15. Manna issue 57 - Reflections 反省
Reflections on the 2008 Ministry Volunteer Program
2008 年宣道志工計劃的反省
What Is MVP? 何為宣道志工計劃？
The United States General Assembly held its first Ministry Volunteer Program (MVP)
from July 8-21 at Garden Grove Church.
This two-week internship was created with several goals:
to cultivate future workers for various ministries
and to spread awareness of the need for volunteers;
to provide in-person training in highly-specialized areas;
and to provide an opportunity for youths to volunteer for the church during summer break.
在 7 月 8 日至 21 日於園林教會，
美國總會舉辦了首屆宣道志工計畫（MVP）。
這次為期兩週的實習計畫旨在實現以下幾個目標：
為各項事工培育未來的工人，
並推廣志工需求的認知；
提供高度專業化的領域面授訓練；
給青少年提供機會在暑假期間成為教會的義工。
This year MVP consisted of four projects:
GA Library, E-Library, Freshman Survival Guide, and Commentary on the Gospel of John.
Team leaders led each project,
and the participants were divided into the teams based on their interest.
今年的宣道志工計畫包含了四個專案：
總會檔案中心圖書館，網路檔案中心，大一新生生存指南及約翰福音註釋。
每項專案都有一位團隊負責人帶領，
參與者根據其興趣而劃分成不同的團隊。
GA Library 總會檔案中心
Members of the GA Library team worked each day at the USGA office
implementing a book and CD library system under the guidance of an experienced librarian.
They catalogued the many different genres of books in the USGA library
and input all the information into a database.
A large set of audio CDs was also catalogued.
美國總會檔案中心團隊成員每天都在美國總會辦公室工作，
在一位有經驗的圖書館員的指導下，設置書藉及影音資料檔案系統。
他們於美國總會檔案中心進行各種不同書籍類型的分類，
並輸入所有的資訊進入資料庫。
他們也分類一大批音樂光碟。
With the book and CD library system organized and set up,
members from the USA will be able to make good use of these resources from the USGA library.
In addition, having learned the process of implementing a book and CD library system,
members of the GA Library team
can put their newly-acquired skills into good use at their respective churches.
隨著書藉及影音資料檔案系統的整理及設置完成，
美國信徒將能夠好好利用這些美國總會檔案系統的資源。
此外，在得知了藉及影音資料檔案系統的過程後，
美國總會檔案團隊的成員，
可以將他們新學會的技能好好運用到各自的教會中。
E-Library 線上檔案中心
The E-Library team learned various aspects of e-library content management
including formatting, uploading, and indexing web content.
Participants in the E-Library were in charge of preparing publications
such as Bible Study Guides and RE textbooks
so that they can be viewed online.
These resources are now available through the e-library website.*
線上檔案中心團隊學會了線上檔案中心管理的各種方面，
包括網頁內容的格式化，上傳和索引。
線上檔案中心的參與者會負責準備出版刊物，
例如查經指南和宗教教育教材，
以便大家可以線上瀏覽。
現在這些資源可以透過線上檔案中心網站存取。 *
Freshman Survival Guide 大一新生生存指南
The Freshman Survival Guide team contributed
to the creation of a collection of college-related testimonies and experiences
that will be given to high school seniors.
The team edited over fifty testimonies
in addition to writing their own testimonies for the guide.
All of the testimonies and articles were categorized into different aspects of college life,
which can be a useful tool for encouragement for members entering college.
大一新生生存指南團隊提供，
建立了一系列大學相關的見證和經驗，
可將這些資料傳給高三生。
團隊編輯了五十多則見證，
除了撰寫他們自己的見證來指引。
所有的見證和文章都按著各種大學生活不同的方面來分類，
這可以作為一種實用工具，來鼓勵即將進入大學的信徒。
Commentary on the Gospel of John 約翰福音註釋
Participants in this team learned ancient Greek
and studied key chapters of the Gospel of John
in preparation for indepth analysis of the book.
Learning the Greek alphabet and vocabulary
allowed team members to start translating short sentences
and reading the original text of the New Testament.
Through systematic study of key words in the book,
participants drew out the teachings into articles.
