Experiencing Unbounded Grace and Advancing Fearlessly

　　The past three years that I have spent studying theology have passed by so quickly, but I can still vividly recall when I began studying at the Seminary. My heart was filled with worry: worry about my financial needs, doing class assignments, taking examinations, and the direction of my future ministry. Now that I have graduated, I can see that my path has been blessed by God who has given me peace, joy, and unbounded grace.

Overcoming the Difficulties of Returning to School

　　When I began studying at the Seminary, I was worried about my ability to do my class work because I had worked in the business sector for nine years. The days when I had to hand in class assignments and take tests and examinations were long past. I did not know how to manage my studies, and this made studying again difficult. I was particularly at a loss as to how to write a term paper and how to handle some of the more difficult subjects in theology. At that time, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and stress.

　　Thank God for helping me to adapt to the environment by providing many good teachers at the Seminary. When I faced difficulties, I could always receive knowledgeable care and guidance from the teachers. In addition, there were fellow students who were able to provide support and assistance to one another, lightening everyone’s burdens. Although I met with difficulties during my studies, I had the kind of inner peace that is granted by God, which allowed me to handle the problems I faced step by step and overcome my challenges one by one.

Managing My Time: School and Family Obligations

　　In addition to overcoming my difficulties at school, one of my biggest challenges was deciding how to manage my time as a student and still have time to be with my family. It was not easy for me to manage my studies and church practicum at the same time. Often, at the time I returned home, I was already exhausted. I struggled to find the time and energy to care for my family and perform my household duties. I often neglected the needs of my wife who did the household chores alone after work, making her drained physically, mentally, and spiritually as well. During my second year of studying, my wife became pregnant and needed my love and support more than ever, making managing my time even more difficult.

　　Accordingly, I prayed to God, asking Him to grant me the wisdom to handle the situation. Then God admonished me and taught me not to overlook the needs of my family; regardless of how high my GPA could be or how enthusiastic I was about my ministry, if I neglected my family, everything would be in vain. God’s timely reminder allowed me to understand that I had to make a choice by regulating my time more wisely and fine-tuning my mindset by not blindly pursuing high grades but instead seeking to be inspired and enlightened in my studies and seeking to enjoy my studies. God helped me to gradually change my attitude towards my studies and ministry. As a result, not only was my burden lightened, I also had more time to spare for my family and strengthening our relationship. Thank God, all that was made possible by the grace of God who keeps watch over me.

Experiencing God’s Will along the Path to Ministry

　　In addition to helping me with my studies and family, God’s gracious hand led me along the path to ministry. Ever since my admission to HKBTS, I had hoped to have my practicum at a church where church music was highly regarded. The Seminary arranged my second year practicum for me. Thank God for His preparation. I had my practicum at the Hong Kong Baptist Church on Caine Road. I was overjoyed because this particular church always emphasized the importance of church music. This meant that I could learn even more in the field of church music during my practicum.

　　However, within the first two months of my practicum, I still found it difficult to adapt to my new environment. Because I came from a church with a small congregation, I found it hard to become accustomed to the culture of a large church. Thank God for helping me once again to adapt to my new environment. Additionally, the church supervisor and the pastoral staff often went out of their way to care for my needs. Gradually, I had the growing sense of belonging to that church. The church allowed me to join many different kinds of ministry: the youth ministry, the worship and praise team, the church choir, the children’s ministry and evangelism. Thus I was offered the opportunities to make good usage of my spiritual gifts and learn more about church music. After graduation, I become the Church Music Pastor of HKBC and have also had the opportunity to learn more and be trained in worship studies and church music. I praise God and thank Him for His grace and I am grateful for His leading along my path to ministry!

Thank You Teachers: Nurturing the Mind and Spirit

　　Finally, I hope to once again express my gratitude to each of my teachers for their dedication and the care they provided me. Faced with difficulties in my class work and examinations, I often went to my teachers for help. They were always patient and helpful. They did not just impart knowledge to me; they would also care for my spiritual needs, helping me to keep my spirit nourished in those busy, often difficult days. Not only did they enrich our knowledge, they also helped to mold my character, which I found especially helpful. How my teachers put their faith into practice provides me with many role models, which motivated me and provided me with an ideal to live up to.

　　These three years of seminary study have been the most unforgettable days of my life; the memorable moments in the classroom, on the basketball court, in the canteen and in the chapel remain fresh in my mind. After graduation, I will begin to work full-time in a church where I will need to adapt once again and face new challenges. As before, I feel anxious and worried about the future, but as I recall these years of study and having seen my path filled with God’s unbounded grace, I advance without fear because I know that God’s grace is enough for me! I understand that the path ahead is long and I hope that by counting on God I can shepherd my flock through faithful preaching and teachings that are faithful to the Bible. I can become a faithful servant modeled after God’s heart who can glorify God and act as a blessing to others.