A Spiritual Voyage

Dai Shengming and Dr. Vincent Lau

Embarking on a Spiritual Voyage

　　On January 4, 2016, I officially arrived at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBTS) from Mainland China. My first impression of HKBTS was of peaceful tranquility and cleanliness. The sea-facing seminary reminded me of a large ship on the shore, ready to embark on a long voyage at any moment. It was such a gorgeous view that it exceeded all my expectations. Dreaming about a splendid future, I prayed to God in such a beautiful scene, committing my next two and a half years of student life to Him.

Three Touching Lessons

　　Time really flies. Before I realized, I had spent two and a half years full of God’s grace and blessings here. I owe much to God’s guidance and help for the successful completion of my study. There are three things about HKBTS that have touched my heart dearly.

　　The first is that it has revived my spirituality. After graduating from Nanjing Union Theological Seminary in 2006, I ministered in the church for ten years until 2016. The year 2015 was a spiritual low point in my life of ministry and I felt I was out of my depth. Though I still managed to perform my duties in the church, the physical and mental fatigue was so overwhelming that I desperately needed to find somewhere to rest. God listened to my prayers and led me to the loving, big family of HKBTS. He renewed my strength with HKBTS: my spirituality was not only revived but also improved.

　　The second is that it has broadened my vision. HKBTS’ missions of theologia, hospitality, disciple community, spiritual care, Christian education, servant-leader, practical theology, etc. have impressed me for life. The practical theology advocated by President Cho is the theologia of discerning the mind of Jesus Christ. Theologia will materialize in areas including preaching, mission, pastoral care, and Christian education, helping us to act according to Jesus’ thoughts, feelings, and examples when we practice, live, witness, and teach. “Love” should be the most important principle in our relationship with God and others. These ideas have had a lasting influence on me. With their profound knowledge of theology, teachers of various subjects have greatly broadened my vision.

　　The third is that it has strengthened my faith. HKBTS places great importance on developing a disciple community and emphasizes that teachers should be competent as well as virtuous. Thus, it means that in this “ongoing learning” community, students are taught by teachers as disciples or apprentices. The character of a student is hugely influenced by the character of the teacher. I have benefited a lot from this kind of education.

　　“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1Cor 12:26) At HKBTS, I have experienced the truthfulness of this Bible quote. In 2017 during my fourth semester, I was facing huge academic stress; and my teachers and classmates offered generous help in the most difficult period in my study. In March 2017, when my father suffered from acute appendicitis, they also offered support and prayed for us. It was my teachers and classmates at HKBTS who weathered the storm with me.

A Turning Point in my Life

　　HKBTS has been a turning point in my life. God has helped me reorient my ministry work through the teachings and examples of the teachers at the seminary and mutual support among students. I now have a closer relationship both with God and with people. Equally important is that the seminary has reshaped my understanding of the doctrine of church and made me re-examine my duties as a church minister. Therefore I would like to express my gratitude to HKBTS, to the President, to my teachers, classmates, and all the staff. May God continue to bless HKBTS with guidance!