親愛的代禱夥伴：
新冠變種毒株奧密克戎（Omicron）使南非的疫情為全世界所關注。一架從南非飛往荷蘭的航機上驗出十多人染上這個變種，英國立即宣佈禁止包括南非等的非洲南部數國國民入境，接著許多國家包括美國也宣佈禁飛。Omicron毒株引來驚恐是由於它携帶病毒突變點有32個，病毒可能更易傳播或可能使病情更加嚴重，或者突破疫苗的防治。南非從十月初疫情已經緩和，之後有一個半月感染人數偏少。大家都期盼苦盡甘來，十二月份可以吸引國際觀光客，幫助一下低迷已久的經濟。所以，禁飛一事，使不少南非人感到失望，但從防疫角度來說，也是件好事，因為南非目前已經接種疫苗的人數仍只有25％。這個星期確診人數已經從幾百人倍增到一萬多人。請繼續為南非政府防疫和抗疫的工作代禱。
我們的工作從明年起將有調整，南非的事工將僅在網路上運作，目前在網路上每週三次的查經和週日兩次的崇拜仍會繼續。所以，我們在開普敦和德班兩個教會的事工沒有改變，繼續日夜癲倒。感謝神，這種跨國網路上的運作方式，因為新冠疫情的關係而能夠被弟兄姐妹接受！另一方面，除繼續南非事工外，我們將負責美國辦公室的事務，包括行政、文宣、推動宣教、招募宣教士，並在適當的時候，帶領短宣隊到工場。估計新的事工對我們來說將有一段學習和適應，求神賜給我們聰明智慧學習，也幫助我們能快快適應新工作的作息和步調。請為我們代禱，也請在經濟上繼續支持我們。
因著事工的調整，我們十月上旬回到南非處理交接有關的事務，十一月二十七日已平安回到美國。感謝神，許多繁瑣事情都能如期辦好。在美國用電話或上網幾分鐘可辦好的事，在南非可以很複雜。例如取消信用卡，我們得去銀行花上二、三個小時，跟不同部門溝通，才能辦好。感謝主！我們辦理差會帳户交接事務，正在一籌莫展時，服務臺的職員竟然主動幫助我們聯絡承辨人，還請分行經理協助我們，將事情在最後的幾分鐘辦好，否則我們就要在約翰尼斯堡滯留數日了。
在離開一年半之後，我們再次見到南非兩個城市的弟兄姐妹。過去這段時間，大家只能在網路上溝通，到了見面時，感覺和往日見面一般的親切，感恩神在這段疫情的日子看顧和保守屬祂的兒女，面對未來大家都很平安，深知神必繼續看顧。弟兄姐妹分享到疫症沒有影響他們對主的信心。面對未來和南非前景，深信神一直與他們同在，神會繼續保守，他們會好好的生活，堅持他們的信仰。不論我們在哪裡生活，或是將來去到哪裡，網路將我們連接在一起，彼此鼓勵，繼續長進！
回顧這二十年來在南非的服侍，真是主恩滿滿。不是我們做了什麽，而是親眼目睹神作為的奇妙！「深哉，神豐富的智慧和知識！他的判斷何其難測！他的蹤跡何其難尋！誰知道主的心？誰作過他的謀士呢？誰是先給了他，使他後來償還呢？因為萬有都是本於他，倚靠他，歸於他。願榮耀歸給他，直到永遠。阿們！」（羅馬書11:33-36）
請您為這些事情代禱：
您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二一年十二月
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Dear Prayer Partners,
The newest variant Omicron has been the headline news these past few days, and South Africa once again becomes the center of attention. It all started when it was discovered that a flight from South Africa to Netherland carried 13 COVID-positive passengers. The UK immediately suspended all flights from southern Africa countries, and many countries, including the States, soon followed suit. As this new variant has 32 mutations, it has been creating fear in people’s minds as no one is certain about its spreading speed, health impact or ability to evade existing vaccines. South Africa had just come out of its third wave in early October, and its infection rate had been kept in the low hundreds. Everyone was relieved and hopeful that the December holiday would bring about much needed economic revival through incoming tourists. Therefore, this new ban dashed their hope and brought about much disappointment. However, from a health standpoint, it may not be such a bad thing. Since the inoculation rate in South Africa only stands around 25%, there will be less chances of bringing in viruses from travelers. South Africa is now officially in its fourth wave. Its infection rate has been doubling each day, from a few hundreds to over 10,000 in less than a week. Please continue to pray for the government for efficient and effective methods to combat the pandemic.
