12. Manna issue 90 - Testimonies From The Covid-19 Front Line 新冠病毒戰鬥前線的見證
Editor’s note:
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the doctors, nurses and health-care workers of the world
have been fighting to save lives, every day, on the front line.
Even while working long hours, under extreme pressure and, at times,
with limited resources, they claim duty, not heroism, drives them on.
However, by simply doing their duty,
they are more exposed to the virus,
with the tragic result being that many have lost their lives.
In this collection of testimonies,
three True Jesus Church members who work in health-care recount their experiences with COVID-19,
and how God’s grace comforted and, ultimately, preserved them.
編者註：
自從新冠疫情開始以來，醫生、護士，世界各地的醫療照護工作者，
每天都在前線為挽救生命而奮鬥。
即使長時間的工作，承受了巨大壓力，有時，
在資源稀少的情況下，他們負起責任，沒有展現英雄主義，驅使他們繼續前進。
然而，若只是履行職責，
他們可能更容易接觸到病毒，
令人悲痛的後果是，許多人失去了生命。
本期匯集的見證中，
有三位真耶穌教會的信徒，他們是從事醫療照護的工作，講述了自已與新冠病毒有關的經歷，
以及神的恩典如何安慰他們，並最終保護他們。
A BRUSH WITH COVID-19 新冠病毒擦身而過
Yoke Fah Chong—London, UK 英國倫敦 Yoke Fah Chong
COVID-19, caused by a novel strain of coronavirus,
started an epidemic in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019
before swiftly spreading across the globe.
At the time of writing (June 20, 2020) the pandemic has infected 8.5 million people
and claimed the lives of over 400,000.[1]
This microscopic virus has turned the world upside down
—changing cities into ghost towns, and decimating economies and industries overnight.
The world will never be the same again in the wake of this pandemic.
新冠病毒，由一種新型的冠狀病毒所引起的，
2019 年 12 月，在迅速傳遍全球之前，
於中國武漢市開始流行。
撰寫本文之時（2020 年 6 月 20 日），疫情已經感染了 850 萬人
並奪走了超過 40 萬人的生命。 [1]
這種顯微鏡般微小的病毒，已經翻轉世界，
—城市荒廢，一夜之間大大破壞了經濟和工業。
在這場疫情之後，世界將不再一樣。
Nobody in my country of residence, the United Kingdom (UK), took it seriously to begin with
—neither the government nor the citizens, myself included.
With almost nine thousand kilometers between Wuhan and London,
from a nation that borders the eastern edge of Asia
to a country off the western coast of continental Europe,
you could be forgiven for having a blase attitude.
During the SARS outbreak of 2003,
also originating from China and caused by another strain of coronavirus,
only Asian countries were affected.
As a hospital doctor at that time
and having learned of only four reported cases of SARS in the UK,
I assumed that it would be the same this time.
在我的居住地英國（UK），一開沒有人認真對待它，
—無論是政府，還是市民，還包括我自己。
武漢到倫敦有將近九千公里，
從一個位於亞洲東部邊界的國家，
到歐洲大陸西岸之外的國家，
大家態度冷淡是可以諒解的。
2003年 SARS 疫情爆發期間，
也是導源於中國，是由另一種冠狀病毒所引起的，
當時只有亞洲國家受到影響。
作為當時的駐院醫生，
並且得知，英國只有記載了 4 個 SARS 病例，
我以為這次會是一樣的。
It was not until the virus struck Europe in early 2020,
and the casualties started rapidly mounting up in Italy, Spain, and France,
overwhelming their health-care systems,
that we began to pay attention.
The British government and the National Health Service (NHS) scrambled at the last minute
to prepare for the inevitable, but it was too little, too late.
When COVID-19 hit our shores, we were woefully unprepared for the onslaught.
The government had to resort to the blunt instrument of a national lockdown
to contain the outbreak as there was no other viable option.
歐洲本來沒事，直到 2020 年初，疫情來襲，
意大利、西班牙和法國的傷亡人數開始迅速增加，
壓垮了他們的醫療照護系統，
我們才開始注意。
英國政府和國家衛生服務部 (NHS) 在最後一刻才緊急出動
為不可避免病毒的事情做準備，但是準備太少，且為時已晚。
當新冠病毒到達我們國內時，我們對於病毒的襲擊，悲慘地毫無準備。
政府不得不訴諸粗魯的手段，進行全國封城，
來控制疫情暴發，因為沒有其他可行的選項。
Broaching the topic of the pandemic, a preacher quoted from Psalms:
提起疫情的話題，傳道引用詩篇：
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
(Ps 91:9–10)
9耶和華是我的避難所；你已將至高者當你的居所，
10禍患必不臨到你，災害也不挨近你的帳棚。
(詩 91：9-10)
The word of God resonated with me and instilled a quiet confidence in God’s protection.
