9. Manna issue 95 - Established by God: Life as a Preacher's Wife 神所設立：傳道妻子的生活
Editor's note: 編輯說明：
In this issue, we feature many grace-filled testimonies of God
calling His servants to full-time ministry.
Such stories are familiar to us,
but often, little focus is given to the spouses
who support and walk alongside these workers.
A preacher's wife holds a special role
and is, like her husband, called to walk a path of sacrifice and service.
She dedicates her partner-in-life to the Lord's work and accepts more responsibility at home
—juggling work, bringing up children, caring for elderly and ill family members,
and her own church duties
—so that her husband can be fully committed to the ministry.
This may sound like a heavy burden,
but as the testimonies below attest, such a life is not to be feared.
They experience the abundant blessings and mercy of God,
who not only prepared these sisters for this path
but also supply their every need to establish their families and their lives in His grace.
And even in times of danger and distress,
they are enfolded by God’s protection
and a peace that passes understanding, guarding the heart and mind.
在本期中，我們精選了許多充滿神恩典的見證，
呼召祂的僕人來從事全職事奉。
這樣的故事我們耳熟能詳，
但通常很少關注到配偶，
他們支持並與這些工人陪伴前進。
傳道的妻子扮演著特殊的角色，
她和她的丈夫一樣，被召喚行走一條犧牲和服事的道路。
她獻出自已生活的伴侶為主工作，並承擔更多的家庭責任，
—兼顧工作、養育孩子、照顧年長和生病的家人，
以及她自己的教會職責，
—這樣她的丈夫才能全心投入事工。
這聽起來似乎是個沉重的負擔，
但正如以下的見證所證實的那樣，這樣的生活並不可怕。
他們體驗了神豐富的祝福和憐憫，
神不僅預備這些姊妹走上這條道路，
而且在祂的恩典中，也滿足他們建立家庭和生活的一切需求。
甚至在危險和苦難的時候，
他們得到神的保護所圍繞，
有出人意外的平安，保守心思意念。
Why I Became a Preacher's Wife 為何我成為傳道的妻子
Eunice Chiang—Dalin, Taiwan 台灣大林
[F]or it is God who works in you both to will
and to do for His good pleasure.
(Phil 2:13)
13因為你們立志行事都是神在你們心裡運行，
為要成就他的美意。
（腓 2：13）
On May 28, 1973,
my classmate brought me to the True Jesus Church for the first time
to attend the Sabbath service.
I stayed until evening to attend the Intermediate Youth religious education (RE) class
and received the precious Holy Spirit during the prayer session.
I was baptized on September 25 the same year.
All of this happened when I was seventeen years old.
1973 年 5 月 28 日，
我的同學第一次帶我去真耶穌教會，
去參加安息日聚會。
我待到晚上參加青少年中級班宗教教育（RE）課程，
並在禱告會中領受了寶貴的聖靈。
同年 9 月 25 日我受洗了。
這一切都發生在我十七歲那年。
PLANTED IN MY HEART 植於心中
Normally, students in vocational school would have to wait until their fourth year,
when they turn eighteen,
to attend the spiritual convocation for university students.
However, the church helped me sign up early,
while I was in my third year,
so I could participate three times in total.
Each time, I was in a different church in another region.
It was during a service at one of these spiritual convocations that a speaker said,
"I hope that all sisters can resolve to become a preacher's wife."
In hindsight,
it is clear that God had already determined that this would be my path.
After the service ended,
I felt the Holy Spirit continuing to move me,
which made me a little scared
as I had never considered such things before.
Once I returned to my local church,
the thought of becoming a preacher's wife lingered in my mind.
I said to God in my heart,
"Let Your will be done.
If this is Your will, please help me to become a competent preacher's wife."
After that, the idea of being a preacher's wife faded into the background.
一般來說，職業學校的學生要等到四年級，
當他們到十八歲的時候，
去參大專班學生靈恩會。
不過教會很早就幫我報名了，
那時是我大三的時候，
所以我總共可以參加三次。
每次，我都在另一個地區的不同教會。
在一次靈恩會的聚會時，有一位講者說：
“我希望所有的姐妹都能決心成為傳道的妻子。”
事後看來，
很明顯的，神已經決定了這會是我走的道路。
聚會結束後，
我感覺到聖靈繼續感動我，
這讓我有點害怕，
因為我以前從未想過這些事情。
當我回到當地的教會後，
成為傳教妻子的想法一直在我的腦海中縈繞。
我心裡對神說：
“願你的旨意成全。
如果這是您的旨意，請幫助我成為一名稱職的傳道妻子。”
此後，成為傳教妻子的想法就逐漸消失於腦後。
After graduating from vocational school, I started to work.
I also became an RE teacher to teach the younger children in church.
The days passed, and time flew by.
At one point, the church ministers began to show concern
and asked if they could introduce a potential partner to me.
My workplace colleagues also asked similar questions.
At that time, I did not seriously put the matter of marriage into my heart.
I was the eldest daughter and my siblings were still young.
My father had already retired,
but his friend cheated him of his meager pension.
So, I needed to contribute to the family finances.
Marriage had not crossed my mind.
I told the church ministers that I had no plans at present,
and I declined the help of my colleagues,
explaining that I was only interested in marrying a True Jesus Church member.
The truth was that I had long forgotten about becoming a preacher's wife.
