If There Were No Hill Road Journal...
Wong Shun-shing
Th.M. Student
If there were no Hill Road Journal, what a big pity it would be. HRJ reveals the passion for learning of HKBTS’s teachers and scholars and their love for the Chinese churches. Each of these teachers and scholars has his / her expertise: some are adept at theology and doctrine, some are well versed in the Old and New Testaments, and some are conversant in ethical thinking. By reading HRJ, I enter into their knowledge and through their perspectives, I can see the past, present and future possibilities of the world of theology and our churches.
We, as students, are taught in HKBTS that theological education is a lifelong pursuit. After obtaining our graduation certificate and working busily in the ministry field, we tend to forget this exhortation. But HRJ reminds us pastors and ministers that we must still walk on the path of learning. “Pick it up and develop good reading habits” is the challenge my teachers put in front of me. This is also the request from the sheep I serve today. Indeed, I cannot always take advantage of simply refurbishing the “old stuff” just to avoid personally making a great effort.
To pastors, reading amidst their busy ministry seems to be a luxury. It always takes me several evenings to read through HRJ. Nevertheless, I still find it worth the time to climb this mountain of knowledge. I seem to be going on an adventure to deepen my Christian faith and broaden my horizons. In recalling my experience of reading HRJ, I cannot forget the time when I was touched deeply as I read “Witness of the People of God” (Issue 37). Similarly, I cannot forget the days when I was eagerly reading “New Perspective on Paul” (Issue 25) and the exhortation and inspiration grained from reading “Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry”(Issue 15).
If there were no Hill Road Journal … Fortunately, this is merely an “if”! I pray that HRJ will continue to inspire our perceptions and sharpen our thinking, to put on display the content of our faith and be a great blessing to the local and overseas Chinese churches.