Another overseas preacher contacted me and asked me how I was coping,
knowing that I work in the medical field.
I shared this biblical passage with him.
He concurred but also turned my attention to verses 11 and 12,
which were employed by Satan to tempt our Lord Jesus to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple.
It was an apt reminder for me to do my best to protect myself while trusting in God’s word.
Trusting God is not an excuse for complacency, negligence, or failure to play our part.
神的話引起了我的共鳴，讓我對神的保護慢慢有了安靜的信心。
另一位海外傳道者聯繫我，問我是如何應對的，
知道了我在醫療領域工作。
我與他分享了這段聖經經文。
他同意，但也將我的注意力轉向第 11 和 12 節，
後面經節，就是撒但用來引誘我們主耶穌，從聖殿之上跳下來。
這對我來說，是很適當的提醒，在相信神的話語的同時，盡我所能保護自己。
信靠神不是自滿、疏忽、或是不盡力自已責任的藉口。
In the beginning, there was only one reported case in my district,
but the situation deteriorated at an alarming rate.
The numbers climbed steeply.
Soon, there were reported cases of my patients contracting the virus,
and then, news of some of them dying from it.
The next group of victims in the line of fire would be the health-care workers.
一開始，我的地區只有一個通報病例，
但情況以驚人的速度很快惡化。
數字急劇攀升。
很快，就有通報病例，說我的病人感染病毒，
然後，接著就有，他們一些人死於病毒的消息。
火線的下一組受害者，將是醫療照護的工作者。
At the general practitioner (GP) surgery where I work,
we have eighteen members of staff,
including doctors, nurses, receptionists, and a manager.
Staff started falling ill and had to self-isolate,
with the most severe case ending up in the intensive treatment unit (ITU)
on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help her breathe.
At its worst, in mid-May, there were only six of us left standing
—a skeleton crew of two doctors and four receptionists.
On top of that, the test for COVID-19 was only available for the most serious cases.
Only three members of staff were ill enough to qualify for the test,
and all three tested positive.
The remaining nine who were ill had no clue
whether they had the virus, so they had to self-isolate for the full fourteen days
before they could be allowed back to work,
even if they had already become entirely asymptomatic.
在我工作的一般科醫師 (GP) 手術室，
我們有十八名員工，
包括醫生、護士、接待員和經理。
員工開始生病，不得不自我隔離，
最嚴重的病例，最終進入加護病防 (ITU)，
配戴了自動正壓呼吸器 (CPAP) ，幫助她呼吸。
最壞的情況，五月中旬，我們只剩下六個人值班，
—是由兩名醫生和四名接待員組成的骨幹隊伍。
更重要的是，新冠病毒快篩試劑，只有重症的病人才能使用。
只有三名員工，因為重症才有資格使用試劑，
並且所有三個測試結果，都是陽性。
其餘九個生病的人，都沒有想法，
不知他們自已是不是感染了病毒，所以他們被允許重新返回工作之前，
必須自我隔離整整十四天，
即使他們已經完全沒有症狀了。
To make matters worse, due to a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE),
only hospital staff were afforded full protective gear in some areas.
For medical personnel working in the community,
we just had to make do with whatever the NHS could spare.
Throughout it all, I did not feel any tinge of anxiety or fear;
it was like God had wrapped me up in a cocoon of peace.
My family members and church brethren were more concerned about me contracting the virus than I was.
This peace was not down to my mental fortitude.
It came from God.
更糟糕的是，由於全球的個人防護設備 (PPE) 短缺，
只有醫院工作人員在某些地區，才能獲得全套防護裝備。
對於在社區工作的醫務人員，
我們只需要以國民保健署 NHS 所建議的處置方式，湊合利用。
事件整個過程中，我沒有感到任何一絲焦慮或恐懼。
就好像神把我包裹在一個平安的繭裡。
我的家人和教會弟兄姐妹，比我自已更擔心我會感染病毒。
這種平安並不來自於我的精神上的毅力。
這平安來自於神。
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Phil 4:6–7)
6應當一無罣慮，只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求，和感謝，將你們所要的告訴神。
7神所賜、出人意外的平安必在基督耶穌裡保守你們的心懷意念。
(腓 4：6-7)
On Tuesday, June 9,
all the members of my GP surgery were offered the antibody test for COVID-19
as part of the government’s new plan to test health-care workers.
