Let's pray for Pakistan

PAKISTAN means "THE LAND OF THE PURE" according to Kamran Riaz of the University of Houston, USA. However, one would find it hard to link the purity and holiness of Pakistan up with her modern history ever since its inception in 1947. For example, some 15 million people fled religious persecution in 1947 – Muslim fleeing to East and West Pakistan while Hindus fleeing to India. An estimated one million people were killed in widespread communal violence and millions were made homeless.

In the next year (1948), Pakistan was fighting with India over Kashmir. In 1951, Liaquat Ali Khan (Pakistan’s first prime minister) was assassinated in Rawalpindi – what a coincident! On April 17, 1953 -- Malik Ghulam Mohammad (Pakistan’s 3rd Governor General) dismissed Khawaja Nazimuddin (2nd prime minister). Such an act of Ghulam Mohammad had set an unhealthy tradition and precedent in Pakistan of presidents removing elected prime ministers. Unfortunately, this tradition was carried on by various Pakistani presidents creating a continuous instability in the country. Military interventions and coups also came into place rather frequently during the ensuing history of Pakistan.

I am shocked at hearing the news of Madam Benazir Bhutto’s assassination today (27th Dec., 2007)! It is certainly a great blow to this already unstable country and its poor people. Furthermore, the fate of Pakistan also hinges on the stability of the region when the Americans are fighting their war of terrorism. It wouldn’t be difficult for a sober-minded person to envision the likely destabilizing effect of Madam Bhutto’s assassination on the region’s stability and politics. In fact, there is an appreciable chance of Pakistan’s instability being spilled over to her neighbours including Afghanistan and India. It would also give way to a greater terrorists’ influence both in Pakistan and her neighbours as well as the western world.

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s pray for Pakistan for its recovery from the recent political turmoil as well as for the nation’s stability, the welfare of its people and their freedom to receive the Gospel of the Lord Jesus in order that Pakistan may become a truly holy and peaceful member of the world nations. Amen.

Howard

My Word for the Korean Missionaries

I praise the Lord Jesus that the 21 beloved South Korean brothers and sisters were finally released and home safely. To me, it is by and through the grace of God that they are spared. I would also like to offer my condolences to the 2 Korean brothers who were sacrificed in the incidence.

I know that there are some criticisms against the South Korean hostages’ deal alleging that it might set a “dangerous” precedent which might jeopardize other missionaries in Afghanistan. The Talibans claimed that the deal was a success for their abduction strategy and they would do it again. Besides, Seoul is reported to ban its citizens from traveling to Afghanistan soon.

No one could deny that the extremist Muslim groups in Afghanistan might see the abduction of foreigners as a way to rid the country of non-Muslims. Indeed, abductions and killings are not uncommon in their track records. Some Protestant groups working in Afghanistan were criticized as having been acting “irresponsibly” because they have failed to take heed of the country’s legal, social and political context by doing over-ambitious evangelism which is banned by the government.

As an evangelist, I am sympathetic to the Korean missionaries. Obviously, I am neither qualified nor capable to make any judgment over the missionaries’ actions. Nevertheless, I do believe in this teaching of the Lord [Matt.16:24], “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus further instructed his disciples [Matt.10:16], “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Let’s remember that evangelism is inherently difficult and risky as Jesus had said [Matt. 10:22], “you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

We Christians know that the Great Commission is central to the purposes and meanings of our lives on earth. The Apostle Paul [II Tim. 4:2] teaches us to preach the word whether in season or out of season; so that we should reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Perhaps, we should learn from our “mistakes” and yet be stuck to our purposes and mission by doing what is right in the eyes of our Lord. At the end of the day, I do believe that the Afghans will be opened to the gospel through various works and testimonies by individual Christians called to the purpose by the Lord Jesus.

Dear missionaries of South Korea, don’t be intimidated or be stupefied. You can consider yourselves as living now a second life endowed by the Lord through your Afghan ordeal. I believe our Saviour has a plan and purpose for each one of you as His beloved children. You should be prepared to bear witness to Jesus Christ and His Salvation which is both our obligation and privilege! Let’s encourage one another with Paul’s teaching (Rom. 8:28): “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Amen.

