This month is my last month at my present office before I return to the States for a three weeks break. In fact I do not need to go in after taking all my vacation days, so today (5th) is the first day at home and I am slightly bored since Wife is at work. There are notes to edit for my new book and a sermon to prepare, but otherwise I have all the time to myself, which means I must look for lunch with friends.
Today (8th)is hang-out day at Tung Chung cafetaria in the morning and an exceptional HK$98 curry buffet for lunch. Yesterday I had a good class whereby I discovered that six times the word "served" is used in Gensis 39 to sum up Jacob's new-found attitude after leaving from his family. Small details like this makes the Scriptures come alive.
I had 3 hours to kill waiting for the next bargain-price ship at 3p to Macau today
(12th), but no one was available for lunch, so I hanged around and was surprised to see how busy lunch is. 20-50 patrons lined up patiently outside some restaurants for food. I needed to get out of the building for air, though it was drizzling. Outside I found a bargain lunch for HK$30, including noodles, bread and tea, better price than most tea restaurants here. With the extra time I wrote this part, too. Wife wrote a piece yesterday if you are interested to read.
In Macau the next day (13th) we had lunch at Macau's finest, but the price wa snot worth it! I bought a dictionary of Chinese phrases end of last year, but only managed to read 40 pages. However, I read another 60 pages in two days after six months of inactivity. And my plan was to complete it in a year. Returning home, the greatest joy was to find Pacific has opened its new store in Ma Wan. Now I want to buy a card and be a fan because Starbucks has nothing here.
Yesterday (18th) I had a great time speaking at TST. I was completely shocked that both my wife and I received a small gift from two different sources, people who hardly know us which reminds me of God' provision for our needs no matter where we serve and what we do in Hong Kong. This is important because I have an appointment for ministry tomorrow, which I hope will work out, but God's way, nevertheless, is not man's.
The big-decision day (20th) sputtered out deja vu-style. Again I was called to have another meeting with another group of people. I was calm, not annoyed. Things are what they are. Maybe the Lord wants me to do something else, who knows? Hopefully the next call-up is less complicated. I can only stay focused. At least I had good fellowship over lunch. It is so unbelievable that I can write a book on "How to Find God's Will for Your Life."
This is the first day (23th) we have been at Starbucks since Pacific opened nearby, and we totally enjoy the old place more. It's scary to say this, but the the food is better at S. There is no toast or egg ciabatta at P, so we missed that. Other than that the weekend is boring since the meltdown. We plan to attend evening worship at Tsing Yi today.
Last night (26th) Wife's back hurt the worst so far, so I put my years of treatment to good use and gave her a rub. Her fear is for her back if she has to sit on a flight for more than 10 hours to USA three days from now. After continental breakfast today, we submitted our residency papers and hope for the best. We ate a lot of fridge food at night to clear them before we leave. Tomorrow is my last day at class, boo-hoo.
The last day of class was a blast. I had lunch with a former student at an Asian retsaurnt at IFC; the Malaysian-Singapore food was great. One of my colleagues took me out for high tea and five students took me out for dinner. The best was from the night class students, who treated me like celebrity, taking pictures and all. They progressed the most. I was also happy that my project on translating my favorite gospel songs have taken flight, with Sacrifice and When God Ran for starters. Soon to come is Blessed Be Your Name.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Missions, Jun 2011
Yesterday (1st) I rewrote to an interested missions agency and the group was still open to welcome me. I can do a lot in Hong Kong but there's much to be done outside too, so I hope to do both. Today is the second last day to the quarter. The students will give me a farewell tomorrow. The Lord is leading me elsewhere, that I am certain. With my domicile problems I have no choice but to leave. By the way I got a wonderful photo album with lots of students' photos in it.
Today (6) is a relaxing public holiday in Hong Kong, but the hot and humid weather tires me out. It is hard to get motivated. Morning was at Starbucks and afternoon was nap time after eating the traditional rice dumpling, which was really good. Starbucks was packed with students getting together to study for exams. We took a walk in the afternoon. I swam once more at 6pm to make up for tomorrow's trip to Macau. Wife put extra effort into the new book, which I do not think will be ready by October at the rate we are going.
My mind is quite made up about missions, even though a tiny door was still left open until today (8th). I know this is crazy, but missions school "will add another 200 full time master level students this year," according to the president. So now I know why the local door was closed to me at the last minute. The need overseas is much greater, almost overwhelming. I was asked inside the lift today if there is a chance I could change my mind. I said a small chance, but according to my previous request to teach in school. The answer given was that it is out of the reach of people in charge and we left it at that. I guess that is the last confirmation and the point of no return.
Graduation was yesterday (10th), my last with school. I had to fight back tears when "Make Me a Blessing" was sung at the end. It was a good three years, where I hone my teaching skills from general to good. Now I have a balance in teaching students literary and grammatical studies. The two are crucial and indispensable to jumpstart a preacher's teaching and preaching. I am sure it will make a difference, even an overhaul, in their ministry. Experience is priceless. I can't wait for the ten-year window ahead.
Day 2 in Taiwan, where I arrived last night to teach a five-days' Logos D Min class beginning today (13th). The airlines Eva was really impressive, lots of legroom.The president from L.A. was here for a change, so I gave him my latest book as soon as I arrived as he is leaving today. This morning he surprised me by bringing me breakfast, including mangoes, lychee and durian! The only thing missing is coffee, so I am determined to scour the neighborhood as I already spotted a 7-11. This morning was productive. I had already gone through half of a sermon that a former student edited.
I found my bearing in Taiwan on Day 3 (14th) after I strolled downhill for dinner. Our location is at Christ's College. At the bottom of the hill was the Danshui subway in Taipei and besides it was a Starbucks, where I enjoy a cup of coffee before trekking uphill, which was a challenge. Vendor food was okay, not spectacular, but eating at a table by the busy roadside was special. I paid T$120 for a large bowl of Ramen and T$60 for a small coffee. Just yeasterday I paid T$25 for coffee at local 7-11. I shouldn't complain because I also found a Wellcome supermarket nearby. Two more days to go.
Yesterday (18th) was my last day in Taiwan, my third straight year there. As a result I was more relaxed and had more fun with the students, ten of them. An older colleague there claimed he discovered me in theological education more than ten years ago. No matter what, I owe them, no doubt. I have quite a name among Taiwanese, more renowned than in Hong Kong. It was hot but I enjoyed my nights there. The Taiwanese are more passionate than Hong Kong people, who are quite stoic and less trusting, almost cold. Yet I am glad to be back, especially passing by a mall today.
Signed and sealed yesterday (20th) in more ways than one, literally. First, I returned my acceptance offer for missions that was sent to me more than a week ago, but the scan was not of good quality, so I will send by mail tomorrow. Second, is the completion of an 18-chapter manuscript for my new book on Bible Couples entitled 執子之手。I have rediscovered the joy of writing with this book. Wife's work on it makes it even more exciting.
I am close to the end of my three year service at school, and today the reality sinks in. This morning I was informed I have 6 days and 4 hours of leave left. A friend did the math and for me and said that I do not even have to go into Yuen Log office at all, but teach two days at TST till July 30, my last day, to finish my term. That got me thinking that I have to take things home from office and call time on Yuen Long office days.
It is a hot day over the weekend (25th) but we bought lychees and oranges and ate them at the pier. Up to that point, I almost gave in to high tea, which is not too good for health. English worshippers were supposed to visit us but they called to say that they would rather stay inside the a/c conditions at Noah's Ark. The rest of the day without the visit is rather boring. Swimming is out of the equation since we had already done it this morning.
Today (6) is a relaxing public holiday in Hong Kong, but the hot and humid weather tires me out. It is hard to get motivated. Morning was at Starbucks and afternoon was nap time after eating the traditional rice dumpling, which was really good. Starbucks was packed with students getting together to study for exams. We took a walk in the afternoon. I swam once more at 6pm to make up for tomorrow's trip to Macau. Wife put extra effort into the new book, which I do not think will be ready by October at the rate we are going.
My mind is quite made up about missions, even though a tiny door was still left open until today (8th). I know this is crazy, but missions school "will add another 200 full time master level students this year," according to the president. So now I know why the local door was closed to me at the last minute. The need overseas is much greater, almost overwhelming. I was asked inside the lift today if there is a chance I could change my mind. I said a small chance, but according to my previous request to teach in school. The answer given was that it is out of the reach of people in charge and we left it at that. I guess that is the last confirmation and the point of no return.
Graduation was yesterday (10th), my last with school. I had to fight back tears when "Make Me a Blessing" was sung at the end. It was a good three years, where I hone my teaching skills from general to good. Now I have a balance in teaching students literary and grammatical studies. The two are crucial and indispensable to jumpstart a preacher's teaching and preaching. I am sure it will make a difference, even an overhaul, in their ministry. Experience is priceless. I can't wait for the ten-year window ahead.
