9. Manna issue 88 - The Power of Zealous Prayers in the African Ministry (Part 2) 非洲宣道迫切禱告的能力
Editor’s note:
For some believers, volunteering for pioneering missionary trips to overseas territories
requires a level of spiritual cultivation and servitude not reached by many
—this seems like a task for the ordained ministers and most gifted workers of the church.
However, if we are committed to spreading the truth throughout the world,
we must correct this misconception so that more will rise up to labor in these faraway fields.
編者註：
對一些信徒來說，自願參加海外開拓宣道之旅，
需要那許多人無法達到的靈修和事奉能力水準
—這似乎是教會中，接受按立的聖工人員及那有最好恩賜的工人，所面對的任務。
但是，如果我們受託付，要往全世界傳揚真理，
就必須糾正這種誤解，以便使更多的人興起，能夠到那遙遠的田地工作。
The Africa Ministry Committee (AMC),
under the administration of the General Assembly of the United Kingdom (UKGA),
has made many in-roads in this respect over the past couple of decades.
By setting up an AMC Volunteer Team (AMC VT) and conducting annual training seminars,
the AMC has equipped many young volunteers
to participate in the evangelistic, pastoral and religious education work in Africa.
This has also raised awareness of the work being done,
and enabled more believers to envision themselves participating in this ministry.
The AMC has established a good model for other missionary committees to emulate.
非洲宣道委員會（AMC），
受英國聯總（UKGA）託管，
過去的幾十年裡，在這方面取得了許多進展。
通過成立非洲宣道委員會 AMC 志工團隊 (AMC VT) 和舉辦年度講習會，
AMC裝備好了很多年輕的志工，
參與非洲的宣道、牧養和宗教教育工作。
這也提高了，人們對正在進行工作的認識，
讓更多的信徒，可以期待自己參與這項事工。
AMC 已經為其他宣教委員會，建立了一個很好仿效的模式。
In issue 85, we published the testimonies of three AMC volunteers,
who shared on the power of prayer and God’s grace in their ministry on the African continent.
Here, we share a further two testimonies that reveal how,
despite all difficulties, God accomplishes the work and, at the same time, refines His workers.
These are the lessons they learned.
在第 85 期，我們發佈了三位 AMC 志工的見證，
他們在非洲大陸的事工中，同享了禱告的力量和神的恩典。
現在，我們再分享兩個見證，揭露，
儘管困難重重，神是如何完成了聖工，並同時熬煉祂的工人。
這些是他們所學到的教訓。
Jonathon Ho—Elgin, UK 英國埃爾金市 Jonathon Ho
Date of Trip: November to December 2015 旅程日期：2015年11月至12月
Country Visited: Kenya 訪問國家：肯亞
In the name of the Lord Jesus, I testify.
I thank God for giving me the opportunity
to help with the National Student Spiritual Convocation (NSSC) in Kenya, in 2015.
Because I have been so blessed, I owe it to the Lord to share my experiences
and testify of His power and love for His children around the world.
奉主耶穌聖名作見證。
感謝神給了我這個機會，
於 2015 年，能幫助肯亞舉行全國學生靈恩會 (NSSC)。
因為我深受祝福，所以我虧欠主，要分享我的體驗，
並見證祂給世界各地孩子展現的力量和慈愛。
I had never envisioned myself participating in the African ministry.
Africa seemed too far away, too hot, and completely out of my comfort zone.
I could think of many reasons not to go.
But, having heard many testimonies from other African ministry volunteers,
I also wanted to experience God’s power in its most raw and tangible form.
So I decided to volunteer.
我從未想過自己會參與非洲事工。
非洲似乎太遙遠，太炎熱，完全超出了我的舒適圈。
我能想到很多不去的理由。
但是，在聽了其他非洲事奉志工的許多見證後，
我也想要，能以最原始和可接觸的形式，來體驗神的力量。
所以我決定參加志工。
In Africa, you are away from home comforts and worldly distractions.
