Manna issue 69 - Grow in Tears to Reap in Joy 流淚撒種，歡呼收割
A story of growth. 成長的故事
Reflections from a German Youth Fellowship
Heidelberg Youth Fellowship—Heidelberg, Germany
德國青年團契的反思
德國海德堡 - 海德堡青年團契
In 2009, Heidelberg Prayer House
formed its first youth fellowship group,
with eleven youths aged between
eighteen and thirty-three years. Things
were not easy in the beginning. We
had fears that the fellowship would
not survive, let alone grow, due
differences in the ages, personalities,
and backgrounds of the youths. At
first, we had neither clear objectives
nor a fixed organization—everything
was new to us. Thus, the early days of
the youth fellowship were marked by
long discussions.
2009年，海德堡祈禱所第一次組成青年團契，
有11位青年，年紀約在18到33歲之間。
一開始這件事不容易。
因為我們害怕團契無法存活下去，更不用說能繼續成長，
因為各各青年在年紀上，性格上，或背景上都有所不同。
一開始，我們即沒有清楚的目標，也沒有固定的組織形態 -
對我們來說，一切都是新的。
因此，青年團契的出期，最主要都是作一些很長久的討論。
Almost four years on, the fellowship
gathers every Sabbath between 6 and
8 p.m. without fail. We have studied a
range of topics from the Old to New
Testaments, from Bible history to
comparative religion etc.
四年之後，青年團契在每個安息日下午六點到八點之間，沒有停止過。
我們從舊約和新約之中，學習了很多的主題，
從聖經歷史到宗教比較，等等。
Each member of the youth group has
learned to appreciate the fellowship as
an opportunity to reinforce his or her
faith through deeper study of the Bible
and other faith-related topics. Activities
and trips have strengthened the youth
group as a whole, bringing much joy to
the entire church. By God’s grace, we
have gained much experience through
serving God and preaching the gospel
together.
每一位青年團契的成員，都很感謝這樣的團契，
因為這個機會可以加強他們的信仰，因為深入考察聖經，研討信仰有關的主題。
而各種活動和行程都加強了團契的向心力，成為一個團體，
也給整個教會帶來多歡樂。
因著神的恩典，透過一起服事神，傳福音，得到了很多寶貴的經驗 。
In the following paragraphs, seven
youths share their personal reflections
on the fellowship. We hope this will
encourage other youths around the
world and prompt them to think about
themselves and their own fellowships.
下面的段落裡，有7位青年來分享他們對於團契的感想。
我們希望這可以鼓勵世界各地其他的青年，
鼓勵他們來反省自已，及關心自已的團契。
APPRECIATING THE COMMUNITY IN CHRIST 感謝神有基督裡的團契
“And they continued steadfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in
prayers.”
(Acts 2:42)
42都恆心遵守使徒的教訓，彼此交接，擘餅，祈禱。
(徒 2：42)
The first community in Christ is an
example of the perfect church. The
brethren gathered with one accord and
enjoyed each other’s companionship
with gladness and simplicity of heart.
These people were kept together by
the word of God, His love, and prayer.
What keeps our youth fellowship
together and makes us gather with one
accord? Is it just one zealous person
within the group who is keeping the
group united? Our youth fellowship
started through the efforts of a very
dedicated youth group leader. But a
fellowship cannot last for long if it
depends on a single person.
基督裡第一個團契，是完全教會的典範。
弟兄姐妹同心合意聚集在一起，
以愉快的心情及單純的想法，同享彼此之間的同靈之情。
這些人是因為神的話，神的慈愛，並且一起禱告而聚在一起。
那麼到底是什麼東西可以讓我們的青年團契的成員聚集在一起，
讓我們可以同心合意一起聚集呢？
是不是團體中，有一個非常熱心的人，他讓團契聯合在一起嗎？
我們的青年團契，一開始是有一個非常虔誠的契長，不斷的努力。
但是團契若是只靠著一個人，就不可能可以持久。
In our case, we were tested after less
than a year, when our first group leader
had to move away. What kept our
group together then, and continues
to do so today is that which kept the
first apostolic community together:
God’s word, His love, and prayer. Each
and every one of us must put time and
effort into the fellowship. It requires
motivation to give and contribute to a
group, and this is not natural for most
of us. But when we learn to do so, our
fellowship will slowly be built up.