Day 2 in Taiwan, where I arrived last night to teach a five-days' Logos D Min class beginning today (13th). The airlines Eva was really impressive, lots of legroom.The president from L.A. was here for a change, so I gave him my latest book as soon as I arrived as he is leaving today. This morning he surprised me by bringing me breakfast, including mangoes, lychee and durian! The only thing missing is coffee, so I am determined to scour the neighborhood as I already spotted a 7-11. This morning was productive. I had already gone through half of a sermon that a former student edited.
I found my bearing in Taiwan on Day 3 (14th) after I strolled downhill for dinner. Our location is at Christ's College. At the bottom of the hill was the Danshui subway in Taipei and besides it was a Starbucks, where I enjoy a cup of coffee before trekking uphill, which was a challenge. Vendor food was okay, not spectacular, but eating at a table by the busy roadside was special. I paid T$120 for a large bowl of Ramen and T$60 for a small coffee. Just yeasterday I paid T$25 for coffee at local 7-11. I shouldn't complain because I also found a Wellcome supermarket nearby. Two more days to go.
Yesterday (18th) was my last day in Taiwan, my third straight year there. As a result I was more relaxed and had more fun with the students, ten of them. An older colleague there claimed he discovered me in theological education more than ten years ago. No matter what, I owe them, no doubt. I have quite a name among Taiwanese, more renowned than in Hong Kong. It was hot but I enjoyed my nights there. The Taiwanese are more passionate than Hong Kong people, who are quite stoic and less trusting, almost cold. Yet I am glad to be back, especially passing by a mall today.
Signed and sealed yesterday (20th) in more ways than one, literally. First, I returned my acceptance offer for missions that was sent to me more than a week ago, but the scan was not of good quality, so I will send by mail tomorrow. Second, is the completion of an 18-chapter manuscript for my new book on Bible Couples entitled 執子之手。I have rediscovered the joy of writing with this book. Wife's work on it makes it even more exciting.
I am close to the end of my three year service at school, and today the reality sinks in. This morning I was informed I have 6 days and 4 hours of leave left. A friend did the math and for me and said that I do not even have to go into Yuen Log office at all, but teach two days at TST till July 30, my last day, to finish my term. That got me thinking that I have to take things home from office and call time on Yuen Long office days.
It is a hot day over the weekend (25th) but we bought lychees and oranges and ate them at the pier. Up to that point, I almost gave in to high tea, which is not too good for health. English worshippers were supposed to visit us but they called to say that they would rather stay inside the a/c conditions at Noah's Ark. The rest of the day without the visit is rather boring. Swimming is out of the equation since we had already done it this morning.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Labor Day, May 2011
We returned from a night's stay in Shenzhen yesterday (1st) due the Labor Day weekend. The 4 Points hotel was worth the RMB$599. We went to Coco Park (購物公園) and Book City (書城) on the first day. This morning we splurged on their RMB$139 breakfast buffet, eating a little over three hours to cover lunch as well to save money. There is nothing like a breakfast buffet catered by Westerners. In our first year here we had breakfast at Wangfujing provided by the hotel, but the style was too Chinese. after breakfast we headed to Shenzhen Univeristy and then caught a train to Hong Kong via Luohu. There are American stores in Shenzhen thst I do not even see in Hong Kong, such as Papa John's and Coldstone Creamery.
It's been a marathon of sorts the last few days. I just finished preaching two messages today (8th) and will speak another on Tuesday, culminating with four sermons since Thursday (5th). I am most satisfied with the work I did on Ephesians 5 marriage text, a passage I have never preached on in over 20 years of ministry. I was surprised but not shocked because I usually do the vows but not the sermons at weddings. The next three weeks would require less from me, though I have three more consecutive Thursday night messages to go.
Today (10) is a public holiday in Hong Kong and I spoke for a church at a one-day retreat in Wu Kai Sha's YMCA near Ma On Shan. It is a beautiful place, the most impressive retreat center I have been locally. The location, which is near the beach, is also clean and picturesque. I was glad when the talk was over because I had to spend a lot of time on 2 Peter 1, but the personal reward in preparing it was gratifying, too, one of my best. After the morning session I joined Wife for bakery at Simply Life. The food there was fantastic and the line was long. In the afternoon it was so hot and humid that I had to turn on the a/c to nap. In the evening we sat by the rocks for the first time at the beach, a highly enjoyable experience.
Yesterday (19th) a door to ministry unexpectedly closed, but maybe it's for the best because returning to the grind of pastoral ministry is not an option to me, especially as local ministries do not multiply. I have a ten year window in ministry open, so I must use it the best way possible. This week I have started to work on my new book on Bible Couples, so there is life beyond the horizon. Be patient, my soul!
There is good news this week from the publication end. My editor told me on Tuesday (24th) that he is happy with the work and that the materials for my new book on Bible Couples are stronger and more practical than my previous work on Parables of Life. I know it not a knock on what I did before but I was still quite taken back by the assessment, as I was quite pleased with the former. Well, I cannot complain about the compliment and he certainly has the experience.
Wife and I had a two-hour retreat today (28th), praying for a house locally, ministry, work, unsaved relatives, friends, churches, health, and Jon Hon. The latter's book on prayer inspired her to suggest a retreat. The weather was perfect for a morning outdoors. In the afternoon I worked again on the book before I send the first draft to the publisher after the weekend.
Today (30th) I finished all the observations I began a few days ago for the 18 chapters in my new book. It was quite a task but I learned a lot from it. Writing down all the Who, When and Where from the original text certainly helped me in exposition.
It's been a marathon of sorts the last few days. I just finished preaching two messages today (8th) and will speak another on Tuesday, culminating with four sermons since Thursday (5th). I am most satisfied with the work I did on Ephesians 5 marriage text, a passage I have never preached on in over 20 years of ministry. I was surprised but not shocked because I usually do the vows but not the sermons at weddings. The next three weeks would require less from me, though I have three more consecutive Thursday night messages to go.
Today (10) is a public holiday in Hong Kong and I spoke for a church at a one-day retreat in Wu Kai Sha's YMCA near Ma On Shan. It is a beautiful place, the most impressive retreat center I have been locally. The location, which is near the beach, is also clean and picturesque. I was glad when the talk was over because I had to spend a lot of time on 2 Peter 1, but the personal reward in preparing it was gratifying, too, one of my best. After the morning session I joined Wife for bakery at Simply Life. The food there was fantastic and the line was long. In the afternoon it was so hot and humid that I had to turn on the a/c to nap. In the evening we sat by the rocks for the first time at the beach, a highly enjoyable experience.
Yesterday (19th) a door to ministry unexpectedly closed, but maybe it's for the best because returning to the grind of pastoral ministry is not an option to me, especially as local ministries do not multiply. I have a ten year window in ministry open, so I must use it the best way possible. This week I have started to work on my new book on Bible Couples, so there is life beyond the horizon. Be patient, my soul!
There is good news this week from the publication end. My editor told me on Tuesday (24th) that he is happy with the work and that the materials for my new book on Bible Couples are stronger and more practical than my previous work on Parables of Life. I know it not a knock on what I did before but I was still quite taken back by the assessment, as I was quite pleased with the former. Well, I cannot complain about the compliment and he certainly has the experience.
Wife and I had a two-hour retreat today (28th), praying for a house locally, ministry, work, unsaved relatives, friends, churches, health, and Jon Hon. The latter's book on prayer inspired her to suggest a retreat. The weather was perfect for a morning outdoors. In the afternoon I worked again on the book before I send the first draft to the publisher after the weekend.
Today (30th) I finished all the observations I began a few days ago for the 18 chapters in my new book. It was quite a task but I learned a lot from it. Writing down all the Who, When and Where from the original text certainly helped me in exposition.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spring, Apr 2011
Today's weather (2nd) is the best in the year so far, with temperature over 70 F for the first time this year, bringing in the bright sun for a change. I feel good after telling the school two days ago my plans for the coming months. The school started on a right note this week, but already my assignments weigh heavily on them. For this weekend, I have to teach a pre-study today and Sunday school tomorrow and preach twice. What a load, but I have learned to thank God for the health to do so. Wife, also, has a talk today, so we are equally busy.
This is my second day in Macau due to a public holiday today (5th). I traveled yesterday after school, hoping to catch the regular 630p ferry but Chinese tourists have reserved all the seats, so I had to settle for the 645p ferry. Wife and her sister had booked a place at our favorite Italian restaurant at the mall but the food was not as good as before. My favorite breakfast cafeteria Savory was closed for the holiday but lunch more than made up for it. We went to Fernando for the first time and enjoyed good roasted pig, quail and salad for lunch. No wonder it is such a popular tourist hot spot, with a line forming before its noon opening. At night we had buffet at Royal Kitchen by the new Yaohan. The food was good, including sashimi, but we could not take in much. Tomorrow I will head straight to church from Macau for 10a training, the second time round for a smaller group of seven this time, unlike the 12 last time.
