新約團
Caden Chan
Caden Chan

When my mom first told me about this trip to Israel/Jordan, I was actually very excited because I searched up pictures of the places we were going to and they all looked so interesting. However, when the trip came nearer, I realized that I was dreading it, because Christmas and New Years would be during it, and I always spend the two holidays with my friends and family at home. Also, I would be gone for most of winter break, so I wouldn't see my friends at all. And then during the trip, on Christmas day, my sister cut her ankle and had to go to the ER, and my parents accompanied her, so I wasn't with my family on Christmas day. However, during that time, so many people on the trip that didn't know me & my family comforted me and prayed for my sister, and I think that made it all better because I realized that these people were part of my family too. During the end of the trip, I looked back and realized that I was actually SO GLAD I had come on this trip. We went to so many different places that were so interesting and just so amazing. I had created friendships with people from all over the world whom I still keep in touch with. But I think the thing that I enjoyed the most about the trip were the spiritual lessons that Pastor Choi and his wife would share with us every so often. Sometimes when we visited places from the bible, we would all sit down and either Pastor Choi or Auntie Nadia/Choi ce-mo would explain a little about the place, then give us a sort of spiritual lesson that somehow related to the place. Even though they were all pretty short little talks, I learned so much from them. I've taken home so much from this trip, and not just souvenirs, but friendships, and important lessons to reflect upon. Thank You so so much Pastor Choi and Auntie Nadia/Choi ce-mo :)

Christina
Christina

 

這次聖地之旅的感想甚多,簡洁的綜合來說,起初以為是我預期所能感受到的,然而大部份卻是在我意料以外。

報名時就已是打正旗號聖誕聖地遊,當然心里已勾起聖經中所述說又常被提及且具代表性的地點、人物、事情!但當這一幕一幕的經典場景在我眼前展現、或在我身處之中、或在我腳下、或在我伸手可觸之處.....都使我深深觸動,好知道神對我的愛有何等深、何等遠!

一般參加旅行團差不多都是抱著做鴨仔心態!領隊帶著鴨仔走到哪裡,就看那些;講解多少就聽多少!鴨仔都是被動不過的!百般感恩,神為我們准備的領隊,是祂那又良善又忠心的僕人-蔡牧師蔡師母。他們會通過最有效果的方法、時候、機會,不論是在旅程出發前、我們走在路途中、旅遊車走在路上、身處有關情景中,都無時無刻爭取向我們講解、唱詩、傳道,就是連一次只有五分鐘入博物館內講解的機會也不會錯過!他們更不以曾上百次帶隊遊聖地而輕視循例式帶我們走畢這次旅程,所以我們有幸成為首批華人到訪在抹大拉的相關發現!

感謝神為我們在旅途中一切的預備保守,也感謝蔡牧師和蔡師母向我們身传為神作工的美好見證 - 付上莫大的體力、心力和靈力,仍是滿有魄力、常常喜樂和滿足,我知道因為有主活在他們心裡,主與他們同行!這使我更有信心走往後的路,更渴慕尋求並展現主在我人生所定的旨意!

多謝各位國際級弟兄姊妹的照顧和合作,使這次聖地遊錦上添花!是次分享中我刻意不細說所到之地,好讓存留點神祕讓未及參加本次遊歷的朋友親身尋索,但我甚期待2015年蔡牧師蔡師母再帶領我們走出埃及!

Daphanie Chan
Daphanie Chan

 

When I heard about this trip, I didn't know if I was excited or not. I would spend Christmas where Jesus was born but not where I'm used to, in my house. I also really didn't like dirty places and I thought all the hotels weren't going to be really clean. When I got to Israel, I actually had a pretty fun time even though really tired the first couple days. I didn't expect anything bad to come up at all and everything would be perfectly fine except for a few nose bleeds. But then, on Christmas morning, I had to go to the emergency room and get stitches because I cut my heel almost to the achilles. I went with my mom and dad while my sister stayed with the group. The doctors told me that I had to get surgery because they thought that I had cut my achilles. I went in and in 20 minutes they stitched me up, and woke me up. Turned out they actually didn't have to fix my achilles and put me into a boot. This was either a miracle from God, or just a silly mistake from the doctor. After the surgery, I went back to the hotel and slept until dinner. When I went to dinner, everyone saw me and asked if I was okay. I said I was and that I was just really really tired. Then, after that scary day, I had a lot of piggy back rides because I couldn't walk. During the piggy back rides, I was listening to choi mok-ce and auntie Nadia talk. I really like how they translated for the tour guide and also gave a bit more detail into things too. After my foot injury, I began to meet more friends. My first two new friends were Sam and Tim. Then at Jesus' burial place I met Leanne. And then I moved to the back of the bus and met Nathan and Tiffany. And then after that, I started meeting everyone else. I love making new friends and I've been keeping in touch with them since. My favorite part of the trip was either the Sea of Galilee, or the Dead Sea. I've learned a lot on this trip and got closer to God every day of this trip. I've walked where Jesus walked, saw the most amazing churches, and met so many people.

