彩虹小品

（經文：路加福音十五章11―32）

                                                      賴建鵬牧師講

                                                   陳馮翠璧筆錄

 

今天有一些青少年就像浪子一樣，生活在「自我」及[背逆]裡面。

我認識一位青年，他不肯勤力讀書，不為將來工作、生活擔心，並稱父母的養老金已足夠他一生使用。

另外有一位十六歲的女孩子，父母有很多生意，人生得漂亮又聰明，但無心向學。她是「浪子」，花錢、吸毒，濫交朋友令父母痛心不已。

現在教養孩子不是一件簡單的事。小時候，孩子都很可愛，到了青少年期，便會產生很多問題。

有人說，在北美洲教養小孩是極之困難，因為他們受著周圍的環境及「同儕壓力」的影響。以至有些孩子們「有樣學樣」地跟「時代潮流」走，令深愛他們的父母親痛心欲絕。所以，不要將教養孩子的責任全推給母親，我們要做一個稱職的父親，因為這是神交給我們何等崇高的職位。聖經告訴我們，父親是一家的「祭司」，要好好地帶領一家人認識神，讀神的話。

父親的每一句話及對兒女愛的表露，是孩子們一生永遠不會忘記的。師母在年幼時常聽父親講聖經故事，令她一生受用不盡；每當她讀到某一聖經故事，腦海就浮起父親如何講述故事及教導的圖畫。由此可見，父親所扮演的角色是非常重要的，對小孩子的影響一生受用不盡。

每一個人在母腹形成時，便有臍帶連於母體，這是一條「生命帶」。神是生命的創造者，而父母親是孩子品格的塑造者，「生命帶」正好將父母親的性格、血液和氣息流到嬰兒生命體內。「生命帶」是生命的延續，也是生命的分享。

嬰兒出生，醫生便把臍帶剪斷，但嬰孩與父母親之間還有一條無型的「生命帶」，是永遠剪不斷的。父母親屬靈的生命，透過無形的「生命帶」，把神的真善美帶給子女。

 

 

我們可以從浪子的父親身上學到三件事：

 

一父親的信心

 

他每一天在門口等兒子回來，聖經雖沒有告訴我們他等了多久，但他是天天等。時間對一個有愛的人來說不會太長，尤其父母對子女的愛。有些人可能對浪子的父親說：不應再等了，再等下去兒子也不會回來，何必呢？太辛苦了，不如早一點死心。但這位父親的心並沒有死，因為他有信心，他相信兒子終有一天會回家，今天不回來，明天會回來的。

終於，他等到了，聖經說：「相離甚遠，浪子的父親就看見他，去抱著他的頸項，連連與他親嘴。」因為有信心，就有盼望，他看見兒子的影子，便知道是他的兒子的出現，這是一個父親得勝的信心。

信心是什麼？信心就是所望的之事的實底，是未見之事的確據。（希十一：一）

我認識一位年長的牧師，他的孩子在十六、七歲時吸毒，又常駕大型的摩托車在公路快跑。父母用盡力量苦勸都不聽，只能在他每次開著車子離開時，心中默默為他禱告。直有至一天，他兒子發生意外撞車，頭部傷得很重，正因這次意外，他的兒子悔改了，後來到海外作一年參予福音戒毒工作。

信心能讓我們看到一般人看不見的事。以利沙的僕人，他看不見天軍天使，他所看到的只是敵人的軍兵圍繞著他們，以致懼怕；而以利沙所看見的是天軍天使與他同在。十二個探子窺探迦南地，大夥人看不到神的帶領，所以認為事不可為；但只有約書亞和迦勒看到這是神所賜流奶與蜜的地方，並可以攻取其地。

信心帶來盼望，一個有信心的父親，不斷地流淚為孩子禱告，終必看見信心的果效。剛才提及的女孩，已經是「浪子回頭」了，今已進入大學讀書，與父母的關係很好，這亦是神對其父母不斷禱告的回應。

我們要讀神的話語，因為信心是從神的話語得來。不論任何環境，祂的話就如光一樣在黑暗的照耀；雖是好像無路可走，及無希望，但我們的神是能使「曠野開道路、沙漠開江河」，在人不能，在神凡事都能。

二、降低尊嚴

 

浪子的父親約制自己不嚴責兒子。他可以在看見孩子回來時，大罵一頓，孩子必定乖乖的垂頭喪氣，不敢開口。但我們看到的不是這幅圖畫，卻是另一感人的場面。

這父親降低了父親的尊嚴，約制了自己的脾氣，沒有消極的責備；他什麼話也沒說，而且當他兒子向他認錯時，兒子話還未說完，他便跑過去親吻他兒子。他甚至沒有說：「好了，好了，我原諒你了！」反而立刻吩咐僕人，把最好的衣服給兒子穿，將戒指給兒子戴上，將鞋穿在兒子的腳上，把肥牛宰殺了，開盛大的慶祝會。

神也曾要我學習這功課。我的小兒子有時也惹我的怒氣，以前我會打他、責備他，但每次心裡都很難受。但有一次，神叫我降低自己的尊嚴，節制自己，把脾氣收藏起來。感謝神的恩典，兒子現在已感受到我的愛。

 

三、俯就孩子

 

「俯就」跟「遷就」不同。「遷就」是「算了」的心態，但「俯就」是要有寬闊的心，正所謂退一步海闊天空。

浪子的父親沒有計較兒子浪費了多少錢財，雖然兒子穿的是破爛的衣服、蓬鬆的頭髮、發臭的身體，他卻跑去連連與他親嘴，來迎接他的兒子的「回歸」。

正如神肯接納「不配」的我們，所以，我們亦要接納我們這「不像樣」的孩子。有時候孩子們的看法與我們不同，我們要慢慢學習「開放自已」去瞭解他們的需要，看他們實際的情形，接納他們的軟弱和選擇，然後向他們逐漸分析。他們或許有時做錯了，我們還要「俯就」接納他們。

我亦曾因孩子讀書的問題與大兒子有分歧的意見，他甚至發脾氣哭了。感謝神的恩典，祂要我學習謙卑，若硬碰硬一定更糟，於是，我向他認錯。父親為孩子的學業操心、為他們計劃是錯嗎？是錯了。錯在那裡？錯在做父母的以為是為兒女著想，卻原來是為自己，將自己的經驗和看法強加在子女身上。

我們若在主的愛裡，便可以看到自己的過錯，並敢向孩子說：「我錯了！」及「孩子，對不起！」

黃偉康心理學博士曾說：「父母勇於向孩子認錯，所發出果效之大，超乎想像，兒女是被動的，他們都渴望得到父母的讚賞、肯定和接納。若得不到，不但自己受傷害，且去傷害別人，又在壞的環境中取得肯定，如果兒女懷恨在心，對家長和自身都有很大的欠缺，真正的英雄是可以坦誠向子女陪罪，謹記這條金鎖匙，善用它來開啟子女關係之門。」1

浪子故事中，大兒子人在家，心卻不在家，也沒有父親的心。

今天有很多青年人，把家當成旅館一樣。有一位母親，每星期只能與兒子吃一頓晚飯，所以每每預備很好的食物；但當朋友的電話一到，兒子便不喫而走，叫父母的心真難受。

另外一個青年人，父母年紀大了，希望他幫忙剪草，但他往往到女朋友家中剪草，而忘了家中父母的需要。這樣，難道父母要大罵他們嗎？

故事中的大兒子看見弟弟回來，把錢都花光了，父親還要為他大擺筵席，他心裡難過，認為父親不應這樣做。浪子的父親對大兒子說：「兒阿，你常和我同在，我一切所有的，都是你的。只是你這個兄弟，是死而復活，失而又得的，所以我們理當歡喜快樂。」

父親看見的是「死而復活」、「失而又得」而肯歸來的兒子。但浪子的哥哥所看見的是他「自己應得的產業」及父親的不公平。父親有愛，不計較幼子的得失，因愛能包容及遮蓋一切[愛能遮掩一切] 箴言十：12，但浪子的哥哥沒有愛，所以他就會斤斤計較弟弟的過錯。雖然如此，父親還是「俯就」勸大兒子，又與他同分享浪子回頭的喜樂。