My heart was burdened yesterday (6th) by the weight pastors have to bear in ministry, but today a chapel speaker inspired me with the same principles I have always believed about ministry: serve God and not men, dwell on the positive and not the negative, faced them with grace and not the gripe.
We were talking tonight (8th) about what to eat when we get back to Los Angeles in August. Both agree on CHeesecake Factiry, Wife's list has Savoy Hainan Chicken, I have Buca di Beppo and Sushi Gen. It's been so long we forgot Buca's name for three days.
My wife made a classical statement today (9th) when looking at the latest real estate flyer in our box: "Flipping homes is better than going to work (抄樓後過返工)." Yes, homes are that pricey in Hong Kong. A less than 700 sq ft house in Ma Wan sells for HK$350,000.00
For the last two days sleep a struggle. I woke up at 3a yesterday, and 5a this morning (14th). The night before was probably due a night class but I have been thinking about my future. What do I do best? How do I fit in? Why am I uneasy? These are the things I have to work on these few weeks. By July I would have earned three precious years of working experience in Hong Kong, which allows me to have a better perspective of things.
Since its opening this month, Wife exclaimed about how refreshing it is to swim in the outdoor pool, which she tried once, after which she said she could never leave Ma Wan, so today (16th) I joined her. The weather was perfect, 80 F. I didn't feel the sun over my head. We enjoy the pre-study today, and Wife volunteered to teach the next two lessons as well since she had done it with her students.
Yesterday night was stuffy and murky, so we turned on the a/c unit in the miiddle of the night (3 am) for the first time (17th) this year. I drew the curtains to dim the lights beaming into our apratment, waking both of us at the same time. The morning sun in spring might have contributed to my lack of sleep. Rain, for no reason, poured and dampened the island in the afternoon.
I am looking forward to attending Good Friday service for a change tomorrow (22th) instead of leading one, which was what I was doing for the last two years here. My close friend from USA came by to visit two days ago, and Wife's close friend from Canada will visit on Sunday. We had a good cry. It is always good to see old friends, a benefit we do not have presently due our short history here. Speaking of friends, a quiet day at work makes me dull and the day long, so I prefer to talk and share than sit in an office the whole day without much verbal conversation and stimulation.
It has been a good day today (23rd) even though Wife struggled with the gloomy weather. We went to the Starbucks at TST's I-Square for the first time since it opened last year. The seats were very modern and the view overlooking Nathan Road is fantastic. Slightly before noon, we had lunch at a hamburger restaurant there, which was better than we thought. In the afternoon we napped and then swam before we headed to Sai Wan Ho for dinner with relatives. Wife's brother-in-law, who has not accepted the Lord, gave me the best compliment for a long time when he said my evangelistic sermon a month ago was not boring! Naturally, I paid for dinner in exhcnage for such kind words and also to treat her sister in San Diego who has returned to visit.
My eyes have switched from seeing a roach to a fly in the last few days, so there must be something wrong with my eyes. I consulted my brother-in-law but my symptoms are not as bad as his when he saw black patches and plenty of flies. Yesterday I started sniffing from a long day at church, but I am not sure if it caused by allergies or tiredness. There is a funeral to attend maybe today (25th) or tomorrow, my first in Hong Kong.
Attending a funeral in Hong Kong is different from one in USA, as I found out yesterday (26th). There, it is formal, here merely three people wear a jacket, including the hosts and I. I tried frantically to call last minute for advice, to which a friend texted in reply, "Dark color is OK." Here, the funeral service and the graveside service are on separate days, there the graveside service commences immediately after the funeral service. I had to take two roundtrips by ferry to Hong Kong for that day but decided to take one on train instead because of the choppy waters, which makes me wonder how Wife survives all the traveling.
I wanted to speak on Ephesians 5 for Mother's day in one church but Wife said women dislike the passage on submission, yet I was determined to do it. Surprisingly the Lord calmly moved me today (28th)to change it to Hannah's story. When I told Wife she said she did not want to convince me to change to another text even though she had Hannah in mind.
This is my second day in Macau due to a public holiday today (5th). I traveled yesterday after school, hoping to catch the regular 630p ferry but Chinese tourists have reserved all the seats, so I had to settle for the 645p ferry. Wife and her sister had booked a place at our favorite Italian restaurant at the mall but the food was not as good as before. My favorite breakfast cafeteria Savory was closed for the holiday but lunch more than made up for it. We went to Fernando for the first time and enjoyed good roasted pig, quail and salad for lunch. No wonder it is such a popular tourist hot spot, with a line forming before its noon opening. At night we had buffet at Royal Kitchen by the new Yaohan. The food was good, including sashimi, but we could not take in much. Tomorrow I will head straight to church from Macau for 10a training, the second time round for a smaller group of seven this time, unlike the 12 last time.
My heart was burdened yesterday (6th) by the weight pastors have to bear in ministry, but today a chapel speaker inspired me with the same principles I have always believed about ministry: serve God and not men, dwell on the positive and not the negative, faced them with grace and not the gripe.
We were talking tonight (8th) about what to eat when we get back to Los Angeles in August. Both agree on CHeesecake Factiry, Wife's list has Savoy Hainan Chicken, I have Buca di Beppo and Sushi Gen. It's been so long we forgot Buca's name for three days.
My wife made a classical statement today (9th) when looking at the latest real estate flyer in our box: "Flipping homes is better than going to work (抄樓後過返工)." Yes, homes are that pricey in Hong Kong. A less than 700 sq ft house in Ma Wan sells for HK$350,000.00
For the last two days sleep a struggle. I woke up at 3a yesterday, and 5a this morning (14th). The night before was probably due a night class but I have been thinking about my future. What do I do best? How do I fit in? Why am I uneasy? These are the things I have to work on these few weeks. By July I would have earned three precious years of working experience in Hong Kong, which allows me to have a better perspective of things.
Since its opening this month, Wife exclaimed about how refreshing it is to swim in the outdoor pool, which she tried once, after which she said she could never leave Ma Wan, so today (16th) I joined her. The weather was perfect, 80 F. I didn't feel the sun over my head. We enjoy the pre-study today, and Wife volunteered to teach the next two lessons as well since she had done it with her students.
Yesterday night was stuffy and murky, so we turned on the a/c unit in the miiddle of the night (3 am) for the first time (17th) this year. I drew the curtains to dim the lights beaming into our apratment, waking both of us at the same time. The morning sun in spring might have contributed to my lack of sleep. Rain, for no reason, poured and dampened the island in the afternoon.
I am looking forward to attending Good Friday service for a change tomorrow (22th) instead of leading one, which was what I was doing for the last two years here. My close friend from USA came by to visit two days ago, and Wife's close friend from Canada will visit on Sunday. We had a good cry. It is always good to see old friends, a benefit we do not have presently due our short history here. Speaking of friends, a quiet day at work makes me dull and the day long, so I prefer to talk and share than sit in an office the whole day without much verbal conversation and stimulation.
It has been a good day today (23rd) even though Wife struggled with the gloomy weather. We went to the Starbucks at TST's I-Square for the first time since it opened last year. The seats were very modern and the view overlooking Nathan Road is fantastic. Slightly before noon, we had lunch at a hamburger restaurant there, which was better than we thought. In the afternoon we napped and then swam before we headed to Sai Wan Ho for dinner with relatives. Wife's brother-in-law, who has not accepted the Lord, gave me the best compliment for a long time when he said my evangelistic sermon a month ago was not boring! Naturally, I paid for dinner in exhcnage for such kind words and also to treat her sister in San Diego who has returned to visit.
My eyes have switched from seeing a roach to a fly in the last few days, so there must be something wrong with my eyes. I consulted my brother-in-law but my symptoms are not as bad as his when he saw black patches and plenty of flies. Yesterday I started sniffing from a long day at church, but I am not sure if it caused by allergies or tiredness. There is a funeral to attend maybe today (25th) or tomorrow, my first in Hong Kong.
Attending a funeral in Hong Kong is different from one in USA, as I found out yesterday (26th). There, it is formal, here merely three people wear a jacket, including the hosts and I. I tried frantically to call last minute for advice, to which a friend texted in reply, "Dark color is OK." Here, the funeral service and the graveside service are on separate days, there the graveside service commences immediately after the funeral service. I had to take two roundtrips by ferry to Hong Kong for that day but decided to take one on train instead because of the choppy waters, which makes me wonder how Wife survives all the traveling.
I wanted to speak on Ephesians 5 for Mother's day in one church but Wife said women dislike the passage on submission, yet I was determined to do it. Surprisingly the Lord calmly moved me today (28th)to change it to Hannah's story. When I told Wife she said she did not want to convince me to change to another text even though she had Hannah in mind.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Busy Bee, Mar 2011
I cannot believe the number of invitations I have been getting exactly these past two weeks - four, including one today (1st). I am scheduled to speak this Friday(4th)at a couples fellowship, next Saturday at an evangelistic meeting, a day retreat in May (10th)on 2 Peter 1 and now a speaking engagement in late May. I was nervous at first but now I do not have time for that, so I am going to take things one talk at a time. Many things are on my mind, including my sibling's immigration status and my coming domicile. We have bought tickets to fly to Los Angeles at the end of July. Like Wife said, these opportunities do not exist in L.A.