Howard

Tribute to Pastor Bae Hyong- kyu (向裴亨奎牧師致敬)

I am sad and shocked at hearing the news of Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu (裴亨奎牧師) of the Saemmul Community Church having been killed in Afghanistan on July 25th. He would have turned 42 on the day he was brutally sacrificed. He is survived by his wife and a nine-year-old daughter.

Pastor Bae was from a devout Christian family from the island province of Jeju (濟洲島). He became a pastor about six years ago. His father is a church elder in Jeju and was a founding member of the Saemmul Community Church in Bundang, which sent the volunteers to Afghanistan. He led services for younger members of its congregation. Reports quoted people who knew him as saying, "He is close to many members of the church, because he is always generous enough to help with the prayers of each of the 300 members of the youth division."

I fully agree with Mr. Baek Jong-chun, presidential Blue House chief national security adviser of South Korea that harming innocent civilians can never be justified and we will never forgive this kind of inhumane act.

I send my condolences to the family members of Pastor Bae and wish them the greatest comfort by the Lord Jesus, our Saviour. May God bless his wife and daughter abundantly. May the other 22 South Korean hostages be saved and released soon. Amen.

Howard, in Christ

For further information, please visit International Herald Tribute and The Christian Post.

歡迎影視處不將《聖經》送檢

影視處昨日(17/5)發表聲明，指聖經是「人類文明一部分」，「沒有違反一般合理社會人士普遍接受的道德禮教標準」，決定不會將《聖經》送交淫褻物品審裁處評級。 我們歡迎影視處這一決定，因為它既反映事實，又乎合香港作為擁有信仰自由的國際城市之傳統。

我們仍然不明白為何有人發起「投訴聖經大行動」，而網站「令人戰慄的聖經」的網主「奧賣葛」仍質疑影視處的決定，或許他們的作為正正應驗了使徒保羅的預言，他指出聖靈明說，在後來的時候，必有人離棄真道，聽從那引誘人的邪靈和鬼魔的道理﹝提前 4:1﹞。

將《聖經》送檢本身不單止會變成國際笑柄，亦是對聖經和基督教信仰的不恭，試想想，若果有人要拿回教「可蘭經」(當中也有一些聖經人物的記載)去要求送交淫褻物品審裁處評級，你想本地回教徒的回應會是怎樣？所以，讓我們繼續為香港禱告，為那群只知唯恐天下不亂和不分是非的所謂民意先鋒代禱，求天父開啟他們的心眼，亦求聖靈軟化他們的硬心，免得他們越走越偏離真道，並且帶來對香港社會的種種破壞。

當然，我們也要為在上位當權的禱告，求天父賜他們百般的智慧，並有一顆承擔和造福社會的心志，而我們自己亦要謹慎自省，以敬虔的心來度日，仰望恩主耶穌基督的慈愛和幫助，免得被世風所拖帶，無所適從。

我們繼續歡迎各位來為反對污衊聖經的聲明聯署，好為聖經作見證，也為必要時向相關機構表達意見。願主的恩惠，父神的慈愛及聖靈的感動常與大家同在，阿們。

Howard and members in the Lord

請勿污衊聖經

致：
香港各界人士，
香港各教會牧者和負責人，
香港特別行政區行政長官辦公室，
香港影視處處長，

<前題-Foreword>：

我們尊重香港是一個自由社會，人民享有信仰自由，也得到法律的保障。在這前題下，我們認為不同信仰的人應要互相尊重，彼此激勵。然而，我們看到最近竟然有一群數目“過千”的人士向影視處投訴聖經不雅，我們不禁要問：「為何在現時中大學生報情色版的事件尚未解決之際，會突然間出現這一連串的投訴呢？當中有沒有幕後策劃呢？他們的真正目的何在？況且，他們質疑的罪行如亂倫正正是聖經所嚴厲責備和反對的[見利未記18:6-23]。聖經如實記載人類的罪行，是要給讀者處境性的教訓，以免道理流於過份抽象！事實上，聖經對罪的教訓是嚴厲的﹝參馬太福音(5:28)：凡看見婦女就動淫念的，這人心裡已經與他犯姦淫了。﹞，當中更沒有任何淫詞穢語。