 

最後，我們看看這故事中的五個動詞，是描述父愛的實際行動。

 

 

看見

 

浪子的父親遠遠便看見兒子回來。今天我們做父親的看見什麼呢？我們要看見孩子內心的需要，要看見孩子的難題，要看見現在的環境與處境，看見之後才能體會到孩子的內心世界及感受。看見自己的不能，要看見神的大能。

 

動了慈心

 

當浪子的父親看見兒子回來，便動了慈心。

當我們肯花時間看孩子時，神必能感動及啟發我們的心。與兒子溝通、談心事，個別關懷他們，讓他們有機會知道你是關心他們的父親。美國伊利諾大學的一份研究報告指出；爸爸每天花一點點時間詢問孩子上課情況及與同學相處的情形，就會天天提升他們的閱讀和就學測驗成績。我們也要學習向他們分享及分擔我們內心的樂與憂, 以及自己過去或現在的挫折感.他們有難題時，你可以跟他們分擔，你要一直在他們身邊。不要以為孩子大了，讓他們自己決定好了。須知道，在人生的道路上，有很多事會令人不知所措，他們需要你的輔導與關心，時加以肯定，支持及鼓勵，作他們生命的嚮導。碰到有關家庭搬遷或去留問題時，可參考他們的意見，讓他們感到他們在家的地位，有份參與「家」的決定。這樣, 家庭的維繫（bonding）才得以相通.

 

跑去

 

浪子的父親看見兒子，便跑去迎接他。他並沒有慢慢走，「他跑」，他以實際的行動去關懷他的兒子。[他跑], 乃讓孩子感到父親對他的寵愛.[跑去]，是需要力量的，這力量的來源就是愛。我們愛, 因為神先愛我們﹝約一4:1﹞

「跑」也是意味著「要快速」，教養孩子要快速，要趁著可以教導的時候教導他。箴言書說：「教養孩童，使他走當行的道，就是到老，也不偏離。」因為長大了，成型了，就難教了。

 

擁抱及親嘴

擁抱、親嘴是愛的表達，孩子最需要的是父母全然的愛。一個得到足夠「親情之愛」的孩子，是比較容易去愛別人，因為愛能衍生力量，愛是生生不息。

「擁抱」及「親嘴」是中東及西方人的禮儀習慣，與中國人的含蓄大相逕庭。東方人不善於表達感情。尤其是男性，他們把感情隱藏在心裡，但愛是看不見的，愛需要用行動表達。有許多的父親為了要維持父親的尊嚴、剛強，在兒女面前不輕易表現「慈父」，以為「嚴父」才是稱職的父親。

其實，我們應要向西方的家長學習。孩子們感到有愛的溫暖，因為透過「擁抱」及「親親」，把愛、溫暖及真情流露到他們心中，當他們傷心跌倒時，給他們一個「安慰的擁抱」，當興奮高興時又給他們一個「熱切的擁抱」。孩子雖已長大，擁抱可不能停。

有時，我們做父親的覺得要維護自己的尊嚴，沒有好好向子女表達自己的愛，這是錯誤觀念。一位年長的父親失去一個兒子後，在他的一首詩歌裡表達了他的懊悔：

 

我很愛你，但

我從來沒有跟你說一聲：「我愛你」

我內心實在是愛你

但我從沒有表達出我愛你的心。

 

讓我們在這個父親節反省我們是不是一位稱職的父親。讓浪子的父愛感動我們的心，叫我們曉得如何實際地去實踐我們對孩子的愛。http://youtu.be/V8FdW0diox4

 

 

 

 

註釋:[1] 天倫樂月刊2002年十月[加面版] 1頁

三月 1st, 2011 Edit

奧加族傳道 感人影片

【我們有一故事傳給萬邦】http://blog.udn.com/mylight/4426356 詩集：青年聖歌 I，129 以下是摘錄自號角月報加西版08年12月[梁立己醫生短宣]一文:[6]“九十年代，梁立己醫生曾往秘鲁近厄瓜多爾邊界小鎮裡的一間教會,作短宣事奉[修牙及傳福音]。有一天老牧師Bert Elliot來訪他們的診所，便詢問牧師在那裡建堂的經過。牧師說，他父親是傳道人，自幼便受宣教薰陶；五十年代初，他的哥哥Jim  Elliot與四位青年同工來到那裡，神給他們負擔要向北面厄瓜多爾高原上的一個原始殘暴民族傳道。起初三個月，他們用飛機向土著吊下一些禮物，建立了初步關係。經過不住的禱告，感到時機成熟，五個年輕人便降落在高原上，與土著接觸。 可是，在降落後的第三天，便慘遭土著全部殺害。他們殉教的消息傳返基地，死難者的親友固然悲痛不已，但神的恩典確是出人意表，Jim     Elliot 的遺孀帶着幾歲的女孩，連同飛機師的妹妹，三個人竟然冒着危險登上高原，繼承死去的丈夫及哥哥的願望，與殺死他們至親的兇手共同生活。她們一去便是幾十年， 譯經傳道，把青春生命都獻上，最後整個高原民族都接受了基督。這位老牧師也追隨了哥哥的心志，五十年代與太太來到那裡宣教。梁醫生說：「我聽到這裡，不禁抽泣起來，我被世界不配有的人所感動了。 耶穌說最偉大的愛，是為人而死，他們雖然沒有為人而死，但他們卻為人而活。但見白髮蒼蒼的牧師夫婦，鄉音無改鬢毛衰﹔五十多年來的温柔事奉，也沒有回鄉的念頭，更打算為神和人民獻上最後一口氣。如此的効力，怎不教我謙卑，叫我汗顏無地。我看到自己的自私，感到自己所做的簡直是微不足道，但願把一切榮耀都歸於耶和華。」Jim     Elliot 曾說：「那個付出他不能擁有的，來賺取他不會失去的，可不是傻瓜。) 」1906年，Bert Elliot牧師、師母以他哥哥命名的教會成立五十週年紀念，梁醫生剛好在那裡一起慶祝，但見那教會的興旺，他感到神的喜悦。五十年來，别人為名利而奔波，而他們的寶藏卻存在天上。將來他們回天家述職，神可對他們說：「美好的仗你已打過了，我的道你也守住了！” [註]梁立己醫生是我在渥太華華人宣道會開荒牧會時[74-75]決志信主 賴建鵬 1956年一月的某一天﹐五名年輕的美籍宣教士在赴厄瓜多爾的歐卡宣教前﹐同心祈禱及高唱“我們有 一 故事傳給萬邦” 。唱完這一首宣教詩歌﹐與家人及同工說聲“再見” ﹐就浩浩蕩蕩地向著那些從未聽過福音的未開化民族傳福音。數天後，消息傳來，他們全部被歐卡印第安人殺死﹐為主殉道。但福音的種子往往是用殉道者的血所澆灌。今天﹐數百萬的歐卡人都因福音而蒙拯救。是的﹐有許多宣教詩歌﹐如[到遠方傳福音] ﹑[快去傳福音] 與[我們有一故事傳給萬邦] 等﹐信息同樣充滿能力﹐激勵愛主的基督徒奔向未得之地傳福音。儘管是充滿黑暗﹐生命沒有保障的艱難危險地帶﹐即使犧性生命，也所不惜.因著愛主﹑愛靈魂的心﹐宣教士陸續不斷地勇往直前﹐直至福音普傳﹐將喪失的靈魂帶進祂的國度裡。請打開[奧加族傳道 感人影片– 一粒麥子]http://blog.udn.com/mylight/4426356   我們有一故事傳給萬邦，能使人心回轉歸正； 這故事真實又美妙，滿有平安與光明，滿有平安與光明。 我們有一詩歌唱給萬邦，能使人心向主歸降； 這詩歌能勝過罪惡，能粉碎利劍矛槍，能粉碎利劍矛槍。 副歌：因黑夜必要轉為晨光，到正午更顯得輝煌， 基督國度就降臨地上，全地充滿愛與光。