Yesterday's talk (4th) turned out better than I thought even though Wife said I did better previously on the same message. All my nervousness of speaking to believers were gone as soon as I realized I will have to face unbelievers next week. Today we had a good night walk at Ma Wan, thinking about the last two and a half years in Hong Kong, and how we are at the crossroads again, with her health and my domicile returning us to the starting point. Also, I am reminded I am still an outsider as I will not get the HK$6,000 rebate from the government's surplus that is promised to all locals. In fact we are glad some doors are closed so we that can look for new ones.
I woke up this morning (8th) from a dream which reflects my anxiety over speaking at this Saturday's evangelistic meeting. The venue was no longer before a packed auditorium, but a car port garage, so I am happy. I just finished putting the bilingual sermon together today. I hope my Cantonese is up to par. Just last week, I bought a bottle of conditioner instead of a shampoo, which goes to show my Chinese is not there yet. Hong Kong people are still very superstitious. The attendant at the apartment I rented told me today that my neighbor complained that I was hanging a frying pan by my kitchen window, bringing bad luck to her.
For the last few days I have been swimming seven laps after work, which is a big step for me. Yesterday (11th) I started working on my next given passage- Luke 4:15. It is a hard passage, so I am praying for a miracle. Today (12th) I managed to recover from the shock of a receiving a difficult passage. The preparation for the first part/point went well. I have more than two weeks to go.
Wife said the evangelistic message (12th) and all went well: my Cantonese, voice tone and appearance. Her brother-in-law attended and two people accepted Christ. Wife was my biggest fan last night. She said the preaching was a landmark in my ministry and the first time she felt my sermon was that good and I have earned the right to do whatever I want in ministry. On top of that, she was happiest that I was able to cook dinner, boil her herbal medicine and paid attention to her tiredness after her long travel home yesterday morning - all before attending the service. I was hardly nervous in the afternoon while Wife couldn't walk or sit straight. I stumbled for a few opening seconds but was at ease throughout, except I exceeded 20 mins. by 5 mins. I was told a night before to reduce it to 20 minutes but the message was already done by then. Wife shares her perspective.
Today (17th) my heart is heavy because it is the first anniversary of Doris' operation for cancer. I wrote a prayer for her. At this time last year, I rushed back from Taiwan, where I was teaching midway through a class, to be with her in the morning, but she did not come out of the operation table till evening. It was tough to see her crushed body for the month or so in recovery. Our lives have certainly changed since that day, but her struggle is even greater. Here is her reflection. Things will be more challenging in the future, but I am sure God knows things ahead better than us.
I wrote a prayer (17th) for Wife a year after her surgery, but she thought I copied it from the internet, only to say "Wow, now it is different" when she knew it was an original:
"It was a year to forget
But as you remember one year ago today,
May the Lord...
attend your need
bless your health
carry your burden
delight your day
ease your mind
free your chains
grant you peace
heal your body
impart you strength
keep you focused
lighten your load
mend your hurt
nurse your wound
order your life
quiet your struggle
restore your energy
scatter your weakness
toughen your character
uplift your soul
vindicate your pain
watch your step
x-ray your future
yoke to you
and
zap your darkness."
God’s presence be to you, with you and before you.
Hubby
It's been slow and sleepy going into the last week of the month. Today (26th) I couldn't keep awake in the morning even after coffee, so we decided to take a walk in our neighborhood park, where we spend more than an hour sitting and talking about our dreams and plans for the future in ministry. I hope to have a small vacation with Wife at the end of the month before returning to the States at the end of July to check on my domicile requirements. At night we took another walk before the winds made Wife give up.
Today (27th) we had wonton noodles for lunch at TY after worship - HK$97 for 2 combos and one drink. It was more satisfying than the last time I was there. On the way home Wife wanted to buy a MX mini-Mango cake, with four servings, but I offered to buy the chocolate cake instead, and that she would have to pay for the Mango cake since we already had one last week. She asked for the price and the salesperson said HK$88 or HK$68 with a Standard Chartered credit card. She balked at the $20 difference, so I bought three various pieces at our regular store for a total of HK$42, a 50% savings. We enjoyed the chocolate cake, mango cake and chestnut cake at home.
I was emotional today (30th) visiting my former colleague Jon Hon, whose nervous system fell apart nearly a year ago. Hon was supposed to live till September last year, but he persisted to the present. He has two daughters still in high school. God alone knows what the future is in store for him and his family. He could not talk, but when he laughed, he did with all his heart, which showed on his brightened face. My tears brought tears to his eyes as we prayed. It has been months since my last visit and so today was the best time since I did not have class with the young ministers at church. After that I went out for lunch with a student and checked on another minister in the afternnon at Tai Koo. In the afternoon tears welled in my eyes again, thinking of a minister who was fighting depression. Ministry is never easy.
Yesterday's talk (4th) turned out better than I thought even though Wife said I did better previously on the same message. All my nervousness of speaking to believers were gone as soon as I realized I will have to face unbelievers next week. Today we had a good night walk at Ma Wan, thinking about the last two and a half years in Hong Kong, and how we are at the crossroads again, with her health and my domicile returning us to the starting point. Also, I am reminded I am still an outsider as I will not get the HK$6,000 rebate from the government's surplus that is promised to all locals. In fact we are glad some doors are closed so we that can look for new ones.
I woke up this morning (8th) from a dream which reflects my anxiety over speaking at this Saturday's evangelistic meeting. The venue was no longer before a packed auditorium, but a car port garage, so I am happy. I just finished putting the bilingual sermon together today. I hope my Cantonese is up to par. Just last week, I bought a bottle of conditioner instead of a shampoo, which goes to show my Chinese is not there yet. Hong Kong people are still very superstitious. The attendant at the apartment I rented told me today that my neighbor complained that I was hanging a frying pan by my kitchen window, bringing bad luck to her.
For the last few days I have been swimming seven laps after work, which is a big step for me. Yesterday (11th) I started working on my next given passage- Luke 4:15. It is a hard passage, so I am praying for a miracle. Today (12th) I managed to recover from the shock of a receiving a difficult passage. The preparation for the first part/point went well. I have more than two weeks to go.
Wife said the evangelistic message (12th) and all went well: my Cantonese, voice tone and appearance. Her brother-in-law attended and two people accepted Christ. Wife was my biggest fan last night. She said the preaching was a landmark in my ministry and the first time she felt my sermon was that good and I have earned the right to do whatever I want in ministry. On top of that, she was happiest that I was able to cook dinner, boil her herbal medicine and paid attention to her tiredness after her long travel home yesterday morning - all before attending the service. I was hardly nervous in the afternoon while Wife couldn't walk or sit straight. I stumbled for a few opening seconds but was at ease throughout, except I exceeded 20 mins. by 5 mins. I was told a night before to reduce it to 20 minutes but the message was already done by then. Wife shares her perspective.
Today (17th) my heart is heavy because it is the first anniversary of Doris' operation for cancer. I wrote a prayer for her. At this time last year, I rushed back from Taiwan, where I was teaching midway through a class, to be with her in the morning, but she did not come out of the operation table till evening. It was tough to see her crushed body for the month or so in recovery. Our lives have certainly changed since that day, but her struggle is even greater. Here is her reflection. Things will be more challenging in the future, but I am sure God knows things ahead better than us.
I wrote a prayer (17th) for Wife a year after her surgery, but she thought I copied it from the internet, only to say "Wow, now it is different" when she knew it was an original:
"It was a year to forget
But as you remember one year ago today,
May the Lord...
attend your need
bless your health
carry your burden
delight your day
ease your mind
free your chains
grant you peace
heal your body
impart you strength
keep you focused
lighten your load
mend your hurt
nurse your wound
order your life
quiet your struggle
restore your energy
scatter your weakness
toughen your character
uplift your soul
vindicate your pain
watch your step
x-ray your future
yoke to you
and
zap your darkness."
God’s presence be to you, with you and before you.
Hubby
It's been slow and sleepy going into the last week of the month. Today (26th) I couldn't keep awake in the morning even after coffee, so we decided to take a walk in our neighborhood park, where we spend more than an hour sitting and talking about our dreams and plans for the future in ministry. I hope to have a small vacation with Wife at the end of the month before returning to the States at the end of July to check on my domicile requirements. At night we took another walk before the winds made Wife give up.
Today (27th) we had wonton noodles for lunch at TY after worship - HK$97 for 2 combos and one drink. It was more satisfying than the last time I was there. On the way home Wife wanted to buy a MX mini-Mango cake, with four servings, but I offered to buy the chocolate cake instead, and that she would have to pay for the Mango cake since we already had one last week. She asked for the price and the salesperson said HK$88 or HK$68 with a Standard Chartered credit card. She balked at the $20 difference, so I bought three various pieces at our regular store for a total of HK$42, a 50% savings. We enjoyed the chocolate cake, mango cake and chestnut cake at home.