Beginning next year, our ministry will have a different component. We will continue to hold online Bible studies and worship services for the two churches in Cape Town and Durban (They are 10 hours ahead of San Jose). After almost two years in the pandemic, brothers and sisters have gotten used to this method of fellowship. At the same time, we will be stationed in California by heading up CEM’s US office. Our duties will include the mission organization’s daily administration as well as mission promotion, mobilization and recruitment. And we will lead Short Term Missions Teams when time is favorable. There will be a period of learning and adjustment for us. May the Lord grant us wisdom and quick adapting into our new role. Please pray for us, and please also consider your continued financial support in our new ministry.
Due to this new direction in our ministry, we returned to South Africa in early October to settle all the transition matters. We thank the Lord that we were able to leave South Africa on time and arrived safely back home on November 27th. Praise the Lord! Many tedious tasks were able to be taken care of in a timely manner. Things that only take a few minutes online in the States can become very complicated in South Africa. For example, we had to spend two, three hours in the bank talking to different people in different departments just to cancel our credit card. Once we spent all day in the bank to change signers of our mission office’s account. When we were ready to give up, the lady at reception just came up to us to offer help to trace down our business consultant. She even talked to her branch manager who went out of her ways to help us resolve our problem just in the nick of time! If not for them, we might need to waste a few more days in Johannesburg.
After being away for 1-1/2 years, we met with our brothers and sisters in Cape Town and Durban. This re-acquaintance renewed our love for each other, praising our Lord in one heart and mind, feeling privileged to be God’s children. We do not know what the future holds, but we are sure who holds the future! They shared with us how they experienced God’s presence and protection during the pandemic. They vowed to stand firm in their faith and committed themselves to serve the Lord. Wherever we are, wherever we will go, the internet tool will connect us for fellowship and encouragement in our spiritual growth!
Looking back on our past 20 years of service in South Africa, we were filled with awe! Not that we had accomplished anything, but we were able to see God and His marvelous deeds with our own eyes! “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen!” (Romans 11:33-36)
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:
In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina
各位親愛的禱伴平安：
人對我說：我們往耶和華的殿去，我就歡喜。（詩122：1）
過去兩年，因應疫情的反覆，南非約堡福音教會的聚會作過不少調適。感謝神，最近疫情放緩，教會在十月底恢復實體崇拜，當天這個大家庭終於可以面對面相聚，大家熱切期待這一天的來臨，可以一起唱詩，可以聽到來自左右前後肢體的歌聲，共同參與崇拜的每一個環節，會後肢體互相問候，難掩蓋久別重逢的雀躍。雖然感染個案減少，但防疫措施，教會絕不鬆懈，出席者必須保持一定社交距離、佩戴口罩、量體溫及用消毒液搓手；所有物品，座位及音響器材都經過消毒，教會亦採用獨立包裝的餅和杯供聖餐之用。另一方面，為了一些未能出席或身在其他城市的信徒，教會也維持網上直播，這樣大家就可不受地域限制地聚會。無論是線上線下的敬拜，心靈不單可以與尊貴權能的三一神連結，也體會到聖徒相通，在基督裡互為肢體的美妙。
不求自己的益處，只求眾人的益處，叫他們得救。(林前10：33)
最近紛紛傳來消息，指有異教徒在南非不同城市接觸華人，向店舖派發單張或書刊。一次我在教會聚會中向會眾發問：「你們當中有多少人曾有異端教徒來向你們傳講他們的教義？」結果大部份人都舉手了，我跟著又問：「那麼你們當中又有多少人曾遇到基督徒向你們傳講福音？」結果舉手的只有寥寥幾人。其實我們基督徒不是欠缺教會增長的研究，也不欠缺傳福音的策略和資源，欠缺的是傳福音的熱誠和行動。