When these are not around you, your spirituality and reliance on God are heightened.
You depend on Him more and your eyes are opened to witness His presence.
Throughout my time there, I experienced His guidance,
especially with my health, which was not good at that time.
I had heard about the effects of malaria and dehydration,
and also about the rural places we would visit, far away from healthcare facilities.
So I had to put all my trust in God,
believing He would protect me from serious harm.
I thank God for allowing me to remain relatively healthy throughout my trip.
在非洲，你遠離了家的舒適和世俗的干擾。
當這些都不在你身邊的時候，你的靈性及對神的依賴就會增強。
你會更加依賴他，你的眼睛會打開，來見證他的同在。
我在那裡的全部時間，體驗到祂的引導，
尤其是我的身體狀況，那時並不是很好。
我聽說過，瘧疾和脫水的影響，
以及我們要去的農村地區，當地沒有任何醫療設施。
所以我得全心全意信靠神，
相信祂會保護我免於嚴重的傷害。
我感謝神，讓我在旅途中保持相對的健康。
As well as this, I would like to share three incidents in which I witnessed God’s power.
除此之外，我想分享三個事件，其中我見證神的大能。
THE INJURED CHILD 受傷的小孩
The first incident happened at our church in rural Simerro,
when a young girl, a church member,
ran into another child whilst they were playing.
The child, who had not yet been baptized,
was badly injured and had trouble breathing.
We suspected that she might have broken a rib,
but the nearest hospital was many hours away by car.
We were all very concerned; the teachers and workers of God prayed earnestly for her,
but to no avail.
We contemplated calling an ambulance,
but instead we persevered and prayed more.
Thank God, the next day, the child was unrecognizable from the night before
—she was playful, running around, and full of life.
She had fully recovered!
第一個事件，發生在我們位於 Simerro 鄉下教會，
當時有一個年輕的女孩，是教會信徒，
他們在玩耍的時候，撞到了另一個孩子。
這個小孩，還沒有接洗禮，
受了重傷，呼吸困難。
我們懷疑她可能斷了一根肋骨，
但最近的醫院，離了好幾個小時的車程。
我們都非常的擔心； 很多教師和神的工人，為她逼切禱告，
但都無濟於事。
我們考慮過叫救護車，
但相反的，我們堅持下去，並祈禱更久。
感謝神，第二天，孩子已經沒有前天晚上的情況，
—她很頑皮，到處跑，充滿活力。
她已經完全康復了！
THE DEMON-POSSESSED CHILD 魔鬼附身的小孩
The second incident involved a twelve-year-old girl, a truth-seeker.
She had been acting strangely throughout the NSSC.
During one prayer, she broke down in tears and,
afterwards, admitted her sins and wrongdoings.
We were shocked by what she had done,
and we soon learned she was also demon-possessed.
The preacher and other workers immediately took her into another room to pray.
Picture the setting: we were out in the countryside with dozens of students;
it was extremely dark at night and we only had paraffin lamps to light the church.
Hearing the powerful prayers of the workers,
mingled with the child’s weeping, was unsettling at first.
第二起事件，是關於一位十二歲的女孩，她是慕道者。
靈恩會從頭到尾，她的表現都很奇怪。
在一次祈禱中，她崩潰淚流滿面，
並且事後，承認了自己的罪過惡行。
我們對她的所作所為感到震驚，
很快就知道她也被鬼附身了。
傳道和其他工作人員，立即把她帶到另一個房間禱告。
想像一下那樣的場景：我們和幾十個學生一起在鄉下；
晚上非常的黑，我們只有石蠟燈來照亮教堂。
一聽到工人用力的禱告，
夾雜著孩子的哭聲，起初真令人不安。
However, we witnessed the power of God;
this child repented and was healed.
The following day, she was at peace and very attentive in the lessons.
The drastic change in behavior really opened my eyes to the power of God and prayer.