職業學校畢業後，我開始工作。
我也成為了一名宗教教育老師，在教會裡教導年幼的孩子。
日子一天天過去，時間過得很快。
到了某個時間教會長執開始表現出擔憂，
並且詢問他們是否可以為我介紹一個可能的伴侶。
我的職場同事也問過相同的問題。
在那時，我並沒有認真的把結婚的事放在心上。
我是長女，我的兄弟姊妹還很小。
我父親已經退休了，
但他朋友騙走了他微薄的退休金。
所以，我需要為家庭收入付出。
婚姻並沒有閃過我的腦海。
我告訴教會長執自已目前沒有計劃，
我亦拒絕了同事的幫助，
做出解釋，我只想要與真耶穌教會的信徒結婚。
事實上，我早已忘記了要成為傳教的妻子。
FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL 遵從神的旨意
Because my field of study had been computer-related,
I would go to church straight after work to help the church secretaries.
My involvement in this ministry
meant I began interacting more with church co-workers and resident preachers.
While socializing during a break,
I learned that one of my co-workers,
Brother Ko Chang Chiang, wanted to become a preacher.
This was because his mother had made a vow when he was a child,
hoping that he would grow up to become a preacher.
At that moment, I suddenly remembered being moved by the Holy Spirit
during the student spiritual convocation
and how the desire to become a preacher's wife had entered my heart.
Coincidentally, Brother Chiang was searching for a suitable wife at that time.
One day, he asked me whether I was willing to become his wife,
which is how it happened!
The fact that God had moved my heart
and intersected our paths at exactly the time my husband was looking for a wife
shows that this was God’s arrangement.
Later, my husband mentioned why he asked me
—the key reason was my independent personality.
I do not know how God had shaped me for this role,
but, all in all, the will of God came to pass.
因為我的專業與電腦相關，
下班後我會直接去教會幫助教會秘書。
我參與這項事工，
這代表了，我開始與教會同工和駐牧傳道有更多的互動。
在休息時間進行交流時，
我了解到自已的一位同事，
Ko Chang Chiang 弟兄想成為傳道。
這是因為他母親在他小時候就曾經發誓，
希望他長大後能夠成為傳道。
那一刻我突然想起來得到聖靈的感動，
在學生靈恩會的時候，
那種很想成為傳道妻子的願望是如何進入我的內心。
巧合的是，當時江弟兄正在物色合適的妻子。
有一天，他問我想不想要成為他的妻子，
事情就是這樣發生了！
事實是神感動了我的內心，
就正好在我先生尋找妻子的時候，我們相遇了，
表示這是神的安排。
後來我丈夫提到了他為什麼會問我，
—最主要的原因是我獨立的性格。
我不知道神要如何塑造我來扮演這個角色的，
但總而言之，神的旨意實現了。
TRUSTING IN GOD 信靠神
When faced with the reality of being a preacher's wife,
I told myself that my husband belongs to God
—he is a worker of God.
Nothing at home should trouble him.
The Lord would always take care of us.
當面對身為傳道妻子的現實時，
我告訴自己我丈夫是屬於神的，
—他是神的工人。
家裡的事情不該打擾他。
主總會看顧我們。
There were complications during the births of our two sons.
However, in both cases, I experienced God's grace and care.
When I was in labor with my firstborn,
I was admitted to the hospital on the evening of March 5, 1981.
The delivery was difficult
because my son's head was large in proportion to his tiny body.
I prayed for God's mercy, and finally,
my son was born at 9:08 a.m. the following day, without the need for surgery.
我們兩個兒子出生時出現了併發症。
然而，在這兩種情況下，我都體驗到神的恩典和看顧。
當我懷著長子的時候，
1981 年 3 月 5 日晚上我住進了醫院。
分娩的時候很困難，
因為我兒子的頭很大，比起他小小的身體。
我祈求神的憐憫，最後，
第二天上午 9 點 08 分，我兒子出生了，不需要動手術。
The birth of my second son was even more precarious,
and this time, my husband was not with me.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, the baby was in a breech position,
so the doctor suggested some exercises to encourage the baby
to turn himself into the head-first position before birth.
However, I found these exercises very uncomfortable,
so I did not follow the doctor's advice.
二兒子的出生更是岌岌可危，
而這一次，我丈夫沒有和我在一起。
直到我懷孕快結束時，寶寶處於臀位胎位不正，
所以醫生建議做一些運動來刺激寶寶，
在出生前能將他調成頭在前的姿勢。
然而我發現這些運動很不舒服，
所以我沒有聽從醫生的建議。
My waters broke on the evening of November 10, 1982,
and my parents-in-law drove me to the hospital.
When I arrived at the emergency department,
the doctor asked if I had discussed the possibility of a cesarean delivery with my physician.
I told him I had not.
But as we spoke, I felt the baby was about to be born.
My son emerged feet first, and his shoulders and head were stuck.
Because this was a critical situation,
my in-laws were alerted in the waiting room.
There was silence when my son was finally delivered.
I asked the nurse why there was no baby's cry,
but she did not respond as they worked to save him.
Finally, the silence was broken by my son's cry.
He was placed in an incubator for a few days before being discharged.
Thank God, my two sons have grown up and are both married in the Lord.