而我們的情況是，團契成立還沒有滿一年的時候，我們就受到試驗，
因為我們第一個契長要搬走了。
那麼到底是什麼讓我們團契凝聚在一起呢？
而一直到今日一直繼續下來，就好像是讓第一個使徒時代的團契在一起是一樣的原因：
神的話語，祂的慈愛，大家一起禱告。
我們每一個人一定要花時間和精力，來投入團契的工作中。
這不但要有動力，來投入給團契，並且分配給團體內的每個成員，
而且這樣作，對大部份的我們，這不是很自然，很容易作的事。
但是當我們學會這麼作之後，團契之情就慢慢的被建立起來了。
Being able to attend a youth
fellowship is a gift from God. We
should treasure it because there may
not always be a youth group in every
church. Moreover, as youths, we have
a great deal of time for fellowship, but
this period of our lives is brief and will
soon come to an end. May we find
blessings of all kinds in our local youth
fellowship, and may God be the one
who joins us as one.
其實可以參加青年團契，是從神而來的恩賜。
我們應該要珍惜這樣的機會，因為並不是每個教會，都有青年團契存在。
不只如此，身為青年，我們有一大把的時間可以用在團契上，
但我們這一段的生活，是很短暫的，很快就會結束了。
願我們可以在自已本地的青年團契中，得到神各種的祝福，
願神帶領我們，把我們合而為一。
‧ What is our fellowship based on?
我們團契的基礎是什麼？
‧ How can we contribute to make it a perfect one?
我們要怎麼作，才能讓團契變得更加完美？
STUDYING GOD’S WORD 學習神的話
“... they received the word with all
readiness, and searched the Scriptures
daily to find out whether these things
were so.” (Acts 17:11)
11這地方的人賢於帖撒羅尼迦的人，甘心領受這道，天天考查聖經，要曉得這道是與不是。
(徒 17：11)
Why do truth-seekers and the
newly-baptized seem more diligent in
studying the Bible than regular church
members? They want to know the
truth. Desperately. They want to make
sure that everything that has been told
to them is biblically sound. Thus, they
“test all things [and] hold fast what is
good” (1 Thess 5:21). In contrast, some
long-time believers are too lazy or are
reluctant to search into the words of
God; they just accept everything that
is preached.
為什麼慕道者和新受洗的信徒，看起來是比一般信徒，更加殷勤地來考查聖經呢？
他們想要了解真理。
無所不用其極的想知道真理。
他們想要知道，別人所告訴他們的任何知識，都是有根據聖經，並且是健全的道理。
因此，
21但要凡事察驗，善美的要持守，
(帖前 5：21)
相反地，一些老信徒很懶，
他們不願意好好考查聖經；
他們只是接受別人所向他們傳的道理。
To have a deeply-rooted faith, we
must understand what we believe in.
Only then can we preach the gospel
wholeheartedly, convicted that it is the
God-given truth. While fellowships
must not replace personal Bible study,
our fellowship provides us with the
opportunity to search the Scriptures
weekly “to find out whether these
things [are] so.” Not only do we study
the basic doctrines, we also have special
seminars during which a preacher
delivers lessons on certain topics, such
as “The flaws of trinity.” These are
precious opportunities for us because
preachers are available in Heidelberg
on fewer than ten occasions per year.
為了在信仰上能深深的札根，我們一定要去了解自已所相信的是什麼東西。
只有這樣，我們才能全心全力的去傳福音，
並且深信，這就是神所賜下的真理。
然而，團契並不是用來取代個人的查經工作，
而我們的團契，可以讓我們有機會每週一次來一起考查聖經，
"要曉得這道是與不是。"
我們不只會學習基本教義，
而且有特別的研討會，傳道會來上課，講授一些比較特別的主題，
例如，"三位一體理論的缺點"。
我們有這些寶貴的機會，是因為每年傳道來到海德堡的機會，
是比其他十個地方的機會還少。
‧ Have we ever searched the Scriptures with
all our hearts in order to find out whether
what we believe in is true?
我們有沒有用全心來努力查考聖經，
有沒有為了要找出我們的信仰是不是真的，而努力呢？
‧ Have we ever experienced the indescribable
beauty of God’s words?
我們有沒有體驗過，神話語裡面無法形容的美好呢？
SUPPORT 互相幫助
“A friend loves at all times, and a
brother is born for adversity.” (Prov
17:17)
17朋友乃時常親愛，弟兄為患難而生。
(箴 17：17)
We all need spiritual friends to
support us in times of need. If we
do not have anyone to support us in
our spiritual battles, we will be easily
defeated by the devil and lose our
promised inheritance.
