角聲福音中心

今天距離暑期營結束剛好兩週，但孩子們的笑聲和嬉鬧彷彿仍在耳邊迴盪。正在思索著明年如何改進，忽然收到了來自一位學生家長的視頻。打開視頻，耳邊傳來愉快的禱告聲，畫面中的小女孩莉迪雅 (Lydia)，沉浸在充滿喜樂和創意的禱告中。她的媽媽告訴我，孩子最近常常在家禱告，這讓她感到驚訝！於是特地拍下來與我分享。孩子們對神純真的信心與禱告 ，往往能影響整個家庭，這也許會成為他們全家接受福音的契機。

想到這裡，我對明年角聲福音中心一項計劃的思考，更加堅定了。要整合家庭事工，不僅僅是針對兒童和青少年的暑期營，還要為整個家庭預備一個為期三天兩夜的家庭親子營，讓福音的種子在營地中被撒播。

回顧2024年的暑期營，若要做一個總結，我會用以下幾句話來概括:「掌握規律，提高效率；營前培訓，保障次序；營後總結，不斷提升。當中用了兩次「提高」，因為我們確實需要不 斷進步。

儘管我沒有美國教育的專業背景，但我的信仰和神的話語教導我:「無論做什麼，都要從心裡做，像是給主做的，不是給人做的」（歌羅西書三章23節)，並且要，「凡事竭力」（提摩太後書二章15節）。追求卓越，在整個營會中，青少年義工們發揮了巨大的作用。他們來自不同的高中和大學，有些有與小朋友相處的經驗，有些則是第一次參與。開營前的培訓為他們打下了堅實的基礎，讓他們明白自己的角色和使命。在營會中，看到他們每個人都懷著樂意服事的心，竭盡所能地投入，我為此深深感恩！

然而，營會的果效不僅僅在於小朋友們聽到了福音。當時，我向神禱告：「這20幾位青少年義工，若不認識祢，實在太可惜了！」神聽了我的禱告。很快，由角聲首席總幹事葉牧師發起的青少年福音營，得到保羅堂的弟兄姊妹和Pastor Emil的支持，總共40位青少年參加，我們福音中心有14位青少年義工報名。他們在活動中學習禱告、背誦經文，並在與同工和同 伴的互動中，經歷了彼此的成長，我深信神在他們心中已經開始動工。

「扎根社區、聯絡教會，牧養圈外的羊，秉持真理、忠誠服務，宣揚神國福音。」這是紐約布碌崙（布魯克林）角聲福音中心的使命，也是我們的呼召。但光靠我們有限的幾位同工，無法完成這樣的使命，唯有與各教會攜手，才能共同完成這項神聖的託付，求主幫助我們！

Today marks exactly two weeks since the summer camp ended, but the children’s laughter and play still seem to echo in my ears. While I was reflecting on how to improve next year, I received a video from one parent. Upon opening the video, I heard joyful prayers, and the little girl Lydia was immersed in a prayer full of joy and creativity. Her mother told me that Lydia has been praying frequently at home recently, which surprised her! So, she specially recorded it to share with me. The pure faith and prayers of children often have the power to influence the entire family, and this might be an opportunity for the whole family to embrace the Gospel.

Thinking about this, I am even more determined in my planning for next year’s ministry at Gospel Center. We need to integrate family ministry, not just focusing on summer camps for children and teenagers, but also preparing a three-day, two-night family camp, so that the seeds of the Gospel can be sown in the camp.

Reflecting on the summer camp of 2024, if I were to summarize it, I would use the following phrases: “Maintain regularity, improve efficiency; pre-camp training, ensure order; post-camp review, continuous improvement.” The word “improve” is used twice because we truly need to keep progressing.

Although I do not have a background in American education, my faith and the teachings of God’s word guide me: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23), and to “do your best” (2 Timothy 2:15). In pursue of excellence, the teenage volunteers played a significant role throughout the camp. They came from different high schools and universities, some with experience working with children and some participating for the first time. The pre-camp training provided a solid foundation, helping them understand their roles and missions. During the camp, seeing each of them serve willingly and commit fully, I am deeply grateful!

However, the impact of the camp was not only in the children hearing the Gospel. At that time, I prayed to God, “It would be such a shame if these 20-plus teenage volunteers did not come to know You!” God answered my prayer. Soon, the youth evangelistic camp initiated by Pastor Yip, the Chief Executive Director of CCHC, with support from the brothers and sisters at New York Christian Mission Church and from Pastor Emil, had 40 teenagers participating, including 14 of our own volunteers. They learned to pray, memorize scriptures, and experienced mutual growth through interactions with coworkers and peers. I am confident that God has already started working in their hearts.

“Rooted in the community, connecting with churches, shepherding those outside the fold, upholding truth, serving faithfully, and proclaiming the Gospel of God’s Kingdom”—this is the mission of the Gospel Center in New York and our calling. However, with just a few of us, we cannot accomplish this mission alone. Only by partnering with various churches can we jointly fulfill this divine commission. May God help us!