Tsawwassen, we aim to remind our brothers and sisters that “Jesus is the Light of the World” through hymns, scriptures meditation and candles. The Great Commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ is to bring this important message to every corner of the world.

In John 8:12 (ESV)

12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus said He is the Light of the World. The presence of light is important. We don’t like the dark, we may even be afraid of the dark. In this verse, Jesus tells us that He is the Light, not any light but the Light, and that in Him there is no darkness. That’s a declaration. In His life we see no darkness, only light. When we look for things, we cannot find them in the dark. We need light. In other words, through the life of Jesus, we find the true meaning of life. We have been searching, and it turns out that the true meaning of life is obtained through Him.

So what does the light of life represent? This meaning is very broad and far-reaching. One of them is that when we are willing to accept the Lord Jesus and follow Him, then we are new creations, the old things have gone, and everything has become new. We are not in the dark. When we live out the salvation, we become light, helping others to know Christ. We are like a signpost pointing to Jesus Christ.

When we think of light, we know that light needs to be gathered in order to become bright. This is why our faith is not to be alone, but to unite with brothers and sisters. This year’s Christmas Eve Service will remind everyone of this important point. Together we bring the light of Jesus out. We need to look for different opportunities to share the Gospel. RCAC hosts many different events for the purpose.  We aim to organize different events to meet friends.  We also have a ministry in Tsawwassen, and we will also hold an Evangelistic Meeting by Jo-Lam Wong on Jan 7 next year. All these are using practical ways to reach to people that Jesus is the Light of the World. All these activities require your support. I hope that you can connect with your pastors and actively participate in various activities.

May God bless you all, may God bless RCAC!

His servant,
Rev. Mark Liu

教牧心聲

耶穌是世界的光

Written by Editor1

2022.12.17/18

弟兄姊妹大家好。聖誕快樂。祝願大家有一個充滿喜樂的聖誕佳節。並期盼大家把耶穌的光分享給自己的家人，鄰舍和同事。

今年的平安夜聚會是特別的。因為今年的平安夜聚會，除了在列宣家舉行之外，也會在Tsawwassen舉行。而今年的主題是耶穌是世界的光。無論是在列治文或者是Tsawwassen，我們期盼透過詩歌，經文和點燃燭光來提醒弟兄姊妹，耶穌是世界的光。我們被賦予使命，把耶穌是世界的光這個重要的訊息傳揚出去。

在約翰福音8:12 耶穌又對眾人說：“我是世界的光，跟從我的，必定不在黑暗裡走，卻要得著生命的光。”

耶穌說祂是世界的光。光的出現是重要的。我們不喜歡黑暗，我們更可能會害怕黑暗。在這一節經文裡，耶穌告訴我們祂就是光，在祂的裡面沒有黑暗。那就是一種宣言。在祂的生命中，我們不會看到黑暗，只有光。我們尋找東西，在黑暗裡一定找不到，需要有光。也就是說，透過耶穌的生命，我們找到了人生的真義。我們一直在尋找，原來生命的真義就是透過祂的生命而獲得。

那生命的光是代表什麼意思呢？這個意思非常廣，而且深遠。其中一個就是，當我們願意接受主耶穌，並跟從祂，那我們就是新造的人，舊事已經過去，一切都變成新的了。我們不在黑暗中。當我們活出這一份的救恩的生命的時候，我們就成為了光，幫助其他人也能夠認識基督。我們就像是一個路標指著耶穌基督。

當我們想到光的時候，就知道光需要聚集起來，才能夠變成明亮。這個就是為什麼我們的信仰不是單打獨鬥，而是要和弟兄姊妹聯合在一起。今年的平安夜聚會將會提醒大家這個重點。我們聯合起來，把耶穌的光帶出去。我們需要尋找不同的機會，把福音帶出去。列宣家舉辦很多不同的活動來接觸新朋友。我們也在Tsawwassen 有事工，也會在明年1月7日舉行【王祖藍“百變人生”佈道會】。凡此種種就是要把耶穌是世界的光這個訊息，用實際的行動展現出來。這些活動都需要你的支持。我盼望你能夠與教牧同工聯繫，積極參與各項活動，讓列宣家成為一個永不磨滅的燈台。