我的羊水於 1982 年 11 月 10 日晚上破的，
我的公公婆婆開車送我去醫院。
當我到達急診室時，
醫生問我，有沒有與自已的醫生討論過剖腹產的可能性。
我告訴他我沒有。
但當我們說話的時候，我感覺孩子就快要出生了。
我兒子先伸出腳來，他的肩膀和頭被卡住了。
因為這種情況緊急，
我姻親在候診室接到了警報。
當我兒子最終出生時，四周一片寂靜。
我問護士為什麼沒有嬰兒的哭聲，
但當他們努力營救他時，她沒有回應。
最後，兒子的哭聲打破了沉默。
他被放進保溫箱幾天後才出院。
感謝神，我兩個兒子都長大了，都在主裡結婚。
After giving birth to my first son,
I left my job and moved in with my husband's family.
There were four generations living under the same roof.
Living with the older generations
allowed me to enjoy the peace and joy of the whole family believing in the Lord,
and we could take care of my children together.
It was a great blessing for my sons to be loved so dearly by their elders.
On the inevitable occasions when my children fell ill,
there was never any need to panic as the seniors were on hand to help.
If the children cried at night, we would just pray.
生下第一個兒子之後，
我辭去了工作，搬去和丈夫的家人住在一起。
有四代人住在同一個屋簷下。
與長輩同住，
讓我享受到全家信主的平安喜樂，
我們可以一起照顧孩子。
對我的兒子來說，能夠受到長輩如此的深愛，真是莫大的福氣。
當我的孩子不可避免生病時，
從來沒有必要驚慌，因為長輩隨時可以提供幫助。
如果孩子晚上哭，我們就會禱告。
Recollecting from when I first believed in the Lord until today,
the only steadfast conviction in my heart has been to look to God.
回想從我剛信主直到今日，
我心中唯一堅定的信念就是仰望神。
"But as for me, I would seek God,
And to God I would commit my cause."
(Job 5:8)
“8至於我，我必仰望神，
把我的事情託付他。”
（伯 5：8）
God's Love and Providence in My Role as a Preacher's Wife
在我作為傳道妻子的角色中神的慈愛和預備
Lisa Liew—Portsmouth, UK 英國普茲茅斯
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I testify how God has shown His grace, mercy, and guidance in my life as a preacher's wife.
奉主耶穌基督的名，
我見證神如何在我作為傳道妻子的生活中，彰顯祂的恩典、憐憫和引導。
EARLY PROPOSAL 早期計劃
My husband, Daniel, and I grew up together in our local church.
After our studies, we reconnected as friends.
We were working youths and would talk and get to know each other, as many youths do.
I remember when he brought up the topic of serving God as a full-time minister.
It was before we started our relationship,
and he shared with me the possibility of him
dedicating his life as a preacher if it was God's will.
After we revealed our mutual feelings for each other,
he shared that if I were to be part of his life,
I needed to prepare for the challenges of becoming a preacher's wife.
I was a little taken aback, though not in total shock.
Firstly, we had not yet started courting,
and secondly, I wondered, Is this some kind of pre-proposal?
I thought long and hard about the possibility of being a preacher's spouse.
我和丈夫但以理，我們一起在當地的教會長大。
完成學業後，我們重新成為朋友。
我們都是社青，會像許多青年一樣交談並互相了解。
我記得當他提到成為全職工人事奉神的話題時。
那是在我們開始交往之前，
他與我分享了可能性，
如果這是神的旨意，他會畢生奉獻傳道。
當我們互相表達彼此的感情後，
他表示，如果我要成為他生活的一部分，
就需要有成為傳道妻子面對挑戰的準備。
我有點吃驚，但並不是完全震驚。
首先，我們還沒有開始談戀愛，
其次，我想知道，這是某種的事先求婚嗎？
我長久認真的思考了成為傳道配偶的可能性。
In the UK, the preacher's family stays at home,
and the preacher is required to travel to his assigned churches
or places of worship within the UK, Europe, and Africa.
This means, most of the time, the wife looks after the family by herself.
Would I be willing to commit to Daniel, knowing he would rarely be at home,
and would travel to various churches pastoring the brethren, preaching to save souls,
and putting God above his own family?
Am I willing?
We both agreed to put this matter into prayer
and discuss it after Daniel returned from the Youth Theological Training Course (YTTC).
I had a lot to consider:
Would I be able to be independent?
Can I sustain my spirituality without a spouse at home?
What are the expectations of a preacher's wife?
Although these questions seemed quite far-fetched at the time,
they were relevant to what I would face.
After much consideration and time spent in prayer,
we decided to move forward with our relationship.
在英國，傳道家人留在家裡，
傳道需要前往他指派的教會
或是英國、歐洲和非洲的聚會所，。
這代表了，大多數時間，妻子要獨自照顧家庭。
我是否會願意託負給但以理，因為知道他會很少在家呢？
前往各教會牧養弟兄姐妹，傳福音救靈魂，
並會想要將神放在自己的家庭之上嗎？
我會願意嗎？
我們雙方都同意將這件事放在禱告中，
並在但以理從青年神訓課班（YTTC）回來之後再來討論。
我有很多事情需要考慮：
我是否能夠獨立呢？
若沒有配偶在家，我是否能夠維持自已的靈命呢？
傳道妻子的期望會是什麼呢？
雖然當時這些問題在看來十分難以置信，
它們與我將要面對的事情有關。
經過深思熟慮並花時間禱告後，
我們決定繼續推進我們的關係。
Thank God, through His arrangement,
Daniel and I married in 2009.