我們所有的人，在有需要的時候，都需要有朋友來幫助。
若我們在屬靈的戰鬥中，並沒有任何人來幫助我們，
我們會很容易被魔鬼打敗，失去自已蒙神應許的賞賜。
To support one another, we need to
trust one another and be familiar with
one another’s circumstances. We can
achieve this through regular fellowship
and by opening our hearts to sincerely
share and take advice.
為了彼此幫助，我們就要此信任，要了解別人的情況。
透過定期的團契活動，並且打開自已的內心，誠心和別人分享，接受別人的建言。
就能達成彼此幫助的目的。
Real friendship is built on the truth.
By studying the Scriptures together
every Sabbath, we strengthen our faith
in God and our trust in other members.
Every week, we take turns to lead the
fellowship sessions. Preparing for the
sessions allows us to refine our own
faith, so we can help others draw nearer
to God. We sometimes discuss topics
that have not been covered in sermons
in order to gain a better understanding
of biblical concepts. Our weekly Bible
studies also provide an opportunity
for us to reflect on ourselves and to
examine whether we have put God’s
words into practice. As we sit together
and learn more about our heavenly
Father, we experience harmony, peace,
and fun. This atmosphere draws us
closer together, so we can identify
when and how to help one another.
真正的友誼是建立在真理之上。
藉由每個安息日一起考察聖經，
會加強我們對神的信心，並且更加信任其他的契友。
每周，我們輪流帶領團契的課程。
準備課程的時候，讓我們可以有機會來好好加強自已的信心，
這樣我們才能幫助別人，來更親近神。
有時候，我們會討論一些課程主題之外的問題，
就是為了能夠對聖經有更深的了解。
‧ Are you strong enough to edify other
children of God?
你是不是夠堅強，來造就其他神的兒女呢？
‧ Are you able to share your problems with
others and accept help?
你是不是可以把自已的問題和別人分享，
並且接受別人的幫助呢？
FELLOWSHIP 團契
“So continuing daily with one accord
in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, they ate their
food with gladness and simplicity of
heart.” (Acts 2:46)
46他們天天同心合意恆切的在殿裡，且在家中擘餅，存著歡喜、誠實的心用飯，
(徒 2：46)
The early apostolic church lived
together joyfully and served God with
one accord. As the body of Christ, we
should be of the same mind (1 Cor
1:10). Doing God’s work and attending
Sabbath service is more joyful if the
church is united.
早期使徒教會快樂地住在一起，同心服事神。
成為基督的身體，我們就要一心一意。(林前 1：10)
若是教會可以更加聯合，那麼無論是作神的聖工，或是參加安息日聚會，都會更喜樂。
Besides the weekly fellowship
sessions after Sabbath service, we
have activities at the prayer house, at
one another’s homes or outdoors. Our
activities include having barbeques,
making dumplings or watching
fireworks. These activities often involve
the older generation and give us the
opportunity to share our faith and
lives, laugh together or just enjoy one
another’s company.
除了每周安息日聚完會後的團契時間之外，
我們在祈禱所，在一些人的家中，或是戶外，都有很多活動。
我們的活動有一起聚餐，一起包水餃，一起看煙火。
這些活動會包含年長的一輩，讓我們有機會來分享自已的信仰和生活，
在一起歡笑，或是喜樂地在一起活動 。
‧ When was the last time your whole church
joyfully came together?
你們整個教會很快樂來一起參加，最後一次是什麼時候呢？
‧ Are you involved in planning for the next
church event?
你是不是也參加下一次教會活動的規劃呢？
TRAVELING 旅行
“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O
Lord of hosts! Blessed is the man
whose strength is in You,whose heart
is set on pilgrimage.” (Ps 84:1,5)
1（可拉後裔的詩，交與伶長。用迦特樂器。）萬軍之耶和華啊，你的居所何等可愛！
5靠你有力量、心中想往錫安大道的，這人便為有福！
(詩 84：1，6)
Although we love to be in His
tabernacle—the church building—
we can share God’s words and have
fellowship elsewhere too. Summer is
the best time for outdoor activities;
this is also when visitors from different
places tend to come, and this gives us
the opportunity to take them around
Heidelberg city.
雖然我們很喜歡待在神的帳幕之中 - 待在教會的會堂裡面 -
無論我們在那裡，都可以一起分享聖經，互相團契。
夏天是戶外活動最好的時間；
這也是很多從其他地方來訪客，最愛來訪問的時間，
這也讓我們有機會，帶他們在海德堡市，到處看看。
In addition, we can travel to other
countries and learn from other brothers
and sisters.
此外，我們可以出國，從其他的弟兄姐妹身上學習。
In March 2011, our youth group
made its first journey abroad. We
went to Paris for four days, visiting the
church and the city. Many of the local
brothers and sisters took us around—
thank God for their abundant love. We
also experienced traveling as a group
and representing the church for the
first time.