願神祝福大家，願神祝福列宣家。

主僕，
劉展權牧師

教牧心聲

Our providential God

Written by Editor1

2022.12.10/11

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Francis Chan

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

One evening in December 2009, my family had dinner with Rev. Williams Cheng, an aviation missionary in the USA. On that occasion, the Holy Spirit kept asking me the same question, “What are you doing?” For the next month or so, I continued to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit, whether I was having morning devotion or listening to sermons. Finally, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a Bible verse that had become the beacon of my life since I was 21 years old, exhorting me to realign the priorities of my life. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus taught his disciples, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” At that time, I felt I was a decent Christian because in various aspects of life, I had sought God’s will, and participated in the Kingdom’s work. But what I could not do is the word “first” in the Bible verse. Because of my busy workload and my love for my family, God’s business was often put after my work and my family. The Holy Spirit reminded me to obey Jesus’ command to put God first in my life. Since there were no clear indication that I should work towards becoming either a pastor or a missionary, I did not know if this “reminder” was a “call.” In the course of seeking further guidance, my then senior pastor Rev Gordon Siu told me firmly, “Yes! This is a call!” Subsequently in 2012, I left my job, my family, and my friends in HK to come to Regent College in Vancouver with my immediate family of four to study. At first, I was in the Master of Christian Studies program. According to my plan at that time, I would return to the marketplace after equipping myself with theological training, only that I would put my work and my family after God’s business when I return to the marketplace. Totally out of the blue, the Holy Spirit spoke to me again after a year and a half to urge me to become a fulltime pastor in the church. In view of this, I switched to the Master of Divinity program. Due to my old age, my poor memory, and a benign tumor in my pituitary gland that needed to be removed, I spent 6 years to complete the M.Div. program when other people only take 4. As I was supposed to graduate in April 2018, I started to look for a ministry position in Canada in December 2017. I sent over 20 applications to churches all over Canada. Since Hong Kong at that time had become a totally foreign and deeply frustrating place to me, and that my two sons were studying in Vancouver, I really did not want to go back to Hong Kong. I wanted to stay and serve in Canada. The year I was looking for a job in Canada was a low point in my life as most of my applications were without any response. It was only when I was willing to surrender to God’s will – even if I had to return to Hong Kong to serve – that a miracle happened. At that time, the pastor in charge of the Cantonese youth ministry in RCAC resigned under unexpected circumstances. By providence, there was a position in my home church that I could apply for. After two rounds of interviews, I was hired. On November 1, 2018, I joined the pastoral team of RCAC and began to serve fulltime. In the blink of an eye, four full years have elapsed. Again by providence, I will be ordained as a pastor of the C&MA in the AYAYA Youth Worship tonight (December 10). In retrospect, it was the will of God himself. Our Heavenly Father plans… our Lord Jesus Christ leads… our Comforter the Holy Spirit moves… and we, his people, respond. All is grace!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Francis Chan