然而，我們見證了神的大能；
這個孩子悔改，並且恢復正常。
第二天，她很平靜，上課也很專心。
她行為上的劇烈轉變，真讓我開眼界，看見了神和祈禱的力量。
THE CHILD YET TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT 沒有聖靈的小孩
The last incident I would like to testify about is the one that made the greatest impact on me.
One student had yet to receive the Holy Spirit.
During every prayer session,
he went to the front of the hall to receive the laying of hands,
and he never lost heart.
One by one, every other student received the Holy Spirit,
but he did not.
So, for the last prayer of the convocation,
we all gathered around this brother and prayed for him.
During the prayer, I could hear the sound of praying in tongues.
The noise was overwhelming
—it felt like a wave crashing down on me.
It got to the point that I opened my eyes to see what was happening.
Everyone was praying so earnestly for this brother.
Tears were shed and voices became hoarse.
Thank God, this brother received the Holy Spirit during this prayer.
我最後想作證的，是對我影響最大的一件事。
有一名學生尚未得到聖靈。
每次禱告會的時候，
他都會走到廳前接受按手，
他從不灰心。
一個接一個，每一個學生都得到了聖靈，
但他沒有得到。
所以，在靈恩會最後一次的禱會中，
我們都圍繞在這位弟兄身旁，為他祈禱。
禱告中，我能聽到靈言禱告的聲音。
靈言禱告的音量，蓋過一切，
—感覺就像有海浪向我襲來。
情況發展到，我睜開了眼睛，想看看發生了什麼事。
大家都很逼切地，為這位弟兄祈禱。
大家眼淚泉湧而出，聲音很沙啞。
感謝神，這位弟兄在這次禱告中，得到了聖靈。
The main message I want to share through these three testimonies is the power of prayer.
It is evident that God is present within our church,
even when we are visiting our brethren in far-flung countries.
The power of prayer is the same in your own country as it is in any African country.
Prayer helps in times of pain.
I am grateful to God for granting me the opportunity to personally witness this.
He is all-powerful and so loving to His children.
He forgives, heals and comforts when they call on His name.
我想通過這三個見證，所要分享的主要訊息，就是祈禱的力量。
很明顯地，神與我們的教會同在，
即使是我們到那遙遠國家，去訪問那裡的弟兄姐妹。
祈禱的力量在你自己的國家，與任何非洲國家都一樣的。
禱告可在痛苦的時候，給予幫助。
我感謝神，讓我個人有機會親自見證這一點。
祂是全能的，非常疼愛祂的孩子。
當他們呼求祂名的時候，就會憐如、醫治，並安慰他們。
Thank God for my experiences in Kenya. 感謝神肯亞的體驗
Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.” (Ps 119:17–18)
17求你用厚恩待你的僕人，使我存活，我就遵守你的話。
18求你開我的眼睛，使我看出你律法中的奇妙。
(詩 119：17-18)
Rachel Chan—Sunderland, UK 英國桑德蘭 Rachel Chan
Date of Trip: September to October 2016 行程日期：2016年九月至十月
Country Visited: Kenya 訪問國家：肯亞
Some may think that the secret to a smooth and successful Africa ministry trip is to be adaptable and prepared;
with this approach, a volunteer would avoid any major problems.
But the truth is, without prayer,
we would not be able to accomplish anything.
Just as the Holy Spirit empowered and directed the disciples in the time of Acts,
He also works through His servants today.
有些人可能認為，
可以讓非洲宣道之旅，順利成功的秘訣是能適應和有準備；
通過這種方式，志工可以避免任何重大問題。
但事實是，若沒有祈禱，
我們將無法完成任何事情。
正如聖靈在使徒行傳時代，加添力量和指導門徒一樣，
今日他也經由僕人作工。
During my first trip to Kenya,
I experienced firsthand that we can only serve by the grace, power and will of God,
not by our own strength or ability.
I soon came to understand that “no prayer means no work,”
which became my theme for the trip.
I can confidently say that if we had not had an hour-long prayer every morning and evening,
the work would not have been as fruitful as it was.