如今有人要把聖經和中大學生報「情色版」扯在一起，明顯是要混淆視聽！做法又是有斷章取義及無理取鬧。他們的行動已經傷害了不少基督徒的感情，因為我們的信仰是植根於聖經的，所以聖經被攻擊和污衊，我們亦感同身受，並覺得他們這種行為是可恥和可悲的！為此，我們實在不能再保持緘默。以下是我們對基督教信仰的宣言和聲明，盼望藉此能讓本港社會各界人士多一點了解聖經的本質，以至能明辨是非，並締造一個和諧社會。

<聖經是創造宇宙萬物真神給世人的一個寶貴啟示>
(The Bible is an invaluable gift given by God)
根據基督教信仰，聖經是創造宇宙萬物真神給世人的一個寶貴啟示，「她」是透過父神向聖經作者的默示而寫成﹝參提摩太後書3章16節﹞，其主要目的有二：
(一) 聖經的核心訊息是 神為世人預備了一份無價之寶，就是天父真神透過祂的獨生子耶穌基督降世、受死和復活來成就永恆的救恩(見約翰福音3:16)，叫凡相信的都得救。
(二) 聖經於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的﹝見提後3:16﹞，並以此來引導信徒的生活守則，並鼓勵我們以信、望、愛的大原則來立己立人。

<聖經是真確和可信的>
(The Bible is Authentic and Credible)

(1) 聖經是經歷一千五百多年而寫成，有四十多位的著書人，當中的訊息都是彼此呼應，並且都聚焦於耶穌基督的救恩為核心，不單止如此，聖經本身也經歷過不少的磨難，在早期教會時期，曾有羅馬君皇要把聖經銷毀，亦有很多異教徒對「她」作出不同的攻擊，正如今天的情景相似，奇妙地，聖經不但沒有被擊倒，反而日見繁衍增多！基督教亦隨之而傳播到世界各地。

(2) 聖經不但預言了很多世界大事，父神又以祂的舊約選民─整個猶太民族的歷史為聖經的真理作見證，例如她早早預言耶穌基督要從猶太民族出來，並且由童女所生，成就救恩；另外，以色列在亡國超過2500年後竟然能神跡地按著聖經預言在1948年復國，在在都表明聖經是可信的。

(3) 聖經是一本活的書，不單是因為她包含了不朽的道理，更是因為歷世歷代信徒作出活生生的見證，大家可能聽過羅馬暴君焚城錄時基督徒面對逼迫患難還能堅守信仰，至死忠心；這些事情其實在現代某些敵視基督教的區域時有發生；當然，我們亦是聖經活著的見證人，我們誠懇的為聖經作見證：我們的生命都是因為聴信了聖經的道理而得著顯著的更新和改變，並且從中得了永生的盼望，是千真萬確的事實！

<我們的呼籲>：
(Our Petition)

(1) 懇請那些不知所謂敵對或蔑視聖經的人士，立即停止你們向影視處無聊的投訴，你們雖然不是信徒，但聖經清楚地告訴她的讀者：[參彼得後書 3:16] 若有人強解使徒保羅的書信﹝已收納在聖經內﹞，如強解別的經書一樣，就自取沉淪。
(2) 若有人對聖經有任何疑問，請聯絡你們附近的正統基督教會教牧人員查詢和交流，我們相信誠懇和真摯的對話，是解開誤解的鑰匙。
(3) 我們對聖經的真理有絕對的信心，不怕接受檢查，但我們恭請影視處以至相關部門，要以香港法治精神，特別是基本法保障信仰自由的條文為大前題來跟進事情。
(4) 懇請所有基督徒為香港，為我們的青年人和前途禱告，求父神施恩，祝福香港和我們的下一代，赦免我們市民的過犯，免得香港陷入咒詛中。

我們歡迎各界人士聯署本聲名，讓香港多一把和睦和正面的呼聲！
(We welcome members of HONG KONG to sign up in this petition for an additional harmonious and positive voice in Hong Kong.)

Howard & Conveners.