I was emotional today (30th) visiting my former colleague Jon Hon, whose nervous system fell apart nearly a year ago. Hon was supposed to live till September last year, but he persisted to the present. He has two daughters still in high school. God alone knows what the future is in store for him and his family. He could not talk, but when he laughed, he did with all his heart, which showed on his brightened face. My tears brought tears to his eyes as we prayed. It has been months since my last visit and so today was the best time since I did not have class with the young ministers at church. After that I went out for lunch with a student and checked on another minister in the afternnon at Tai Koo. In the afternoon tears welled in my eyes again, thinking of a minister who was fighting depression. Ministry is never easy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chinese New Year, Feb 2011
On New Year's eve today (2nd) we had lunch with the young coworkers at church. They were excited to meet Wife for the first time and we were just as blessed by their presence. All laughed as they recalled how many interviews they had, usually five or six, before they were hired. Tomorrow we are heading to Macau, part of the visit was to help Wife to bring some teaching materials there. I expect to eat a lot there the next few days.
The new year began with swimming. Wife wore a new swimming suit. I wore a new vest getting out of town. It was an extremely busy day at the ferry with many folks unexpectedly getting out of town on the first day of Chinese New Year. We fell asleep on the ship but caught a local bus to the apartment. I was surprised today the Hong Kong queue is longer than the international line at Macau Customs. After two hours of sleep we headed to our favorite Italian restaurant by bus, but we could not get a seat because of the crowd. The replacement dinner at BF was average for the price, but the Gelato dessert from a stand was good. At night we could see Macau's fireworks in full display from the apartment.
My Macau New Year ended today (5th), highlighted by a big lunch at a posh Italian restaurant in one of the major hotels. By that time I was sick of eating, so I ate noodles for early dinner before I took a taxi to the ferry, putting myself on standby for the earlier 630p instead of 645p ferry home. I was the last five onto the boat. I got the ticket three days earlier, which was the last available ship home until next day's 5am morning ship. It was that packed over the new year. I think this may be my last new year in Macau.
Hng Kong has been cold lately. Nevertheless for two Saturdays now, including today
(19th) I have been swimming ten laps instead of the three laps last year that progressed to five this year. I felt fine; in fact, my pants are less tight, but it could be wishful thinking. The Chinese New Year has been good to me, so far I have been sticking closely to my plans and resolutions, including sleeping early. I have started to look for summer fights to Los Angeles to fulfill my domicile requirements and to see old friends. Pray that it will be quickly settled.
I was surprised to receive an invitation this week (24th) to speak at an evangelistic meeting on March 12, which I am not an expert at doing, but it is hard to turn down evangelism, so I am trying my best to prepare myself to face hundreds of people, expecting to convert some. The next two weeks is nervous time, that's for sure. On top of that I am not given much time since the event is 16 days away. I guess I am a standby. The advantage is I have less time to feel queasy.
The new year began with swimming. Wife wore a new swimming suit. I wore a new vest getting out of town. It was an extremely busy day at the ferry with many folks unexpectedly getting out of town on the first day of Chinese New Year. We fell asleep on the ship but caught a local bus to the apartment. I was surprised today the Hong Kong queue is longer than the international line at Macau Customs. After two hours of sleep we headed to our favorite Italian restaurant by bus, but we could not get a seat because of the crowd. The replacement dinner at BF was average for the price, but the Gelato dessert from a stand was good. At night we could see Macau's fireworks in full display from the apartment.
My Macau New Year ended today (5th), highlighted by a big lunch at a posh Italian restaurant in one of the major hotels. By that time I was sick of eating, so I ate noodles for early dinner before I took a taxi to the ferry, putting myself on standby for the earlier 630p instead of 645p ferry home. I was the last five onto the boat. I got the ticket three days earlier, which was the last available ship home until next day's 5am morning ship. It was that packed over the new year. I think this may be my last new year in Macau.
Hng Kong has been cold lately. Nevertheless for two Saturdays now, including today
(19th) I have been swimming ten laps instead of the three laps last year that progressed to five this year. I felt fine; in fact, my pants are less tight, but it could be wishful thinking. The Chinese New Year has been good to me, so far I have been sticking closely to my plans and resolutions, including sleeping early. I have started to look for summer fights to Los Angeles to fulfill my domicile requirements and to see old friends. Pray that it will be quickly settled.
I was surprised to receive an invitation this week (24th) to speak at an evangelistic meeting on March 12, which I am not an expert at doing, but it is hard to turn down evangelism, so I am trying my best to prepare myself to face hundreds of people, expecting to convert some. The next two weeks is nervous time, that's for sure. On top of that I am not given much time since the event is 16 days away. I guess I am a standby. The advantage is I have less time to feel queasy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Prayers and Wishes, Jan 2011
There is nothing more important to me than wife, health and ministry - in that order. Wife will have a check up next week to determine what the shadow on the other side means. Ministry is at a crossroad because I may have to return to the States by summer to prove domicile in sponsoring my siblings, which the immigration department announces is close. Maybe it is God's way to prevent me from getting too involved in local ministries. I am looking forward to teach my first D. Min. course in Taiwan come June 2011. On the health front, hopefully I can lose some weight as my gut had expanded a few inches since arriving in Hong Kong. Preachchrist.com made a dramatic jump to 49,717 hits last month, which is more than twice 18,403 hits on the last month of 2009. My new book and overseas teaching have certainly helped spread the word. Hopefully by the end of the year it will top 60,000 hits. I have befriended a number of neighbors, and by God's grace I hope I can lead them to Christ or to church.
I had a good start to my teaching and preaching mentoring program. After teaching a dozen of young coworkers over three hours, I had individual tutoring for two of the bunch. They were quite receptive, the atmosphere was great and the two were very teachable. I was bothered by a friend who warned me that I may suffer the consequences if the coworkers do not improve in their teaching and preaching, but I discarded that kind of negative thinking. I remind myself that failure is not a big loss if I tried to help.
We celebrated Wife's birthday this first week of the month. She did not feel like dining out on the big day since we have done it the night before and she was worried about her health, but I persuaded her to go, and we were surprised by the good quality of a restaurant in the village that we have not tried before. We talked a lot this week about what the future is like, especially if I have to return to the States to prove my domicile. I sent out the letter yesterday (8th).
This morning (10th) Frontiers missions organization did a presentation at the chapel that made me pause and reflect on missions. It was not an emotional appeal but it gave me plenty of food for thought. Maybe God is inviting me join missions full-time because the harvest is truly plentiful but the workers are few. I might know quickly enough since my attempt to sponsor my family to the States have ran into a snag. Well, never say never to God.
To my horror today (11th) I realized I wrote five new sermons only last year, two less than what I managed in the first 16 months in Hong Kong. Looking back, I am glad one of the churches I help has designated Scripture passages, making me work harder on passages I missed or avoided. The next day I had a throat infection after mentoring the younger pastors, but it was worth it seeing how much they enjoyed it.
I unexpectedly got the flu traveling to Sha Tin to preach today (16th). It was a bummer because I also had a sore throat four days ago that had not gone away. The good thing after worship was meeting Wife for lunch at Tsing Yi, where I added a salad bowl and a drink to my lunch for HK$23. At first I was critical why customers were allowed one serving only, but later I enjoyed piling all the food in one bowl, which requires a lot of skill, more than going for seconds. This goes to show that moderation can be more enjoyable in practice. The next day the doctor told me I have throat infection, so I am following the medication closely.
Yesterday (19th) Wife resumed her Bible study with Mainland students that was cut short by her illness ten month ago, when she felt something wrong with her body while waiting for the students to arrive. This time the students were an hour earlier. Wife treated the two boys and herself to dinner after the study. It is one of her few unfulfilled dreams left - to start a Bible study group with them.
Today (24th) was an emotional day for me at school as I preached on Gen. 45, where Joseph reunited with his brothers. I shed a few tears singing the song "Psalm 19," which was a special song because that was the song that moved Wife after surgery when she returned to North Point's English worship for the first time. The best thing was a student was touched by the message. If not for North Point's strict preaching calendar and text, I would have no new messages.
Yesterday (28th) I made the decision to accept the challenge of missions. Maybe turning 50 has something to do with it. Local ministry is too slow and stifling. I actually felt relieved and relaxed. It is better to put out the notice earlier so that there is more freedom to explore.
I had a good start to my teaching and preaching mentoring program. After teaching a dozen of young coworkers over three hours, I had individual tutoring for two of the bunch. They were quite receptive, the atmosphere was great and the two were very teachable. I was bothered by a friend who warned me that I may suffer the consequences if the coworkers do not improve in their teaching and preaching, but I discarded that kind of negative thinking. I remind myself that failure is not a big loss if I tried to help.
