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The campus becomes quiet in June.
In this academic year, the most impressive part of my pastoral ministry is "Morning Meditation on the Word of God" every Monday. At 8:30a.m. every week, a few students and I meditated on the Word of God. We concentrated on listening to the Word of God and praying in the Holy Spirit instead of exegesis and group sharing.
Usually, I recited Bible verses selected from “Gospel” or “Psalms”. Students learned to “listen” with respect and concentration, slowly and carefully word by word, which is the “Word” God sends to us individually. When we listen repeatedly to the same verses, we meditate, allowing God’s Word to touch our hearts, interacting with our mind, our hope and our memory. We “pray” in our spirit and “dialogue” with God. In this way, we would respond to God’s invitation and offer ourselves to God once again. Finally, we learned to take a rest, being transformed and embraced by God.
“Lectio Divina” is a traditional art of praying. God’s word becomes the medium between God and man. For more than six months, the participating students offered themselves to God at the beginning of every busy week. They became closer and closer to God. For me, the work of the Holy Spirit was experienced again and again.
Every other Thursday, I led Bible study with students in the morning. Through selected Bible verses, we made reflection on “how to live the fruit of the Holy Spirit?” In the study group, I demonstrated the skills of Bible study, hoping that they would lead Bible Study groups in the future.
Now, some of them were graduated and some are on vacation. I specially missed two Master students from Mainland China, Susannah and Vicky. They had come here for one year to equip themselves in their professions. We had memorable fellowship in the past year. I hope they would carry on with the ministry when they return home.
After the summer vacation, many new students will come. I am sure many more “farmers” will come to EdUHK to sow on this piece of sandy soil and irrigate. My mission is to play the role of “humus”, to improve soil quality so that the seeds can grow. “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9:10)
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
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