We jumped at the chance and got tested.
6月9日星期二，
一般科醫師手術室的所有成員，都接受了新冠病毒抗體測試，
作為政府檢測醫護人員的新計劃一部分。
我們抓住了這個機會，並接受了測試。
The results came back the next day, and my antibody test was positive!
This meant that, at one point, I had contracted the virus,
overcame the infection, and was no longer infectious.
Thank God for His protection and His grace.
檢測結果第二天就出來了，我的抗體檢測是陽性的！
這就代表，某一時刻，我已感染了病毒，
消除感染，不再具有傳染性。
感謝神的保護和恩典。
I had not exhibited any cardinal symptoms or signs of COVID-19 infection:
fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, or gastrointestinal disturbances.
All I could recall was one weekend when I had been off-duty, in early May:
I had felt fatigued, to the extent of almost dozing off
while attending the Sabbath day online service.
I had to stand up and walk to wake myself up.
Monday was a public holiday, so I had an extra day off
before going straight back to work the following day.
我沒有顯現出任何新冠病毒感染的主要症狀或病徵：
發燒、乾咳、呼吸急促、喪失味覺和嗅覺，或胃腸疾病。
我只記得，五月初我下班時，有一個週末：
在參加網路安息日聚會時，
我感到很疲倦，幾乎到打瞌睡的程度。
我不得不站起來，用走路來維持自已的清醒。
週一是國定假日，所以在第二天直接回去工作之前，
我能多放了一天假。
By June 20, there had been 39,776 deaths in the UK from COVID-19,
the bulk of which was from London.
I am reminded of the aforementioned psalm:
截至 6 月 20 日的時候，英國已有 39,776 人死於新冠病毒，
其中大部分出現在倫敦。
我想起了前面提到的詩篇：
Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence. …
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by the day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness. …
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
(Ps 91:3–7)
3他必救你脫離捕鳥人的網羅和毒害的瘟疫。
4他必用自己的翎毛遮蔽你；你要投靠在他的翅膀底下；他的誠實是大小的盾牌。
5你必不怕黑夜的驚駭，或是白日飛的箭，
6也不怕黑夜行的瘟疫，或是午間滅人的毒病。
7雖有千人仆倒在你旁邊，萬人仆倒在你右邊，這災卻不得臨近你。
(詩 81：3-7)
It is truly by the wonderful protection of our Almighty God and merciful Father,
and the unfathomable love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that I was able to emerge from this deadly viral infection unharmed.
All praise and glory to our God in heaven!
這真是，我們全能的真神和慈悲的天父奇妙的保護，
以及我們主耶穌基督深不可測的慈愛，
我能夠毫髮無傷擺脫這種致命的病毒感染。
願一切讚美和榮耀歸給我們在天上的神！
My colleague, who had ended up in ITU on a CPAP machine,
related to me how the constant struggle to breathe,
even with assisted ventilation, was so soul destroying that
she had lost the will to live and, at one point, just wanted everything to end.
God was truly merciful to spare me from such an ordeal.
我的同事，他最終送進加護病防 (ITU) 配戴自動正壓呼吸器 (CPAP)，
向我描述有關如何不斷掙扎才能呼吸，
即使有呼吸器的輔助，也還感到如同摧毀靈魂一般，
以致於她已經放棄了求生的意志，在某一時刻，甚至只想結束一切。
神真的很仁慈，讓我免於這樣的折磨。
As I contemplate my brush with COVID-19 and why God had saved me,
I arrive at the following conclusions:
當我思考我與新冠病毒擦肩而過，以及神為何拯救我的時候，
我得出以下結論：
First, all epidemics are signs pointing to the fast-approaching second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
(Mt 24:3, 7, 43–44),
and it is imperative to ready ourselves before it is too late.
首先，所有的流行病都是各種跡象，顯示我們主耶穌基督即將再臨，
(太 24:3, 7, 43-44),
重要的是，必須在為時已晚之前，做好準備。
Second, if God had taken me away this time, most certainly,
I would not have made the grade to gain entry into heaven.
My spiritual cultivation will need to move up a few more gears to scrape even a pass.
As Paul remarks,
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest,
when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”
(1 Cor 9:27).