Before we were married,
we discussed his hope to be a preacher
and how it would affect our future.
I learned that I had to see the bigger picture from God's perspective:
"The harvest truly is plentiful,
but the laborers are few"
(Mt 9:37).
My priority is to put God first in my life,
even if it means letting my husband serve Him for the rest of his life.
My role as a preacher's wife was not only to support my husband
but to know how I could support God's ministry in my local church, care for the brethren,
and labor for God to prosper His church.
感謝神的安排，
但以理和我於 2009 年結婚。
在我們結婚之前，
我們討論他想成為傳教的願望，
以及那將如何影響我們的未來。
我了解到，自已必須從神的角度來看大局：
“37要收的莊稼多，
作工的人少。”
（太 9：37）。
我的優先選擇就是將神放在我生命的首位，
即使這代表要讓我丈夫一生事奉祂。
身為傳道妻子，我的角色不僅要支持自已的丈夫，
但要知道我如何能夠幫忙我當地教會神的事工，照顧弟兄姐妹，
並為神努力使祂的教會興盛。
IN GOD'S TIME 神的時機
In the early years of marriage,
we talked about how starting a family would fit around my husband
joining the theological training program (TTP).
Would we have children first and wait for them to grow older before he applied for TTP?
Or would we think about starting a family after he joined TTP?
Would I be able to cope as a solo parent?
在結婚初期，
我們討論有關要如何組建家庭來適合我的丈夫，
加入神學訓練班（TTP）。
我們會先生孩子，等他們長大，再申請神學院嗎？
或者他加入神學院後，我們才會考慮建立家庭嗎？
我是否能夠應付身為單親家長的情況呢？
In 2012, two life-altering events happened.
The first was the passing of my late mother-in-law,
and the second, a couple of months later, was our daughter's birth.
My husband was a church board member and the church was facing challenges at the time.
There was a need for church workers.
My husband raised the possibility of applying to TTP earlier than we had planned.
After losing his mother and witnessing God's blessing with our daughter,
we perceived the fragility of life.
As the Bible reminds us:
2012 年，發生了兩件改變人生的事件。
第一件是我婆婆的過世，
第二件是幾個月後，我們女兒出生了。
我丈夫是教會職務會成員，當時教會面臨挑戰。
教會需要工人。
我先生提起了提早申請神學院的可能性，比我們原本計劃更早。
在失去母親並見證神給我們女兒的祝福之後，
我們感受到了生命的脆弱。
正如聖經提醒我們：
[W]hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
For what is your life?
It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
(Jas 4:14)
14其實明天如何，你們還不知道。
你們的生命是甚麼呢？
你們原來是一片雲霧，出現少時就不見了。
（雅 4：14）
There were many questions to be answered.
Still, we could only put this matter into the hands of God.
As Proverbs 16:9 says,
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
I knew whatever our plans may be,
God would reveal His path for us.
We need not worry if we seek God's will first
(Mt 6:33).
To understand what my life would be like,
I asked a couple of preachers' wives to share their experiences.
I truly thank God for their sharing and encouragement.
Their reassurances made me realize
how important it is to trust in God's arrangement for my family and for His church.
有很多問題需要回答。
但我們還是只能把這件事交託給神。
正如箴言 16 章 9 節所說，
“9人心籌算自己的道路；惟耶和華指引他的腳步。「
我知道無論我們有什麼計劃，
神會給我們顯明祂的道路。
如果我們先求神的旨意，就不必擔心
（太 6：33）。
為了明白自已的生活會變成什麼樣子，
我請幾位傳道的妻子分享她們的經驗。
我真的感謝神有他們的分享和鼓勵。
他們的保證讓我意識到
相信神給我家庭和祂教會的安排，這有多重要。
Daniel applied for TTP towards the end of 2012.
Since there were no other applicants in 2013,
he could spend that year at home.
We enjoyed our time together as a young family.
In 2014, by God's grace, Daniel was accepted into the TTP.
By 2015, we were blessed with another child.
Our children were young
—our daughter was at nursery, and our son was a newborn.
Daniel was meant to be trained in the US for his first semester
but could not attend TTP in person
because of visa complications and circumstances beyond our control.
Instead, he attended classes online.
Around six months later,
he obtained a visa for his second year of TTP in Taiwan.
This was when the reality of raising two young children single-handedly really sunk in.
但以理在 2012 年底申請了神學院。
由於 2013 年沒有其他的申請人，
那一年他可以在家裡度過。
作為一個年輕的家庭，我們很享受在一起的時光。
2014 年，靠著神的恩典，但以理被神學院所接納。
到 2015 年，我們得福又迎來另一個孩子。
我們的孩子還很小
—我們的女兒在托兒所，我們的兒子剛出生。
但以理本應在美國接受第一學期的訓練
但無法親自參加神學，
由於簽證很複雜和超出我們能控制的情況。
相反的，他在網上上課。
大約六個月之後，
他得到了台灣神學院第二年的簽證。
那時，我才逐漸了解到要獨自撫養兩個孩子的現實。
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES 克服困難
On one occasion,
my daughter caught chicken pox and hand, foot, and mouth disease in quick succession.
These spread to my son, one illness after the other.
As they were recovering,
I caught stomach flu, which swiftly infected my children.
I prayed to God to have mercy upon our family,
and I wondered why He would allow us to become very sick
when my mother was abroad visiting family.
