|
I am thankful for God that I have become a team member of the "Centre" since February 2017. I wish I can contribute myself in deepening Christian education, promoting dialogue between Christian faith and the rapidly changing contemporary culture and values, as well as to participating in the education of the new generation.
Looking back at my past, I had been working in the education front line for a long time, starting from being a teacher after graduation, to resigning as a school principal in 2001. Afterwards I entered the China Graduate School of Theology to study, due to a deep calling to serve families and youth through gospel preaching. I joined the pastor team of my mother church in 2004, serving the local community and shepherding believers.
My church is within my primary school alma mater. In order to better serve the students and parents there, I further equipped myself with Family Counseling and Family Education study in CUHK. It certainly trained me into a minister with genuine pastoral empathy. As a school chaplain, I have the opportunity to shepherd the teachers as well.
At the end of 2015, after eleven years of ministry, I was granted Sabbatical leave to have rest and reflection. At that time, several social issues brought me into turbulence: student suicide climax, the New Year Mong Kok riots, and critical responses against the award-winning film "Ten Years". I fell into deep meditation on my vocation again. Knowing the establishment and needs of the “Centre”, my vision became gradually clear. Finally, I respond to the call from my Lord again.
It’s the work of our Lord to make this Centre into reality. Though we are small in the university campus, our aspiration is great, aiming not only to serve teachers and students of EdUHK, so that we can experience an authentic Christian faith in a chaotic world, but also to work with external education and church groups, enabling the younger generation to be shaped with a Christian soul and mind.
I ask the Lord to inspire you to pray for the teachers and students here and our service here. Your generous donation to the “Centre” will also enable our ministry to sustain. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Amen.
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
|