其次，如果這次神把我接走了，幾乎肯定的是，
我不會達到進入天國的標準。
我的靈修，需要再往上提昇幾個等級，才能勉強過關。
正如保羅所說，
“27我是攻克己身，叫身服我，
恐怕我傳福音給別人，自己反被棄絕了。”
(林前 9：27)。
Finally, I have done a meager amount for our Lord,
in stark contrast to what He has done for me.
The hymn Must I Go, and Empty-Handed?[2] serves as a wake-up call for me.
The first verse and chorus asks:
最後，我為神做了微薄的事，
與神為我所做的事情，形成了鮮明的對比。
讚美詩281首，嘆未得人[2] 為我敲響了警鐘。
第一節和副歌合唱要求：
“Must I go and empty-handed,”
Thus my dear Redeemer meet,
Not one day of service give Him,
Lay no trophy at His feet?
“Must I go, and empty-handed?”
Must I meet my Savior so?
Not one soul with which to greet Him:
Must I empty handed go?
真耶穌教會中文讚美詩：
主若今日接我靈魂，能否歡然進樂園?
缺少珍果向主獻陳，豈非白受主大恩。
工作未成，我即去乎？；何能如此見恩主？
未領一人來歸耶穌，豈可空手回天府？
原文意譯：
“工作未成，我即去乎？”
能否坦然見慈愛主，
缺少事奉向主獻陳，
沒有功勞在神的腳前？
“工作未成，我即去乎？”
何能如此見恩主？
未領一人來歸耶穌：
豈可空手回天府？
The final verse sums up what I should do from now on:
最後一節總結，從今起我該作什麼：
O ye saints, arouse, be earnest,
Up and work while yet ‘tis day;
Ere the night of death overtake thee,
Strive for souls while still you may.
真耶穌教會中文讚美詩：
我們當竭盡心力，殷勤做工趁白畫；
不多時候黑夜就來，當快引人蒙拯救。
原文意譯：
喔眾聖徒啊興起努力，
起來工作趁今日；
不多時候死亡黑夜來臨，
趁著還早努力拯救更多靈魂。
May God help us so that we can all emerge from this pandemic
—having been reminded, having repented and been renewed
—to live our lives according to His will,
and ready to meet Him when He comes again.
願神幫助我們，使我們都能擺脫這種疫情，
—能得到提醒、並且悔改，得到更新
—按照著祂的旨意，過自已的生活，
並且準備好，神再來的時候迎接他。
PEACE BEYOND ALL UNDERSTANDING 出人意外的平安
Micah Ly—Paris, France 法國巴黎 Micah Ly
Hallelujah.
May the peace of God be with us all.
哈利路亞，願神的平安賜給我們大家。
Around mid-March 2020, I found myself developing COVID-19 symptoms, primarily extreme fatigue.
I do not know how I caught the virus,
although I presume I contracted it at work since I am a medical doctor.
When I learned that my COVID-19 test was positive,
I was quite at peace.
Somehow, I knew that God would help me get through this trial.
2020 年 3 月中旬左右，我發現自己出現了新冠病毒症狀，主要是極度疲勞。
我不知道自已是怎麼感染病毒的，
雖然我假設是在工作中得到感染的，因為我是一名醫生。
當我得知，自己的新冠病毒檢測呈現陽性時，
我很平靜。
不知何故，我知道神會幫助我度過這次考驗。
I was ill for at least one month.
During this period,
I experienced many COVID-19 symptoms
—fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, loss of taste, hypersensitivity of the hair roots,
and loss of weight (around three to four kilograms)
—but they were not severe.
I had no fever, nor did I suffer from coughing or breathing difficulties.
God is merciful;
I did not even have to take a single paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen)
to reduce the pain or fever.
I simply stayed at home and waited to recover, without having to be hospitalized.
我病了至少一個月。
在這段時間，
我遇到了許多新冠病毒症狀，
—疲勞、噁心、食慾不振、味覺喪失、髮根過敏，
和體重下降（大約 3 到 4 公斤），
——但他們並不嚴重。
我沒有發燒，也沒有咳嗽，或呼吸困難。
神很慈愛的；
我甚至沒有服用一顆乙醯胺酚(止病藥，ex. 普拿疼Panadol)（也稱為對乙?氨基酚）
來緩解疼痛或發燒。
我只是窩在家裡等待康復，無需去住院。
I would like to share some reflections concerning my experience with COVID-19.