It was the time when I needed my husband the most.
Most days, I found myself slumped on the table without the strength to feed my children.
How can I possibly look after my children
when I can't even look after myself?
I thought.
I felt weak, helpless, and hopeless.
It seemed God had immediately put me in at the deep end to test my faith.
My husband, who was in Taiwan,
was naturally very concerned and asked his TTP classmates to pray for his family.
There was little else he could do apart from pray for us.
He was only allowed to come home a couple of times a year,
which was a difficult adjustment for us.
But by relying on God and His mercy,
I could get through this trial without my husband or mother by my side.
有一次，
我女兒接連得到了水痘和手足口病。
這些疾病傳染給了我的兒子，一種接一種的疾病。
當他們康復時，
我得到腸流感，很快就傳染給了我的孩子。
我祈求神憐憫我們家人，
我想知道為什麼他會讓我們病得很嚴重，
當我母親出國探親時。
那是我最需要丈夫的時候。
大多數時候，我發現自己癱坐在桌上，沒有力氣餵孩子吃東西。
我怎樣才能照顧自已的孩子，
當我甚至都不能照顧自己時候？
我想著。
我覺得很軟弱、無助和絕望。
就好像，神立刻把我放入深淵來考驗我的信心。
我老公在台灣，
他自然非常的關心，並請他神學院的同學為他的家人禱告。
除了為我們祈禱之外，他無能為力。
一年只允許他回家幾次
這對我們來說是一個艱難的調適。
但依靠神和祂的憐憫，
即使沒有丈夫或母親在身旁，我能夠度過這次考驗。
In times of physical and spiritual weakness,
I knew I had to muster the strength to pray for God's mercy.
Even when I could not pray for long,
I was still comforted by God's presence in our young family.
I learned God truly knows what we are capable of and how much we can endure
(1 Cor 10:13).
在身體精神都軟弱的時候，
我知道自已必須鼓起勇氣祈求神的憐憫。
即使我不能長時間祈禱，
神與我們年輕的家庭同在仍然安慰我。
我了解到神真正知道我們的能力，以及我們可以忍到那裡
（林前 10：13）。
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
(Jas 1:2–3)
2我的弟兄們，你們落在百般試煉中，都要以為大喜樂；
3因為知道你們的信心經過試驗，就生忍耐。
（雅 1：2-3）
He may not remove our sufferings,
but He tests us through the trials we face,
hoping we obtain patience.
He knows our weakness and will strengthen us
(Phil 4:13).
I thank God for providing me with the physical strength to recover.
He helped my children heal without any complications or chicken pox scars.
What seemed like an eternity was only a few weeks.
With the help of family members and church brethren,
we could return to full health.
I look back and realize that God had planned it this way.
Had my children and I had one infection at a time,
there would have been separate episodes of illness throughout the years.
Instead, God allowed my children and me to suffer from multiple illnesses relatively quickly.
Those few weeks made me ponder and reflect on the importance of seeking God first in my life,
especially when my husband is away.
This is the lesson God continues to teach me daily.
祂或許不會移除我們的痛苦，
但祂透過我們面臨的試驗來考查我們，
希望我們有耐心。
祂知道我們的軟弱並會加添力量
（腓 4：13）。
我感謝神預備我有康復的體力。
祂幫助我的孩子康復，而沒有任何併發症或水痘疤痕。
看似就像是永恆的時間其實只有幾週。
有了家人和教會弟兄姐妹的幫助，
我們可以完全恢復健康。
我回想起來，才明白神是這樣規劃的。
若我和我的孩子沒有一次就感染一人，
這些年來，就會有不同的疾病時期發作。
相反的，神讓我和孩子相對較快得到很多種疾病。
那少少的幾週讓我思想，並反思自已生活中先尋求神的重要性，
尤其是當我先生不在的時候。
這是神每天繼續教導我的課程。
RAISING A FAMILY IN THE LORD 主裡建立家庭
As a preacher's wife,
we often have to face challenges alone,
and we realize that not everyone will be able to empathize with us
since our family life is quite different from other sisters in the church.
Day-to-day life can be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting,
especially when our children are young.
I often found myself out of my comfort zone with jobs around the house
that my husband would usually deal with,
or juggling childcare, running the household, and fulfilling church responsibilities.
It can be quite hard to be independent without my husband's presence.
A wife and husband share household responsibilities and discuss everyday issues.
Without my husband, I had to make executive decisions
and solve problems concerning the children, house matters, and unexpected emergencies.
But the most difficult challenge is raising the children in the Lord.
I often find myself playing the roles of mother and father in one.
身為傳道妻子，
我們常常要獨自面對挑戰，
我們意識到並不是大家都能理解我們，
因為我們的家庭生活與教會其他姐妹有很大不同。
日常生活可能會讓人感到壓力重重，筋疲力盡，
尤其是當孩子還小的時候。
我常常發現自己跳脫了舒適區，忙著做家事，
那些是我先生平常會處理的事情，
或忙著照顧孩子，管理家務，及履行教會職責。
沒有丈夫同在，要獨立是相當困難的。
妻子和丈夫可以分擔家庭責任，並且討論日常事務。
沒有我丈夫同在，我必須做決定，
解決孩子，家務，突發緊急事件等問題。
但最困難的挑戰是在主裡養育孩子。
我常常發現自己同時扮演母親和父親的角色。
Naturally, children grow up and are influenced by worldly trends.