我們發現異端邪教發展迅速，原因就是他們肯委身，肯花時間跟人傳教，而現今許多基督徒光看重帶未信主的人「來」教會，聽佈道會，卻往往忽略了主耶穌吩咐我們往普天下「去」，傳福音給萬民聽。求主幫助南非以至普世基督徒不單請人「來」聽福音，同時也要「去」傳福音，務要使人得救。
感恩及代禱事項：
祝 愛心、信心、盼望與日俱增！
您的同路人
國權，詠湘敬上
2021年11月10日
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親愛的代禱夥伴：
感謝神，南非第三波新冠肺炎疫情已經減緩，從每天一萬幾千人感染，降至過去七天每天感染人數在三千上下。第三波疫情的患者大部份是染了Delta病毒，情況比第二波嚴峻，從感染及死亡數字來看，病毒的傳播及感染率極强。疫症開始最先前的一年三個月裡，有1,637,000人受感染，而最近的三個月就有1,255,000人感染，也就是有43％的人是在這三個月被感染的。在第三波中染病死亡的有30,374人，佔35％。Delta病毒的可怕可見一斑！
在南非，已注射疫苗人口比率不及百分之二十，雖然現時疫症開始減緩，但面臨的挑戰還有不少。首先是十一月一日的南非普選，普選之前有許多競選活動，增加人與人的接觸，如拉票、造勢活動和投票等。其次是南非有八百萬的愛滋病患，他們對新冠病毒扺抗能力弱，使新冠病毒持久寄生在病患身上，這種寄生的關係給新冠病毒更多機會產生新的變種。所以，南非愛滋人口成為了變種的溫床。減低愛滋病人不產生變種的唯一方法就是給愛滋病患者注射疫苗。
南非民眾對接種疫苗並不熱衷，有的因為被誤導，對打疫苗和戴口罩採敵對態度。最近南非政府展開宣傳，鼓勵國民接種疫苗，如果接種率能達到50％到75％，國家的經濟活動就可以得到較大幅度的開放。若要今年底之前人口中50％接種疫苗為目標，那尚有一千八百萬人要打疫苗。政府希望每天能為廿五萬人注射疫苗，然而每天接種疫苗的人數與此相差甚遠。
我們仍然保持每週在網路上有三處崇拜聚會和三個查經聚會。感謝主使用網路語音的聚會，並沒有影響到參加人數，大家準時出現。崇拜可以重複聽，不受地區地點限制。有的人在南非以外，有的人在南非中部大城，也有的在南非北部小鎮；大家可以聚在一起。感謝主。
由於疫情減緩，南非政府八月中下調戒嚴到第二級，使一些商業能恢復，紓解經濟壓力。美國已宣佈十一月開放，允許多個國家（包括南非）完成疫苗接種的人進入，估計各地方將會開放。我們計劃十月上旬返回南非，請為我們旅途平安禱告。
請您為這些事情代禱：
您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二一年九月
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Dear Prayer Partners,
We thank the Lord that South Africa is finally coming out of its COVID-19 third wave. Daily cases have been coming down to an average around 3,000 from daily highs of over 10,000. In these three months, the Delta variant has been the main virus which is more contagious and widespread. Its impact is obvious. The total cases in South Africa for the first 15 months of the pandemic was about 1,637,000, but these last three months had pushed the number to 2,892,000 (an increase of 1,255,000 cases, or 43%). For the same periods, South Africa recorded another 30,374 (or a 35% increase) COVID-related deaths. The Delta variant is indeed devastating!
Due to the low vaccination rate of less than 20%, the end of the third wave does not give South Africa any relief from its challenges. First of all is the upcoming general election on November 1st. All different campaign activities can become super-spreader events. In addition, there are about 8 million HIV-positive patients in South Africa. They not only have a weaker immune system but also are hotbeds for new COVID variants. The only way out is full vaccination.
However, misinformation on face masks and vaccines have been causing hesitation among South Africans. The government has been trying different ways to encourage people to get inoculated. If it can reach 50% to 75% of the total population, the country’s economy can be greatly improved. Nevertheless, to be able to achieve 50% by the end of the year (18,000,000 more people), South Africa needs to vaccinate about 250,000 persons each day; that is quite a long way from the current rate.
Through WeChat audio communications, we continue to hold three worship services and three weekday Bible studies every week. We thank the Lord that attendance has been very steady, and brothers and sisters in different cities of South Africa as well as those in China are able to both participate in real time and review later as they wish.
With the temporary easing of the pandemic and the lockdown downgrading in South Africa, the economy is slowing picking up pace. Beginning November 1st, the United States will also accept foreign travelers (including South Africa) who are fully vaccinated. We are planning to return to South Africa on early October. Please pray for our safe travel.