Dorothy
Dorothy

 

感谢先生及儿子答应一起参加这次圣地游,他们原不喜欢sightseeing,所以当他们分享神的真实和对圣经更有兴趣,我心中不断感谢神!回想二十多年前来过以色列,其实我只记得苦傷路、主祷文堂、橄榄山和死海。

第二次再游以色列,每天去了很多耶稣到过的地方,但未能连贯起来。我感受最深是蔡師母在橄欖山遠眺耶路撒冷,将耶稣在馬可樓最后晚餐之后每个地方:客西馬尼園祈祷、被捉拿把他带到大祭司该亚法、彼得三次不認主雞嗚堂、捆绑解去交给巡抚彼拉多、鋪華石處主受審、耶稣背着十字架走苦傷道、被釘十架、耶穌墳墓花園塚、被提升天,一一在脑海中浮现,我感受到他的痛和他的愛。

蔡牧師和蔡師母,每次听您们詳細地介绍地方的背景細節及内容,看见您们对事奉神的心和passion, 也给我很多鼓励!再一次多谢您们的安排和心思。愿神祝福与您一家!最后真要谢谢Geoffrey and Polly 为我们安排旅游前的游戏,令我们怀着興奮心情面对每个地方...very enjoy the fellowship among the whole group…..

Elisa
Elisa

 

This is not only a sight-seeing tour, we would be able to get to know Jesus more and gain a closer relationship with Him. I especially love the messages pastor Nadia and Rev. Choi prepared for us. This is especially meaningful to me as our whole family (including Eric) would be able to listen and be part of the team. Thank you for all your effort and hard work. Our family enjoyed this trip very much.

Geoffrey and Polly
Geoffrey Ng

 

回到了現實世界,過了北京三天的生活如何呢?我記起師母提酲我們,將以色列之旅的一些回顧寫給她,馬上趕快完成任務。

當禮拜六下午抵達北京,又見到白矇矇的天空,心總是懷念著以色列萬里無雲的一片藍天,也記起出發前聽著的詩歌「神未曾應許」。依希記得出發前一週,以色列及約旦出現了百年一見的大雪,多處被困及停電,家人及弟兄姊妹分別打電話關心。結果,雨週的旅程,天父都特别關懷,每逢外出,天氣總是合適的。感謝天父,知道我們容易著涼,供應了雨週額外的保護。

記得在萬國禱告堂默想時,我終於哭了。在首兩天的苦路之行、再到雞嗚堂見到耶穌被審的監,不禁問自己,為何神要如此對待去為我的罪而死。在尼波山上,思想神對摩西要求的絕對順服。一幕一幕的,我在心中立志「為主而活、至死忠心」。

當翻閱這十多天的照片,總是記起蔡牧師的宏亮聲音、滿有充勁的跑前跑後、還有那快速的電郵快訊,真佩服師母平時給牧師的湯水。也想起師母用很好聽的聲音,詳細地介绍行程的每一背景細節。我暗暗地給他們倆起名「神鵰俠侶」。不過,正如師母在回程的最後一天所言,雖然見他們兩個邊行邊講解,又要管理各人的衣食住行,其實相當辛苦的,特别是隨著年紀的增長。但他們為著讓我們有更好的了解聖經,也甘心付上了。多謝您們,也為您們禱告支持,好好照顧身體。

最後,我要一讚眾弟兄姊妹,特别是北京的隊友,多謝你們這兩週的愛護。你們都是很有愛心的「Peace Maker」,我在旅程中見到你們很可愛的一面,更從你們身上學習到很多人生的智慧。主祝福你們每位。

王婷 (Polly Wong)

 

時間真的過得很快,尤其是放假旅遊的時間感覺得特別短。由開始準備出發的興奮心情,到現在回味著旅程的經歷,真的有很多很多的感受⋯⋯最重要的是感受到神與我們同行,保守和看顧,這是好得無比的。感謝神!