我第一次去肯亞旅行的時候，
親身體驗到，我們只能以神的恩典、能力和旨意來服事，
不是依靠自己的力量或能力。
很快我就明白“沒有禱告就沒有工作”，
這成了我這次旅行的主題。
我可以很自信地說，如果我們沒有每天早晚進行一小時長的禱告，
這次的工作不會像現在這樣有豐富的成果。
GOD’S PRESENCE SHOWN IN PRAYERS AND HYMNS 神於唱詩禱告時顯現
During the two-week workers’ seminar held at the church in Alendu,
one of my duties was to teach hymns from the Hymns of Praise hymnbook.
This was so that the participants could teach them to their local church members upon their return home.
During a testimony session,
two participants testified of experiences they had in prayers during the seminar,
both involving these hymns.
在 Alendu 阿倫杜教會，舉行的為期兩週的聖工人員講習會期間，
我其中一個職責，就是教授讚美詩的詩歌。
這樣做，是為了讓那些來參加的人，回家後可以將詩歌，教導給本地的教會信徒。
在見證會上，
兩名參與者見證了，他們在講習會期間，禱告的體驗，
這些體驗都關係到這些讚美詩。
BRIAN’S TESTIMONY Brian 的見証
Brother Brian was the youngest member attending the workers’ seminar.
He was seventeen or eighteen at the time,
while most participants were religious affairs officers aged between forty and seventy.
Not only that, he had only been baptized for two months.
I was encouraged seeing someone so young dedicate his time and energy
to travel such a long distance to learn about God.
The seminar’s purpose was to equip the workers in servitude through in-depth Bible study
—not an event to be attended casually
—so I could see how zealous he was for God.
布萊恩弟兄，是參加聖工講習會的最年輕的信徒。
當時他只有十七、十八歲，
而大多數的與會者，大都是四十至七十歲的宗教相關負責人。
不僅如此，他受洗才兩個月而已。
看到這樣年輕的人，付出時間和精力長途跋涉去了解神，
我很受感動。
講習會的目的是，通過深入的學習聖經，來好好裝備工人，
—不是隨便參加的活動，
—所以我能看出他對神有多麼熱心。
When Brian arrived, he had not yet received the Holy Spirit.
But during the first morning prayer,
God blessed him with the Holy Spirit and he began to sing To the Work[1] repeatedly.
He had never heard or sang this hymn before,
but the words and melody came to him in that prayer.
Without knowing this had happened,
I decided to teach this very hymn to the seminar participants.
When Brian heard it, he was shocked and overjoyed
—God had already taught him this hymn in prayer!
布萊恩來到的時候，他還沒有得到聖靈。
但在第一次早禱會中，
神用聖靈祝福他，他開始反覆唱靈歌，讚美詩282首《努力工作》[1]。
他以前從沒有聽過或唱過這首讚美詩，
但是在那個祈禱中，歌詞和旋律出現在他腦中。
不知道已經發生了這樣的事情，
我卻決定向講習會與會者，教授這首讚美詩。
布萊恩一聽，他又驚又喜
—神已經在禱告中教過他這首讚美詩了！
This was not the only way God showed Brian His presence and grace.
Brian shared how he had come to the seminar with many worries and problems,
both physical and emotional.
He was suffering from ill-health and backache,
though on the surface you would not be able to tell,
since he had such a happy demeanor.
But by the grace of God, his problems were solved, one by one,
over the course of the seminar.
I believe God could see his genuine heart to seek the truth,
teaching him this hymn to recruit and encourage him to serve.
這不僅是，神向布萊恩，展現祂的同在和恩典的唯一方式。
布萊恩亦分享了，他是如何帶著許多煩惱和問題，來參加講習會的，
無論是身體上，還是情感上都有問題。
他身體不好，腰酸背痛，
雖然在表面上，你會看不出他有什麼毛病，
因為他外在表現的很開心。
但靠著神的恩典，在講習會的過程中，
他的問題都逐一解決了。
我相信，神能看到他尋求真理單純的心，
教他這首讚美詩，來吸引並鼓勵他事奉神。
JACINTA’S TESTIMONY JACINTA 的見証
The second testimony is from Sister Jacinta, whom I can attest truly has the heart to serve God.
