德州達拉斯分會

回想2022年7月進入「角聲」達拉斯分會服事以來，每天都充滿挑戰，感覺一年的時間，用了三倍的精力奔跑。若說到觸動心靈的事件，筆者認為是角聲書室的「拓寬工程」。「角聲」達拉斯分會，原是由角聲社區中心及角聲書室相鄰而成。角聲書室自成立以來，專注於書房功能。筆者觀察整體環境的變遷，想到需要調配、改變為多元的空間使用，因此與幾位協工姊妹交流改善對策，最終向委員會建議，將一小隔間拆除，並進行拓寬工程，感恩得到了委員會的接納。

角聲書室整修完竣，完成清潔及商品排列之後，雖無正式進行開幕式，但開放接待第一個單位；意外地，竟是「達福地區牧者聯禱會」眾牧者同工之聚會。筆者相信神如此巧妙地安排，促成眾多牧者同工，成為角聲書室第一個服事的對象。這對「角聲」達拉斯分會來說，具有深切的意義，更是祝福的印記！

筆者回顧達拉斯分會重新站立時，不僅重拾過往在當地已累積20餘年的美好社區服務（社區關懷），更是積極與教會緊密連結（肢體連結），並且拓展了培育事工（信仰建造）。在過去的兩年，除了感謝神帶領整體性的事工增長，更多的是感謝神讓同工群有份陪伴靈魂，見證多位社區朋友與神連結、生命翻轉。

期盼在未來的一年，達拉斯分會更多蒙神憐憫，為神所用，成為社區與教會、教會與教會間那真實連結卻隱藏的線。如今，各樣事工經過「撒種、灌溉」，2024已是「扎根、拓展」的一年。無論任何領域的事工，達拉斯分會的事工核心，都不忘連結於「大使命」。

Since I began serving at the Dallas Branch of CCHC in July 2022, each day has been filled with challenges. It feels like I have exerted triple the energy to accomplish what I usually would in a year. Among all the impactful experiences, the “Expansion Project” of the Herald Bookstore stands out to me the most. The Dallas Branch consists of both the Herald Community Center and the Herald Bookstore, which are adjacent to each other. Since its establishment, the Herald Bookstore has focused primarily on its function as a bookstore. Observing the changes in the surrounding environment, I realized the need to adjust and transform the space for more diverse uses. I discussed possible improvement strategies with several co-working sisters, and we ultimately proposed to the committee to remove a small partition and initiate an expansion project. Thankfully, the committee accepted the proposal.

After the renovation of the Herald Bookstore was completed, and the cleaning and arrangement of goods were finished, there was no formal opening ceremony. However, the first group we hosted unexpectedly turned out to be the “Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Pastors’ Fellowship,” bringing together many pastors and church workers. I believe it is God that arranged this in such a wonderful way, allowing the Herald Bookstore to serve pastors and church workers as its first mission. This event holds deep significance for the Dallas Branch and is a mark of God’s blessing!

Looking back at the rebuilding of the Dallas Branch, it not only resumed the excellent community services (community care) that had been accumulated locally for over 20 years, but also actively fostered close connections with churches (body connection) and expanded discipleship ministries (faith building). Over the past two years, we are grateful to God for the overall growth in our ministries, but even more so, we are thankful for His allowing our team to accompany community friends, witnessing their connection with God and the transformation of their lives.

We hope that in the coming year, the Dallas Branch will continue to receive God’s mercy and be used by Him as a genuine yet often unseen link between the community and churches, as well as among different churches. Now, after the various ministries have undergone a period of “sowing and watering,” 2024 is a year of “rooting and expansion.” Regardless of the field, the core of the Dallas Branch’s ministry will remain firmly connected to the Great Commission.