這是一個很特別的經歷,我們一家可以一起去踏足聖地,去實地考察,對聖經的地理位置的確了解了很多。最令我有深刻感動的,是耶穌所行過的苦傷路,他帶著疲累的身軀,忍受著無數次被人拋來拋去的到公會面前接受人的審判,帶著傷痕累累所走過的苦路。他的愛,我感受到。記得蔡牧師告訴我們,摩西在尼波山遠眺迦南地的一幕,令我知道原來摩西已得到了天上的應許之地。神沒有罰他,而是神所作的是要叫我們知道要有信心儆醒等候。我也很佩服小朋友的純真簡單要求,尤其是Kingsley, 他在分享中說其實以色列的膳食都幾好食。

蔡牧師,蔡師母,感謝你們的細心安排和有心思的頒獎禮,使我們各團友能順利的完成這兩周愉快之旅,也感受到牧師的衝勁和能力,頻密的更新郵箱和光碟制作,厲害!厲害!

我也很感謝北京團友的守時合作精神,謝謝你們!

Georgiana Lui
Georgiana Lui

 

非常感恩,在過去的兩星期能夠一起到聖地遊覽。中國人有一句話,「讀萬卷書,不如行萬里路」,終於能體會到個中玄機。

當我坐在橄欖山上,背向主哭堂,面向耶路撒冷,聽師母述說主被捉拿至被釘死,再送出城外的等等事蹟,瀝瀝在目,心中故不是味道,非常難過,但是,若不是神的恩典,若不是主願意為我捨命,我在橄欖山上只是看風景而已,但如今,每當想到主在被賣那一夜,就是我盼望的原由和支柱。

加利利海的天氣變化莫測,實能體會到小信的彼得和其他門徒的經歷。哥拉汛、伯賽大、迦百農 - 不悔改的城有禍了。三城何等荒涼!因為,主耶穌寶血的潔淨,我可以無懼地重新站起來。

這次的旅遊實是最有意義的一次,願每一個人的一生𥚃,都能有機會參加聖地之旅!

James  Ngai
James Ngai

 

Thank you for being our coach on the trip. One advantage for this trip is I now have a more concrete understanding of the places mentioned in the gospel. During the trip, I was particularly touched by 獻心會 to reinforce our heart to Jesus. Walking through the苦傷道 remind us the suffering of Jesus. Anyway I will recommend this to any Christian to consider attending this trip at least once in his life time. 吃過彼得魚,游過死海水,睡過Petra堡,死而無憾ye!

Thomas Tse
Thomas Tse

 

I echo those dear brothers and sisters, especially from our brother James.

Yes we 吃過彼得魚, 游過死海水, 睡過Petra堡, but dear James, you don't have to 死 ye! We love you James!

As we have walked the path of our Lord Christ Jesus and have gone through the spiritual formation in the Holy Land, we should spend more time with His Word and expand His Kingdom on earth!

Polly Lam
Polly Lam

不一般的旅程

这是一个体验与学习的旅程,体会耶稣受难深情的一刻,了解祂生平所到之处及所作的事迹,也实地引证历史人物及古迹。牧师细緻的讲解深入浅出清楚明白,加深我在过程中更深的了解及体会。 加上有祈祷及代祷时间引领我们投入每一个遗址及历史发生的情境中,让我们在属灵上更多的成长。还记得苦路共有十四站,每站有不同的意义,最深印像是在开始的第一站,牧师带领大家有默想及祷告,这祷告使我深深体会到耶稣对我们的爱及牺牲前悲伤的心情,我忍不住痛哭,思想到祂的伟大,反醒到自己的不配及卑微;也有为耶稣复活升天完成救赎的一刻欢欣,带着悲喜交织的心情走过不少遗址,深情体会历史发生的痕迹及悲痛。