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:
In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina
各位親愛的禱伴平安：
南非在七月中經歷了一場暴亂，很多大型超市，工廠，購物中心被燒、搶掠，經濟進一步受創。事件的成因表面是前任總統祖馬（Jacob Zuma）被控貪污入獄，他的支持者堅信他是受政治迫害而起來作亂，但顯然祖馬的支持者並沒有力量掀起如此大的風波；自七月九日蔓延開來，各城市均有群眾放火燒毀商鋪，又大包小包的搬空商店貨架，更有人開車前去運載搶劫出來的貨品，汽車將主幹道都堵塞了……這樣失控的場面，實在很難說是跟政治訴求沾上邊，最後政府派出軍隊才平息這場劫掠狂潮。
南非早在上世紀五、六十年代已是整個非洲大陸最發達最富庶的國家，無論工業、農業、礦業、醫療、教育均可達到世界水平。那時正處於「種族隔離」（Apartheid）時代，黑人雖然沒有政治權利，社會地位卑微，但由於經濟發達，需要大量的勞動力，所以黑人並不擔心會失業。
然而，自一九九四年種族隔離政策瓦解，黑人掌握政權；政府為滿足民粹主義，試圖通過多種方法：起用黑人作國企要職、以配額制增加黑人就業率等，可是由於黑人在種族隔離期間沒有得到良好的教育及培訓，不善管理，加上高關稅保護主義，致使很多行業受到拖累，引致失業和貧窮。
感謝主，雖然這次暴亂使商戶或廠家蒙受巨大損失，但卻叫很多政府官員醒悟過來，立志要重建國家，有市民更發起集體認罪悔改，求神再興起南非；盼望官民能合力，使這個國家可以重新起步。
在此，特別謝謝來電或電郵問候的牧長及弟兄姊妹，感謝主的保守，我們在南非一切安好，也請大家記念南非的需要。
代禱事項：
願賜平安的神常與您們同在！
您的同路人
國權，詠湘敬上
動亂過後，超市猶如戰區
有市民自願幫忙清理街道
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親愛的弟兄姊妹，主內平安：
傳道書作者向我們說明：「凡事都有定期」。（傳道書三1）
收拾與行程
回到南非工場快兩個月了。感謝主的看顧，在文瀚的悉心照顧下，玉潔的身體康復得很不錯。由於玉潔手術電療後，每六個月需回港覆診，路途遙遠，不易往返，而文瀚亦有意進修，經與差會洽商及接納，我們會離開南非工場，完成這裡十七年的宣教使命。回港後，我們繼續在中福團事奉，只是轉換崗位，會在香港推動差傳教育、動員、研發等事工，求主使用我們。
如今，正在忙於收拾、整理、打包、安排運輸，計劃回港的行程，都忘記了孩子不在身邊的「空巢」日子。收拾期間，不難發現神豐豐富富，充充足足的供應，求神給我們精神體力智慧去處理。因着南非疫情，香港防疫隔離要求，回港航班安排要有多方面的考慮。請代禱，求神為我們開路，順利回港。
感恩與告別
感謝主，我們繼續邀請了支持教會的牧者在網上證道，讓信徒從中得著牧養。在疫情措施容許下，我們外出關懷探訪。一方面向弟兄姐妹告別，另一方面鼓勵他們繼續追求靈命成長，參與網路崇拜，將來轉介到合適的教會。與信徒商討後，伊港華人教會餘下的資產將轉贈給慈善機構，而聖經和福音材料則會轉送給其他宣教士。
前前後後開辦了整整七年的彩虹中文學校，得到老師和家長的信任合作，解決不少困難，讓華人孩子有學中文的機會，這完全是神的恩典，像作了一場美夢一樣。只可惜因為疫情，未能面授課堂，也未能以網課形式進行。與老師會議後，一致決定停辦中文學校了。學校停辦後，會把學校的餘款，以及部分物資捐贈給當地的教會，以答謝他們這麼多年來，無私的支援幫助。我們都盼望日後會有人能夠開辦中文學校，繼續讓這裡的華人孩子學習中文。
懷著感激的心，謝謝當地白人教會一直的支持。當然，更謝謝你們每一位在漫長的十七年歲月中，在禱告中、經費上，各個方面都支持、鼓勵、記念。也請繼續支持我們回港後在差會的事奉。
暴亂與寒冬
七月初，南非政局經歷了自曼德拉政府管治以來，最大、最嚴重的暴亂，尤其是約堡、德班、紐卡索（我們曾事奉六年的小鎮）。白天黑夜明目張膽的搶、燒、砸。政府於各地出動二萬軍隊，協助警方，而市民自發組成自衛隊，防守從四方八面而來的侵襲。有認識的一位姐妹描述，她眼巴巴看著自己的工廠被搶一空，真是無奈，可幸性命得保。求神大大的掌管，憐憫無辜的人。感謝神，這場暴亂沒有蔓延全國，一星期後受到控制，生活漸漸回復正常。但所造成的破壞損失以幾十億美元計算。
6-8月是南非的冬季，今年卻特別的冷。伊麗沙伯港有好幾天的氣溫降至白天只有2-7度，加上下大雨，還下了冰雹。我們就把握機會，把厚被、衣服、食物等等送到慈善機構，再轉送到有需要的人手中，以度過嚴寒的冬天。
其他事情
有關PR（居留）申請，謝謝你們一直的關注支持。最近接到移民局的回覆，我們的申請被拒了。是有點失望，只能交託掌管萬物偉大的主。
原來早在今年三月，我們仍在香港工作匯報的時候，這個城市靜悄悄地改了新名，不再叫「Port of Elizabeth伊麗沙伯港」，改名叫Gqeberha，我們很快離開Gqeberha了。日後再見，願神賜福這地，建立祂的子民。
代禱事項：
主僕
文瀚、玉潔
伊港白人教會
向弟兄姐妹告別
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親愛的代禱夥伴：