We celebrated Wife's birthday this first week of the month. She did not feel like dining out on the big day since we have done it the night before and she was worried about her health, but I persuaded her to go, and we were surprised by the good quality of a restaurant in the village that we have not tried before. We talked a lot this week about what the future is like, especially if I have to return to the States to prove my domicile. I sent out the letter yesterday (8th).
This morning (10th) Frontiers missions organization did a presentation at the chapel that made me pause and reflect on missions. It was not an emotional appeal but it gave me plenty of food for thought. Maybe God is inviting me join missions full-time because the harvest is truly plentiful but the workers are few. I might know quickly enough since my attempt to sponsor my family to the States have ran into a snag. Well, never say never to God.
To my horror today (11th) I realized I wrote five new sermons only last year, two less than what I managed in the first 16 months in Hong Kong. Looking back, I am glad one of the churches I help has designated Scripture passages, making me work harder on passages I missed or avoided. The next day I had a throat infection after mentoring the younger pastors, but it was worth it seeing how much they enjoyed it.
I unexpectedly got the flu traveling to Sha Tin to preach today (16th). It was a bummer because I also had a sore throat four days ago that had not gone away. The good thing after worship was meeting Wife for lunch at Tsing Yi, where I added a salad bowl and a drink to my lunch for HK$23. At first I was critical why customers were allowed one serving only, but later I enjoyed piling all the food in one bowl, which requires a lot of skill, more than going for seconds. This goes to show that moderation can be more enjoyable in practice. The next day the doctor told me I have throat infection, so I am following the medication closely.
Yesterday (19th) Wife resumed her Bible study with Mainland students that was cut short by her illness ten month ago, when she felt something wrong with her body while waiting for the students to arrive. This time the students were an hour earlier. Wife treated the two boys and herself to dinner after the study. It is one of her few unfulfilled dreams left - to start a Bible study group with them.
Today (24th) was an emotional day for me at school as I preached on Gen. 45, where Joseph reunited with his brothers. I shed a few tears singing the song "Psalm 19," which was a special song because that was the song that moved Wife after surgery when she returned to North Point's English worship for the first time. The best thing was a student was touched by the message. If not for North Point's strict preaching calendar and text, I would have no new messages.
Yesterday (28th) I made the decision to accept the challenge of missions. Maybe turning 50 has something to do with it. Local ministry is too slow and stifling. I actually felt relieved and relaxed. It is better to put out the notice earlier so that there is more freedom to explore.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Gentleland, Dec 2010
I returned from my 10-day trip to Gentleland today (10th). It got off to a worst possible start. My ride thought I was coming a day later, so I had to find an inn nearby. The next day (2nd), I taught 60 excited M.A. students over the 20-hour weekend how to preach.
The next week, I was taken to a new location to teach 28 B Th students. Unlike before, where I was staying with a family in a spacious apartment that has a bathroom with enough exercise space, I was downgraded to slum-like conditions near some run-down factories, for less visibility. Churches here are very out in the open, their worship music travels to the streets, and "emmanuel" signs are all over the church exterior.
It was both a boring and a blessed experience. The backward living conditions are similar to the poorest Hong Kong neighborhoods in the 60s. Students live a very simple life. All basics and necessities are met but all else is stripped away. Still they bring their own snacks. They use a basin for washing but, nevertheless, they have meat to go with vegetables.
Since nobody but students live on-campus, I have to request for coffee, fruits, and a ride out. I have a makeshift reused fruit juice glass bottle for a cup to use in class and in the kitchen I use a bowl for coffee. The restroom soap is big and unsightly. The locals do not use toilet rolls; they use wafer-thin sheets of paper the size of our handtowels.
It's been an unforgettable five days with the 25 youngsters ranging from 18 to 25. So far, I have trained 88 students, which would take me 15 years to do in
Hong Kong! Many of them are bright but lacking opportunities. Since it is held in a low-key location, there is nothing to do but sleep during the afternoon recess of 2 hour and 15 minutes, including lunch. Nights are almost unbearable. No TV, no company, no transport. I am virtually a prisoner, but I am thankful for internet. It would have been unthinkable without it. It was time to leave after adjusting to my lodgings. To counter the hard bed and thin mattress I folded the mattress for more padding since I do not need to use the other half of the mattress. On the last day I heard prayers reverberating throughout the building, but to my shock I saw only four women praying. I am tempted to visit elsewhere in the future seeing the field is ripe for harvest. After this ten day trip, I have a fresh appreciation for missionaries ten years in the field.
Today's 8 degrees C (16th) is the coldest day I have experienced in Hong Kong yet . I had three layers of clothing and I was still shivering without head protection when the cold wind blew. The low temperature, however, did not stop me from my pool exercise or a lunch appointment with a student. It was hard to concentrate at work during this lull holiday break without the students or chapel. I was excited over my sermon on Genesis 45 preached last Sunday because it completes my 30 messages on Genesis, which I hope to be published in English for a change.
I thought the cold could not get any worse, but it did and got personal, giving me a full-blown cold today (18th). I have not sneezed like that for a long time. My nose was running and my eyes were red, so I took a nap after lunch to get rested before today's pre-study, which we thought was canceled. My only hope is that Wife would not be infected. Tomorrow we are headed for early worship so that she can join a school party. At night I-Cable showed my favorite Stephen Chow movie just as we were about to rent the last Harry Potter movie, which we missed. We also signed a new contract today with the new landlord that will increase our monthly apartment rent from HK$7k to HK$8,400. There is no stopping inflation or rent in Hong Kong.
It is Christmas day today (25th) and we went for breakfast with a friend visiting from SF. On the way home I figured out how to text 17 friends from my phone contact list a Christmas message, which took me a full 15 mins to type and send. Tonight we will have dinner with a friend who is returning to No Cal after two years of ministry in HK. It did not work out because he has to return to care for his wife and daughter who have medical conditions.
The day after Christmas was mostly relaxing. We spent time with a church coworker and talked for more than three hours. After that we had lunch and a walk outdoors before we headed home. The pleasant day was interrupted rudely by a flu I caught after swimming. I sniffed and sneezed for the next four hours, causing pain to the right side of my stomach each time I sneeze during the final hour. It was so bad I debated if I should see a doctor tomorrow. Let's hope Wife does not catch it from me.
Today (29th) is my last Wednesday off this year before I sign up to mentor pastors in teaching and preaching next Wednesday onwards in the new year. We were lounging around in the Elements' Starbucks when an alumni called me up for lunch. Wife said I had used both days off, including last Saturday, to benefit other people in our sharing. Thinking ahead, I expect work and ministry to be tough next year.
Finally the last day of the year is here. I have been busy restoring the broken links on preachchrist.com. I have no idea what is in store for the next year, but nothing could be rougher than this year. All is good as long as Wife's health keeps up. It has been cold for a few days, so yesterday I got some thermal wear for both of us.
The next week, I was taken to a new location to teach 28 B Th students. Unlike before, where I was staying with a family in a spacious apartment that has a bathroom with enough exercise space, I was downgraded to slum-like conditions near some run-down factories, for less visibility. Churches here are very out in the open, their worship music travels to the streets, and "emmanuel" signs are all over the church exterior.
It was both a boring and a blessed experience. The backward living conditions are similar to the poorest Hong Kong neighborhoods in the 60s. Students live a very simple life. All basics and necessities are met but all else is stripped away. Still they bring their own snacks. They use a basin for washing but, nevertheless, they have meat to go with vegetables.
Since nobody but students live on-campus, I have to request for coffee, fruits, and a ride out. I have a makeshift reused fruit juice glass bottle for a cup to use in class and in the kitchen I use a bowl for coffee. The restroom soap is big and unsightly. The locals do not use toilet rolls; they use wafer-thin sheets of paper the size of our handtowels.
It's been an unforgettable five days with the 25 youngsters ranging from 18 to 25. So far, I have trained 88 students, which would take me 15 years to do in
Hong Kong! Many of them are bright but lacking opportunities. Since it is held in a low-key location, there is nothing to do but sleep during the afternoon recess of 2 hour and 15 minutes, including lunch. Nights are almost unbearable. No TV, no company, no transport. I am virtually a prisoner, but I am thankful for internet. It would have been unthinkable without it. It was time to leave after adjusting to my lodgings. To counter the hard bed and thin mattress I folded the mattress for more padding since I do not need to use the other half of the mattress. On the last day I heard prayers reverberating throughout the building, but to my shock I saw only four women praying. I am tempted to visit elsewhere in the future seeing the field is ripe for harvest. After this ten day trip, I have a fresh appreciation for missionaries ten years in the field.
Today's 8 degrees C (16th) is the coldest day I have experienced in Hong Kong yet . I had three layers of clothing and I was still shivering without head protection when the cold wind blew. The low temperature, however, did not stop me from my pool exercise or a lunch appointment with a student. It was hard to concentrate at work during this lull holiday break without the students or chapel. I was excited over my sermon on Genesis 45 preached last Sunday because it completes my 30 messages on Genesis, which I hope to be published in English for a change.