這組團隊的成員學了古希臘語，
並研讀了約翰福音的主要篇章，
為準備深入分析這本經卷。
學習希臘字母和詞彙，
使團隊成員可以開始翻譯短句，
並閱讀新約聖經的原文。
透過有系統的研讀聖經關鍵字，
成員汲取出教誨撰寫文章。
Jessie Yang
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend MVP full time
and be part of the commentary team.
Though I had little idea of what the workshop would be like,
every moment was a blessing from God.
我感謝神給我有機會來參加宣道志工計劃，
並成為註釋團隊的一員。
雖然我不太了解這講習會的內容會是什麼，
但每一刻都有神的祝福。
Prior to MVP,
I thought we would perhaps read the Gospel of John
and comment on the verses.
Having attended Bible study for many years,
it seemed like an easy task.
However, when we were told
that we would be learning Greek for the majority of the time,
I realized that there was more to it then just “commenting.”
在參加宣道志工計劃之前，
我認為自已可能會研讀約翰福音，
並對經文進行註釋。
由於參加查經多年，
這似乎是一項簡單的任務。
然而，當我們被告知，
大部分時間我們將會學習希臘語時，
我才意識到這不僅僅是“註釋”那麼簡單。
We learned the Greek alphabet as well as grammar and sentence structure,
which gave us the tools to start studying key words in depth.
Participants were divided into pairs for word studies
on certain key terms in the Gospel of John.
Each verse with that key term was studied
and analyzed within the context of the chapter,
then categorized according to its usage.
我們同時學習了希臘字母，文法和句型結構，
這給我們工具去開始深入研究關鍵字。
參與者分成兩人一組，進行字詞研究，
研究約翰福音的某些關鍵字。
研究有關鍵字每一節的經文，
並分析這篇的內容，
然後根據其用法進行分類。
Finally, we analyzed each category in detail
and summarized our findings in an article on the given topic.
The learning process was not an easy one,
yet it was such a rewarding experience.
最後，我們分析了每個類別的細節，
並歸納我們於指定主題發現的文章。
學習過程並不輕鬆，
但卻是一次非常收益良多的體驗。
I realized that it was through the most basic step of learning Greek
that God wanted me to re-examine my attitude and heart in serving Him.
There had been moments in the past
when I felt I was ready to serve,
yet I was faced with challenges and discouragement and my zeal soon disappeared.
Why was it that my fervor could not last through both sunshine and rain?
我意識到，正是透過學習希臘文這最基礎的腳步，
神要我重新檢視自己服事祂的態度和內心。
過去也曾有過這樣的時刻，
那時我覺得自己已準備好可以服事祂，
然而，我卻遭遇挑戰和挫折，自已的熱心很快就消退了。
為什麼自已的熱心無法經得起風雨的考驗呢？
After two weeks of MVP,
I found the answer I was looking for:
Moses is an example for us to follow in staying zealous for God.
Though Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt,
God waited for eighty years before calling him.
When Moses felt he was ready to do God’s work,
to deliver His people out of suffering,
God did not use him right away.
經過兩週宣道志工計劃的課程，
我找到了自已一直在尋找的答案：
摩西是我們一個可效法的榜樣，可以保持熱心愛神。
雖然摩西受揀選去帶領以色列人出埃及，
在呼召他之前，神等了八十年。
當摩西覺得自己準備好要做神的工作時，
要拯救祂的子民脫離苦難，
神並沒有立刻用他。
So likewise in our service,
we must also be trained prior to being used by God.
God’s work is not accomplished overnight but step-by-step.
Learning the Greek alphabet is the foundation;
with it we will be able to understand the original text of the Bible
and better understand God’s word.
This is like our daily spiritual cultivation of reading the Bible and praying;
with them, our spiritual life will be healthier, helping us understand the will of God.
同樣的情況，在我們的服事中，
自已也必須先接受訓練，才能為神使用。
神的聖工並非一蹴可及，而是循序漸進的。
學習希臘字母就是基礎；
有了希臘文，我們就能了解聖經的原文，
更明白神的話語。
這就像我們每日靈修，讀經禱告；
有這些方法，我們的靈命就會更健康，幫助我們明白神的旨意。
It truly takes determination, dedication, and endurance
to fully ready ourselves for God’s use.
All three are necessary in serving God, and none can stand alone.
Determination is to know
that we will serve God until the end
regardless of what we may face in the future.