作文的題目是「偉大的媽媽」。上一代的典型文章：「作媽媽很辛苦，我長大之後，一定要好好地孝順媽媽……」下一代的典型文章：「作媽媽很辛苦，我作了媽媽之後，一定要兒女好好孝順我……」我們的心眼兒究竟是著眼於我們承受主恩典後的感恩之情，還是著眼於我們為主付出代價後的望報之心？節錄自20013 05月10日〔每日讀經釋義〕母愛的偉大

賴建鵬牧師講 　　陳馮翠璧記錄
每當母親節的時候，我會有無限的感觸，我 想到很多偉人的背後，都有一位偉大的母親。也有一些弱智的孩子們，都因著偉大的母愛的扶持，在痛苦、艱難中與孩子一同走過黑暗難走的幽谷，掙扎支撐爬上難 上的高山。聖經中講到：「不要自以為有智慧，要敬畏耶和華，遠離惡事，這便醫治你的肚臍，滋潤你的百骨。」（箴言3：7-8）

在人的身體中，肚臍和百骨是十分重要的。肚臍可稱為生命帶。當我們在母腹中剛成形時，就有一條生命帶與母體連結。

生命帶來自父母的性格，有母親的血流到嬰兒的體內，這生命帶是生命的是延續，生命的分享。雖然嬰兒一出生，醫生就把它剪斷，但我們與母親之間仍然有一條無形的生命帶，是永遠切不斷的。

生 命帶恰可比喻是神與人的關係，神通過母親將生命放在我們裡面，乃是神的靈在我們裡面，這是一條不能看見亦不能剪斷的生命帶，就是你與神之間的生命帶。這” 帶”要引導你直到身體離開世界，你的靈要回到創造你的神那裡。所以我們要保持這條生命帶，不可放鬆也不可切斷，否則我們就要在人生的苦海中飄浮，在人生的 曠野迷失。

母愛乃是神所賜，母愛乃是天性的愛，是偉大的愛，神通過母愛在我們身上顯出祂的愛，所以家庭的生命帶就是愛。神藉著母親來塑造我們的生命，母親乃是影響我們一生重要的人物，要孩子將來怎樣，就要看你今天怎樣與孩子分享神的愛。

有時候我們責備、教導子女，要孩子成為怎麼樣的人，你就要怎麼樣正面教導他們。中國人常常愛責罵小孩蠢、無用，對他們的影響很大，因為母親具有很大的影響力，小孩就會常常被這負面的觀念影響。縱然母親本為他們好，但卻做成效果相反的事。

應該在甚麼時候開始教導子女

有人說三歲定八十，所以三之歲前要好好地教導小孩。其實更早的時期是胎教。這也是有聖經的根據的。胎兒在母腹中已分享母親的血液、質素、情緒。比如有的小孩子不愛理睬人，可能是懷孕時，母親常常生氣、憂愁，沒有喜樂，影響了胎兒的品性。

撒母耳的耳朵為什麼這麼快能聽到神的話，因為當他媽媽在懷孕中禱告時，禱告已進到嬰兒裡面，已在腹中領受。

吃奶的時候

小孩吃奶的時候，做母親的也要跟他禱告謝恩，從小及逐漸要教導他（她）神的話語，不要以為他們聽不懂，無論甚麼時候也要以神的話語教導他們，教導他們人的價值、人是甚麼。

詩篇第八篇中提到：「我是誰？」。神創造宇宙萬物，人在宇宙中是極其微小的，但神仍眷顧我，因為祂愛我。「我」在神眼中是何等寶貴啊。

人 是照著神的形象造的，所以小孩從小就要讓他有正確價值觀，建立一個健康、積極的自我形象。許多時候我們把世界上的成就、社會的地位、職業的種類，來評估人 的價值，這是不完全的。有時候孩子成績不理想，並不是由於他們懶惰，而是他們真的唸不上，故不要把他們與別的孩子相比。所以我們不要以社會上競爭的方式來 建立人生，不要以聰明或金錢為最高的追求目標，要以基督徒的真誠品格和摯愛精神來對神對人。

母親是教導兒女敬拜神的第一位，自己要把神的聖潔、憐憫、大能、信實，在日常生活中活出來。

守望的工作

為兒女作守望者。守望乃是要儆醒，為兒女的生活幸福做守望、儆醒，在禱告中為兒女禱告，一同祈禱，不是以禱告為難或威脅他們，不要在禱告中數算他們的不足，否則他們一聽到家庭禮拜就恐懼了。乃與小孩一同敬拜，讓他們知道神是愛我們的，樂意與神談話溝通。

聖 奧古斯丁的母親對他有很大的影響，可是在她生前並不知道，直到她死後，這做兒子的卻有很大的改變。他寫了一篇懺悔錄，認識人類真正在神的光照中在神面前看 到自己的本相，從內心發出哀歎、痛悔、渴望，乃至回轉到神的面前，他為什麼有這樣改變，全因他媽媽的禱告，他媽媽為他做守望者。所以做父母的要作子女的守 望者，約伯天天也為兒女獻祭，為兒女感恩、儆醒、守望，就是以身作則的明証。

懷念何曉東弟兄
一月 29th, 2012 Edit

轉錄自真理報2012-2

賴建鵬

在一九六五年期間，我在柬埔寨獲悉香港「福音廣播團契」登報傳福音的果效，我也學傚他們在柬埔寨登報傳福音，因而認識何曉東弟兄。我在香港讀神學時，何弟兄從美國到香港領會，我特地從長洲建道神學院出來聽他講道，他是一位愛神愛人的傳道人，講道充沛有力。一九六八年，我申請來加拿大讀神學，當時領事館需要我提供一份經濟保證書，我去信向他提及此事，他立刻為我代勞辦妥。我們雖然只是一面之交，他卻肯為我寫這份珍貴的保證書，真令我十分感動，領受他的恩情，沒齒難忘。他是我的摯友，也是我的恩師。

何曉東弟兄原籍福建福州，於一九二六年四月廿二日出生於中國上海顯赫的家族，成長在中國一個佛教道教背景的家庭，他父親是張作霖的秘書，天資聰敏，精通英文、俄文，是當年上海名律師，被譽為法律界的五虎將之一。

何弟兄從小到大就是一個有夢想的人，年輕時的他都是活在夢境之中。歸納起來，他有四個不同的夢想，都是由於不滿現實而產生。第一個夢：他九歲喪母，失去母愛，十分孤單，他想用玩“碟仙＂招魂的方法與母親通話，因而被邪靈蒙騙，交了些鬼靈之友，一直在這個夢裡打轉，直至信主為止。第二個夢：父親管教甚嚴，對他期望極高，使他畏父如虎，於是他就自我陶醉於一些童話與神仙故事中，希望可以逃避現實。第三個夢：他喜愛文藝寫作，希望能像當代的大文豪，可以寫出一本巨著，改造世界。第四個夢：也是當代愛國青年的夢，面對國難家仇，每個人都希望中國會強大，把列強打倒。所以，由抗日運動起，一直到共產運動，他都參與。

他的這四大夢令他掙扎不安，痛苦萬分。信主後，靠著主的大能，他擺脫了這些夢想，而把神賜給他的寫作恩賜，活潑地把福音信息透過文字，分享給千萬讀者，讓人蒙恩得救。

一九四八年的夏天，何弟兄患上小兒痳痺症，在病床中，他仿傚鄰床的基督徒向神禱告，蒙神憐憫，他的舅舅介紹他去一位物理治療名醫處做電療，以致他身體恢復到百分之八十，可以不用拐杖，仍能走路自如。

一九四九年，他與父親移居台灣，就讀於臨時成立給大陸流亡學生念書的「省立的地方行政專科學校」。有基督徒同學帶他去教會，一九五零年，他在台北巿的「南海路基督徒聚會處」聚會，聽道後受感動，就決志信主。一年以後，在計志文牧師的奮興佈道會中，他把自己奉獻與主，願意一生為主所用。

