The Joy of Learning

　　I still remember when I completed the M.Div. Program, a thought arose as I recalled that prior to entering the seminary─I had spent over ten years continuously taking various courses related to my work. To serve God full-time is a lifetime endeavor, however. The three-year basic theological program passed quickly and before I could go deeper into what I had learned, it was already time to leave campus. At the time of my graduation, I realized that I should pursue further studies in order to have a more effective Bible teaching ministry. Between church ministry and further studies, I chose to focus my attention on the former. Two years later, with the addition of several more coworkers at church to share the workload, I thought that it was time for me to apply to study in the Th.M. Program.

　　When submitting my application, I decided to slow down my pace of study by taking just one subject each semester in order to take time to assimilate and digest the course contents. In fact, the requirements of the Th.M. Program are so high that it can be really intimidating. Although there is just a two-hour course every week, students have to spend a considerable amount of time preparing for the lesson, doing the required reading, and writing the thesis. For those of us who have a full-time ministry position and are part-time students, we really need confidence and perseverance.

　　Despite the difficulties of studying, there is so much joy in learning! Being able to grasp the technique of N.T. exegesis and to understand the development and trend of N.T. studies in academia increases my interest in and understanding of biblical studies. At the annual inter-seminary post-graduates seminar, I could see that the papers presented by HKBTS’s Th.M. students are of a very high standard. Being a fellow learner of these students, I also get to share in their joy and success.

　　Taking a course is not like walking on a lonely road. I am thankful that I have come across a group of teachers who are knowledgeable and dedicated in their teaching, and also a group of good students who favor non-competition and humility. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the Seminary for making special arrangement for graduate students to meet and have exchanges with world renowned scholars like Richard Bauckham, Göran Larsson, and Samuel Wells. These are indeed treasured opportunities that help to broaden our academic horizon.

　　At present, I am entering into the final stage in my thesis writing, for this God-given opportunity of further studies I am truly grateful to God.