教牧心聲

上帝有鋪排

Written by Editor1

2022.12.10/11

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹：

2009年12月的一個晚上，我們一家與從美國回港述職的飛行宣教士鄭偉昌牧師共進晚餐。談話之間，聖靈在我內心不停發出同一個問題：「你喺度做緊乜嘢？」之後一個月，在靈修和聽道的時候，我繼續聆聽、回應聖靈的聲音。最後，聖靈引用一節從我21歲開始，就成為我人生指標的金句，去提醒我重新調教人生的優先次序。主耶穌在馬太福音6:33 訓勉門徒說：「你們要先求他的國和他的義，這些東西都要加給你們了。」。當時，我自覺是個尚算可以的基督徒。因為在生活的不同範疇，我都有尋求上帝旨意，也有參與上帝國度的建立。但我做不到的，就是金句裏面的一個「先」字。由於工作繁忙又熱愛家庭，上帝的事往往都只會放在工作和家庭之後。聖靈提醒我，要遵從主耶穌的吩咐，將天父上帝重新放在我生命中的首位。由於當時沒有明確指示，叫我成為牧者或宣教士，我真的不知道這個提醒，是不是一個「呼召」。在尋求指引的過程中，我當時的主任牧師蕭壽華，就非常堅定的告訴我：「係！呢個係呼召！」就這樣，2012年我離開了香港的工作，離開了親人朋友，一家四口來到溫哥華 RECENT COLLEGE 讀神學。起初報讀基督教研究碩士課程(Master of Christian Studies)，預算有了神學裝備之後，再回職場繼續工作，但會將天父上帝放在工作和家庭之上。誰知道，就讀一年半之後，聖靈再次感動我，要我全時間在教會事奉。有見及此，便改讀道學碩士課程(Master of Divinity)。由於年紀不輕，記性又差，再加上腦下垂體下面生了一個良性腫瘤需要切除，一般用四年時間完成的課程，我用了六年。預計2018 年4 月畢業，2017年12月便開始在加拿大尋找事奉崗位，從西岸一直搜索到東岸。由於當時的香港已經變成一個令我感到陌生而且沮喪的地方，加上兩個兒子仍然在溫哥華讀書，我實在不願意返回香港，我希望在加拿大事奉。在尋找工作的那一年，是我人生中的一個低谷。因為我發出的求職信，都沒有回音。到最後，當我願意在上帝面前降服，就算要我返回香港事奉，我也願意的時候，奇蹟就發生了。當時一位在列宣家負責廣東話青年事工的傳道人，在意想不到的情況下請辭。在上帝的鋪排之下，自己的母會竟然出現一個我可以申請的事奉崗位。在兩輪面試之後，我得到聘用。在2018年11月1日正式加入列宣家的教牧團隊，開始全職事奉。轉眼間，整整四年過去了。再次在上帝的鋪排之下，今天 (12月10日) 晚上，我會在 AYAYA 青年崇拜之中被按立，成為宣道會的牧師。回想起來，一切都是出於上帝的手。天父有鋪排，耶穌有帶領，聖靈有感動，我們有回應。 一切都是恩典！

主僕,
陳榮基傳道

教牧心聲

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Written by Editor1

2022.12.03/04

From the Pastor’s Desk by Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:1, 4)

I have studied and preach this text countless of times, but never have I experienced the reality of these verses until two weeks ago when I became very seriously ill with Urinal Tract Infection while I was in Hong Kong. I would like to share my personal experience and the great mercy of God on me.

It all happened after our blessed short-term mission in Malaysia, a week of experiencing the power of God in the lives of people there. The trip was to continue the mission left by our dear Rev. Matthew Wong. Nearly two years have passed since our dear Rev. Wong and Stella came back from there and he was later diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer, dying a year after. We, especially Stella Wong, will share the story of our wonderful visit another time. To God be the glory.

On our way back, my wife Lydia and I went to Hong Kong, visiting our Alliance families there, among other things. Then out of the blue we were confronted with the news of the sudden and untimely death of Lydia’s older sister-in-law due to Covid. We were all sadden by the news and stayed longer to attend the funeral. We realized life can be so fleeting, and we must treasure each moment we have with one another.

On the day of attending the cremation, I suddenly felt ill and could not walk steadily, and eventually I took a fall on the street pavement injuring my forehead.  I also started throwing up several times. All our relatives urged me to go to get checked out at the hospital. The MRI which was taken showed no internal brain injury, and I went back to the hotel, which by God’s grace was only several blocks away. I started to have a fever and ended back hospitalized in the afternoon where I was hospitalized. The fall resulted in my being quickly diagnosed as having a serious infection. It was indeed a blessing in disguise.