文字宣教美滿豐收

當時，台灣的地方小，在父親的堅持下，他到美國留學，一面學習攝影，一面開始投稿基督教刊物「生命」雙月刊。神賜他靈感，越寫越多，稿件也投到其他的刊物。他把文章收集起來，自費出了笫一本書 ──《一把麵粉一點油》。後來，他寫的《萬能之鑰》與《腳前的燈》這兩本小冊子也幫助了很多慕道友與初信主的人。香港「福音廣播團契」在報章登福音短宣傳福音，深感這些書十分適合贈予慕道的讀者，特別舉辦聚會，讓那些閱讀過這些書而信主的朋友參加，後來這個「福音廣傳」組織更發展到台灣，在台灣登報贈送何弟兄的書籍，信主的人逾千，其中更有願意委身讀神學作傳道人。最令他感動的是，有一位馬克思主義的信徒，也因他的書信了主，為著作跟進的工作，他又寫了《扎根的生活》、《不能不說》、《生命與生活》、《作我的見證》、《培靈什景》、《曉光集》、《真有天使嗎？》等書；還有屬靈一類的小說：「烽火中的百合花」，「真金不怕火煉」，「圍牆」和「兩兄妹」等書。他很慷慨，版權都送給出版社，自己只拿回幾十本書而已。

屬靈小說雖好，但究竟都是虛構，不如去寫真人真事，去打動人心來得有力。《逃》(Run Baby Run)是一本講美國一個不良少年，加入幫會為非作歹，後來悔改信主，生命完全改變，專門帶領不良少年認識耶穌。何弟兄嘗試把這書翻譯出版，想不到一出版就很暢銷，短短時間就賣清光！結果再版了十多次，現仍是很受歡迎的屬靈書籍。同時，何弟兄開始專門收集這類見證書籍翻譯，但華人基督徒的見證往往更有親切感，所以一九八二年，他聽到一位以前是台灣甲級流氓的呂代豪講信主的見證，他很受感動，用小說的筆法，把整個故事寫成一本書，書名是《收刀入鞘》。呂代豪出生於台灣軍人家庭，少年時加入了黑社會組織，先後入獄、越獄，無惡不作，後來信主，生命改變，最後還獻身傳道助人悔改。許多青年人都深受此書影響而信了主。

何弟兄的著作中，其中以《不滅的燈火》最為人熟識，共分三冊卅萬字的作品，是根據吳勇長老的見證寫成，獲得全台灣八十年度人文類圖書金鼎獎；二千零一年吳長老對何弟兄說，這本書在中國大陸發行甚廣，受益的人很多，每當他到一個地方講道，都有逾千人在火車站歡迎他，都是《不滅的燈火》的讀者。

聖詩作曲感動人心

何曉東弟兄透過書中主角的生命見證，以精采的內容、流暢的文筆，觸動了許多世界各地華人信徒和教外讀者的心靈，他用心和積極的鼓勵，充滿信心的語氣洋溢於文字中。何弟兄的文字宣教作了將近四十年，他不僅是多產文字作家，也寫了卅多首聖詩的曲和詞，其中有七首是詩班常用的合唱曲子，「莊稼熟了」是他在考慮面對是否放下攝影洗印相片的工作，還是全時間去事奉主時，神感動他，叫他抬起頭看，莊稼已經熟了，要去收割了。華府中國教會是一注意海外宣教的教會，每次宣教年會都唱這首詩歌；台灣基督教「救世傳播協會」出版了這本詩歌；台北「中華福音神學院」畢業禮時，常常唱這首詩歌；台中「遠東廣播中心」活水詩班，到海外各地演唱時，不但唱這詩，更穿上農人的衣帽，用動作表演，果效很大。

一九七零年，何弟兄到越南佈道時，寫了另一首詩歌「耶穌祂知道」給當地教會。越戰期間，許多人都處在動盪不安的日子裡，對前途不知去向，這詩確實安慰不知多少受苦的肢體，盧光臨弟兄更把這首詩譯成越南文，成為當時越南戰亂信徒的安慰。歌詞：

「耶穌祂知道，我一切困難。無可懮，無可慮，只要祂明白。耶穌清楚我一切問題，不必待我去求告，祂已安排妥，我一切遭遇，耶穌他知道。雖然困難在，一切沒更改。但心裡有平安，不再徒煩惱，只要耶穌祂明白，我心已開懷。」

他不單寫作和作曲作詞，以文字音樂造就人，神又賜何弟兄講道機會，他的足跡遍佈東南亞。一九八一年開始，每隔一年就到中國大陸作為期三個月的短宣事工，領人歸主，造就信徒，從不間斷。二零一零年八月，他從寒冷的美東遷到溫暖的加州，加入教會繼續文字工作，協助弟兄姐妹寫見證。

何曉東弟兄於二零一一年十二月七日，在美國洛杉磯安息主懷，他從事文字工作四十多年，前後大大小小一共出版了一百三十多本著作。他專心愛主，謙和對人，深受敬佩與愛戴。如今他雖然離開了我們，但他仍藉著他的作品、生命見證，向我們說話，他文字宣教的福音種子遍滿全地，果子纍纍。

馬太福音 25:21主稱讚說：『好，你這又良善又忠心的僕人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把許多事派你管理；可以進來享受你主人的快樂。』 何弟兄當之無愧！

蕭笑薇從流淚谷到豐盛之地
[轉錄自號角月報]