2001年三月，我們的青年團契第一次到國外訪問。
我們到法國巴黎訪問四天，參訪了當地教會和城市。
許多當地的弟兄姐妹，到我們四處看 - 感謝神，因為他們很豐盛的慈愛。
我也是我們第一次代表教會，有這樣的旅行經驗。
The following year, we visited our
brethren in Spain, who are scattered
around Barcelona, Madrid and
Albacete. Spain is a pioneer area, and
volunteer workers, mainly from the
German-speaking regions, are regularly
sent there to support the pastoral
work. During our seven-day trip, we
met up with a volunteer worker and
helped her conduct a total of five
services, fellowships, and Bible studies
at three different places—thank God,
we gained much from sharing our faith
with others.
隔年，我們訪問了西班牙的弟兄，
他們散居在巴塞隆納，馬德里和阿爾瓦塞特。
西班牙這個地區還在開拓，許多自願來這裡的工人，
大部份來自德語區的國家，他們被派到那裡來幫忙牧養的工作。
在我們七天的旅程間，我們遇到了一位自願的工人，
幫她在三個不同的地方，舉行了總共五場的聚會，團契活動和查經活動，
感謝神，從和別人分享自已信仰經驗當中，我們自已也有很多收穫。
During both trips, we saw brethren in
other places living out their faith under
different circumstances, and this also
strengthened our own faith. We thank
God for granting us the opportunity to
visit our brothers and sisters abroad, to
have fellowship with them, and to bond
with one another during this precious
time. These trips also taught us much
about being patient and caring for one
another, just as God is patient with us
and cares for us.
在這二次的旅程中，我們看見其他地區的弟兄，
在不同的環境之中，活出自已的信仰，這也加添了我們的信心。
我們感謝神，給了我們這樣的機會來探訪國外的弟兄姐妹，
可以和他們一起團契聚會，在這樣寶貴的時間內，可以和他們與主契合。
這些的旅行，也讓我們學會很多事情，例如要有耐心，要彼此照顧，
就好像神對我們非常有耐心，一直照顧我們。
‧ Are you prepared to represent your church?
你準備好去代表你的教會嗎？
‧ When was the last time your youth fellowship
gathered in one accord to pray, eat and laugh?
你們的青年團契同心聚在一起禱告，一起用餐，一起歡笑，
最後一次到底是什麼時候的事情呢？
CHURCH WORK 聖工
“Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain
in the Lord.”
(1 Cor 15:58)
58所以，我親愛的弟兄們，你們務要堅固，不可搖動，常常竭力多做主工；
因為知道，你們的勞苦在主裡面不是徒然的。
(林前 15：58)
As youths, we are well-placed
to give of our time, strength and
talents. Every youth in our fellowship
participates in regular church work and
cleaning duties, but we also have some
sessions dedicated to church work in
our youth fellowship. Some work has
to be done frequently, like changing
bed sheets before the convocations,
some types of work are unique, such
as changing the carpet and wallpaper
in the service room, and others happen
spontaneously, for example, cleaning
areas that we do not have time to
clean after the Sabbath service. With
a watchful eye, it is easy to spot work
that needs to be done and corners in
the church that need our attention. The
more we involve ourselves in church
work, the more we see what needs to
be done. Church has become a very
familiar place that we care about, just
like our homes. While this is good, the
real challenge is to learn to take good
care of the church in a manner that
our fellow workers, the young and the
elderly feel comfortable with.
身為青年，我們剛好佔盡了天時地利，可以奉獻自已的時間，力量和恩賜。
我們團契的每個青年，都參與了教會日常的工作安排，清潔工作，
而且我們青年團契有些時間，也會有一些時間拿來參與教會的工作。
有一些工作要常常去作，就好像在聚會之前，要更換床單，
有一些類型的工作，就非常的時別，例如，更換會堂地毯和壁紙的工作，
有一些工作會同時發生，例如安息日聚完會後的清潔工作，我就沒有時間參加。
若一直有在觀察教會的話，很容易就會發要待辨的工作，
或是教會裡有某個角落，需要我們來關心。
若我們自已參與了更多的教會工作，就會發現教會有許多工作需要有人去作。
教會已經成為我們時常關心的地方，就好像我們自已的家一樣。
雖然這樣子很好，但我們要面對的真正挑戰，
就是要用一種其他同工，其他青年和其他長者，都能感到很清鬆的方式，來讓我們好好照顧這一切的事。
We can achieve this goal if we work,
not for ourselves, but for the Lord. He
is the reason why we serve and are not
discouraged. In the end, when we have
done all that the Lord has commanded,
may we say: “We are unprofitable
servants. We have done what was our
duty to do” (Lk 17:10).