从前的旅游是在一个属世的花花世界里:先进的国家,繁荣的闹市,高楼大夏,各式各样的美物尽在眼帘,高级酒店美食佳肴一应俱全,完全享乐在其中,过后对旅程没太多的想法。但这个旅程就不一样,按着圣经里耶稣及新旧约重要人物所走的路程,虽现在已不是当年的金碧辉煌,但留下的遗址也不难看出当年鬼斧神工的雕鑿,巧夺天工的建筑技术,显出壯观与气派,难以想像当年民众的才智与聪明,同时也看到群山壯丽及颜色奇特的风蚀山峭,真是大开眼界,在属灵上感受到神创造宇宙万物的超然,真要高唱颂赞我神真伟大,使我在旅程后更渴慕神的恩泽。

旅程中除了体会神的爱及大能外,认识到一班主内弟兄姐妹,他们不论年长或年幼,每一位都亲切友善,彼此有分享祝福,有理解安慰,有鼓励与学习,就像一家人没有陌生的感觉。 耶稣曾说 :我们要彼此相爱,别人就看出我们是基督徒,这是充份显明的;加上牧师悉心的讲解与带领,使我这个容易分心的学生也获益良多。尤其我对蔡牧师的印像很深,他很有感染力,讲道时句句鏗锵有力,中气十足,表现喜悦,没有一点疲态,特别是当我定睛与他交谈时都有想哭的感觉。哈哈!不要见笑,因为他很属灵,我很尊重他,所以定睛看他时自觉属灵上很不足而已。牧师与师母花了不少心思,行程安排紧密细致,吃得丰富,住得舒适,且每天连夜把当天行程的精华以电邮发送给各团友及家人报平安,真是无微不至。我在这里向他们致万分感谢。

这是一个奇妙的旅程,能够亲身体验神的伟大。耶稣对我们舍命的爱,促使我对主更深的认识,更多的领受,对祂有更大的信心。我盼望下一个旅程很快来临,当然一切都交托在神按祂的心意安排,在此我鼓励大家都来参与这个不一样的旅程,特别是喜欢追求属灵的弟兄姐妹,因为这是一个真体验与属灵成长的一个好机会,一切感谢赞美主。

Rosana Leung
Rosana Leung

 

This has been a trip of a life time to me and my family. We were all enriched and refreshed physically, mentally and spiritually. Highly recommended to anyone.

I am still trying to digest what I have taken in the past 2 weeks. This morning as I was doing my devotion reading a passage on Matthew when Jesus was going to start his ministry in Galilee... going to places like Capernaum...etc. Instead of a drawing a blank of what the place is, the place of Capernaum came alive right in front of my eyes. The place, the air, the sun, the smell....almost felt like I was at the place when Jesus was teaching there. What a wonderful experience. It's hard to put in words on how much I appreciate Nadia and Pastor Choi have done in helping us experience Jesus' journey on earth at a different level. Thank you thank you thank you so much. <3 <3 <3

I was particularly touched and tears came through my eyes when we visited several sites. At mount of Olives when Nadia walked us through the last week of Jesus. Seeing his steps right in front of our eyes. The sites, the sound, the agony all came alive to me. At the Church of Peter's Primacy when Jesus asked Peter do you love me three times. I re-examined how deep of a love I have for Jesus. The story of the sesame that the son gave his mom really cut to my heart. At the Church of Holy Sepulchre as I knee down and touched the stone where Jesus was laid. The touch was more than just a physical touch. It was a touch to my heart. These were just a few that came to my mind. I had so many 'Ah Ha' moments that I took in that will likely change my way of understanding what was it like at the time of Jesus. Thank you so much.

Wendy Choy
Wendy Choy

 

From preparation to going, from going to leaving, what has this trip meant for me?

I have shared during the trip about our preparation that started almost two years ago. The ongoing reports of political turmoil in Egypt, missiles attack on Israel, chemical weapons in Syria, and even just a week before departure, we were confronted with images of heavy snow in Jerusalem, halting all traffic to a stop. These were as if the reports of the ten spies in Numbers, telling us how dangerous this place was – not worth going. However, every time I was asked by tour members whether we should cancel the trip, or buy travel insurance, my conclusion had always been – “Put our trust in God. Have faith. If He leads us, then we will be able to go.” And He did, and all 76 of us got into the Promised Land. And then some more…