南非在七月發生嚴重的騷亂襲擊事件，最主要發生在夸祖魯-納塔爾省和豪登省。騷亂緣起於7月8日南非前總統雅各布．祖馬被控腐敗，且藐視法庭被判入獄。他被捕和拘留後，引發群眾抗議。7月9日晚上，夸祖魯-納塔爾省率先出現雅各布．祖馬支持者發起的示威活動，隨後示威活動升級為搶劫和暴力，更迅速蔓延到其他的城市。成千上萬的人洗劫商場、封堵高速公路，企業、工廠、診所和學校都成為襲擊的目標。7月11日晚上，騷亂蔓延更多地方，引發哄搶事件，直到軍隊的介入才平靜下來。
騷亂之時神仍然在掌權！
教會的王弟兄在伊士台比開成衣廠，他的工廠被暴徒襲劫和燒燬，他女兒的腳也因此受了傷。主保守他們安全離開工廠，他女兒現在也順利完成了手術。手術曾延後，因為無法購買手術所需要的配件。請為王弟兄和他女兒代禱，求主使他女兒的腳傷早日康復，安慰他們的傷痛，並且引領他們前面的道路，求主賜他們信心及恩典。
與王弟兄同一個工廠區，陳牧師的雨鞋廠也遭到打劫和破壞，暴民將廠房牆上消防的銅管都拆走了。陳牧師和其他工人翻牆安全離開工廠。原來以為工廠的工具，配件全部丟失，後來發現主機完整沒被破壞，尋索整理後找回了工具和配件，所以機器仍然可以生產，所剩的原物料也夠生產今年的訂單。他滿心數算主的恩典，雖然受損，仍看見神在看顧，仍然為所發生的事感恩。他在教會群組中分享，使大家都得到鼓勵。正如一位弟兄分享說：「通過一場的劫難，讓我們不但看到恩主的大能和神奇，更讓我們看到真正屬靈生命的魅力」。
在伊士台比還有五家成衣工廠是教會弟兄姐妹經營的，感謝主這次他們都沒有被騷擾。在那裡開廠的李弟兄夫婦，前兩個星期感染新冠病毒，教會弟兄姐妹為他們禱告，求主幫助他們復元；感謝主，經過兩週的服藥及療養，現今他們已經恢復。
上次遇劫蒙神保守的陳弟兄夫婦，再次經歷到神奇妙的眷顧。當暴亂事件蔓延到豪登省時，陳弟兄請弟兄姐妹們為他們兩間店鋪的安全代禱，求主看顧。他們見證說：「昨晚我們一號店的商場被攻破，我們沒有其它辦法，只能不斷祈禱，求恩主保守。禱告之後，神給我們有平安。早上去看才發現我們周邊的店舖全被洗劫一空，唯獨我們的店毫髮無損，如詩篇91篇所應許的，一切榮耀歸於恩主！我們二號店對面的整個商場被洗劫一空，而我們所在的商場毫髮無傷。」神行了奇妙的事，保存了他們兩個商店！
請您為這些事情代禱：
您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二一年七月
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Dear Prayer Partners,
South Africa just experienced a severe insurrection in July, especially in the cities of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It started on July 8th when former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned for contempt of court in his bribery trial. On the next day, his supporters rallied protests in different cities that turned into violence and lootings. Tens of thousands of people joined in to block highways, to rob and destroy shops and malls, even schools and clinics. This continued for two more days and to other cities. It was finally controlled after the army was called in.
God still reigns in times of turmoil!
Brother Wang’s factory in Isithebe was totally burned down, and his daughter suffered injuries in her legs. The Lord helped them make it out of danger, and his daughter’s surgery was completed successfully this past Monday. She had to wait for a whole week due to a break in the supply chain of special nails for her bones. Please pray for her speedy recovery and Brother Wang’s plans ahead. May the Lord grant them faith and grace!