I thought the cold could not get any worse, but it did and got personal, giving me a full-blown cold today (18th). I have not sneezed like that for a long time. My nose was running and my eyes were red, so I took a nap after lunch to get rested before today's pre-study, which we thought was canceled. My only hope is that Wife would not be infected. Tomorrow we are headed for early worship so that she can join a school party. At night I-Cable showed my favorite Stephen Chow movie just as we were about to rent the last Harry Potter movie, which we missed. We also signed a new contract today with the new landlord that will increase our monthly apartment rent from HK$7k to HK$8,400. There is no stopping inflation or rent in Hong Kong.
It is Christmas day today (25th) and we went for breakfast with a friend visiting from SF. On the way home I figured out how to text 17 friends from my phone contact list a Christmas message, which took me a full 15 mins to type and send. Tonight we will have dinner with a friend who is returning to No Cal after two years of ministry in HK. It did not work out because he has to return to care for his wife and daughter who have medical conditions.
The day after Christmas was mostly relaxing. We spent time with a church coworker and talked for more than three hours. After that we had lunch and a walk outdoors before we headed home. The pleasant day was interrupted rudely by a flu I caught after swimming. I sniffed and sneezed for the next four hours, causing pain to the right side of my stomach each time I sneeze during the final hour. It was so bad I debated if I should see a doctor tomorrow. Let's hope Wife does not catch it from me.
Today (29th) is my last Wednesday off this year before I sign up to mentor pastors in teaching and preaching next Wednesday onwards in the new year. We were lounging around in the Elements' Starbucks when an alumni called me up for lunch. Wife said I had used both days off, including last Saturday, to benefit other people in our sharing. Thinking ahead, I expect work and ministry to be tough next year.
Finally the last day of the year is here. I have been busy restoring the broken links on preachchrist.com. I have no idea what is in store for the next year, but nothing could be rougher than this year. All is good as long as Wife's health keeps up. It has been cold for a few days, so yesterday I got some thermal wear for both of us.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
School Newsletter, Dec 2010
務要傳道
本院碩士科主任
葉福成博士
當我仍在美國時，有一間福音機構邀請我加入他們的夏季短宣教師團隊。我當時幾乎要答應，但一想到是要前往亞洲，我心中有保留。雖然當日我沒有答應，但這次的邀請並沒有白費，因為這就成了我和我太太兩年前決定移居到香港的影響。當日該機構向我們發出呼聲：「釋經講道是今日華人教會最大的需要！」
可悲的是，當今的講道滿有智慧又風趣，但缺乏「道」。講員花那麼多時間講一些對經文沒有直接關係或經文沒有記載的東西。傳講神的道是沒有捷徑，也不能繞道而行。一個人如想得到釋經講道的「產品」(the sermon)，就必須瞭解研讀的「生產過程」(the study)。這個過程是最具挑戰性的，但大多數講員很自然又直接的方式是看參考書，而不是閱讀聖經，因此我們認識註釋家比聖經更多。
今日華人教會講道的弱點就是對於經文的文法和文學缺乏瞭解，而這卻是釋經講道的特色：先運用歷史 (historical)、文法 (grammatical) 和文學 (literary) 的方法，來尋找經文的主題、大要概念或中心思想，然後才把它們應用在聽者的身上。 可惜，許多講員不知道怎樣以超過人物、地點和事物的原則，來表達講章的主題和大綱。
在歷史方面，參考書當然有其適當的位置，但教科書 (textbooks) 絕不能取代經文 (text)。聖經 (Bible) 是我們的首要材料，書籍 (books) 是第二的。牧師和神學生必須先是聖經學生，然後才做聖經學者。
在文法方面，如今傳道人可以使用最新的軟件，幫助他們理解原文的語氣 (mood)、時態(tense) 和語態 (voice)。我建議傳道人可以試用一些免費的分析工具（scripture4all.org，http://bible.fhl.net），特別是找出經文中的三大「I」，即是：命令式 (imperatives)，不定詞 (infinitives) 和直說式 (indicatives)。
在文學方面，識別經文的鑰字（比較、對比、重複、漸進），能彌補我們有關文學技巧的能力。我建議傳道人能花 80％的時間做釋經的工作，而不是80％做應用，因為「觀察」錯誤，會導致「解釋」和「應用」的錯誤。
好的釋經講道者能教導、吸引、啟發聽眾。著名的釋經講員邁爾博士 (F. B. Meyer)，分享早年他的導師比樂博士 (Dr. C.M. Birrell)，如何鼓勵他走出專題式講道，同時指導他朝著釋經講道的道路和方向邁進。在一次聚會的結束後，比樂對邁爾說：「今晚你講道的信息非常好，可惜它是一篇專題式的講章，如果你要以專題式講章作為你講道的模式，可能很快你會用完那些主題，接下來你要怎麼辦呢？因此我建議你可不要像我過去三十年的做法。不如讓你自己成為一個釋經講道者吧！這樣你會一直保持神話語原有的新鮮感，並且建造一個健康有力的教會。」 (Listening to the Giants, Warren Wiersbe 97, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980)
本院碩士科主任
葉福成博士
當我仍在美國時，有一間福音機構邀請我加入他們的夏季短宣教師團隊。我當時幾乎要答應，但一想到是要前往亞洲，我心中有保留。雖然當日我沒有答應，但這次的邀請並沒有白費，因為這就成了我和我太太兩年前決定移居到香港的影響。當日該機構向我們發出呼聲：「釋經講道是今日華人教會最大的需要！」
可悲的是，當今的講道滿有智慧又風趣，但缺乏「道」。講員花那麼多時間講一些對經文沒有直接關係或經文沒有記載的東西。傳講神的道是沒有捷徑，也不能繞道而行。一個人如想得到釋經講道的「產品」(the sermon)，就必須瞭解研讀的「生產過程」(the study)。這個過程是最具挑戰性的，但大多數講員很自然又直接的方式是看參考書，而不是閱讀聖經，因此我們認識註釋家比聖經更多。
今日華人教會講道的弱點就是對於經文的文法和文學缺乏瞭解，而這卻是釋經講道的特色：先運用歷史 (historical)、文法 (grammatical) 和文學 (literary) 的方法，來尋找經文的主題、大要概念或中心思想，然後才把它們應用在聽者的身上。 可惜，許多講員不知道怎樣以超過人物、地點和事物的原則，來表達講章的主題和大綱。
在歷史方面，參考書當然有其適當的位置，但教科書 (textbooks) 絕不能取代經文 (text)。聖經 (Bible) 是我們的首要材料，書籍 (books) 是第二的。牧師和神學生必須先是聖經學生，然後才做聖經學者。
在文法方面，如今傳道人可以使用最新的軟件，幫助他們理解原文的語氣 (mood)、時態(tense) 和語態 (voice)。我建議傳道人可以試用一些免費的分析工具（scripture4all.org，http://bible.fhl.net），特別是找出經文中的三大「I」，即是：命令式 (imperatives)，不定詞 (infinitives) 和直說式 (indicatives)。
在文學方面，識別經文的鑰字（比較、對比、重複、漸進），能彌補我們有關文學技巧的能力。我建議傳道人能花 80％的時間做釋經的工作，而不是80％做應用，因為「觀察」錯誤，會導致「解釋」和「應用」的錯誤。
好的釋經講道者能教導、吸引、啟發聽眾。著名的釋經講員邁爾博士 (F. B. Meyer)，分享早年他的導師比樂博士 (Dr. C.M. Birrell)，如何鼓勵他走出專題式講道，同時指導他朝著釋經講道的道路和方向邁進。在一次聚會的結束後，比樂對邁爾說：「今晚你講道的信息非常好，可惜它是一篇專題式的講章，如果你要以專題式講章作為你講道的模式，可能很快你會用完那些主題，接下來你要怎麼辦呢？因此我建議你可不要像我過去三十年的做法。不如讓你自己成為一個釋經講道者吧！這樣你會一直保持神話語原有的新鮮感，並且建造一個健康有力的教會。」 (Listening to the Giants, Warren Wiersbe 97, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Coping, Nov 2010
Wife's experiment with Chinese medicine got off a good start. The doctor we see has no lack of patients. She got six small packs of medicine the first time, and 12 last Saturday (Oct 30). I am getting good at boiling the medicine in claypot, which requires 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes heating time. Yesterday (Oct 31) my heart was blessed by one thing and touched by another. The blessing was a note my wife received from a congregation member at a church where I was a guest speaker for the last year. The note says, "I pray for you and your family...You are not alone." The second, the plight of a resident, whose kid is autistic, moved me. The father has not worked for two years to care for his son. I hope to find a church and help for the 8 year-old.