蕭笑薇一家
1997年移民溫哥華的蕭笑薇，做了八年「太空太太」之後，好不容易盼來丈夫團聚，怎料只有三年多，癌魔卻將他的生命奪走！雖然受過了極大的苦痛，她反而變得更堅強、豁達、富有愛和包容的心。她坦言，生命不在乎長短，乃在於活出意義和精彩，因為在苦難中，她看見神隱藏的祝福和恩典。
不能哭 必須學會獨立
1997年4月，春天剛從枝梢探出頭來，魏永祥、蕭笑薇夫婦帶著一雙分別四歲和六歲的兒女，心情忐忑地降落在溫哥華國際機場。「在香港時，我是一名銀行職員，丈夫則是建築工地的安全主任；來到溫哥華後，丈夫對前途和找工作的事全無信心，所以在把我們安頓下來、僅僅三個星期後就飛回香港，從此我便成了『太空太太』。」憶起15年前的往事，笑薇臉上露出苦澀的笑容。
「當年我對自己說：你不能哭，如果你哭，孩子怎麼辦？剛開始時，暫住朋友的家；為怕孩子把白色地毯弄髒，我們只住了兩個星期，就匆匆搬家了。」雖然笑薇有香港駕照，卻從沒開過車，但當時為了要買菜、要接送孩子上學，她勉為其難大著膽子開車上路。「就這樣，我逼著自己在最短時間內，學會獨立照顧兩個孩子。」
八年後 丈夫回來團聚
笑薇不願別人知道她是「太空太太」，怕學校的老師用奇異的眼光看她的孩子，所以刻意只與她一樣的同路人交往。1998年，兒子同學的家長邀請她參加福音佈道會：「由於孩子在教會認識了很多新朋友，玩得很開心。神更透過講員用鐵達尼號為例，向我說明人掌握不了自己的生命，只有信靠大能的上帝，才有倚靠和盼望。我心有所感，就決志相信耶穌。」在教會，笑薇和兩個孩子都找到家的感覺。
然而，笑薇對丈夫多年不願回加團聚，感到很是氣憤：「他和朋友在香港合夥開公司，負責給建築工程寫安全報告，工人對他十分尊重，令他很有滿足感；但他卻似乎忽略了這邊的孩子其實很需要他。他每年過來探親三次，每次只呆十天左右便走了，離開前兩三天，孩子往往因捨不得爸爸，總躲在房間裡悄悄地哭。」2003年香港爆發「非典」（非典型肺炎），笑薇力勸丈夫過來團聚，在第二年的4月，作了八年「太空人」的丈夫終於回來了。
不甘心 再回港試試看
可是，魏永祥來加之後的日子並不稱心。「他不但失去曾經擁有的事業和前途，而且能做的挺多是裝修、油漆和加油站工作之類的體力勞動，加上常常在工作中受傷，令他的自尊心和自信心都大受打擊，情緒非常低落。」笑薇坦承：「那時我們經常爭吵，家裡壓抑和緊張的氣氛，連孩子也感覺得出來。」
教會一位姊妹為了幫助他們，送上「恩愛夫妻營」的贈券，加上賴建鵬牧師的贊助和鼓勵，他們參加了夫妻營會，之後關係改善過來。當時笑薇細想：「既然他不甘心留下來，不如讓他回港再試試看好了！」那次的回港，卻改變了魏永祥的思想。「他在香港看到幾位親戚、好友罹患重症，甚至面臨死亡，促使他警醒和反思人生的意義，也讓他感受到家庭和親人相伴的可貴。」半年後，他又重返溫哥華的家。
得腸癌 與人分享福音
一直信奉「天道五教」和吃素的魏永祥，雖然有時也和妻子同去教會，但卻並未真正相信上帝。直到2005年底，他與江錦培牧師作了一次長談後，克服了背叛「天道五教」的恐懼，願意受洗成為基督徒。
由於年輕時他在香港做過救護員，所以決定修讀家居護理課程，希望將來可以找一份收入較好的工作；同時，他也參加了短宣訓練，接受裝備，盼給更多人傳福音。沒想到，就在他剛完成護理課程，進入實習之際，醫生的一句話粉碎了他所有的夢──2006年4月，他被診斷得了第三期腸癌。
笑薇說：「那一刻，彷如晴天霹靂，不明白為甚麼偏偏在這個時候發生這樣的事？當天教會的弟兄姐妹立刻來我家為他禱告。經歷了最初的恐懼之後，他很快便平靜下來，決定接受和面對患癌的現實。」魏永祥開始每天讀經、禱告和在網上聽道，他曾寫道：「這次苦難讓我學到順服神，對生命進行重新思考，更認識到金錢、名譽、地位並不恆久；面對苦難要有正確的態度，我也體會到肉身痛苦之人的心靈需要。」那一刻，他感到傳福音的重要性和逼切性。患病初期，他選修了神學課程，還在周末與弟兄們外出派發福音單張。化療期間他也去探訪病人，用自己的生命見證與人分享福音，很多病人都感到驚奇，從他身上看到福音的大能和神的榮耀，因而願意相信耶穌。
充滿愛 家人關係親密
笑薇不諱言：「這場病改變了一家人的關係，使我們更加親密，更依靠神。兩個孩子學習無條件地去愛和服侍他們的爸爸。在他虛弱無力時，兒子特意給他一個鈴鐺，讓他可以隨時作出呼喚；女兒親手繪畫來鼓勵他；我則不斷為他禱告、送上安慰，並費盡心思地照顧他的飲食。」
在魏永祥患病的三年零八個月中，他深深感受到弟兄姐妹無微不至的愛和關顧。他們為他禱告、上門探望、安慰，送上營養的飯菜和湯水，甚至在他離世前兩晚，有三位姐妹輪流陪護他們在醫院過夜，給笑薇一家人極大的幫助和支持。笑薇承認：「是神和我們一起打這場身心靈的仗。」
2009年12月18日上午9時15分，魏永祥安息主懷，回到天家。巧的是，那正是21年前他和笑薇結婚的同一天，在婚書上簽字的同一刻。「上帝用這種方式告訴我：我有一個值得驕傲的丈夫，有一個完美的婚姻。」笑薇感謝神給她這份特別的禮物。

蕭笑薇和一雙兒女
流淚谷 豐盛泉源之地
走過15年的移民路，經歷過如此多的苦與痛，笑薇感言： 「一家人移民後，困難再多也不要分開；夫妻之間的體諒、支持很重要。若家人不幸患上癌症，不要害怕告訴孩子，不要讓他們錯過服侍家人、在愛中成長的機會，使親人離世後沒有遺憾。」
「移民路好像很艱難，卻有神的恩典在其中。我們一直沒有甚麼錢，但從未缺乏過，有教會的弟兄給我工作，甚至金錢資助、帶孩子露營……我現在已還清了房子貸款，兩個孩子都有很好的品性，富有愛心，也投入了職場工作。」
「丈夫最後的三年活得最精彩，所以說生命不在乎長短，而在於活出其意義。他成了我的榜樣，我願意像他那樣將生命交給神，在健康時，多讀聖經，多傳福音；在還有時間和能力時，多關心他人。」除了工作之外，笑薇現在還參加大溫華人柏金遜會的義務工作，也加入中信中心的危疾關顧小組，定期探訪危疾病人。
是的，人生中或會經過死蔭幽谷，但神的恩典卻一路相伴。笑薇的經歷猶如《聖經•詩篇》84章所說的：「他們經過流淚谷，叫這谷變為泉源之地，並有秋雨之福蓋滿了全谷。」感謝神，把她引領到豐盛泉源之地。

God is so good
By Aaron Tsang

Today, after work, I was robbed at gunpoint. All of a sudden, everything in my life that had no meaning was stripped away in order that I may see the things that had true value in my life — my wife, my family and my purpose. In those short seconds of crime, God opened my eyes to understand exactly what worth is. To the criminal, I was only worth $200USD. In the human rat race, we all race to achieve a goal. For many, the goal may be something of a personal gain. I, too, have had these goals. Many times we are distracted and blinded by selfish ambition. We continually redefine what the true meaning of worth is for our lives. Let me ask you: Is that dream of yours composed by dollar figures? Is that passion in your heart fuelled by personal gain? I can tell you that when the barrel of the gun was pointed at me, the things that were of true value were suddenly made clear. I am certain that God values my life. I am worth more than the monetary figure the criminal saw.

May 22, 2012. Approximately 5:00pm. Robbed at gunpoint. God is so good.

The incident was striking to me, not only because it was a life and death situation, but also because of the exact timing. The day before, May 22nd, my wife and I finally did our devotions after a while of hiatus. We had faced challenges in our walk with God but on that day we read Isaiah 43:1-13. Although it sounded like a re-assuring chapter, it made no sense at the time when I read it. There was only a brief discussion about it at the dinner table and that was it. However, today the passage revealed itself in full completion and comfort. God is good.

[ … Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour … ] [ … Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “ It is true. ” 10 “ You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “ and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no saviour. 12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed — I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “ that I am God.13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it? ” … ]

My God is all mighty and all knowing — everywhere, and anywhere. He loves me more than anything. He cares for my future. He forgave my past. He lives with me now. He is my comfort and He is my protector. He helps me endure through all situations. He provides wisdom when lost. He gives me hope when I feel defeated. In humanity, He is the victor. My God reigns — all the time. He is the reason I live and I am worth everything to Him. And He loves everyone too.

The robber looked about 20 years old; he was young. But aside from the fear of having my life threatened, I felt much disappointment. Being a youth leader, I ’ ve lovingly mentored youth and imagined their bright futures. It saddened me to recall the young countenance of the perpetrator when I gave my statement to the police. How could such a young soul, filled with potential and worth, choose such a path? Where are his parents? Where are his values? Why?

My heart hurt for him knowing that the punishment for his crime, imprisonment, will only deteriorate his beliefs and harden his heart. At the very same time, I felt frustration. I wanted to ask the robber, why did you put me through such trauma and pain only for two hundred dollars? Is the life of another human dispensable for your personal gain? Is humanity really only worth that much to you? I despised the selfishness I saw and the sin that corrupted his heart and mind, but I mourned for the person.

I think that compared to most people I have a pretty good memory. As I was leaving for home, flashbacks brought me to the exact moment and paranoia settled in. I feared that the perpetrator was waiting for me and wanted to take revenge on me. I went back inside the bank, unable to make sense of how I felt. I knew that aside from the mental and physical trauma that I experienced, there was also a spiritual bondage that suffocated me.