Rev. Chen’s factory in Isithebe was also broken in. He and his workers were able to escape by climbing over the backyard fence at the last minute. When he went back to survey the damages, he discovered that all machines were intact, and all production tools and parts were left behind. The remaining raw materials were enough to finish the orders for the rest of the year. He rejoices in the Lord’s protection and provision! He shared his testimony at the church’s WeChat group. One brother responded that, “through this catastrophe, we not only saw God’s amazing power but also the charm of a real spiritual life.”
We thank God that five other church members’ factories in Isithebe were spared. In addition, we have been praying for a couple who were infected with COVID-19 two weeks ago. We thank God for His mercy. They are now totally recovered.
Brother Chen (the one we mentioned in our last prayer letter) has two shops in two different malls in the Gauteng province. When the violence started to spread to his city, he asked for intercessions. This is his testimony on the day after: “Last night, my first shop’s mall was attacked, and no one could intervene. We could only pray for God’s protection. We felt immense peace after praying. The next morning, we went in and found that the shops on our right, on our left and across from us were all damaged. Ours was the only one that was completely untouched – as He had promised in Psalm 91. Praise be to the Lord! There is another mall across from the mall that our second shop is located. That other mall was totally ransacked, but our mall was skipped!” The Lord saved his shops in marvelous ways!
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:
In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina
各位親愛的禱伴平安：
轉眼間2021年又過了一半，求主指教我們怎樣數算自己的日子，好叫我們得著智慧的心（詩九十12）。感謝您們一直惦記著我們在南非的生活，以禱告承托我倆的事工。
靠主得勝
宣教本質就是一場屬靈爭戰，是一場權能之爭，撒旦永遠不甘心有人會脫離牠的掌控，想盡方法把信主的人從神那裡擄掠回去。
宋太太和丈夫移居南非十多年，一直在跳蚤市場經營小店舖為生，在市場內認識了不少朋友，每逢節期，宋太太都隨著朋友到道場吃素拜拜，在家中設立神壇，天天供奉。雖然如此殷勤，但她心裡沒有平安，反而增添了憂慮和困惑。有一次她跟身在澳洲的姐姐通電話，姐姐告訴宋太太她去了教會，信了耶穌後感到平安喜樂，宋太太聽後也很想得到這份福氣，於是她開始尋找教會；有一天她打電話給我，告訴我有關她的背景，我鼓勵她參加教會聚會，告訴宋太太真神只有一位，又跟她講論福音內容。道場的人知道後，便設法挽留她，並送上燉湯以示關切；我則天天打電話給宋太太，為她禱告。感謝主，這福音本是神的大能，要救一切相信的，宋太太已決志信主，又向道場的信眾表明她不會再回去，求神堅固她的信心不動搖，在主裡更新成長。
神學課程
神學教育是教會人材的搖籃，塑造信徒的屬靈氣質，南非約堡福音教會從五月起，每逢週六晚上舉辦基礎神學講座。雖然現時教會聚會仍需在網上進行，但弟兄姊妹都積極裝備，同心學習，深感受益匪淺。
但願如哈巴谷書二章14節所說：「認識耶和華榮耀的知識要充滿遍地，好像水充滿洋海一般。」
南非疫情
近期南非新冠疫情出現反彈情況，確診人數大幅上升，總統拉馬福薩於6月15日宣布鑑於第三波疫情已經來到，封鎖級別調高至第三級，在過去兩週每日確診入院治療病例增長了59%，很多醫院已不勝負荷，政府現時首要任務是確保有足夠病牀，醫護人員和呼吸機。
目前南非已有一百八十多萬人接種了疫苗，衛生部表示會加快接種工作，預計今年內有超過4000萬人獲得接種，從而實現群體免疫的目標。
求與我們同在的主作南非人民的避難所，以祂的大能大力蔭庇我們。
代禱事項：
您的同路人
國權，詠湘敬上
2021年6月18日
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親愛的弟兄姊妹，主內平安：
「你信實何廣大，清晨復清晨，主愛日更新，我一切所需用，你都已預備，你信實何廣大，顯在我身。」這是詩歌【你信實何廣大】的部分歌詞，願與你和唱，歌頌讚美神。