我想要分享，一些有關新冠病毒體驗的反省。
First, during my convalescence, I learned to trust in God totally,
as there is no cure available for COVID-19.
This illness forced me to stay at home, and, in hindsight,
it gave me more time to pray, read the Bible,
and reflect on my relationship with God.
This period offered precious extra time,
which we often lack in our busy lives.
首先，在復原期間，我學會了完全信靠神，
因為新冠病毒無藥可治。
這種病迫使我呆在家裡，就事後看來，
它給了我更多的時間禱告，讀聖經，
並反省自已與神的關係。
這段時間空出額外的寶貴時間，
這種時間，我們在忙碌的生活中經常缺乏。
I am also thankful that God protected my family
—I could have infected my wife and my children
as I was in contact with them daily.
Of course, as soon as I learned of my illness,
I quarantined myself in the basement of the house.
Thank God, my family was not infected.
God’s mercy is indeed great!
我也感謝神，保護了我的家人，
—我有可能會感染了我的妻子和孩子，
因為我每天都接觸他們。
當然，當我得知自已得病的時候，
我就自已隔離在房子的地下室。
感謝神，我的家人沒有受感染。
神的憐憫真的很偉大啊！
Second, during this time at home, I was filled with peace
—a peace that Paul describes as surpassing all understanding
(Phil 4:7).
We know that everything is in the hands of God.
Whatever happens, God knows the best for us.
We do not need to fear or worry; God is our refuge
(Ps 46:1).
第二、這段在家裡的時間，我的內心充滿平安，
—有一種保羅所描述，出人意料的平安
（腓 4:7）。
我們知道一切都在神的手中。
無論發生什麼事，神對我們最了解。
我們不需要害怕或憂慮； 神是我們的避難所
（詩 46:1）。
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
(Ps 91:10)
10禍患必不臨到你，災害也不挨近你的帳棚。
(詩 91：10)
God always seeks to preserve His children from evil.
He did this in the past
(Ex 8:18–19, 9:4; Zech 2:9, 12),
and He is still doing it today
(Mt 23:37; Phil 4:6–7).
神一直想要保護祂的孩子遠離邪惡。
祂過去這樣做，
（出 8：18-19，9：4；撒迦利亞書 2：9，12），
祂今天仍在這樣做
（太 23：37；腓 4：6-7）。
Since the start of this pandemic in France,
COVID-related deaths have continued to increase,
reaching 30,494 reported deaths on September 1, 2020.
There has been a significant loss amongst the medical staff in this fight.
But once again, God watches over His children.
The love of God is always the same because He is faithful.
Our only worry is whether we want to be under His protection,
and what we should do to remain under this protection.
Times of trial and isolation are excellent opportunities for self-examination
and reflection on our relationship with God.
自從法國大流行開始以來，
與新冠病毒有關的死亡人數持續增加，
2020 年 9 月 1 日，通報的死亡人數達到 30,494 人。
在這場戰鬥中，醫務人員損失慘重。
但是，神再一次看顧他的子女。
神的慈愛，總是不變，因為祂是信實的。
我們唯一擔憂，就是要不要留在祂的保護之下，
以及我們應該做些什麼事，來保持這種看護。
試煉隔離的時期，是自我反省的好機會，
好好反思自已與神的關係。
After this ordeal, I am convinced that our God is living, omnipotent, and merciful.
This understanding has further strengthened my faith:
that if we walk on God’s path day by day,
we can truly experience God’s faithfulness and the peace that He promises.
經過這次的苦難，我很確信，我們的神是活神、即全能又仁慈。
這種了解，更加強了我的信心：
如果我們天天走在神的道路上，
我們可以真正體驗到神的信實和應許的平安。
Third, I realized that the power of intercession is beyond measure.
The ancient saints experienced it;
I also experienced it.
During my illness,
many brothers and sisters prayed for me and asked after my condition.
Such gestures of love touched me deeply.
I would like to thank all of them for their concern and prayers,
which aided my quick recovery.
May God remember their love.
第三，我了解到，代禱的力量是無法估計的。
古聖徒這麼體驗過；
我也有體驗。
在我生病期間，
許多弟兄姊妹為我禱告，詢問我的病況。
這種愛的表現，深深感動我。
我想要感謝他們所有人的關心和禱告，
因為這樣幫助我很快康復。
願神記念他們的愛心。
Let us not forget to pray for one another,
especially as our Lord Jesus is always there to intercede on our behalf
(Heb 7:25).