Not only did she take time off from her work as a nurse to attend the seminar,
she also accompanied us on every home visitation in her local area.
However, she was suffering from kidney failure and,
lately, the pain had affected her commitment to prayer.
第二個見證來自 Jacinta 姐妹，我可以證明她，確實有一顆事奉神的心。
她不僅從護士的工作抽出時間休假，參加講習會，
她還陪我們去每一次的當地家庭訪問。
然而，她患有腎衰竭，
並且最近，疼痛影響了她祈禱的決心。
One night during the seminar, she had a dream.
Although she did not elaborate on the content,
it made her question how much time she had left to serve God.
The dream began to weigh on her mind and she struggled with worry in her heart.
During an evening prayer, she prayed about this matter and, inspired by the Holy Spirit,
found herself singing a spiritual hymn.
This hymn was O Think of the Home Over There.[2]
講習會期間的一個晚上，她做了一個夢。
雖然她沒有詳細說明內容，
這讓她起懷疑，到底自己還剩下多少時間可以事奉神。
這夢開始積壓在她的腦海裡，使她內心憂慮困擾不止。
在一次晚禱會中，她為這件事禱告，並在聖靈的感動下，
發現自己在唱一首靈歌。
這首讚美詩是134首 仰望救主 O Think of the Home Over There。 [2]
At this juncture, I should add my own experience.
During an earlier prayer session,
I was praying over which hymns I should share with the members.
At this point, the Holy Spirit inspired me to sing three hymns:
At the Cross[3], Send the Light[4], and O Think of the Home Over There.
As I sang, this medley of hymns blended and repeated throughout the prayer.
Although I wondered if I had truly received these hymns from God,
or whether it was just my imagination,
I decided to teach them in the next hymnal session.
在這個關頭，我應該補充說明我自己的經驗。
在較早的禱告會中，
我正為了，應該與學員分享哪幾首讚美詩而禱告。
這時，聖靈感動我唱了三首讚美詩：
讚美詩76首 耶穌受死 At the Cross[3]，
讚美詩284首 發出福音真光 Send the Light[4]，
讚美詩是134首 仰望救主 O Think of the Home Over There。
當我唱詩，這種讚美詩的組曲，在整個祈禱中混合重覆唱著。
雖然我會懷疑，是不是真的從神那裡得到這些讚美詩，
又或者這只是我個人的想像而已，
我決定在下一次的詩頌課教他們。
Jacinta was familiar with the first two hymns,
but O Think of the Home was new to her.
So later, when God answered her prayers with this hymn,
she was deeply comforted and full of thanksgiving.
The hymn encouraged her to set her sight on the Lord and our heavenly home.
While we still have time and life in us,
we should use it wisely to serve the Lord.
Jacinta 姐妹很熟悉前兩首讚美詩，
但對讚美詩仰望救主 O Think of the Home 很陌生。
所以後來，當神用這首讚美詩回應她禱告的時候，
她深受安慰，心中充滿感恩。
讚美詩鼓勵她，將目光投向神，以及我們的天家。
雖然我們還有時間和生命，
我們應該明智地加以使用，來事奉主。
Not only this, but I was later informed by Jacinta’s niece
that her aunt no longer needed to take medication for her kidney failure.
Thank God, she had been healed!
不僅如此，後來我還被 Jacinta 的侄女告知，
她的阿姨，不再需要為腎衰竭服藥。
感謝神，她已經痊癒了！
Together, these testimonies reveal that God is true
and His Spirit abides with the true church.
God worked in the lives of three witnesses, and His name was glorified.
God knows what is in our hearts,
and He gives us reminders, strength, encouragement, direction and hope through His precious Holy Spirit.
This is how He testifies to us that we belong to Him.