電療
感謝主，師母在3月3日完成手術後，主診醫生轉介到公立醫院見腫瘤科醫生並安排電療。在畫定位置後，於4月19日正式開始共20次的電療，她週一至週五須到醫院接受電療，每次大概10-15分鐘。電療期間，一些預期的副作用，如皮膚癢，紅、乾、微熱、微痛的感覺也一一出現了，不過只屬輕微的反應。感謝神的保守，5月14日順利完成20次的電療，之後只需小心護理電療後的皮膚便可，至於精神、健康、胃口、睡眠都十分正常，師母現正踏上癌病康復之路。感激弟兄姐妹的關懷，自師母手術開始到電療結束，這段期間信徒不斷的問候支持，更有弟兄姐妹製作的湯水和美味的餸菜，給我們有足夠的營養，尤其電療中需要增強抵抗力，為此心中感覺十分溫暖，也有兒女們的關心，願主親自報答你們。
電療中期，感謝宣道會牧者的悉心安排，讓我們由土瓜灣住所搬到位於佐敦的機構宿舍，那裡更靠近伊利沙伯醫院，走路的話，十五至二十分鐘就到醫院，非常方便。
服事
我們繼續進行網上服事，與南非伊利沙伯港華人信徒一同敬拜證道，同時參與了保羅文化中心每週二的禱告會，當中認識不少宣教士和關心宣教的同路人，學習一同為宣教士禱告守望。
在醫院時，把握了向身邊的病友傳福音的機會。我們認識幾位同期電療的病友，大家分享心得，彼此關心鼓勵。其中一位是印籍華裔婆婆，每次有一位印傭姐姐陪同她出入，我們向她請教有關印尼華僑的事情，也向她見證分享福音，甚至有一次我們請印傭姐姐以印尼話讀出詩篇23篇，向她講解詩篇內容，鼓勵她禱告真神。另一位女士願意主動留電話給我們以保持聯繫。願神的話語能夠深印人心，福音的種子在人的心中滋長。
回工場
電療結束後，諮詢過醫生的意見，並與差會商討後，我們決定5月26日回南非工場。深知不少親戚朋友，主內的肢體都十分擔心掛念師母的身體，剛剛才完成電療，她的健康能否應付呢？為什麼要這樣急忙回南非工場呢？事緣早在我們回港工作匯報之前，我們在伊利沙伯港住處的房東已告訴我們，他要出售我們正租住的房子，他也透過中介表明希望我們能及早回去，所以在健康情況許可之下，我們需要盡快回去處理房子一事，以免影響房東辦事。如果師母留港養病，只有牧師一人回去可以嗎？面對不穩的疫情，不太理想的治安，收拾的勞碌，與其彼此牽掛，倒不如一起回去與牧師共同承擔，畢竟二人總比一人好，無論發生什麼事，相信神的看顧，祂的信實極其廣大。
過南非海關的時候十分平安順利，沒有行李檢查，不需要遞交核酸測試報告，不必強制旅館隔離，看來非常寬鬆。踏進家門，心存感謝，家中一切安然無恙，沒有賊人進內的跡象，只見房子灰塵處處。小小的院子裡，青草長得高過膝蓋，雜草茂盛得高過我們，而其他的花朵卻枯乾了，廁所被螞蟻入侵建窩，冰櫃因為沒電而發臭發黴。畢竟是六個月沒有人居住打理的房子呢！惟有天父看顧著，祂的信實極其廣大。
為安全起見，我們自願家居隔離14天，並開始徹底清潔及整理傢俱。
孩子們
柏謙和柏翹完成了大學一年級的學習。暑假期間，他們能夠申請在大學住宿，這都是神的恩典。柏謙和柏翹開始參與一家英文教會實體崇拜，但願他們能找到一個屬靈的家，與弟兄姐妹一同成長。暑假期間，他們各自報讀了暑期班，柏翹讀德語，柏謙讀音樂欣賞。期盼他們也能在暑假參與不同活動，投入香港生活。
代禱事項：
主僕
文瀚、玉潔
下載 PDF 格式 （中文）
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親愛的代禱夥伴：
南非新冠肺炎的疫情仍然嚴峻，過去兩個月，增加了八萬八千人染疫，有三千多人死亡。從疫情開始（去年三月份）至今有一百六十三萬七千人染疫，有五萬五千八百人死亡。今年二月份曾有過第二波。最近一星期染疫人數又上升，每天二至三千人，最令人擔心的是現今篩檢出染疫（陽性）的比率是10％，有醫療專家估計未來幾星期將會進入第三波疫情，那時是六月底七月初，正值南非的冬季，是疫症最容易傳播的季節。美國疾病控制與預防中心將南非的疫情定為最高的第四級（第四級是極高危險疫症地區，要旅客避免前往）。南非政府正在嚴密觀察，並且計劃應對的方案。請您為南非政府執政掌權者禱告，求神給他們智慧應對。
好消息是南非這星期開始了第二階段疫苗注射，對象為六十歲以上老人。目前已經種了70萬劑疫苗，但僅只是人口的百分之一。政府衛生部的計劃是在明年二月前，完成為四千萬南非人接種，平均每天14萬人。但目前只有122個疫苗注射站，每天僅能為4萬人服務。所以，必須將速度提高數倍，才能達標，這對一向辦事效率不高的政府是個挑戰。請為政府安排接種疫苗的工作代禱。求主恩待南非能得到足夠的疫苗，也賜智慧給負責統籌的人，有效地分配注射疫苗的工作。
最近教會微信群中有陳弟兄夫婦加入，二月中旬他們在關店後在回家路上遭遇搶劫，經歷神奇妙的保守。歹徒向他們連開數槍後，將受傷的陳弟兄推下車，把受傷的妻子和車子一同劫走。不知為何歹徒迷失了方向，將車駛進鬧市，人群越來越多，最後車子竟然被擁擠的人群堵住。歹徒非常害怕，棄車逃走，太太竟然遇見自己店裡的僱員而獲救。若非如此，這纖弱的太太必因失血過多而生命不保。更奇妙的是陳弟兄僅受了輕度的槍傷，一槍從他手臂穿透，另一槍只刮傷了眼皮，沒有打進眼睛與顱骨。他分享說：「受傷後，第一次見到眼睛的傷口，我的心再也無法剛硬，我知道，如果不是上帝的眷顧，只要再多0.1毫米，我的眼珠必破，再多一公分，我必死無疑。子彈可以九十度的弧度刮傷而不傷及顱骨，唯有主的恩典，我無比的感恩。今生我們願意將自己完全擺上，為主耶穌所用。」神奇妙的拯救他們夫婦，求主繼續引領他們的腳步，給他們機會學習，為主所用。
請為這些事情代禱：
您的同工
克達、雅麗
二零二一年五月
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Download PDF Version （English）
Dear Prayer Partners,
