牧者心聲

從香港前往第十屆世界華人福音會議（華福大會），要先到吉隆坡轉機，再飛往古晉。首程航班準備降落時遇上惡劣天氣，飛機受氣流影響，在空中盤旋，後來要轉往檳城加油，才返回吉隆坡。回程原定飛往香港的航班，因預計懸掛八號風球而取消；翌晨復航，然而抵港前又要在空中盤旋。當飛機進入颱風外圍時，機身上下顛簸，我彷彿坐在海盜船上。回港後，行李也沒有隨航班抵達。這趟旅程多有延誤，卻讓我有更多時間回想大會的內容。

華福是甚麼？滕近輝牧師在 1983 年 1 月 30 日《牧者心聲》中，用五個「動」字說明「華福」的意義。按滕牧師的講解，華福是主在普世華人教會中興起的傳福音「運動」，催促各地教會為大使命努力，在主再來以前，忠心回應祂的託付。

這異象來自聖靈的「感動」：五十年前舉行第一屆華福大會的構想，是在 1974 年洛桑世界福音會議期間逐漸成形；七十多位華人教會領袖在晨禱會裡同心領受異象。滕牧師是發起人之一，在第一屆大會擔任主席，並代表宣讀《1976 華福宣言》。滕牧師指出，當有人登高一呼，能立刻發生普世性的共鳴與響應，這正是聖靈感動的明證。

華福也是「行動」。因此，華福中心舉辦研討會和聚會，目的在於帶出實際的福音工作。滕牧師道明會議本身作用有限；會後是否有人回到所在教會，認真實踐福音使命，才是關鍵！今趟第十屆大會有來自五大洲、五十多個地區約一千七百位的華人教會領袖參加，其中有百分之十五是三十五歲以下的年青人。在五天的會議中，大家一同聆聽、辨識時代、面對面交流和禱告。但若感動只停留在會場，沒有帶來後續的發展，這大型聚集將淪為放煙花的盛會。

華福是「推動」。已投入福音工作的教會彼此聯合，也鼓勵其他教會一同起步，盼望華人教會在主的恩典中重新承擔大使命，經歷更新，並在主恩待之下，可能在華人教會中造成一種復興「震動」。

除了以上五個「動」字，容我加上兩個。華福是「流動」，半個世紀在教會歷史中不算久，但一個大會若長期循例舉行，也會漸失前行意義。願與會者和華人教會，保持作流動、流通的河道，將異象傳遞出去。

華福是「連動」。今屆大會中，新相識與老朋友，年青人和前輩，暫且放下名銜、資歷、觀點、語言習慣，謙卑尋求合一。這份同行，正是今天教會需要珍惜的見證。

  The trip from Hong Kong to the 10th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization (CCOWE) in Kuching involved a connection flight in Kuala Lumpur. As the first flight prepared to land, we encountered severe weather. There was strong turbulence and the plane had to circle in the air before diverting to Penang, where it refueled and then flew back to Kuala Lumpur. During the return trip, the original flight to Hong Kong was canceled as Typhoon Signal No.8 was expected to be hoisted. The flight resumed the next morning, but the plane again had to circle before arriving in Hong Kong. When the plane entered the spiral rain bands of the typhoon, it jolted up and down so much so that I felt as if I was taking a pirate ship ride. When I reached Hong Kong, my luggage also did not arrive on the same flight. Although this journey was filled with delays, it gave me more time to reflect on the content of the congress.

  What is CCCOWE? In a pastor's sharing article dated January 30, 1983, Rev. Philip Teng used five Chinese expressions ending with the character for “movement” or “action” (動) to explain the meaning of CCCOWE. According to Rev. Teng, CCCOWE is basically an evangelism "movement" (「運動」) raised up by the Lord among Chinese churches worldwide. It urges churches everywhere to strive for the Great Commission and faithfully respond to the Lord’s mandate before He returns.

  This vision came from the "stirring" (「感動」) of the Holy Spirit: The idea of holding the first CCOWE 50 years ago gradually took shape during the 1974 International Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne, where more than 70 Chinese church leaders received this vision together during morning prayer meetings. Rev. Teng was one of the initiators. He also served as Chairman of the first congress and read out the 1976 CCOWE Declaration on behalf of all participants. Rev. Teng pointed out that when someone stands up and makes a call and instantly sparks worldwide resonance and response, it is clear evidence of the Holy Spirit's stirring.

  CCCOWE is about “taking action” (「行動」). This is why the CCCOWE holds seminars and meetings with the aim of giving rise to practical gospel ministry. Rev. Teng said clearly that the congress itself has limited impact. What truly matters is whether participants return to their churches and earnestly put the gospel mission into practice! The 10th congress this year was attended by about 1,700 Chinese church leaders from more than 50 regions across five continents. Fifteen percent of the participants were under 35. During the five-day congress, participants listened together, discerned the times, interacted face-to-face, and prayed together. However, if the stirring is restricted to the meeting venue without follow-up action, this large gathering will become no more than a fireworks extravaganza.

  CCCOWE also means "mobilization"(「推動」). Churches already engaged in gospel ministry join together and encourage other churches to begin as well. The hope is that Chinese churches will embrace the Great Commission anew in the Lord's grace, experience renewal, and, under His blessing, perhaps even bring about a “shockwave” (「震動」) of revival across Chinese churches.

  In addition to the above five expressions related to “movement” or “action,” allow me to add two more. CCCOWE is about "flowing"(「流動」). Half a century is not a long time in the history of the church. However, if a congress is held merely as a matter of routine for a long time, it can gradually lose its sense of purpose and forward momentum. May the participants and Chinese churches remain mobile, flowing channels to spread the vision outward.

  CCCOWE is also about "interconnection"(「連動」). In this congress, newly acquainted friends and old friends, young people and senior leaders temporarily laid aside their titles,

  seniority, viewpoints, and language preferences to humbly seek unity. Such fellowship in walking together is precisely the testimony that the church today must cherish.