During the trip, my sense of the Bible was enriched much, literally. I saw the places that Jesus had visited, felt with my feet the paths that He had walked on, smelled the fields that He had taught on, tasted the food that He had prepared, and heard the Word of God in its context in the Land of Israel. And then some more…

Many times, in different places, I was put into the narrative of the Bible, and prompted to respond to God -

  • In Jerusalem, as I knelt down to touch the anointing rock that Jesus’ dead body once lied, “I am knelling down not only to humble myself before God, but also to get closest to Jesus, to feel His pain, and to take in what He has done for me.”
  • On the mountains and sea in Galilee, “How vast is the field of men that has not heard the Gospel. Jesus had walked these fields, sailed this sea over and over again in his time. Do I take up His charge also, to be worker of the field and fisher of men?”
  • On the shore of Galilee, “Do I love God more than these? – Not whether I love Him or not, but how deep is my love for Him? And, do I serve God with a single mind, or do I compare with how others are serving Him?”
  • In the wilderness, “Life can be lonely at times, as if wandering in the wilderness, but the wilderness also reminds me of God’s providence. When in storm, He hides me in the cleft of the rock; when in thirst, He leads me to the water of spring.”
  • On Mount Nebo, “Moses was not able to see his dream fulfilled, but someone else took up the task and make the dream of all Israelites come true. I do not live my life to make a name out of myself. My life is to glorify God, do His work, and enable others to do the same.”

And then some more still…

We went and left the Promised Land. Upon returning to church on Sunday, the hymns and the Bible stories transported me once again into the Promised Land. The words that I have sung and read many times before came alive with images and feelings from the trip. So, I encourage everyone to make such a trip to the Holy Land, for its history, insights and charm. And if physically the Holy Land has so much to offer, how much more so spiritually! May we be faithful to God in His calling, and bring more people into His kingdom, His Holy and Promised Land.

And such is my pilgrimage to the Holy Land – from preparing to going, from going to leaving, and from leaving to returning – in God’s will. On the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, national anthems of China, Singapore, Canada, and USA were played. I couldn’t help but asked: To where do I belong? To whom is my allegiance due? Perhaps, as an adopted child of Abraham, I too can call Jerusalem my home. And so, I look forward to returning to this piece of land once more – both to the Jerusalem of old where Christ lived, and the New Jerusalem when Christ returns.

Eunice Tse
Eunice Tse

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我回來了!很開心參加了2014年以斯拉主辦的聖地考察團,一切都是神的安排。報名的時候的確有點猶疑,自己對基督教的理解程度不足,不附合參加條件;此外,沒有相熟的弟兄姊妹一起參加作伴。多翻查問聖地團的評價及小組的鼓勵,終於決定報名。只是當時工作太忙碌經常出差,到了很晚的時候才確定機票,虛驚一場。參加以斯拉的聖地考察團很不一樣,由於團中都是追求神真理的教會弟兄姊妹,待人處事與一般的旅行團的人完全不同,大家都很親切和平易近人,雖然是初相識但大家也很願意分享自己的事和聆聽別人的事。此外,遇到困難的時候,大家都很正面面對問題,沒有太多的埋怨。對於我這個獨個兒參加的人一點也不覺陌生及生疏。透過蔡春曦牧師及師母一手包辦的行程,和盡心盡意盡力的講解,對於這個認識主多年,決志3次但仍徘徊初信階段的我,實在獲益不少及重燃追求神的心。整個行程講解非常詳盡和有啟發性,若自己能夠準備更充足及百份百以考察的心態來參予會更好,當中牧師及師母講道的內容很值得與身邊的朋友分享。這此經驗實在很寶貴及有很多難忘的地方,某程度上也是神給我的啟示。以下是一些較為有感受的片段與大家分享:

牧羊野地聖誕祟拜:失而復得!當發現半年前所預定的祟拜堂沒有我們的記錄時,大家也沒有因此徬徨;場地突然停電,我們被引領到教堂門外報佳音,我們帶著電筒唱著歌,令這個時刻更為特別,之後我們更被领到旁邊的新帳篷繼續祟拜。這一切的安排來得自然和順暢,都是神的作為。