They often ask questions about the world, their faith, and their identity.
Every parent in the faith is responsible
for instilling the importance of spiritual cultivation from an early age.
When my husband is away from home, with the help of technology,
we can at least pray and talk together as a family.
It is essential that my children know their father can help them in their faith
despite not being physically present.
I remind my children that, although they are preacher's children,
they should not feel the added pressure to be extra well-behaved.
Regardless of what role we have in God's church,
all parents have been given the same responsibility to bring up godly children
so they can grow up to serve God.
I see how my children recall teachings we learned from reading a chapter in the Bible,
and how they share their testimonies of praying silently at school
when they faced difficult situations.
God has planted the seed of His word and principles in them,
enabling them to grow in their faith.
This is such a precious blessing to witness as a parent.
自然而然，孩子會長大會受到世俗潮流的影響。
他們經常詢問有關世界、信仰和自已身份的問題。
每個有信仰的父母都有責任，
從小就要灌輸靈修的重要性。
當我先生出門的時候，有了科技的幫助，
我們至少可以像一家人一起禱告和交談。
讓孩子知道他們的父親可以在信仰幫助他們，這一點很重要，
儘管不在現場。
我提醒孩子，雖然他們傳教道的孩子，
他們不該要表現得特別好而感到額外的壓力。
無論我們在神教會中扮演的是什麼角色，
所有父母都被託負同樣的責任來養育出敬虔的孩子，
這樣他們就可以長大事奉神。
我看到自已孩子如何回憶起，我們從閱讀一章聖經學到的教訓，
以及他們如何分享在學校默禱的見證，
當他們面對困難的情況時。
神已經在他們心裡種下了祂話語和原則的種子，
使他們的信仰得以成長。
作為父母可以見證這一點真的很寶貴。
DO NOT WORRY 不要憂慮
I have learned that God provides for our physical needs,
even if I feel we are lacking.
I have learned to put my whole trust in God and not doubt His love and care for His children.
It is natural to worry about our children and spouse,
but we should not become overly anxious
to the point where we doubt God's grace and power.
我已了解到神預備了我們的物質需要，
即使我覺得自已有所欠缺。
我已學會了完全信靠神，並且不會懷疑祂對孩子們的慈愛和關懷。
擔心我們的孩子和配偶是很自然的，
但我們不應該過度焦慮
到達我們會懷疑神的恩典和能力的程度。
I was encouraged by separate conversations with a couple of preachers' wives,
and the common theme I came away with was do not worry.
It sounds so simple,
but the worries of life can often bring uncertainty and anxiety.
Letting these feelings overpower us can make us doubt God's providence.
I often think about the encouragement I received from other preachers' wives,
and it gives me great comfort knowing that other sisters are in the same boat.
Remember, God is the One who is in control of all things.
If God looks after a sparrow,
why would He not look after His child,
who is even more precious?
與幾位傳道妻子的各別對話令我深受鼓舞，
我離開時的共同主題都是不要擔心。
聽起來很簡單，
但生活的憂慮往往會帶來不確定性和焦慮。
讓這些感覺壓倒我們，會讓我們懷疑神的旨意。
我常思想起其他傳道妻子對我的鼓勵，
知道有其他姊妹也有同樣的處境，讓我感到非常的安慰。
請記住，神是掌管萬事的那唯一。
如果神照顧一隻麻雀，
為什麼祂不會照顧自已的孩子，
誰更珍貴呢？
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
(Mt 10:31)
“31所以，不要懼怕，你們比許多麻雀還貴重！”
（太 10：31）
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink,
nor have an anxious mind.
For all these things the nations of the world seek after,
and your Father knows that you need these things.
But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
(Lk 12:29–31)
“29你們不要求吃甚麼，喝甚麼，
也不要罣心；
30這都是外邦人所求的。你們必須用這些東西，
你們的父是知道的。
31你們只要求他的國，這些東西就必加給你們了。”
（路 12：29-31）
Despite the challenges,
I have seen the blessings God has showered upon our family,
such as in the small gestures of generosity from neighbors and church brethren.
Despite the modest salary of a preacher,
we do not lack materially, and I have learned to be content
with what God has provided us.
Blessings are poured out upon us continuously.
Sometimes, we cannot see it
because we are too focused on the sufferings in front of us and the negatives around us.
We all go through difficulties at some point in life,
even preachers' families.
God wants to see how we respond to suffering;
He wants us to reach out and turn to Him and not rely on ourselves.
儘管面臨挑戰，
我看到了神給我們家的祝福，
就如鄰居和教會弟兄姐妹大方友好的小舉動。
儘管傳道者的收入微薄，
我們物質上並不匱乏，我也學會了知足，
滿足神所預備給我們的一切。
祝福源源不絕的傾注在我們身上。
有時候，我們看不到它，
因為我們太注意眼前的痛苦和周遭的負面情況。
在人生的某個時刻，我們每個人都會經歷困難，
甚至是傳道者的家庭。
神想看看我們如何面對苦難；
祂希望我們伸出雙手，轉向祂，而不是依靠自己。
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.
(Prov 3:5)
5你要專心仰賴耶和華，
不可倚靠自己的聰明，
（箴 3：5）
I hope through this personal sharing,
God will encourage sisters who may eventually become preachers' wives
to not worry about their role in their family and the household of God.