讓我們不要忘記為彼此禱告，
特別是我們的主耶穌一直都在為我們代求
（來 7：25）。
May all glory, peace, and power be unto our heavenly Father! Amen!
願一切榮耀、平安和能力都歸於我們的天父！ 阿門！
GOD’S PRESERVATION DURING THE PANDEMIC 疫情期間神的保守
Roxanne Chan—London, UK 英國倫敦 Roxanne Chan
Hallelujah, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I testify.
When the pandemic hit the UK, I was shocked.
Not only did I witness the fallout on the news,
but I also saw it firsthand as a nurse looking after COVID-19 patients in the hospital.
It seemed surreal, as if we were all in an apocalyptic film.
As Jesus told us in Matthew 24,
one of the signs of the end time is pestilence.
Indeed, no matter how it originated, COVID-19 is a sign from God that the end time is at hand.
哈利路亞，奉主耶穌基督的聖名作見證。
當疫情襲擊英國的時候，我感到很震驚。
我不僅親眼目睹了新聞報導發生的狀態，
但我身為一名護士，在醫院照顧新冠病毒患者時，也親眼目睹了這個情況。
這似乎是超乎現實，就好像我們都處於一部世界末日的電影中。
正如耶穌在馬太福音 24 章告訴我們的，
末日的徵兆之一，就有瘟疫。
事實上，無論病毒是來自那裡，新冠病毒都是來自神的信號，表明末日即將來臨。
We had our last Sabbath at church before the national lockdown on March 21, 2020,
and amongst the members, we said we would not know when we would see each other next.
Though I had echoed this phrase,
I did not realize the full extent of what it meant
until we departed from church that evening.
There was a stark contrast between observing Sabbath at home and observing at church.
There are many distractions at home,
and it is not the same as being with other members
and worshiping together in one accord in the church hall.
I regret not cherishing those moments more,
and taking for granted the blessing of being able to gather with one another.
在 2020 年 3 月 21 日，全國封城之前，我們教會度過最後一個安息日，
在信徒交談中，我們都說，下次見面不知道是什麼時候。
雖然我重複了這句話，
我沒有意識到這句話裡全部的含義
直到那天晚上我們離開教會。
在家裡守安息日和在教會守安息日，有很鮮明的對比。
家裡有很多雜事分心，
而且也和其他信徒聚在一起，
在教堂聚會大廳裡，同心一起敬拜神，有所不同。
我很後悔沒能更珍惜那些可以聚會的時刻，
並且認為，能夠彼此聚會是理所當然的祝福。
ON THE FRONT LINE 身處前線
During the first few weeks of the pandemic reaching London, the hospital was very chaotic.
Research on this new virus was scarce,
so we were updated daily on these matters according to the latest information available to the government.
We had extra training on what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear in different situations.
At first, official guidelines stated that we did not need to wear PPE
when looking after patients who do not have the five main symptoms
(dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and fatigue).
So, every day, we would look after patients in the same way as we always had,
including being in close proximity to them when giving personal care.
疫情蔓延到倫敦的最初幾週時，醫院非常的混亂。
很少有對這種新病毒的研究，
因此，我們每天都會根據政府可掌握的最新資訊，對這些問題進行內容更新。
我們接受了特別訓練，了解有關在不同情況之下，應佩戴那種個人防護裝備 (PPE)。
起初，官方指示我們，照顧沒有五種主要病徵的患者時，
不需要穿戴個人防護裝備 PPE，
（乾咳、發燒、呼吸急促、喉嚨痛和疲勞）。
所以，每天，我們都會像往常一樣照顧病人，
包括提供病人照護工作之時，很靠近他們。
As time progressed, more and more of my colleagues fell sick.
There was an uneasiness in the air at work,
and we were all afraid that we would contract the virus or carry it home to our loved ones.
Things became real when one of the nurses at my hospital passed away after contracting COVID-19.
During one shift, we observed a one-minute silence
to remember those colleagues who had succumbed to the virus.
The atmosphere was heavy, as a colleague shed tears.
隨著時間的推移，越來越多的同事生病了。
工作的氣氛中瀰漫著不安，
我們都害怕，自己會感染病毒，或將病毒帶回家給親人。
事情終於成為了事實，我的醫院有一名護士感染新冠病毒後去世。
有一次值班時，我們默哀一分鐘，
來紀念那些死於病毒的同事。
氣氛很沉重，有同事流下眼淚。
Health-care professionals are seen as people who can save lives but,
during this pandemic, it has become clear that only God has control over our lives.