橄㰖山上遠眺耶路撒冷舊城風光:在橄欖山遠望舊城,聆聽著師母的講解,耶穌的事蹟一幕一幕的呈現眼前,非常真實。

迦拿變酒顯大能:不單只聆聽神的事蹟,我们76人擠在地下室聆聽5種愛的語言的道理,蔡牧師宏亮的聲音及活生生的例子,大家聽得非常投入。

八福山上靜聽主言:望著大海重溫耶穌訓衆論福,給我們一些警惕。

約但河受浸:蔡牧師把我們在坐的人分為4類人,我就是典型的3號,但我沒有因此尷尬,反而是更有信心成為4號人。並鼓勵其他3號人參加聖地考察團。

提比哩亞海邊獻心會:再翻看給主耶穌的信,求神給智慧,耐性,記憶力,說話及演講能力,有信心的表達及分享神的話語,走神的路。

多天神給我及同房姊妺有關電的啟示:自問與神的溝通不足,對神給我啟示的領悟力不夠好。直至同房姊妹提醒,哪有這麼多的巧合發生於我們身上。對講機漏電,電芯過熱燒熔了機殻,酒店房間多次停電,熱水壺無電……一切都與電有關。這代表什麼?!

最後一天於土耳其一行18人回程的考驗: 我們大伙兒完成了聖地遊後,在最後一天神給我們的8褔考驗,一伙人帶着疲倦的身軀坐了很多不同的交通工具到了市中心遊覧,我們也很不容易與預定的時間回到機場。

蔡師母的分享:帶領76人的聖地考察團體力透支很大,若把它看成一份工作,是很累的事和很快支持不住及失去興趣。若果看為是事奉,就會變得很有意義及價值。在前一份工作,「累」這個字一直掛在口邊;希望下一份工作能有機會作事奉,並嘗試把福音帶給身邊的人。

我十分推薦無論是初信或信主多年的弟兄姊妺參加聖地遊,這此經驗大大的提高我讀聖經的興趣及理解。

最後,很多謝蔡春曦牧師及師母, 北京的弟兄姊妺的照顧,10多天的相處令我更了解與神、父母、兄弟姊妺、夫妻、子女及朋友之間溝通的重要性,依靠神憑信心可行出不一樣的路。期待2015年另一次聖地遊。

Joanna Ngai

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This trip was definitely meaningful because of the significance and ties to the scripture. It felt like stepping back into the Bible and seeing the world as it was back then. For me, one of the highlights was seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls because it shows how God's word is unchanging and stands the test of time.

I would hope to return to Israel again one day and re-experience all the beautiful sites and history.

Mike Lai

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Standing at Mount Olive to look across at the Wall of Jerusalem was awesome, as so many, including our Lord, had done in the past. However, I also felt a chill at the back of my skull when thinking about it as the place where all are going to end due to our Lord’s second coming! Having the Doom in my face at the same time seems to tell me many (including a lot of innocent who live far and beyond this spot) could suffer over and over prior to the Big day. I asked myself if I would want to live through these and if my soul was ready no matter what ?? -- To be continued…

But then, standing at Mount Nebo to look over the promised land as Moses did gave me hope -- a nicest ending to a wonderful voyage and our discovery spiritually as well as physically!

Raymond Chan
Raymond Chan

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以色列之旅是自己訂下人生要去一次的地方,卻意想不到神 耶和華每程都跟我和內子說話。

多月前的三次資料預備尤為重要。頭兩天的耶城經歷漫嚐耶稣基督的腳蹤,親身經歷他選上窄路,心中極其沉重,也極其感恩。這是一條窄路,但終点是与神永恆一起。世界是一條阔路,盡頭卻通往永遠与神隔絕。以終点作定位的選擇是多么的重要呢。

在迦密山上感受到以利亞的較力,感谢神的供應,也见到了羅腾樹。能够与七十六人在聖地经历神,很像耶和華提醒以利亞還有七千人從未屈膝巴力一樣,是一個很大的鼓勵。神讓我有選擇路向權巳是恩典,有同行者以伴更是極大的喜樂。

這次經歷將自己对聖經的認識立體化,与神的交通深入化,和北美、北京和星加坡的兄姊同行一致化,很好,很很好,感恩,感感恩。

能够与蔡春曦牧師、師母和兒女Tiffany跟Jeffrey深交尤是我們的大榮幸与喜樂。期待明年的新約土耳其希臘之旅。

回來後对福音、门訓更有負擔、更加着实。時間有限,刻不容緩。共勉之。

Tim Wong

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I like to thank you for your hard work and sacrificial love that you gave in making this trip a success. You are blessings to us. Your family, especially Tiffany and Jeffrey, has demonstrated a good example of a Christian family for all the families participated the trip. My wife and I enjoyed the visits on all the Biblical sites. It is not only educational and inspirational, but also an excellent bonding opportunity for families and church groups. I notice many of us (if not all) enjoyed the fellowship times more than anything else - the food, the games, the rides, and the shopping etc...