回應中大學生報情色版

美國4月16日發生的弗吉尼亞理工大學 (Virginia Tech) 槍擊案至今，大家可能都注意到又再有多宗較小型的槍擊案發生了！原因何在？以 南韓裔嫌犯趙承熙(Cho Seung-hui)為例，他的同學與英文老師早於2005年已發現他是個充滿憤恨和暴力的孩子，十分令人不安，而趙亦因為騷擾女同學和有自殺傾向而一度要進入精神病院檢驗，可惜，他的病歷卻因為私隱的理由而沒有向美國的聯邦調查局呈報，結果使他可以輕易的買到殺人槍械，並造成不可挽回的禍害！當然，各宗案件都有其中的個別因素存在。

歸根究柢，我們要問：「為何一個民主社會的典範國家竟會因著對所謂「弱勢」或「個人自由」的保護而衍生出如此荒唐的現象呢？」香港又有沒有類似的問題呢？舉例說，最近香港中文大學學生會出版的《學生報》，去年十二月起增設的「情色版」出現極不雅的內容，部分涉及亂倫、性虐待等，題目大膽和過火，引起公眾不滿。雖然中大學生會和教務處都認為「情色版」內容影響校譽，當中的處理手法亦值得商榷。中大學生報編委會卻一再堅持拒絕就事件道歉，並認為情色版的內容並不低俗，似乎無限制的言論自由，反對一切道德規範和拒絕承擔相關的社會責任正正是他們的價值觀！

以上事件只是冰山一角，我最近亦從親友中得知今天的小學生的問題也不少，甚至是駭人聽聞的！例如有小學二、三年班的學生被揭發在校內有計劃地偷竊，也有小二男生以互相觸摸對方私人部位來嬉戲，在在都透示著我們的社會實在充斥著相當普遍的歪風！

我們當然不可把屬 神的盼望放下，更不要以為以上的事情不會臨到我們的家人身上，因為這些歪風，斷不會自動消失的；反之，在有心人的搧動下，歪曲悖謬的道理往往會愈來愈盛行。或許，我們應該問一問自己，在禱告，信靠和盼望的基礎上，我們有何行動和方法來對抗今日這股濁世歪流呢？ 使徒雅各[雅4:17]教導我們人若知道行善，卻不去行，這就是他的罪了。使徒保羅的鼓勵也很重要[加 6:9]：我們行善，不可喪志；若不灰心，到了時候就要收成。是的，今天的社會正正是需要你和我們一起來為主作見證，為 神作鹽作光，也要為真理打美好的仗，求父神和主耶穌幫助我們，並憐憫我們的社會！

肢體們，你是否還看不見現今社會中由一班所謂有識之士而鼓吹著極端的個人、自由和反傳統價值主義呢？請撫心自問，如果未來社會的棟樑都變得如中大學生報現屆編輯委員會的目無社會道德和自大自是，又或者是語不驚人誓不休的做法，香港未來的前途會是光明嗎？若你也同意我的分析，請考慮給予中大校務委員多一點鼓勵，並向中大傳訊及公共關係處發出支持校方決定的電郵，同時把副本抄送廣管局和教統局；但願香港和我們的下一代不會被類似昔日中國文革式的歪風所害倒！

槍擊案何時了？

昨天 (16/4)發生在美國維珍尼亞洲的 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (弗吉尼亞理工大學)的恐怖槍擊慘劇又一次震撼了世人的心坎！導致槍擊慘劇發生的原因之一當然關乎美國現時槍械太多太濫，但這只是硬件，因為槍械再多而管制得宜，再配合國民的非暴力和守法意識的話，應該沒有這麼多的槍擊和校園暴力案件。

那麼背後的軟件是甚麼呢？我想離不開今天北美社會所崇尚的極端個人和自由主義，加上北美地區的種種內在矛盾，今天北美的青少年，多傾向以自己的感受和利益為主的觀點，若遇上家庭、學業、愛情或事業上的衝擊，便很易變得情緒化和極端化；如沒有即時和有效的開導，便很易走上殺人和自毀的不歸路！

今天香港還好沒有太多槍械，事實上，要取得槍械也不容易，但隨著大陸的開放，世界環境一體化，恐怕潛在危機會日益加增，特別是當我們的一些社會政要和「有識之士」大力鼓吹甚麼都要跟西方的標準看齊時，真叫各位家長有四面楚歌的感覺！所以，敬請所有自認是為香港前途爭取幸福的賢達們，請多為我們下一代想想，今天的青少年最需要的是甚麼？他們最缺乏的又是甚麼呢？