He gives life, and He can take it away.
There is no quick cure or vaccine for us to use.
Although this situation seems hopeless,
one message shared during a Sabbath service stayed with me:
“…all things work together for good to those who love God”
(Rom 8:28a).
This pandemic is a warning to make us realize how much we have been neglecting God in our lives.
If we had been putting our studies, businesses, careers, or worldly enjoyments first,
the lockdown caused all these activities to pause momentarily so that we could return to God.
醫療照護專業人員，被視為可以挽救生命的人，但是，
這次疫情期間，很明顯只有神才能掌控制我們的生命。
祂賞賜生命，祂也能取回。
我們沒有迅速治療的方法，或疫苗可供使用。
雖然這種情況看似沒有指望，
安息日聚會時，有分享的一則訊息我一直記住：
“……萬事都互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處”
（羅 8:28a）。
這場疫情只是一個警告，要讓我們明白，自已在生活中有多麼地忽略神。
如果我們先把學業、事業、職涯或世俗的享受放在第一，
那封城導致這一切的活動暫時停止，好讓我們可以回到神的身邊。
CONTRACTING COVID-19 感染新冠病毒
I am blessed to live with three other church sisters.
We often encourage one another, and, during the lockdown,
we resolved to observe the Sabbath with a reverent heart at home.
But one night at the end of March, just before the rate of COVID-19 infections peaked in London,
I suddenly felt unwell.
Despite the warm weather, I was shivering in bed under two duvets.
I immediately thought of COVID-19 since one of the main symptoms is fever.
We did not have a thermometer,
so I could not check my temperature,
but I was worried about my housemates.
COVID-19 is the most contagious when a patient has a fever.
When morning came, I was still shivering and, on top of this, I developed a dry cough.
That morning, I called my manager and informed her of my symptoms,
and she advised me to isolate myself for seven days at home.
我很得神祝福，能與其他三個教會的姐妹住在一起。
我們常常互相鼓勵，在封城時期，
我們決定在家裡，懷著虔誠的心守安息日。
但是三月底有一個晚上，就在倫敦新冠病毒感染率達到頂峰之前，
我突然覺得很不舒服。
儘管天氣暖和，我還是躺在床上，蓋著兩條羽絨被，瑟瑟發抖。
我立即想到了新冠病毒，因為其主要症狀之一是發燒。
我們沒有溫度計，
所以我沒有檢查自已的體溫，
但我很擔心室友。
當患者發燒時，是新冠病毒最具傳染性的時候。
早上的時候，我還在發抖，除此之外，還出現了乾咳。
那天早上，我打電話給經理，告訴她我的症狀，
她建議自已在家隔離7天。
TRUSTING IN GOD 信靠神
Later that day, I shared my symptoms with my housemates and expressed my concerns that
they would catch the virus.
We had discussed the topic previously
since I was putting them at risk while working at the hospital and returning to the flat.
Thank God, after the discussion,
we concluded that God is almighty and He is in control of all things.
Whatever the situation, whatever may happen in the world,
the most important thing is to cling on to God.
Should all of us contract COVID-19,
there is nothing we can do but to pray for God to execute His will.
He has power over life and death,
so this virus is nothing to Him.
We must learn to trust God in all circumstances.
Therefore, with faith, we continued to share the same bathroom
and have meals together in the dining room.
那日稍晚時，我告訴室友自已的症狀，並表示很擔心，
他們可能會感染病毒。
我們之前就討論過這個話題，
因為我在醫院工作，回到公寓的時候，就會將他們置於危險之中。
感謝神，經過討論，
我們得出結論，神是全能的，他掌管一切。
無論情況如何，無論世上可能發生什麼事，
最重要的，就是緊緊抓住神。
就算我們所有的人都感染了新冠病毒，
除了祈求神執行他的旨意之外，我們無能為力。
祂掌管生死，
所以這個病毒，對祂來說不算什麼。
我們必須學會，無論什麼情況之下，都能信靠神。
因此，我們沒有失去信心，繼續共用同一間浴室，
並在飯廳一起用餐。
We kept this matter in prayer, and I asked a few other sisters for their prayers as well.
Thank God, after two days of mild symptoms,
I felt a lot better.
Though there was a lingering dry cough,
I had no other symptoms.
Hallelujah!
I told my housemates,
and we gave prayers of thanksgiving because God had protected all of us and healed me so quickly!