These experiences are not just for the moment,
but to give us strength for a lifetime of service to God.
這些見證共同表明了，神是真實的，
祂的靈與真教會同在。
神在三個見證人的生命中作工，使祂的名得到了榮耀。
神知道我們心中的想法，
祂通過寶貴的聖靈，給我們提醒、力量、鼓勵、方向和希望。
祂就是這樣向我們見證，我們是屬於祂的。
這些體驗不僅是為了當時短暫的一刻，
而是要給我們力量，可以一生服事神。
THE SIMPLE FAITH AND SERVITUDE OF OUR BRETHREN 我們弟兄單純的信心及事奉
The members I met had such pure and simple faith;
their joy in the Lord would overflow from their hearts and be poured out into their actions.
At the workers’ seminar, after each morning prayer,
we would go around to shake each other’s hands,
greeting one another in the name of Jesus and saying,
“Praise God.”
There was an elderly sister named Bella who was a good example of genuine joy in the Lord
—every morning she would give me the biggest hug and widest smile.
Her enthusiasm was so contagious that we would stand there happily praising God together.
我所遇到的信徒，都有這樣純粹單純的信心；
他們在主裡的喜樂，會從他們的心中滿溢而出，並注入在他們的行動之中。
在聖工人員講習會上，每天早上禱告會後，
我們會四處走動互相握手，
奉主耶穌的名相互問候，並高呼：
“讚美神。”
有一位年長的姊妹，名叫貝拉 Bella，她就是在主裡真正喜樂的好榜樣，
—每天早上，她都會給我最大的擁抱和最燦爛的微笑。
她的熱情非常有感染力，我們會很快樂地站在那裡，一起讚美神。
The members truly love God and are content with whatever He gives them.
In more developed countries, our faith towards God may be conditional.
It is based on what we can see before us,
and the current state of our life
—whether it is peaceful, unsatisfied or full of worries, for example
—rather than an unwavering love for God.
The African members may lead simple and humble lives,
but their faith is also simple and humble:
trust in God in all things and He will be our salvation.
They love to pray, which is a powerful way to show their love for God
—to give thanks to His name and to pray for His will.
信徒真的很疼愛神，並滿足於神所給他們的一切。
在發達的國家裡，我們對神的信心，可能是有條件的。
它是基於我們眼前所見的事，
以及我們目前的生活狀態
—例如，無論是平安、不滿足，還是充滿憂慮，
—而不是對神堅定不動搖的愛。
非洲信徒，可能過著簡單而卑微的生活，
但他們的信心也是單純而謙遜的：
凡事信靠神，祂將成為我們的拯救。
他們喜歡禱告，這是表達他們對神愛的有力方式
—感謝祂的聖名，為祂的旨意成全禱告。
Not only did I learn from the faith of our African brethren,
but also from their servitude.
They were very willing to give, even out of their own poverty.
They did not have much, but they gave the best they had
—their time, their physical strength, their humility and their willing hearts.
For example, they provided us with hot and cold water every night so that we could wash with warm water.
Bear in mind that without kettles or boiler tanks, heating up vats of water was neither fast nor easy.
During our time in Alendu, the same few sisters cooked for us
—three meals a day for two weeks.
Those with access to conventional ovens, electric kitchen gadgets and supermarkets
cannot begin to imagine the labor involved in cooking without such conveniences.
These sisters had to build fires and work in the heat all day long just to cook and wash up for us.
I tried to help but, believe me, it was not easy.
I sincerely thank God for their love and care.