若我們努力作，就能達到這個目標，
但不是為了自已，而是為了主。
祂才是為什麼我們來服事，並且不會灰心的主恩。
到最後，我們已經作完一切主所吩咐的事，
願我們都能說：
10我們是無用的僕人，所做的本是我們應分做的。
(路 17：10)
‧ What is your attitude towards church work?
你對教會工作的態度到底是什麼呢？
‧ Has every youth in your church developed
the eye of a watchman who watches over the
well-being of the church?
你們教會的每個青年，是否帶著守望者的心，
留意著教會的好壞呢？
EVANGELISM 傳福音
“And He said to them, “Go into all
the world and preach the gospel to
every creature.” (Mk 16:15)
15他又對他們說：你們往普天下去，傳福音給萬民（萬民：原文是凡受造的）聽。
(可 16：15)
Preach the word! Be ready in season
and out of season. As soldiers of Jesus
Christ, we must preach the gospel
diligently, so that more people will
know the love, might, and salvation of
God.
無論得時或不得時，都要準備好傳福音。
身為基督精兵，我們一定要殷勤地傳福音，
這樣才會有更多人，了解到神的慈愛，力量和拯救。
Although Heidelberg prayer house is
small, and material and human resources
limited, our youths still have the heart
to carry out the great commission.
雖然海德堡祈禱所還很小，不論物質或是人力資源都很有限，
我們的青年仍然有這樣的心志，要來好好執行這個偉大的任務。
It is not easy to grow, but if
you grow in God, there will
be abundant joy on the way.
要成長很不容易，但若是你能在主裡有所成長，
一路走來，必要會有很大很充滿的喜樂。
Soon after the establishment of our
youth group, we went out to preach
the gospel by singing hymns in the
most frequented pedestrian area in
Heidelberg’s city center. It was tough
and challenging because we did not
have any experience in this area of
work. Relying solely on a pure heart
to work for God, we prepared for the
“hymnal evangelism.” When we faced
difficulties, we knelt down and prayed
with one accord. Indeed, “as there was
a readiness to desire it, so there also
may be a completion out of what you
have. For if there is first a willing mind,
it is accepted according to what one
has, and not according to what he does
not have” (2 Cor 8:11–12).
在我們青年團契成立不久之後，我們走出去，
到海德堡市中心最多人來人往的地區，用詩頌的方式來傳福音。
這樣的方式很難，對我們也是一種挑戰，
因為我們過去沒有在這地區工作的經驗。
只依賴一個為神工作純粹的心，我們就準備來作"詩歌佈道"。
當我們遇到困難的時候，我們就跪下來，同心禱告。
是的，
11既有願做的心，也當照你們所有的去辦成。
12因為人若有願做的心，必蒙悅納，乃是照他所有的，並不是照他所無的。
(林後 8：11-12)
Thank God! After this first
experience, we started to organize
gospel tea fellowships and invited
friends to come. Over time, the youths
have become more mature and united
in evangelism. Only God can unite
people; what is impossible with men is
possible with God!
感謝神，經過這一次的經驗之後，
我們開始籌辨福音茶會，邀請朋友來參加。
經過一段時間之後，
許多青年已經變得越來越成熟，在傳福音的事上合而為一。
只有神才能讓人團結；
人所不能成就得事，對神說是沒有困難的。
‧ What obstacles stand between us and our
mission from God?
在我們和神的使命之間，到底有什麼阻礙呢？
‧ Have you ever experienced the joy of
preaching the gospel?
你有沒有體驗過傳福音的快樂呢？
Over the years, God has given
and taught us much through our youth
fellowship. We have grown and will
continue to grow and give of our best
according to His will. It is not easy to
grow, but if you grow in God, there will be
abundant joy on the way. May God guide
and unite His youths in every church to
help them have a fruitful fellowship. May
all glory be unto His name!
經年後，神藉由了青年團契，賞賜我們許多祝福，
教導我們許多的事情。
我們已經長大了，會一直繼續成長，
會依著祂的旨意，把自已最好的恩賜，獻上給神。
雖然要長大很不容易，但你若能在主裡長大，
一路上就會有豐豐富富的恩典和喜樂。
願神帶領我們，讓每間教會都能團結在一起，
來幫忙他們可以成為一個多結果子的團契。
願一切榮耀都歸於祂的聖名。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)