我們一直把這件事放在禱告中，我也請了其他幾位姊妹代禱。
感謝神，經過兩天的輕微症狀，
我感覺好多了。
儘管還是有乾咳一直斷斷續續，
我沒有其他症狀。
哈利路亞！
我告訴自已的室友，
我們來禱告感謝神，因為神保護了我們所有人，並如此迅速治好了我！
GOD’S UNFAILING GRACE 神的恩典永不止息
I had to remain in isolation for seven days,
whereas my housemates had to isolate for fourteen days in total
because they had been in contact with me
and could have been incubating the virus.
So we had to ask other brothers and sisters who live nearby
to buy groceries for us.
Thank God for their love and support during this time.
It is by the love of God that we were so well supported,
and we had never eaten so well before!
Later, in July, I tested positive for having antibodies to COVID-19.
This confirms that I had the virus,
yet God protected and preserved not only my life
but also the lives of my housemates.
我不得不再隔離7天，
而我的室友總共要隔離 14 天，
因為他們一直有接觸到我，
所以可能一直在繁衍病毒。
所以我們必須請住在附近的其他兄弟姐妹，
為我們買日用品。
感謝神在此期間，兄弟姐妹付出的愛心和支援。
就是因為有神的愛，我們才能得到這麼周到的幫助，
我們以前從來沒有吃得這麼豐盛啊！
後來，在 7 月的時候，我的新冠病毒抗體檢測呈陽性。
這時證實了我感染了病毒，
然而，神不僅愛護保存了我的生命
還有我室友的生活。
After the seven days, I returned to work.
We were still not wearing any PPE when looking after patients.
But many patients would suddenly develop symptoms,
and we had to treat them as being COVID-19 positive.
The rate of deterioration in patients was harrowing.
One patient required assistance in drinking from a cup
as he could not physically hold it.
It was at that moment he became unresponsive.
After trying to save his life,
the doctors were shocked to find that he had passed away.
There was no apparent cause of death,
so they ordered a COVID-19 test to be done on the body.
Another patient whom we had looked after for a couple of weeks was acutely unwell.
He required a lot of personal care,
so we would be very close to him when providing the necessary care.
Later, we discovered he was COVID-19 positive.
The time we had spent looking after him meant that
all the staff had been exposed to the virus.
Our hearts sank when we heard this,
and every staff member had to be swabbed for COVID-19.
Praise God!
Once again, God protected me with His mighty hand.
Both my swabs came back negative.
Despite being in close proximity to the patient
while caring for him without wearing PPE for several weeks,
I did not contract the virus again.
7天之後，我回去工作了。
照護病患的時候，我們還沒有穿任何個人防護裝備。
但是很多患者會突然出現症狀，
而我們不得不將他們視為新冠病毒陽性的病人。
病人惡化的速度令人悲痛。
有個病人在需要別人幫助才能喝水，
因為他的身体無法拿起杯子。
就在那一刻，他變得毫無反應。
在試圖挽救他的生命後，
醫生們很震驚發現，他已經去世了。
看起來沒有明顯的死因，
所以他們下令對死者身體測試新冠病毒。
另一位病人，我們照顧了幾個星期，他感到很不舒服。
他需要很多個人的照護工作，
因此，為了提供必要的看護，我們會非常接近他。
後來，我們發現他是新冠病毒陽性。
我們花在照顧他的時間，代表了
全部職員都曝露在病毒中。
聽到這件事的時候，我們的心都沉了下去，
每位員工都必須接受新冠病毒拭子檢測。
感謝神！
再一次，神用祂大能的手保護了我。
我的兩個檢測拭子都呈陰性。
儘管離病患靠得很近，
幾個星期內，都沒穿個人防護裝備去照顧他，
我沒有再次感染病毒。
On reflection, the outbreak of the virus and being in lockdown brought many unknowns.
But it was through the unknowns that
God gave me a stark reminder
that His second coming is indeed drawing nearer.
He also humbled me through this experience
and taught me to learn to trust and rely on Him.
May all glory be unto God.
Hallelujah!
Amen.
回想起來，病毒爆發和封城帶來了許多未知數。
但正是通過這些未知的事物，
神給了我一個明確的提醒，
神的再臨確實越來越近了。
祂也通過這次經歷，讓我學會謙卑，
並教我學會信靠神。
願一切榮耀歸於神。
哈利路亞！
阿門。
[1] All COVID-19 statistics in this article sourced from:
“WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard,”
World Health Organization, covid19.who.int.
[2] By Charles C. Luther (1847–1924).
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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