聖經提摩太後書 3:1 說到末世必有危險的日子來到 (But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress)，使徒保羅又教導我們[提前 2:1-2]要為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝；為君王和一切在位的，也該如此，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事的度日。(I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [KJV])

作為信徒，我們的盼望也離不開聖經的提示和應許：[多 2:11- 13]因為神救眾人的恩典已經顯明出來，教訓我們除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情慾，在今世自守、公義、敬虔度日，等候所盼望的福，並等候至大的神和我們救主耶穌基督的榮耀顯現。(For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [KJV])

但願香港的社會和青少年都同蒙 天父和主基督的保守和祝福！

Howard

圖表資料來源：
(1) 33 dead after campus shooting rampage
(2) Psychiatrist: Boy charged in school killing competent for trial
(3) List of school massacres
(4) School violence around the world
(5) List of major incidents at North American schools

但願 父神祝福香港社會在來年有良好發展

各位肢體們：

今天(17/2)廣管局主席馮華健先生於港台節目中和該局昨日的新聞稿中都強調對《秋天的童話》及《鏗鏘集》「同志．戀人」的裁決是合理的，這是有利於香港作為一個既公義又和諧的社會的應有裁決。據本港報章報導，廣管局在有關裁決後收到2,558 份意見書，當中七成是支持廣管局對《鏗鏘集》的裁決。在支持的書面意見裏，相信必然有你的份兒，在此本人﹝作為對[同志‧戀人]節目的上訴人]謹送上真誠的感謝！

今天是年三十晚，大家應該與家人團團年，開心一下，本人順祝各位來年身心康泰，事業/學業和家庭都如意祥和，並且能百尺竿頭，更進一步！

網主 Howard 上

「一人一信支持廣管局對〈同志．戀人〉節目的裁決」行動

各位主內肢體：

近日我從報章以至不同媒體中發現有一等自命民意代表或甚麼性學專家等大肆抨擊廣管局針對香港電台於2006年7月9日晚上合家歡時間播出《鏗鏘集》〈同志．戀人〉一輯所發出的強烈勸諭，還要求廣管局就事件道歉，他們背後的動機，真有不把我們這些「異見份子」打跨就不罷休之勢！

雖然我們都強調彼此尊重，又強調在自由信仰的大原則下，在實踐上盡量彼此包容和求同存異，那些自命時代「帶領者」的人士及鼓吹要盡快把同性婚姻合法化的社運份子，對廣管局以至我們這群希望能透過理性，研究和互相協調的沉默大多數的市民，加諸很有「文革」意味的批判！

各位老友們，我相信你絕不喜歡國內在60-70年代的文革浩刧，也深信你不希望在強調言論自由和法治的社會裏，不知不覺間竟然跑出一群以「市民代表」及只有他們講而不讓異議者表達的「新香港人民廣播電台」吧！我真不明白，為何其他政府機構被廣管局、核數署以至他們的直屬局長勸諭或批評時政界和新聞界多以持平態度處理，而當香港電台被勸諭及批評時，總會有一批自命民意代表出來發聲支援和譴責相關的勸諭者和批評者呢？

所有珍惜真正言論自由和法治社會的人士和肢體們，請不要再緘默了，齊來為保護香港固有的言論自由和法治基礎作個美好的見證和表態吧！願天父祝福大家，阿們。

Howard 上

(註：請到香港性文化學會之以下連結觀看相關呼籲)

New Year Resolution Revisited

Dear Visitor in Christ,

My resolution last year is to find out directions and position in my ministry. I trust God has led me to minister to a group of brothers for mutual up-building and growth. It has yet to be further confirmed with signs and indications from the Lord on how far I could develop my personal ministry in 2007. I certainly need your prayer and support according to what you might perceive from your own spiritual enlightenment. Vice versa, I shall pray for you and the fulfillment of your life purpose. Should you are still searching for your own purpose and mission, the Apostle Paul encourages us (Hebrew 10:23-24) to hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Yes, it is usually easier for us to approach and fulfill our spiritual pilgrimage step by step as the Lord Jesus teaches us (Acts 1:8) that we shall bear witnesses to Him from Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. May the Lord's will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Howard