The COVID-19 infection rate in South Africa has been on the rise this last two months: with an increase of over 88,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths, bringing the total to 1,630,700 cases and 55,800 fatalities since last March. South Africa had just recovered from its second wave in March, but recorded cases have been around 2,000 to 3,000 this past week. The most alarming sign is that positive results are around 10% in recent weeks. Many medical experts have warned that a third wave is approaching in the coming weeks as South Africa enters its winter season. The dire situation can be noted from its U.S. Travel Advisory Level 4 classification.Please pray for the government as it is planning its strategies in mitigating the spread of the virus.
The good news is that South Africa has started its second phase of the vaccine rollout campaign for all adults 60 and over. Although 700,000 has been inoculated so far, it is only amounted to 1% of its total population. The plan is to reach 40,000,000 (herd immunity of 67%) by the end of next February with 140,000 daily vaccinations. However, only 122 vaccination sites are in operation administering about 40,000 jabs per day; the government really needs to speed up. This is truly a challenge for the inefficient government. It must concentrate on putting together all available resources to open up more public and private vaccination sites. Please pray for the government for acquiring adequate vaccines and for wisdom in rolling out its vaccination program.
A couple just joined one of our WeChat groups. In mid-February, Brother Chen and his wife were robbed and hijacked on their way home from work. He was pulled off his car after being shot at a few times. The robbers drove away with his injured wife. For some unknown reasons, the car went into a busy area of town, and the robbers lost their way. They were stuck and decided to abandon the car and fled. One of Brother Chen’s employees happened to be close by and sent his wife to the hospital. That definitely saved her life from her severe loss of blood. The other amazing thing was that Brother Chen was not seriously hurt. One shot went through his arm to his wife. The other shot hit just above his left eye, and miraculously made a 90-degree turn out of his face, missing both his eye and his skull. He said in his testimony, “The first instance I saw my wound, I could no longer be stiff-necked. I knew if it was not because of God’s mercy, who could be such a skillful snipper. Who would have imagined such a 90-degree angle shooting that only left a scratch on my eyelid? If it were 1mm lower, I would have lost my eye; if it were 1 cm deeper, I would have died. It could only happen by God’s grace! I am extremely grateful! I will lay my life before the Lord and live only for Him!” God is indeed their wonderful Savior! May He continue to guide them in their Biblical studies and to lead them in His service.
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests:
In His service,
Ko-Ta & Christina