When I finally left the building, I sat in my car and broke into tears. Although I held my composure in front of staff and friends, in my car I was finally alone and able to move out of the ” strictly business ” mode. I really hurt for that boy. Although I understood what had happened, I could not understand why I was still afraid. I turned on the music to calm myself down. God is good. Not only did the music calm my heart, it also opened my mind and assured me. When I went home I recalled Isaiah 43:1-13. My God brings me through all difficulties. I can surely move beyond this building and claim victory not through my own persistence, or my own will, but through His name. God can conquer everything for me. My God reigns.

Through spiritual maturity and my trust in God, my character has developed to remain calm in any challenging life stage or situation. Even when I did not feel close to God, following His ways have allowed me to surpass many difficult situations. I can remain calm because I have faith that in any circumstance, my God reigns. Nothing in life occurs unless He has allowed it. My value in life is not based on me, otherwise I would have fear in any situation that I would lose or die. However, when my life is dictated by Him, I have peace believing that He knows best. I am confident that everything that happens to me has a worthwhile purpose because I am worth so much to Him.

This made me think: God loves me so much, but He loves that boy just as much. I needed to forgive that boy for his offense against me, but more importantly, I needed to pray for his salvation and for God ‘ s mercy for his sins. God ‘ s love is the same to all of mankind and God ‘ s grace is sufficient for all of mankind ‘ s sins. By forgiving the boy I was able to conquer my fear and replace it with hope. Initially, I really felt that I could not return back to work. I did not want to sit there wondering if there will be a next time where I will be robbed at gunpoint. I did not want to be subject to that fear again. But this spiritual epiphany brought hope to my life and allowed me to overcome the burden on my heart. In everything that happens, God has a purpose for. God ‘ s grace is sufficient. I will not allow the work of the devil to interfere and distract my life.

In fact, now I look forward to returning to work. Although I am taking the rest of the week off, I am encouraged and am prepared for the challenges ahead. This experience stripped everything invaluable from my life. Now, I will focus on what is valuable to God. Sometimes, these experiences are what shape a man ‘ s character and life path. With the speed at which life passes, it is easy to fall into complacency and allow the world to change what you value. God ‘ s plan is better than any human plan. There was a reason for today ‘ s incident and it has invigorated me to continue in God ‘ s plan. Thank you Lord for your compassion. My God is so good

神如此美善 — 曾加成的見證

作者：曾加成 | 翻譯：蕭凌

今天，在我遭到別人持槍搶劫的那個突如其來的瞬間，那些在我生命中毫無價值的一切在那刻層層剝落。我看到了真正有價值的—我的妻子、家庭和我的人生目標。在那驚魂的幾秒裡，神打開我的雙眼，讓我明白了何為”價值”的真正意義。對那個罪犯來說，我不過只值二百美金。有些時候，生活的競賽是你死我活的，身處其中的人們就好像是為達目的而爭得頭破血流的老鼠。許多人的目標都跟他們的個人利益有關，曾經的我也不例外。但更多時候，我們被個人的雄心牽著鼻子走，蒙蔽了自己的雙眼，以至於重新定義了我們心中何為真正有”價值”的東西。你的夢想是不是取決於你存款的數字？你心中的激情是否被利己之事點燃？當冰冷的槍口指著我的那一剎那，浮現在我眼前的，是那些真正有意義的事情，一切如此清晰—是神，賦予了我生命的價值。在祂的眼中，我比罪犯眼中的金錢更寶貴”

2012年5月22日，下午5時左右，遭到持槍搶劫—神如此美善！除了遭遇生死關頭以外，事件發生的時間點之精準也強烈地震撼了我的靈魂。在前一天的5月22日，我與妻子Michelle倆人重新開始了中斷了好一陣的靈修。在這段與神同行的路上，我們正面臨著一些挑戰。那天正好讀到以賽亞書44章1-13節，雖然神像是在重申祂的應許，但我並未真正理解這段經文。當天的讀經，並與妻在飯桌上簡短討論之時，我根本不知道神為我安排的是什麼。但今天，經文向我展現了它所飽含的深義。神用這段經文親自安慰我，向我證明祂是美善的：

“雅各啊，創造你的耶和華，以色列啊，造成你的那位，現在如此說：你不要害怕！因為我救贖了你。我曾提你的名召你，你是屬我的。你從水中經過，我必與你同在；你逿過江河，水必不漫過你；你從火中行過，必不被燒，火焰也不著在你身上。因為我是耶和華你的神，是以色列的聖者你的救主；我已經使埃及作你的贖價，使古實和西巴代替你。因我看你為寶為尊；又因我愛你，所以我使人代替你，使列邦人替換你的生命。不要害怕，因我與你同在；我必領你的後裔從東方來，又從西方招聚你。我要對北方說，交出來！對南方說，不要拘留！將我的眾子從遠方帶來，將我的眾女從地極領回，就是凡稱為我名下的人，是我為自己的榮耀創造的，是我所做成，所造作的。你要將有眼而瞎、有耳而聾的民都帶出來！任憑萬國聚集；任憑眾民會合。其中誰能將此聲明，並將先前的事說給我們聽呢？他們可以帶出見證來，自顯為是；或者他們聽見便說：這是真的。耶和華說：你們是我的見證，我所揀選的僕人。既是這樣，便可以知道，且信服我，又明白我就是耶和華。在我以前沒有真神；在我以後也必沒有。惟有我是耶和華；除我以外沒有救主。我曾指示，我曾拯救，我曾說明，並且在你們中間沒有別神。所以耶和華說：你們是我的見證。我也是神；自從有日子以來，我就是神；誰也不能救人脫離我手。我要行事誰能阻止呢？”（賽43:1-14）

我在此時此刻切身地體會到我的神是全能者，祂無所不知、無處不在。祂對我的愛超過所有。祂計劃我的未來、寬恕我的過去，祂與此刻的我同在。祂是我的安慰者、我的保護者。祂幫助我對周遭環境滿有忍耐。祂在我迷惘時給我智慧、挫敗時賜我希望。祂是勝利者。從過去到將來，我的神坐著為王。祂是我活下去的惟一理由，在祂眼中，我比世上一切更寶貴。神愛世上所有人，在這其中也包括了我。

那個持槍搶劫了我的強盜是個不過20出頭年輕人。作為教會裡年輕人的輔導，我伴隨著孩子們一同成長。我是如此熱切地關愛著他們，渴望看到他們的將來。然而今天我目睹的一切，卻讓我極為沮喪。撇開對死亡的恐懼，當我在警局錄口供時，回想他年輕的面容，我就感到十分心痛。為什麼這樣一個年輕的生命，這樣一個充滿無限可能和價值的生命，會走上這樣一條道路？他的父母在哪裡？他的價值觀又是怎樣的？這一切是為了什麼？想到他將被判入獄，他的信仰可能更加惡化，他對神的心會更加剛硬，我難過到了極點。

在那時，我十分沮喪。為何只因區區二百元，他就讓我經受這麼多痛苦？難道對於他的個人利益來說，別人的生命就是這麼微不足道嗎？難道人性對他來說就只值這麼多錢嗎？我瞧不起那顆自私、被罪所污染的心，但是與此同時，我也為他而悲慟。

比起大部分人，我的記憶力非常好。準備回家時，我所經歷的一幕幕又無比清晰地浮現在我的腦海中。我總覺得犯人正等在某處預備要向我報復。我回到銀行，完全不能理解自己的感受。我知道除了生理和心理的創傷之外，還有一種靈裡的捆綁。

雖然我在同事和朋友面前盡量保持冷靜，但當我終於離開銀行，回到自己的車上獨處時，我突然從那種”公事公辦”的狀態中抽離出來，我頓時淚如泉涌。我因為那個男孩而感到非常痛苦。儘管我清楚地意識到一切已經結束，但為什麼我還會覺得如此懼怕？我試著打開音樂，使自己冷靜下來。神真是美善，音樂不僅幫助我平覆了心情，同時也給了我平安的確據，讓我再次敞開心扉。回家後，以賽亞書44章1-13節又一次在我的腦海中浮現。我知道，是神帶領我經過了這一切困難。我能夠得以活著離開銀行，並非因為我自己，乃是靠著神的名。神在一切事上為我征戰，我的神坐著為王。