It rained boxes from heaven yesterday (3rd). We could be moving anytime now that the owner has told us he wants to sell his property, but we had thrown the 20-odd boxes that came with us from the States for fear that dust from the boxes could complicate Wife's recovery when she was sick. Last week Wife expressed doubt on how we could manage without the boxes - 14 of them. Yesterday on the way home from swimming I saw a couple throwing some boxes away, and I asked them if the boxes are good, to which they replied they threw them because they just moved into the neighborhood. It is heard to purchase boxes in Hong Kong, unlike in the States, where you can buy them at almost all stationary stores. Here most people do not owe a car, so transporting them home is out of the question without delivery fees.
I need lots of prayer this Sunday (14th) as I am up to my neck in preaching. The three worship services are in three different locations, from 830a to 1030a to 1215p. The early worship was a last minute call on Monday (8th) from a megachurch. The second one is a church anniversary, cannot avoid that or disappoint a friend, too. The last one is an English one, where I excel. The hop to the third one, from Tsuen Wan to North Point, is most challenging. May as well stretch myself and see if I survive. Actually I like last-minute substitutions, at least the panic is just for a week.
Yesterday morning at 930am (9th) I received a call from a church secretary saying that they double-booked speakers for this Sunday, so the pastor's wife suggested dropping me instead of the other speaker (who is a friend I had dinner with last week). I had no problems with the arrangement, since I had my hands and plate full with three sermons one day. I thought prayers were answered and called Wife to tell her the latest. At 1038am the secretary called me again, saying the pastor wanted to speak to me. He asked me if I would like to preach instead, seeing the other speaker had spoken at the church before. I said OK. When I logged into my computer, Wife indicated in her e-mail that she was glad I was dropped to lessen my load. When I wrote that it was on again, she replied with a terse "Oh!" By the second day (Tuesday) I was calm and today I am spending my day off in Macau, working on translating my sermons into Chinese. I feel like my anonymous, low-profile and off-the-radar days are over with the release of my new book.
It's been an exciting and busy day today (14th) rushing to speak at three churches, from a mega church to a church anniversary, from Tsuen Wan to North Point. After my first stop, at the megachurch, a friend in the congregation texted me and said, "A very good job. Though a little bit nervous. Pray for you." The anxiety evaporated by Wednesday, the day after the second call. I also discovered one thing about myself. I am still the person who could handle one thing without ado and a few things the same way. In other words, this stretching exercise was good for me. The best response, surprisingly, was at the last stop, where a few members came up to me and said the message spoke to them. We celebrated our relief by going out to dinner tonight. The next day, I signed a new contract, transitioning to a four-day work week. I have no idea if it works. It is deja vu time, like starting all over again.
Today (17th) is my weekly day off. In the morning I called a friend to encourage hi. Next, I did sermon preparation at Starbucks for my given next sermon on Genesis 45. I finished the first point on the uplifting story of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers. After that I met with a church to discuss the possibility of using my day off to mentor incoming pastors. Lastly, I picked up my ticket at Mongkok for my coming overseas teaching trip. A friend texted me this piece of mental health advice: "Take vitamins, talk to two people, and play brain games on the web."
Wife gave me the news Thursday morning (18th) that all is not well with the other side of her body. At the morning chapel tears slipped from my eyes. The next day, we had a good talk about how to face the future in the (1) worst scenario, (2) bad news, or (3) no change. We have peace. Life offers no guarantees, especially after the 2.4 earthquake that hit yesterday. This morning (20th) I woke up before 4 am and tears welled up before 5 am. I couldn't imagine life any other way.
Praise God, we survived the checkup yesterday (23rd). Wife's doctor said her mangled hands are the worst she had seen and that she could not determine if her other side was cancerous as well. The nearest date for a mammogram screening appointment is, no kidding, in 2012! The alternative is for testing at a private hospital, which is our next step. Reading Hezekiah's sickness and prayer (Isa 38) in the morning comforted me. At night we celebrated with a buffet, which is out of our body's reach at our age and in her condition. At night, we slept well. Another storm passes for the time being.
I had a gum inflammation scare two days ago (24th), but last night (25th)my back gave way and I could not lie straight sleeping, curling to the side at times and waking more than a few times. This morning I went to my Chinese masseur to rub over the pain, followed by a visit to a medical doctor to certify I have back pain, topping it with spa at the club after an afternoon nap. The last was most special because it was Wife's first trip to the pool, where she exercised for twenty minutes spotting short hair in public for the first time. I was assigned the task of preparing dinner while she returned to her nap after the swim.
It rained boxes from heaven yesterday (3rd). We could be moving anytime now that the owner has told us he wants to sell his property, but we had thrown the 20-odd boxes that came with us from the States for fear that dust from the boxes could complicate Wife's recovery when she was sick. Last week Wife expressed doubt on how we could manage without the boxes - 14 of them. Yesterday on the way home from swimming I saw a couple throwing some boxes away, and I asked them if the boxes are good, to which they replied they threw them because they just moved into the neighborhood. It is heard to purchase boxes in Hong Kong, unlike in the States, where you can buy them at almost all stationary stores. Here most people do not owe a car, so transporting them home is out of the question without delivery fees.
I need lots of prayer this Sunday (14th) as I am up to my neck in preaching. The three worship services are in three different locations, from 830a to 1030a to 1215p. The early worship was a last minute call on Monday (8th) from a megachurch. The second one is a church anniversary, cannot avoid that or disappoint a friend, too. The last one is an English one, where I excel. The hop to the third one, from Tsuen Wan to North Point, is most challenging. May as well stretch myself and see if I survive. Actually I like last-minute substitutions, at least the panic is just for a week.
Yesterday morning at 930am (9th) I received a call from a church secretary saying that they double-booked speakers for this Sunday, so the pastor's wife suggested dropping me instead of the other speaker (who is a friend I had dinner with last week). I had no problems with the arrangement, since I had my hands and plate full with three sermons one day. I thought prayers were answered and called Wife to tell her the latest. At 1038am the secretary called me again, saying the pastor wanted to speak to me. He asked me if I would like to preach instead, seeing the other speaker had spoken at the church before. I said OK. When I logged into my computer, Wife indicated in her e-mail that she was glad I was dropped to lessen my load. When I wrote that it was on again, she replied with a terse "Oh!" By the second day (Tuesday) I was calm and today I am spending my day off in Macau, working on translating my sermons into Chinese. I feel like my anonymous, low-profile and off-the-radar days are over with the release of my new book.
It's been an exciting and busy day today (14th) rushing to speak at three churches, from a mega church to a church anniversary, from Tsuen Wan to North Point. After my first stop, at the megachurch, a friend in the congregation texted me and said, "A very good job. Though a little bit nervous. Pray for you." The anxiety evaporated by Wednesday, the day after the second call. I also discovered one thing about myself. I am still the person who could handle one thing without ado and a few things the same way. In other words, this stretching exercise was good for me. The best response, surprisingly, was at the last stop, where a few members came up to me and said the message spoke to them. We celebrated our relief by going out to dinner tonight. The next day, I signed a new contract, transitioning to a four-day work week. I have no idea if it works. It is deja vu time, like starting all over again.
Today (17th) is my weekly day off. In the morning I called a friend to encourage hi. Next, I did sermon preparation at Starbucks for my given next sermon on Genesis 45. I finished the first point on the uplifting story of Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers. After that I met with a church to discuss the possibility of using my day off to mentor incoming pastors. Lastly, I picked up my ticket at Mongkok for my coming overseas teaching trip. A friend texted me this piece of mental health advice: "Take vitamins, talk to two people, and play brain games on the web."
Wife gave me the news Thursday morning (18th) that all is not well with the other side of her body. At the morning chapel tears slipped from my eyes. The next day, we had a good talk about how to face the future in the (1) worst scenario, (2) bad news, or (3) no change. We have peace. Life offers no guarantees, especially after the 2.4 earthquake that hit yesterday. This morning (20th) I woke up before 4 am and tears welled up before 5 am. I couldn't imagine life any other way.
Praise God, we survived the checkup yesterday (23rd). Wife's doctor said her mangled hands are the worst she had seen and that she could not determine if her other side was cancerous as well. The nearest date for a mammogram screening appointment is, no kidding, in 2012! The alternative is for testing at a private hospital, which is our next step. Reading Hezekiah's sickness and prayer (Isa 38) in the morning comforted me. At night we celebrated with a buffet, which is out of our body's reach at our age and in her condition. At night, we slept well. Another storm passes for the time being.
I had a gum inflammation scare two days ago (24th), but last night (25th)my back gave way and I could not lie straight sleeping, curling to the side at times and waking more than a few times. This morning I went to my Chinese masseur to rub over the pain, followed by a visit to a medical doctor to certify I have back pain, topping it with spa at the club after an afternoon nap. The last was most special because it was Wife's first trip to the pool, where she exercised for twenty minutes spotting short hair in public for the first time. I was assigned the task of preparing dinner while she returned to her nap after the swim.
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