Once we have a clear understanding, then there must be dedication.
真心需要決心，奉獻和毅力，
才能完全預備好自己，為神所用。
這三者於服事神都是必要的，缺一不可。
決心就代表可以明白，
自已會服事神直到永遠，
無論我們未來會面臨什麼事。
一旦我們有了清楚的認識，就一定會有奉獻。
It may sound easy, but it is very difficult
to maintain a dedicated heart, mind, and soul.
Dedication is to strengthen our determination with the help of daily spiritual cultivation.
By this, we will have perseverance and endurance
through all the challenges we might face in our service for the Lord.
這聽起來很容易，但非常困難的，
要保持奉獻盡心，盡性，盡意。
奉獻是在每日靈修的幫助，來增強我們的決心。
如此行，我們才能堅韌與忍耐，
在我們服事主之時，通過一切自已可能要面對挑戰。
Lastly, MVP has shown me that we are indeed one in the body of Christ.
Although the participants spent most of the time in their respective teams,
we all put our totality into serving God and His church.
God has given each participant different gifts and abilities;
as long as we have the heart to learn and to serve Him,
He will add strength to us.
最後，宣道志工計劃讓我明白，我們真是在基督的身體彼此合一。
雖然學員用大部分的時間於各自的團隊，
但我們大家都要全心全意服事神及祂的教會。
神已賜給每位學員不同的恩賜和能力；
只要我們樂意來學習及服事祂，
祂必加添我們力量。
It does not matter what part of the body of Christ we are
because all are equally important.
我們是基督身體的哪個部位並不重要，
因為所有肢體都同等重要。
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it;
or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
(1 Cor 12:26)
26若一個肢體受苦，所有的肢體就一同受苦；
若一個肢體得榮耀，所有的肢體就一同快樂。
(林前 12：26)
I thank God for giving us the opportunity to learn to serve Him better;
to serve Him faithfully.
我感謝神給我們機會去學習更好的服事祂；
可以忠心事奉祂。
Kelly Wu
God truly works in mysterious ways.
Before coming to MVP,
I was struggling to find peace and joy in my heart
because my life was so busy.
I was mentally tired of all the things going on around me and in me.
It felt like I was on a train that never stopped.
神真的以奇妙的方式作工。
在來到宣道志工計劃前，
我一直難以找到內心的平安與喜樂，
因為我的生活太忙碌。
我心理厭煩自已周遭及內心所發生的一切事情。
那感覺就像我坐在一列永不停歇的火車。
I was excited to attend MVP and join the commentary team
because I knew I would be immersed in God’s word,
learning and commenting on the Book of John.
What I didn’t know was
that I would have to learn how to read, write, and speak Greek,
learn the skills of exegesis, and how to research topical studies.
我很興奮能參加宣道志工計劃並加入註釋團隊，
因為我知道自已將沉浸在神的話語中，
學習並評註約翰福音。
但我所沒想到的是，
我會要學習如何讀，寫，說希臘語，
學習註釋技巧，以及如何進行專題研究。
Would something like this give someone a heart of peace and joy?
On paper, the answer may be no,
but this was exactly the medicine I needed.
I came out of MVP with not just a heart of peace and joy,
but a heart overflowing with peace, joy, and zeal to continue to serve the Lord.
像這樣的事情會讓人內心獲得平安和喜樂嗎？
從理論上講，答案或許是否定的，
但這正是我所需要的良藥。
離開宣道志工計劃之後，不僅擁有了內心的平安與喜樂，
而且內心流淌了平安、喜樂，及熱心能繼續服事主。
At MVP, I would wake up every day refreshed
and ready to go, excited to learn, hear, and see what was going to be new.
All the classes, prayers, sharing, and fellowships
were like drinking a cold glass of water
after running a marathon on a hot summer’s day.
在宣道志工計劃，我會每天醒來都神清氣爽，
準備就緒，很興奮的學習，聆聽，且察看有什麼正在發生的新事物。
所有的課程，禱告，分享和團契，
就像喝了一杯涼水，
於炎炎夏日跑完馬拉松之後。
It was such a good feeling to see all the participants
in different projects working diligently and completing their tasks.
Although we were separated into four different groups,
we all worked together as one body in Christ,
and all of our labor was put forth in service to our almighty God.
What glory and honor that is!