因為屬靈上的成長和我對神的信心，我可以在人生的任何情況下都保持冷靜。即使在我與神並非十分親近的時候，通過跟隨神的腳步，我也能渡過各種各樣的困難。我之所以能夠保持冷靜，是因為我確信無論在任何情況下，我的神都掌管著一切。除非祂的允許，否則任何事情都不會發生。而我生命的價值也並非由我自己來定，否則，我早就被死亡的恐懼和失敗的陰影所挫敗了。

這讓我想到—神是如此地愛我，但祂同樣也是如此地愛那個男孩。我需要原諒那個男孩對我所犯下的罪行，但更重要的，是我需要為他的救恩向神禱告，求神赦免他的罪。神的愛對每個人都是一樣的，神的恩典也足夠赦免我們的罪。原諒那個男孩之後，我卸下了自己的恐懼，取而代之的是希望。當初在停車場哭泣時，我真的覺得自己不可能再回去上班了。我不想坐在那裡，提心吊膽想著自己什麼時候又將成為下一個被劫持的對象。那種恐懼經歷一次就足夠了。但聖靈的提醒讓我重新感悟到生命的盼望，並讓我放下心靈的重擔。在發生的所有一切中，神自有祂的美意。神的恩典夠我用。我不會容忍撒旦來干擾我的生活，將我的生活重心從神偏移。

事實上，我更盼望早點回到工作崗位上。儘管接下來我有一周的時間休息，但我會準備好迎接在我前面的挑戰。這次的經歷讓我重新審視自己的生活，將所有沒有價值的事情從生命中剔除，把我的精力集中在神看為寶貴的事情上。有時候，正是這些經歷雕琢了一個人的品格和他未來的人生道路。時光飛逝如白駒過隙，我們常常輕而易舉地陷入自鳴得意中，任憑我們的價值觀受到這個世界的影響。但神的計劃高過任何人的計劃，今天所發生的意外絕非事出無因，我的心已被神挑旺，我要繼續祂的工作。主，謝謝你對我的憐憫。我的神是如此美善。[轉自真理報]

My father
Written by Stephen Lai

I am very glad and privileged that my father has asked me to write something for his book. I am also glad that you have taken the time to read this book. It is now 1999, and getting closer and closer to the millennium. All these events happened in late 1997 and early 1998, so it is not too easy to remember all the happenings. I will try my best. First, to introduce myself…
My name is Stephen, I am the son of Rev. Paul Lai. I am currently studying at the University of British Columbia, towards an Arts degree, majoring in the language of French with a minor in Economics. I hope to go on to the faculty of Education after I graduate. I also hope to go to Europe to continue studying French. I was born in 1977 in Ottawa, Ontario, and I am the older of the two sons.
Now I will share the different relationships that I have in my special family. This I believe will help you to understand the situation better. I will start with my mother.
As most of you already know, my mother has severe rheumatoid arthritis. She has had it since the birth of my brother in 1978. So it has been a long and painful twenty or so years for her. My memories of her, sadly enough, all include her having the arthritis. Despite this physical setback, I still regard my mother to be an extremely strong person, and by no means lacking of anything. She might have a lot of difficulty physically, but I know that she has done more than her role of being a great mother. She is always there when I need to talk, although for the past few years she complains that I don’t talk nearly enough. She always knows best for her children, and I know that she has endured an infinite amount of pain while at the same time keeping that smile of hers. Towards my father, she is and has been completely supportive. As some know, it is very hard to be a pastor’s wife: their role is sometimes tougher than the pastors! She always commented on my dad’s sermons every week, be they good or if they lacked some things. Now I know that my parents definitely were made for each other. They compliment each other very well, and I do believe that they can not live without one another.
Growing up, I was always looked upon to be the example for my younger brother, Peter. I was always expected to be “good” so that he would have someone to follow. I didn’t mind having this role, being the older brother. I feel that I did a decent job in helping raise my brother. Since he is a slow learner, life has been very hard for him, and, consequently, for our entire family too. He has caused us much stress, but our family has so far endured it. In his own right, though, my brother has many good points. He was very cute growing up (he went through puberty at a late age), so we could always end up forgiving him because of his “cuteness”. He is also pure hearted, and loving. Although he does not understand much about the difficulties in our family, he has the most love to give out of all of us. Some of his faults today are things that he just can’t understand to be wrong. We have tried very hard to teach him things, but they can’t get into his head. Because of all this, my forgiveness skills have definitely been tested, but at the same time, I believe that I have developed into a very forgiving person.
As a father, I think that my dad has done a good job (his job is not quite over!). With the circumstances that he has been given, it probably seemed like an impossible task of raising this family. I will talk more later about my relationship with him, but I would like to say here that he wants the best for his family. He is always, to this day, looking for things that can improve my life, such as further music courses. Although he seems to sometimes “care too much”, I know that it is for my good. He is also protective; in general, I think that he is the model father.
Along with the sickness of my mother, my father and I, over the years, were the ones who had to carry the family. This all changed near the beginning of 1997. As you all know, my dad had resigned his position as the Senior Pastor of the Vancouver Fountain Chinese Alliance Church, for the health of my mother prevented him from working as a pastor full time. Months later he was diagnosed with the cancer. This news was very shocking to me. When I first heard, the news was not directly given to me. I was at school one day, and on my way home. Before I boarded the bus that day, I received a voice message on my pager. I went to check it, and it was my father. He told me that he had gone to the doctor, and that he had cancer. I was devastated. It wasn’t the best way for me to hear the news! The bus ride home was the worst bus ride ever: I felt lost, even sick…I didn’t know what to think. I was very sad, and many thoughts went through my mind. Throughout my whole life, my father had been this strong father figure, invincible to any of the world’s attacks. Now, I thought, what was going to happen? Was he going to die?
To be honest, I knew that my father would not die. It was both faith and also a strong determination that led me to believe that. So, in the many months that he suffered from his cancer, I knew in my heart that he would be okay.
That night at home I didn’t know how to express my feelings. Well, I’m sure that my father has told many of you this, so I might as well tell it. We were about to have dinner, when we were talking and my brother misinterpreted something that I had said. Well, he got angry with me and threw something at me. I automatically responded with shouts of anger. I was actually releasing the anger and sadness from the news I had received earlier that day. So it was not my brother who I was mad at, it was the fact that my dad had gotten cancer. (My brother, Peter, has done an infinite amount of things to me that would normally make a person extremely angry, but since I am so used to it, I don’t often get angry directly at him.) I went downstairs to my room and cried. I don’t usually cry at all. But that night I cried and cried, loudly. I will never forget the pain that I felt that night, as I cried. Finally, after some time, my parents called me up to the living room, and we talked awhile. It was not long before all three of us (my parents and I) were crying together. It was one of the saddest nights of my life.
So those few months were the toughest of my life. Even though my father had cancer, he still worked very hard in leading my family. I could tell that he was getting progressively worse as time went on. The radiation that he was receiving was slowly taking from him all his strength. He had to go to the cancer center every weekday for treatment. I offered to drive him, and did so most of the time. I felt that this was my responsibility and duty to do this, and I felt privileged to offer my help and support through this very difficult time.
During these months, I received a great amount of support from my christian friends at UBC. I am involved with a christian club on campus called Chinese Christian Outreach. At the time I was leading a cell group within this larger club. Every week as we met, my cell group would ask me how I was doing and also how my father was doing. My friends who weren’t part of my cell group also encouraged me during the bad times. This was a great help and I don’t think that I could have endured those weeks without them. I now thank each and every one of them and I could like to tell them that each one has been a part of this experience, a part of my father’s recovery.
I remember telling myself that if my dad’s cancer were to disappear, I would be forever happy and forever grateful to the Lord. I myself couldn’t wait until that day arrived. It finally came, in March 1998. I remember very clearly the day of rejoicing, the day that we found out that the cancer was in remission. It was a March afternoon in 1998, and finally the day that my dad was to have his check up. I was nervous the entire day. I was to meet everyone after school at the hospital where my mom was staying. Well, when I arrived in the hospital room, I could see smiles on the faces of the people there. Right away I knew that the good news had finally come. I asked, just to confirm, and yes, it was true: The cancer in my father’s body had disappeared. In my heart I knew that this moment would come, but in real life, it was really a miracle. I was as happy as I have ever been in my entire life. It was finally time to celebrate. That night we went out to have dinner with one of my father’s friends visiting from Ottawa, Mr. Gerald Chan. It will be a night that I will remember forever.
For the past year or so, our family has been reading the bible together. I think that this is very important for the spiritual growth of each one of us. We have read Psalms, Proverbs, Romans, and a few other passages as well. I will cherish these times for the rest of my life.
Today my father is doing quite well. He has spent the last many months working on this book. He seems to be working just as much as he did when he was pastoring. It was very encouraging to see him wake up (before me) early in the morning and write. And, at the moment, he has finished it, and is waiting for me to finish this article. (He asks me every single day about it.) He seems happy that he has finished the book. He now is invited to speak at various churches, almost one per week, telling people his story of how he battled and defeated cancer. I do feel that he has made an impact in many peoples’ lives. After each service, I always ask him how the service went, he always replies: “Oh, very good! A few people put their hands up to believe!” I am very happy about this, and am hoping one day that I can reach people the way that he does.
I do believe that, throughout all the suffering in my family, God has a plan for me. He has made me the person whom I have become. It was indeed his goal to mold me the way that he wanted me to be. If it weren’t for the many suffering, would I be the person I am? Definitely not, I believe that living through life without any struggles is the easy way out. Without trials, why would one need to believe in God? They could just live life the way they wanted, without having anything to worry about. I know people like this. I am sometimes jealous of them, but I remind myself of Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for those who love God.” This verse is hung in our dining room, and it is very true. In the end, God will take care of us. He has a plan for everyone. It was His plan for our family to go through this huge trial, and it was also His plan for our family to search Him and to live according to His Word. This is where we are today, my family and I are doing our best, with God’s help, to do His will.

