紐約事工總幹事的話

「你們的光也當這樣照在人前，叫他們看見你們的好行為，便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。」（《馬太福音》五章16節）

紐約「角聲」事工的「社會關懷宣教」，是奠基於《聖經》教導的實踐，是結合「宣教使命」與「文化使命」的事工模式，目的是透過遵從《聖經》中關於愛、仁慈、公義和服務的原則，服事移民社區的弱勢群體。這種宣教模式強調基督教社區的參與，將信仰原則應用於現實生活上，以提供廣大社群身體上、精神上和社會上的幫助，表達上帝的愛和關懷。

通過不同平台，如《號角月報》、YouTube節目「角聲天下事」、社區論壇，及持續地舉辦使移民社區受益的活動，如「移民資源日」、「社區安全日」、辦理紐約市民卡、申請社會福利等，積極參與和關注這個領域，提供幫助和支持，將《聖經》價值觀融入行動中。

「角聲」關懷服務包含不同年齡群，從兒童到長者，因著需要不同，文化適應能力差異，身心狀態受到生活壓力衝擊的情况下，關懷項目也必須要有清晰的目標和對象，如癌症關懷、夫妻家庭營會、青少年輔導、長者服務、特殊兒童訓練……等，都涵蓋在「全人關懷」的服務系統裡。

當難民潮、「走線」潮，如泉湧般流入大紐約市社區，基督徒的關懷意識：照顧在患難中孤兒寡婦的意念便油然而生，這促使我們作出本能的回應。當我們關心和幫助那些處於困境中的人，實際上是展現了上帝的愛、憐憫和美好的旨意。

社會關懷能帶來改變和轉化，當我們幫助那些處於困境中的人時，他們的生活可以得到改善，並且有機會走出困境。這種轉變是上帝的大能和恩典的體現，他有能力改變人的生命，並賜予希望！

社會關懷模式也有賴於策略性的聯盟，離不開與教會密切的合作和各方資源的運用與整合，包括社區服務、建立聯絡網、關懷聆聽、佈道邀請、加入教會，讓教會繼續牧養群羊，建構成一個城市宣教的機制，不停地運轉，不斷發揮功能。

「社會關懷宣教」模式在實踐中具有前瞻性，因為它結合了信仰價值觀和實際行動，以應對新移民所面臨的多樣困難。在深入移民社區的事工中發展，我們建立和加強與當地教會的聯繫，以協同提供支持和服務。這種合作可以擴大影響範圍，確保更多人受益。

在當前多元文化，複雜的地緣政治，社會思潮急速世俗化的大環境下，新移民的生活面臨越發嚴峻的挑戰，而「社會關懷宣教」行動，恰好帶給移民群體一線曙光，就是藉著信徒的好行為、愛心的關懷，在黯淡無光的社區中，折射出上帝榮耀的光輝！

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

CCHC-NY Ministry Model: A “Holistic Caring Mission” is a practice within the Christian doctrine aimed at merging faith principles with social service to address inequalities, hardships, and needs in society. This mission emphasizes the involvement of the Christian community in applying faith principles to real-life situations, providing physical, spiritual, and social support, and expressing God’s love and care.

CCHC-NY Ministries actively engage in this model through various platforms, such as “Herald Monthly,” the YouTube program “CCHC In Perspective!” and community forums and events, including “Immigrant Resource Day”, “Public Safety Day”, New York Resident ID card assistance, and promoting the application of social welfare benefits. They provide help and support while integrating biblical values into their actions.

Caring services encompass various age groups, from children to the elderly. Due to varying needs, differences in cultural adaptability, and the impact of life stress on physical and mental well-being, care programs must have clear objectives and targets. These include services like cancer care, couples and family retreats, youth counseling, services for the elderly, training for parents and children’s communication, all of which are encompassed within the “holistic care” service system.

When the refugee influx — the “walk-in” trend — flows into the communities of Greater New York like a flood, the Christian sense of caring for orphans and widows in times of distress naturally arises, prompting us to make instinctive responses. When we care for and assist those in need, we are, in fact, demonstrating God’s love and mercy, putting into practice God’s goodwill.

Holistic care can bring about change and transformation. When we assist those in need, their lives can improve, and they can overcome their difficulties. This transformation is a demonstration of God’s power and grace; He can change people’s lives and grant them hope and a future.

The model of holistic care relies on strategic alliances, closely collaborating with the church and utilizing and integrating resources from various sources, including community services, establishing networks, compassionate listening, evangelistic invitations, and church follow-up. This enables the church to continue its pastoral care and construct a mechanism for urban evangelism that operates continuously and functions effectively.

This “Holistic Care Mission” model is forward-looking in practice because it combines biblical values with practical actions to address the diverse challenges faced by new immigrants. By establishing and strengthening connections, we work closely with local churches to collaborate in providing support and services. This cooperation can expand the reach and ensure that more people benefit.

In the current, diverse cultural, geopolitically complex, and rapidly secularizing societal landscape, the lives of new immigrants are facing increasingly daunting challenges. The ‘’Holistic Caring Mission” initiative precisely brings a glimmer of hope to immigrant communities, shining the light of God’s glory through the good deeds and compassionate care of believers in the dimly lit neighborhoods!