On the second or third day of my hospitalization, the capable doctor attending to me was quick to diagnosed that I had severe UTI (Urinal Tract Infection) from E-Coli to the extent of serious sepsis. My WBC (White Blood Count) was 10 times higher than normal, and my CRP (C-Reactive Protein) which indicated how sick I was, was over 23 times than normal. To make a long story short, I went through an aggressive course of intravenous antibiotics treatment for a whole week. By God’s grace, the antibiotics worked, and I was released from hospital in the end. Thanks to Lydia who visited me frequently and took good care of me. Thanks be to Christ the healer who had mercy on me. I finally realize how fragile life can be and it is entirely God’s grace that we can live and be healthy!

We were able to find a return ticket even though most flights were full, again it is the grace of God.  We are so happy to be back to walk with you all in our last days at RCAC. Thanks to so many of you who prayed for us during this period of crisis. We have learned to treasure the precious relationships we have, especially our families and friends. I have realized life can be short and therefore I must fully utilize each breath I have to live for God and serve Him even more faithfully in a focused way. I now understand more in a personal way that the Lord indeed is my shepherd, and even though we walk through the darkest times, the Lord is here to provide, to heal and to comfort. Praise the Lord!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Simon

教牧心聲

我雖然行過死蔭的山谷

Written by Editor1

2022.12.03/04

親愛列宣家弟兄姊妹：

「 耶和華是我的牧人，我必不會缺乏。…  我雖然行過死蔭的山谷，也不怕遭受傷害，因為你與我同在； 你的杖你的竿都安慰我。」(詩23:1,4)

以上的經文是我常學又常用的經文，但在香港最近兩個禮拜我才真正體會它的實在，因為我因嚴重的尿道炎(UTI)病倒了。容許我與你們分享我的心路歷程和神在我身上的憐憫！

一切要從我們馬來西亞的短宣說起，那是一個經歷神大能在人的身上的經驗。它是繼承我們親愛的王允志牧師的短宣工作。差不多兩年前，王牧師和師母剛從馬來西亞回來，不久王牧卻就被診斷有胰臟癌，而一年後便安息主懷。盼望日後與王師母再有機會分享這一次奇妙短宣之旅。

在歸途師母與我停留在香港，我們也找時間探望在港的宣道會的大家庭。沒有想到突然收到師母的大嫂短時間因Covid在院離世的壞消息。我們親友都非常傷心而師母與我都決定多停數天出席喪禮。生命真是苦短，我們都要多珍惜眼前人！

一波未平一波又起，就在火葬禮的早上，我發覺脚步不穩，而因此仆倒在街上傷了前額，並有嘔吐。家人都敦促我要到醫院檢查，感恩發現腦部沒有大礙，便回鄰近酒店休息。但在下午仍有嘔吐又發高燒，結果重返醫院入住就醫。很快醫生便診斷我是有嚴重的發炎！感謝主，這次因仆倒而隨後很快便發現牧師有嚴重的發炎，可以第一時間治療是主變相的祝福！

在院的第二或第三天，能幹的醫生很快診斷我患的乃是嚴重的尿道炎(UTI) ，而我的白血球(WBC)的指數是正常人的十倍，並且患病的蛋白質的指數(CRP)是常人的23倍有多，病況極其嚴厲！長話短說，經過一星期强力的抗生素的治療，靠主的恩典，我得到完全的醫治！感謝主！在此我要特別感謝賢妻師母無微不至的照顧使我能很快便康復！更感謝醫治者基督的憐憫。我體會到人身體的脆弱，能健康地存活完全是神的恩典呀！

再者我們能找到回來的機票也是神的恩典，讓我與師母能與大家同走我們在列宣最後的日子。謝謝不少人在這段危機的日子裡切切為我們代禱。讓我們更珍惜我們在主內彼此的關係和與家人朋友的聯繫。我願一息尚存，更為主而活，更忠心專心侍主！我現在更體會主的確是我的牧者，衪在我最黑暗的路途上與我同行、供應我一切的需要、醫治我、又安慰我！感謝讚美主！

主僕，
李耀全

教牧心聲