Mothers’ Day Thoughts

Written by Paul Lai

Translate by Brenda Tsang

Mother-Daughter Bond

It’s a much talked about true story on television and in newspapers. After loosing her 10-day-old baby for six years, a mother miraculously retrieved her thought-to-be-dead daughter. Such an incredible story proves that there is a
ineffable bond between the mother and her daughter.

Seven years ago, a devastating fire raged in Philadelphia. Since —– had no way of saving her new baby from the fire, the grief-stricken mother had to accepted the “fact” that her daughter had been fully consumed by the fire. She was not even able to find her baby’s remains. Last January, however, she was invited to a friend’s daughter’s sixth birthday party. She realized at her first sight that the birthday girl was her lost daughter. With the help of the police, a DNA test proved that she was right.

A Sacrificial Mother

A recent piece of news covered a marine disaster that caused shipwreck of a Norwegian passenger liner. No survivor on boar was found except a baby. The rescue efforts were delayed by the high wind lasting for as long as eight days. When the rescuers finally came, they found on a huge rock near shore a dead mother still holding her baby alive. It was found also an unbelievable fact of how the mother kept her baby from dying. She had used a sharp rock to pierce her chest, so that she could feed her baby with her blood!

I was speechless for a quite while after reading this. Oh Mother! How can I use my tongue to praise you sacrificial love! Mothers’ love comes from God, whose unfathomable love was shown by Jesus on the cross. His precious blood was shed for our sake. His life was sacrificed for us sinners. When I reflect that it is because of His grace that I became God’s child today, I know that I should live for Him. This is the only way I could repay the debt of gratitude to my loving God.

I also feel grateful that He gives the world loving mothers.

Mother’s Heart

I read a touching article on line (author anonymous) no long ago that was
originally posted in a seniors’ home. However, it speaks the heart of all mothers in the world. Let me share the piece with you:

“My dear child, when you were very young, I spent a lot of time patiently showing you how to eat with your spoon or chopsticks. I taught you how to tie your shoelaces, button your buttons, comb your hair, blow your nose, slide down a slide…. These and many other things are very precious memories to me.

Still remember we practiced your first children’s song over and over when you were finally singing it? Still remember your endless Whys, and I used to rack my brains to give you an answer you could understand? When I repeat these old stories and hum that old children’s song, please understand me and let me
indulge in my sweet memories. I truly wish you could give me some time and sit by my side, so that we could chat like good friends once more.

My dear child, please don’t loose your patient when I sometimes forget to button my buttons or tie my shoelaces; or when I get my clothes messy while eating, or when my hands are shaky combing my hair…. Treat me with more patience and gentleness. As long as you are with me, my heart will be filled with great warmth and sweetness.

My dear child, now my legs are not strong any more; I cannot walk with ease. So
please hold my hand and slowly walk with me, just like I walked you step by step in the old time.”

On Mothers’ Day this year, why not prepare an elegant gift and a beautiful card for your mother, who gave birth to you, nurtured and loved you with a tender heart. On the card, why not tell her your gratefulness towards her. I am sure she will be comforted and feel her hard work and sacrifice for you most rewarding.

母親節感言

賴建鵬

母女心連心

在電視及報紙報導熱門題目：一位母親經過六年與剛出生才10天的女兒分離，而能夠團圓，這確是一件不可思議奇妙的事，証明母女心連心的真理。

在費城7年前的一場大火中，庫瓦絲傷心絕望地接受自己才出生10天的小女兒已經喪命於火場，屍骨無存的事實。去年一月她被邀請參加朋友6歲的生日派對，一眼就認出這位朋友的女兒就是當年已失去的小女兒。為了得到進一步証實，請警方進行DNA鑑定，結果讓警方萬分驚訝，這個小女孩的確就是她的親生女兒。

犧牲的母愛

不久前一則新聞報導說，有艘挪威輪船在海上遇難，由於風浪太大，八天無法救援，待救援人員趕到時，旅客皆已罹難。然而在一塊大岩石上，有位母親抱著嬰孩，嬰孩尚活，母親已死。後來發現，這位母親是以石刺胸流血，以血養活嬰兒之命的。

讀了這段新聞，令我久久不能言，母親啊！妳犧牲的愛，令我感嘆不已。母親的愛乃從神而來，主耶穌的愛在十字架顯明了。祂的寶血為我們而流，祂的生命為我們而捨。當我想到如今我成了何等的人，乃因祂的恩典及祂的大愛時，我應該為祂而活來報答祂的大愛。又感謝祂賜給愛我的母親。

母親心聲

從網路上看到一篇寫在安老院的一篇感人文章,它代表母親們向眾兒女的一片感人心聲（作者不詳）與天下的兒女們共勉之。

「孩子！當你還很小的時候，我花了很多時間，教你慢慢用湯匙，用筷子吃東西。教你繫鞋帶、扣扣子、溜滑梯，教你穿衣服、梳頭髮、擰鼻涕，這些和你在一起的點點滴滴，是多麼的令我懷念不已；所以當我想不起來，接不上話，請給我一點時間，等我一下，讓我再想一想……極可能最後連要說什麼，我也一併忘記。孩子！你忘記我們練習了好幾百回，才學會的第一首娃娃歌嗎？是否還記得每天總要絞盡腦汁，去回答不知道從哪裡冒出來的『為什麼』嗎？所以，當我重覆又重說著老掉牙的故事，哼著我孩提時代的兒歌時，體諒我，讓我繼續沉醉在這些回憶中吧！切望你，也能陪著我閒話家常吧！

孩子，現在我常忘了扣扣子、繫鞋帶、吃飯時，會弄髒衣服，梳頭髮時手還會不停的抖，不要催促我，要對我多一點耐心和溫柔，只要有你在一起，就會有很多的溫暖湧上心頭。

孩子！如今，我的腳站不穩，走也走不動，所以，請你緊緊的握著我的手，陪著我，慢慢的。就像當年一樣，我帶著你一步一步地走。」

今年母親節，買份精緻的禮品，精選一張美麗的卡片給生你，育你，撫你、愛你的母親吧！在卡片上寫幾句誠摯的感恩，深信她們必定得著安慰，并感一生的勞苦犧牲不至徒然。