Give your best to God
by letting Him fulfill His purpose for His church through the church workers.
He will be watching over you and your family,
and He will be your Source of strength throughout your life.
希望透過這次個人的分享，
神會鼓勵姊妹，她們最終可能想要成為傳道的妻子，
不要憂慮自已在家庭和神家裡的角色。
把最好的獻給神，
讓神透過教會工人實現祂給自已教會的旨意。
祂都會看顧你和家人，
祂將成為你一生力量的泉源。
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(Rom 8:28)
28我們曉得萬事都互相效力，叫愛神的人得益處，
就是按他旨意被召的人。
（羅 8：28）
Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death 穿過死亡陰影之谷
Apphia Yeung—Calgary, Canada 加拿大加爾加里
In the name of the Lord Jesus,
I testify of God’s protection during a distressing incident early in my husband’s ministry.
My husband, Preacher Timothy Yeung,
was enrolled in the International Assembly (IA) Overseas Ministry Program,
which included serving five years in Africa.
Hence, after we married,
we relocated there to participate in the pioneering and pastoral work across East and West Africa.
奉主耶穌的聖名，
我見證神的保守，在我丈夫傳道初期，有一件令人痛苦的事件。
我丈夫是楊提摩太傳道，
參加了聯總（IA）海外事工計劃，
其中包括在非洲服事五年。
所以，我們結婚後，
我們搬到那裡，參與東西非的開拓和牧養工作。
This incident happened in Nigeria on November 8, 2001,
when we were staying in a member’s house.
This member was wealthy, so the place was spacious,
with an inner courtyard and security guards at the entrance.
However, this security was not enough to keep us from harm.
這件事發生在 2001 年 11 月 8 日的奈及利亞，
當我們住在信徒家時。
這位信徒很有錢，所以地方很寬敞，
有內部庭院，入口處有警衛。
然而，這種安全性並不足以使我們免受傷害。
At 3 a.m., we woke to a loud banging on the door.
The maid hurriedly told us to go upstairs to the master bedroom
and locked the door to the stairway behind us.
We looked out the window to see a gaping hole in the outer wall and seven or eight men
smashing the lights that encircled the courtyard,
leaving only darkness and the sound of banging and crashing.
We were filled with fear, and we were praying hard.
As I was praying, I wondered if the police had been called.
But my question was answered
when someone commented that the phone line had been disconnected due to unpaid bills.
There was no way of contacting the police.
凌晨三點，我們被一陣大門巨大的衝撞聲吵醒。
女傭趕緊叫我們上樓到主臥室，
並鎖上了我們身後樓梯的門。
我們向窗外望去，看到外牆有一個大洞和七、八個人。
他們打碎庭院周圍的燈光，
只剩下黑暗和撞擊和破碎的聲音。
我們充滿了恐懼，並且努力禱告。
當我禱告的時候，我想著到底有沒有人去報警。
而我的問題得到了解答，，
就有人回應說，電話線由於未付賬單而被切斷了。
沒有辨法可以聯繫警方。
We continued to pray while the banging noises continued intermittently.
It was most unnerving when the noises stopped
because it signaled that the intruders had managed to break into the house.
Once they were in, they used a sledgehammer
to break through the doors and searched all the rooms.
When they came to a metal security door,
they broke through the wall next to it.
We were in the master bedroom with many locks on the door,
but they smashed through the middle of the door and entered.
They started to beat us and demanded to know where our bedroom was.
Some men took me and the preacher downstairs
while the rest remained in the master bedroom.
我們繼續祈禱，而撞擊聲則斷斷續續持續發生。
當噪音停止時最是令人不安，
因為這表示入侵者已經設法闖入房屋。
一旦他們進來，就使用大錘子，
破門而入，搜查所有的房間。
當他們來到一扇金屬防盜門前時，
他們衝破了旁邊的牆。
我們在門上有許多鎖的主臥室，
但他們卻撞破門中間，並且進來了。
他們開始毆打我們，並要求知道我們的臥室在哪裡。
有些人把我和傳道帶到樓下，
而其餘人則留在主臥室。
When we reached our bedroom, we found it had been ransacked.
The robbers beat and threatened us,
demanding to know where our money was.
The only cash we had belonged to the church
—USD $1,500 for building a church in the village.
Because the whole room was turned upside down,
we had to search for the money bag
while they continued their intimidation.
When we handed them the cash,
they were satisfied and left.
But more men entered to beat us and demand money.
That was when we realized that they were not a single gang working together
but individuals stealing what they could for themselves.
當我們到達臥室時，發現已經被洗劫一空了。
強盜毆打威脅我們，
要求當知我們的金錢在哪裡。
我們唯一的現金屬於教會，
— $1500 美金是要用於建造村莊的教會。
因為整個房間都翻了個底朝天，
我們必須搜尋錢袋，
而他們則繼續恐嚇。
當我們把現金交給他們時
他們很滿意就離開了。
但更多的人進來毆打我們並索取錢財。
就在那時我們才意識到，他們不是一個搶劫的幫派，
而是個人為自己盡一切偷竊。
Then, the preacher and I were separated,
so we could not protect each other.
Two men took me upstairs and dragged me into a bathroom.
One was only wearing shorts,
so I was scared of what would happen and resisted his demand to turn around.
He used a rod to beat me,
catching my face and cutting my eye.
When the two men went downstairs, I hid.
Later, the maid came looking for me and told me they had gone.