很令人欣慰可以看到所有學員，
在不同專案中勤奮工作並完成他們自已的任務。
雖然我們被分成不同的四組，
但我們大家都一起工作如同基督的一個身體，，
我們所有的勞力都為投入服事自已全能的真神。
那真是何等的榮耀尊貴！
Sometimes, after serving the Lord for years,
we fail to remember the true essence of why we are serving the Lord.
We begin to wonder what others think about our service,
and forget about how the Lord considers our service.
This is where I failed.
Many times in my servitude, I felt alone, discouraged, and wanted to give up.
It felt overwhelming to take on certain tasks.
有時候，服事主多年之後，
我們忘了記住真正意義，為何我們要一直服事主。
我們開始會想，別人會如何看待我們的服事，
卻忘了主是如何看待我們的事奉。
這正是我失敗的地方。
很多時候在我服事時，自已會感到孤單，灰心，甚至想要放棄。
在承擔某些任務時，會感到不堪負荷。
But through MVP, I learned valuable lessons from Moses’ life
that I didn’t realize before.
Moses also felt alone, discouraged,
and did not want to take on the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
However, he did not go empty handed.
Before Moses took on this great task,
God trained him for eighty years and equipped him with three signs
(Ex 4:2-10).
但經由宣道志工計劃，我從摩西的生平學到了許多寶貴的教訓，
那是我以前從未意識的。
摩西也曾感到孤單，沮喪，
而且不想承擔這個任務，去帶領以色列人出埃及。
然而，他並非空手而去。
在摩西承擔這項偉大的任務之前，
神訓練祂八十年，並給祂裝備三個神蹟
(出 4：2-10)。
The rod that Moses carried with him
to do all the signs and wonders was not his rod, but God’s rod.
Likewise for us, the Lord will provide for us
and will equip us before we do His work.
We each carry a rod in our servitude,
and it is a rod that God gives to us that belongs to Him.
And because our rod belongs to God,
He will surely bestow on us power and strength
to carry out any task.
摩西隨身攜帶的杖，
施行了一切的神蹟奇事，並不是他的杖，而是神的杖。
對我們而言是同樣的情況，主給我們預備，
在我們進行祂聖工之前，就會裝備我們。
在我們個人在服事中都帶著一根杖，
這是神賜給我們的，屬於祂的杖。
因為我們的杖屬於神，
祂必賜給我們能力和力量，
去完成任何任務。
As we hold onto this rod in our servitude,
God promises that His spirit will forever be with us,
only an arm’s length away,
as long as we do not let go of our rod.
當我們在自已事奉緊握這根杖，
神就應許祂聖靈將永遠與我們同在，
就在我們觸手可及之處，
只要我們不放開自已的杖。
The blessings that God has given to us freely cannot be numbered.
We are not worthy to serve this almighty God.
But because this Lord that we serve is so loving and merciful,
He has given us this chance,
this opportunity to pay Him back for all He has done for us.
This in itself is a blessing in disguise.
神白白賜給我們的恩典數不勝數。
我們不配服事這位全能的真神。
但因為我們所服事的主是如此慈愛憐憫，
祂已給我們這個機會，
這種可以回報祂為我們所為一切的機會。
這本身就是一種變相的祝福。
MVP is not just about finishing the project we are assigned to do,
but it is about learning how to serve the Lord,
giving back to the church, reviving the fire within our hearts,
working as one body of Christ, and understanding who we are as royal priests.
宣道志工計劃不僅要完成我們被分配的項目，
而是要學習如何服事主，
回饋教會，重燃自已內心的熱心，
像一個基督的身體一同事奉，並了解自已作為君尊的祭司的身份。
I thank God with all of my heart
that He has given all of us this precious opportunity to serve Him.
God has and is always faithful to His loved ones.
I can only hope and pray that as the days go by all of us,
coworkers near and far,
will be able to serve Him faithfully
and keep this fire burning within us day and night.
我全心全意的感謝神，
祂已經賜給我們大家這種寶貴的機會可以去服事祂。
神過去與現在都依然信實的來照顧祂所愛之人。
我只能衷心祈禱，祈願我們所有人隨著歲月流逝，
工人無論遠近，
都能忠心服事祂，
並讓我們心中這熱心的火焰的日夜燃燒。
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)