It is incredible to see brothers and sisters around the world, and with such a wide range of background and age differences, could journey together in harmony for two weeks! There were genuine love and friendship demonstrated within this spiritual community. I heard that few people commented that this trip help them believe that God is real and what the Bible says is true. My observation was that this trip is more than academic, the love and the anticipation to know the truth tell me that the Holy Spirit was leading us and binding us together.

This was my first time baptized someone in the Jordan River and it was a wonderful experience. Although I did not see the Spirit descending like a dove to those who got baptized, I saw many fish swimming in the river. That reminds me to be "fishers of men". Praise Him!

Cindy Ma

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蔡牧師、師母、各團友,

從以色列回到美國已經個多月了,但神在途中對我的啟示卻沒有因時間而淡忘。

當去到花園塜守聖餐時,我問神:「為何祢要我來到以色列?祢想我看到甚麽,聽到甚麽呢?」竟然很快聖靈就對我說:「來記念我!」感謝神,衪讓我在以色列見到祂當年的腳踪,加強了我的信念,我知祂不在墳墓裏,而是活在我心。

多謝蔡牧師給我機會在該撒利亞劇場唱"袮真偉大",當時我望著那如月亮般柔和的太陽讚美神,真是有意思。當我唱出第二節時,有一隻小鳥在觀眾席上空盤旋,對我來說這代表神悅納我對衪的讚頌。可惜,蔡牧師在另一劇場請我再唱時,我竟躲在觀眾席最高處不肯下來。我怕別人以為我有表現慾或驕傲,竟因此失去榮耀神的機會。我求神饒恕,因我看別人比祂更重要。

來到以利亞像前,我突然聽到:「還有很多路要走。」雖然我知道是蔡牧師在講解,但卻嚇了我一跳。其實我在音樂事工上已事奉了十三年,去年因教會的改變也曾問過神我是否𣎴再需要事奉,早日回天家呢?所以這句「還有很多路要走」真似從天上來對我說的話。回想神也有派天使來剛強我,如同以利亞的情景,那天使就是蔡師母,她在那劇場,眾團友散開後,請我與她合唱"奇異恩典",那就是我的鼓勵。

感謝神在這次旅程醫治我內心的小信和自卑,多謝蔡牧師和師母的教導和分享,多謝各團友的照顧和體諒,希望下次再有機會一起去經歷神。

Sukie Yip

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蔡牧師,師母,各位團友,您們好!很高興認識您們,盡管未能認識您們每一個,但在神家里,我們已是弟兄姊妹,願平安的神賜福給我們每一個!

在此很感恩神領我去這聖地之旅。之前有一個是九月份的,我的心已想著去,但後來發現十二月份是蔡牧師帶團,我就馬上報名了。我認識蔡牧師的時候在香港火炭銀禧花園的教會,一數已是十多年前的事。因他的講道很吸引,又因他介紹他的聖經網站,使我印象更深刻。

侭管報名的時候我不知道有多少人,亦不太介意當中有沒有熟悉的面孔,我只抱著一顆去經歷主的心去參加。希望神會啟示我祂在我生命的旨意。

這次聖地之旅,神讓我知道我並不孤單。因祂常與我同在。出發之先,已有弟兄姊妹向我說,會沿途照應我,使我放心。看見別人是一個個家庭的時候,的確使我有些難過。但走這天路都是每一個人自己的經歷,我相信這是神要我學習的功課。

從耶路撒冷、苦傷路、伯利恆、聖殿山、客西馬尼園、主哭堂、報喜堂、哭牆、加利利海、耶利哥、死海、約旦等等的地方,每一站我都經歷主,祂有聲無聲的對我說:「孩子,你看見我了嗎?我亦看見你。」我說:「父啊!我看見袮的愛,袮的血、袮的傷痛、袮的眼淚!但願我這蒙恩的罪人能成為聖潔的器皿,能擔當神的使命,為袮使萬民作門徒。」

