A Precious Equipping and a Cherished Gift

Oscar, his wife Phoebe, and their son Ethan

　　Looking back on these years of study at the seminary, I have found that my every step was filled with God’s grace and guidance.

Equipping Myself for In-Depth Ministry

　　Over the years, many brothers and sisters, as well as friends, have asked me, “Why did you choose to pursue further studies in theology? What good do they bring?” These are very good questions. I have realized that the knowledge acquired at the seminary—be it theological theories, biblical languages, or church history—is often difficult to apply directly and fully to the pastoral setting or the Sunday pulpit. However, this tension between knowing and doing is what makes this training so precious.

　　I once heard a beloved pastor share a parable: daily pastoral ministry is like driving on a smooth highway. Normally, you arrive at your destination without issue. But when the car suddenly breaks down or the road turns rough, you need repair skills and contingency tactics. To me, theological training equipped me with those “repair” skills. Though receiving the training may not enable me to solve all difficult problems, it can at least give me the confidence to face any challenges of faith or pastoral crises. After all, I gained more strategies and tools for problem-solving in my “toolbox.”

　　These years of study are precious to me because they have broadened my options. Had I not immersed myself in the seminary study, I would have served only within my existing, relatively limited framework of reference. Now, having studied more attentively and in depth, even though I know that learning is endless, I can be more confident in distinguishing between competing arguments in certain areas and understanding their underlying contexts, so that I can make wiser choices in teaching and pastoral care. This confidence, rooted in knowing the sources of knowledge and the contemporary academic dialogues, helps me to interpret God’s Word more faithfully. I trust that as we are faithful in service, God will be pleased with us.

A Gift of Life and a Warm Community

　　During my master’s program, God gave our family the most cherished gift: our son, Ethan, born in early 2024. His arrival certainly brought great challenges to my academic studies. Amidst the hustle and bustle of caring for a newborn, it was not easy to stay focused on my studies. Yet, I persevered and graduated thanks to the understanding of my classmates and the patience of my wife and teachers. They enabled me to complete the rest of my studies, step by step, within my limited time and capacity. Through this, I learned how God’s grace often comes to us through the people around us, like our brothers, sisters, and teachers.

　　I give special thanks to Prof. Fook-kong Wong. From the HKBTS evening program through my M.Div. and Th.M. studies, Prof. Wong has been my mentor. He gave me academic guidance while caring for me and offering me countless encouragement and support far beyond the classroom. I am deeply grateful for his kindness.

　　The attached photo was taken at my mother church, Chinese Evangelical Zion Church Tsz Wan Shan Zion Church. In the photo, there are my wife Phoebe and my son Ethan, whom I am holding in my arms. On that day, the church held a baby dedication ceremony for our son. That moment seems to epitomize my theological journey: with a change in my family life and under the watchful gaze of my spiritual community, I learned to entrust the most cherished gift in my life to the Lord and resolve to serve His church faithfully with all I have learned.

　　To our Father in heaven be all the glory!