She was shocked when she saw me.
My face was bloody, bruised, and swollen,
and my arm was broken and bleeding.
然後，傳道人和我分離了，
所以我們無法互相保護對方。
兩個男人把我帶到樓上，把我拖進浴室。
其中一人只穿著短褲，
所以我害怕將會發生的事，拒絕他轉身的要求。
他用棍子打我，
擊中了我的臉，並且割傷我的眼睛。
當這兩個男人下樓時，我就躲起來。
後來，女傭來找我，告訴我他們已經走了。
當她看到我時，她很震驚。
我血流滿面，瘀青又腫漲，
我手臂骨折了，還在流血。
The preacher came up from downstairs and was devastated to see my injuries.
He seemed fine, but he told me they had broken off the wooden door
and used part of it to beat him across the back.
After they beat him to the ground,
one asked,
“Do you want to kill him?”
傳道從樓梯走上來，看到我的傷勢，感到非常的震驚。
他看起來很好，但他告訴我，他們已經把木門弄壞了，
並用木門的一部分打在他的背上。
他們把他打倒在地後，
有人問，
“你想殺了他嗎？”
At that moment, the preacher felt at peace.
He told God in his heart,
“Lord, if You are willing to keep my life,
I am willing to come back here and keep serving You.”
那一刻，傳道感到很平安。
他在心裡對神說：
“主啊！如果你願意保守我的性命
我願意回到這裡，繼續服事你。”
Then the other man said,
“No, we don’t need to kill him.”
They beat him some more to ensure he could not retaliate,
and then they left.
We did not know if they would return,
but God gave us calm and peaceful hearts.
然後另一個人說：
“不，我們不需要殺他。”
他們又打了他一些，以確保他不能報復，
然後他們就離開了。
我們不知道他們會不會回來，
但神給了我們安靜平安的心。
The robbers had taken most of our luggage and food,
so we packed our remaining belongings into plastic bags.
The next day, we moved into a hotel;
as we walked into the lobby, visibly wounded and carrying plastic bags, people stared.
That night, I prayed,
“God, please don’t let me have nightmares.”
Thank God I slept well.
While we sorted through our possessions,
we sang the hymn Count Your Blessings.
We could not take photos to capture the aftermath
because our camera had been taken.
Thank God, the days passed peacefully after this.
強盜拿走了我們大部分的行李和食物，
所以我們把剩下的身家財物裝打包裝入塑膠袋。
隔天，我們搬進了一家旅館；
當我們走進大廳時，明顯受傷，帶著塑膠袋，大家都盯著看。
那天晚上，我禱告，
“神啊，請不要讓我做惡夢。”
感謝神我睡得很好。
當我們整理自己的財物時，
我們唱著讚美詩《數算恩典》。
我們無法照相記錄這種後果，
因為我們的相機已經被拿走了。
感謝神，此後日子過得很平安。
Afterward, we flew to Taiwan to recuperate.
When my friend picked me up from the airport, she cried.
The wounds on my face were still evident.
She was surprised that I did not want to seek counseling.
She said, “If I were you,
I would need to see a psychologist.
Weren’t you traumatized by what happened?”
After she asked this,
I realized that the peace that Jesus gives is so great:
隨後，我們飛回去台灣休養。
當我朋友來機場接我時，她哭了。
我臉上的傷口仍然很明顯。
她訝異我不會想去心理諮商。
她說：“如果我是你，
我需要去看心理醫生。
難道你沒有因為發生的事情而受到創傷後壓力症候群嗎？”
她問完這句話之後，
我才意識到耶穌所賜的平安是如此浩大：
The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
(Ps 23:1–2, 4)
1耶和華是我的牧者，我必不致缺乏。
2他使我躺臥在青草地上，
領我在可安歇的水邊。
4我雖然行過死蔭的幽谷，
也不怕遭害，
因為你與我同在；
你的杖，你的竿，都安慰我。
（詩 23：1-2，4）
I truly experienced these words.
This is the peace that Jesus gives.
Even though we are Christians,
it does not mean we will always be at peace
—healthy and free of troubles.
Yes, the Lord can give us peace in the world,
but more importantly,
He provides us with a peace that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts
(Phil 4:7).
In times of distress, we can hold on to our Father’s hand.
He is the stabilizing force that calms us during a storm.
This is the power of peace through Jesus Christ alone.
Without this peace, we would not have been able to continue the ministry.
By God’s grace, we did not give up
and experienced His blessings while working in Africa for the remaining five years.
We arrived in Africa as two but left as a family of five.
這句話我真的體會到了。
這就是耶穌所賜的平安。
儘管我們是基督徒，
這並不代表我們會永遠平安，
—身體健康，沒有疾病。
是的，主可以賜給我們世界的平安，
但更重要的是，
祂所賜我們賜出人意外的平安，並保守我們的心懷意念
（腓 4：7）。
當我們遇到困難的時候，我們可以緊握天父的手。
祂是讓我們暴風雨中平靜下來穩定的力量。
這就是只有耶穌基督帶來的平安力量。
若沒有這種平安，我們就無法繼續宣道。
靠著神的恩典，我們不會放棄，
並在剩下的五年裡，在非洲工作體驗祂的祝福。
我們兩個人來到非洲，但離開時帶著一家五口。
May all glory be to God!
Amen.
願一切榮耀歸給神！
阿門。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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