每段路都讓我感受主耶穌的心情。從祂降臨、受洗、呼昭門徒、教導人、被擁戴、被迫害,最后為我們捨命,然后復活升天,坐在全能父上帝的右邊,都活現在我眼前。我感謝神,祂讓我感受祂。

蔡牧師和師母為我們証道和所有的安排,他們的辛勞我們都有目共睹,他們愛主之心、神必定厚賜祝福給他們。

這次聖地之旅使我獲益良多,聖經里的地域、時空、人物都從牧師和師母口中獲得詳細解說。我們每一個都讚歎他們知識和能力。只能說他們所作的不是出於他們,乃是出於聖靈。一切都是神的恩典!

聖地之旅是很值得參加的!未曾去過的朋友,真的不要錯過,我極力推薦!

Kathy Eng ( Seattle)

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我是“四大美人” 其中的一位,( 注: 蒙蔡牧師在抵達耶路撒冷的第一天為我们四位西宣的年長姊妹拍照時冠以的美名, 此後在整個旅程中,“ 四大美人”之名便不逕而走). 我們“ 四大美人” 沿途得到主內弟兄姊妹的特别照顧, 為我們拍照, 提行李, 扶上扶落, 讓我們坐在旅遊車前座, 處處禮讓, 親切的關懷和問候, 使我們感受到主内一家的温暖, 謹此致謝! 。我有幸参加了此次畢生難忘的聖地之旅, 對自己的生命有更多的反醒, 對神的愛和主耶稣捨己的爱有更深的体會, 以致激勵自己更加愛研讀聖經, 更加愛主愛人, 也提醒自己務要爭取在有生之年竭力傳福音, 領人歸主, 報答主恩。過去對聖經裡的人物, 歷史, 背景等有某程度上的認識, 但只是頭腦上的認知, 有時甚至水過鴨背, 而今次能親自踏足於這些古蹟遺址, 聽着蔡牧師及師母的詳盡講解, 真有如親歷其境, 感受和經歷着當時的景況, 以致印象深刻, 特別在 苦路十四站上---當我跟着導遊踏着當年耶穌在人間最後的日子, 背着十字架所經過的苦路, 由被捉拿至被釘十字架這十四站, 深深地感受到祂當時身、心、靈的傷痛, 以致更深的体會到祂捨己的大愛, 為我們這些罪人以無罪之身,流寶血捨己命。同時也感受到耶稣的母親瑪利亞看着兒子受盡折磨的搥心之痛, 試問身為母親, 如何能忍受得了。

12月28日清早眾人携備麵包到達加利利海, 就是當年耶稣呼召門徒的地方, 全体坐上一漁船, 泛舟於風平浪靜的加 利利海, 開船不久, 但見美國國旗, 中國國旗, 及加拿大國旗在船頭上迎風升起,伴奏着的是各國的國歌, 我們分别來自中國北京及香港, 加拿大多倫多及烈治文, 還有美國西雅圖的主內弟兄姊妹, 相叙在同一條船上, 暖暖的感受到 “主內一家” 的親蜜感覺。撒下海中的麵包, 引來了一大羣海鷗, 飛上飛下, 望着蔚藍的天空, 初出的旭日, 在心曠神怡之餘, 不禁讚嘆, 好一幅美麗的圖畫啊!

最後不得不提的是我們旅遊車B組在耶路撒冷的導遊張實賢牧師, 他從台灣移居耶路撒冷已經有38年之久, 又是牧會的牧者, 故此對聖地遠近歷史, 聖經人物之熟識瞭如指掌, 沿途娓娓道來, 使我們得益不淺, 尤其感謝他在時間上的專注和提醒, 以致我們能够有機會及時参觀了還有二天就要結束的“大希律王最後時期” 的展覽, 不致錯過這極為難得的機會。各位B组的弟兄姊妹, 還記得張牧師告訴我們“中國” 這字 的希伯來文是怎樣寫的嗎? 感謝神為我們預備及安排了一流的領隊, 一流的導遊, 一流的天氣。謝謝蔡牧師預早的安排, 使我們有幸成為第一批参觀抹大拉會堂遺址文物的華人考察團, 這實實在在是一次名符其實的不一樣的旅程啊。感恩不盡!