我不僅從非洲兄弟姐妹的信仰中，有所學習，
也受益於他們的服事神的態度。
他們非常願意施予，即使是出自於自己很貧困情況中。
他們雖然沒有豐富，但他們給予了自已所有中最好的
—他們的時間、體力、謙虛的態度，及他們願作的心。
比如他們每晚給我們提供冷熱水，讓我們可以有溫水洗澡。
請記住，如果沒有熱水壺或鍋爐燒水，加熱一大桶的熱水，既不快速，也不容易。
我們在阿倫杜的旅程期間，同樣的有幾位姐妹為我們做飯，
—連續兩週提供一日三餐。
那些可以使用傳統爐子、廚房家電和可以超市採買的人，
就無法想像，如果沒有這樣的便利，烹調食物所需花費的勞力。
這些姐妹不得不於整天高溫下，從事生火和工作，就為了給我們做飯和清潔。
我試著提供幫助，但相信我，這很不容易。
我真誠地感謝神的慈愛和關懷。
LASTING FAITH LESSONS 長久的信仰課程
Some may have the impression that the work in Africa always goes according to plan.
The workers preach, many come to believe, demons are cast out, and great miracles are wrought.
This is true, and I have witnessed it myself.
But during this trip to Kenya, God guided me to a great realization:
the path of servitude is not always straightforward;
things do not always go according to plan,
but we must always press forward.
有些人可能會覺得，非洲的聖工總是按計劃進行。
工人去傳道，許多人信主了，鬼被趕出去，產生了偉大的神蹟。
這是真的，我親眼所見。
但是這次肯亞之行中，神引導我有更深的體會
事奉之路並不總是一帆風順；
事情並不總是按計劃執行，
但我們始終必須向前邁進。
It may seem that, in Africa, people simply believe and are baptized into the fold.
But like everywhere else, problems arise.
Where God is working, the devil is also trying to obstruct the work.
People fall due to pride and temptation,
and some leave the church.
Going to Africa, I did not anticipate that I would witness this side of the ministry.
看起來，非洲人似乎只是相信，就受洗歸入羊圈。
但是和其他地方一樣，問題也隨之而來。
神在作工的地方，魔鬼也在阻撓工作。
人們因驕傲和引誘而跌倒，
而有些人離開了教會。
去到非洲，我沒想到，會親眼目睹事奉工作的這一面向。
I heard about situations where individuals had departed from God and,
in doing so, decided to bring harm to the church.
It made me feel sad and discouraged to hear such things,
but I brushed these feelings aside and distracted myself with the joys of spending time with our family in Christ.
我聽說過，有些人離開神的情況，
並且會這樣做，他們決定給教會帶來傷害。
聽到這樣的情況，讓我感到悲傷和沮喪，
但我把這些感覺放在一邊，以基督裡與家人共度時光的快樂，來分散自己的注意力。
However, God knows what is within our hearts.
I noticed that, throughout the trip,
I would often sing spiritual hymns during prayer.
But these experiences were different from previous ones:
I was moved to sing hymns from the hymnbook.
This made me very self-conscious,
and I was unsure whether I was being moved by the Holy Spirit,
or singing of my own accord.
I would try to suppress it by pausing and speaking “Hallelujah,”
but it would instantly come flowing out even stronger.
I would sing different hymns, sometimes blending one into another,
or the melody would be slightly different.
There were times I would sing a hymn I was not very familiar with,
and would have to search for it in the hymnbook afterwards.
然而，神知道我們內心的想法。
我注意到，在整個旅程中，
我經常在祈禱時，唱靈歌。
但這些經歷與以往不同：
我被感動到會唱讚美詩裡的詩歌。
這讓我非常自覺，
我不確定自已是否被聖靈感動，或是唱著自己旋律。
我會嘗試壓制這種情況，通過暫停靈歌，並復述唸著“哈利路亞”，
但是此瞬間，靈歌會以更強烈的形式溢流而出。
我會唱著不同的讚美詩，有時將一首詩混合成另一種形式，
或者詩歌旋律會略有所不同。
有好幾次，我會唱著一首自已不太熟悉的讚美詩，
之後就必須在讚美詩裡尋找是那一首。
Upon reflection, there was a running theme between the hymns I was moved to sing.
Many were about the cross, the blood of Christ,
and about the heavenly kingdom and following God to the end.
Even so, I could not understand why I was receiving these hymns and why it was happening so often.
I eventually came to a half-satisfying conclusion that it was because I felt weak.
經過回想，我被感動唱著幾首讚美詩之間，有一個連續不停的主題。
其中許多是關於十字架，基督的寶血，
有關天國，和跟從神直到最後的含意。
即便如此，我還是不明白，為什麼我會得到這些讚美詩歌，為什麼唱靈歌時常發生。
我最終得出了一個半滿意的結論，那是因為我覺得軟弱。
Several months after the trip,
I attended the Africa Ministry Training Course (AMTC) 2017 in London.
The participants who had already visited Africa were asked to share their experiences during a scheduled sharing session.
During the evening prayer, on the day before the sharing session,
I prayed and asked God what I should share.
I briefly thought back to my experiences of receiving hymns in prayer,
but dismissed it fairly quickly.
I thought, How could I share something that I still don’t really understand myself?
On thinking this, I suddenly felt a strong feeling within that said,
“It’s because you were discouraged.”
These words pierced me;
I felt vulnerable, but at the same time,
a feeling of relief and comfort flooded me.
At that moment, everything clicked.
I realized that, during my trip,
I had suppressed these sad thoughts rather than deal with them.
But even if we try to hide our deepest thoughts,
the Spirit of God knows what lies in our hearts:
旅行後幾個月，
我參加了 2017 年在倫敦舉行的非洲事工訓練班 (AMTC)。
在事前預定的見証會上，之前已經到過非洲的參與者，被要求分享他們的經歷。
在見証會的前一天，晚禱會期間，我禱告並詢問神，自已應該分享什麼。
我簡單地回想起，自已在禱告中，領受讚美詩的體驗，
但很快自已就反駁了這個想法。
我認為，我怎麼可能去分享一個，自已仍然真的搞不清楚的東西呢？
心中這麼一想，內心裡忽然有種強烈的感覺說，
“那是因為你灰心了。”
這些內心話刺痛了我；
我感到很脆弱，但同時之間，
一種解脫和安慰的感覺壟罩了我。
從那一刻起，一切都突然明瞭了。
我意識到，在自已的旅行中，
我壓抑了這些悲傷的想法，而不是去好好處理它們。
但即使我們試圖隱藏自已最深的想法，
神的靈知道我們心中的最深的意念：
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.
For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,
but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
(Rom 8:26–27)
26況且我們的軟弱有聖靈幫助，我們本不曉得當怎樣禱告，只是聖靈親自用說不出來的歎息替我們禱告。
27鑒察人心的，曉得聖靈的意思，因為聖靈照著神的旨意替聖徒祈求。
(羅 8：26-27)
God had been encouraging me all along,
so I could continue to serve Him.
Through the Holy Spirit, He gave me the message to keep moving forward.
No matter what happens in church,
no matter who may depart from God,
nothing that has happened or will happen can dilute or degrade the sacrifice given by our Lord Jesus.
He shed His blood and gave His life on the cross
—paying the price for our sins.
Nor will anything tarnish God’s glory or impede God’s salvation plan.
Therefore, all we can and must do is follow Him till we reach the heavenly kingdom.
神一直以來，都在鼓勵我，
所以我才可以繼續事奉祂。
通過聖靈，祂給了訊息，要我繼續前進。
不管在教會裡發生什麼事，
無論誰離開神，
任何已經發生的事情，或將要發生的事情，都不能淡化或貶低我們主耶穌所付出的犧牲。
他流了寶血，在十字架上獻上了生命
—為我們的罪付了贖價。
也不會有任何事情，會掩蓋了神的榮耀，或阻礙神救贖的計劃。
因此，我們所能作，也必須要去做的，就是跟隨祂，直到我們到達天國。
[1] By Fanny J Crosby (1820–1915).
[2] By DeWitt Clinton Huntington (1830–1912).
[3] By Isaac Watts (1674–1748) and Ralph Erskine Hudson (1843–1902).
[4] By Chas H Gabriel (1856–1932).
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