Love to Hear You Speak

How can one abandon martial arts by retiring?

拜讀貴刊74期管家單元楊薛菁所寫〈輕舟已過萬重山——談過盡千帆後的退休路〉一文於我心有戚戚焉。本人是《神國》雜誌的讀者，於10年前49歲時，開始認真思考準備退休之路。兒女進入大學後，夫妻倆步入空巢期，於是進入神學院裝備，為有一天能前往宣教預備。而今已於兩年前正式踏上宣教之路。

Summarize three thoughts of this article:

1. "At the age of 50, they shall retire from work...but shall serve with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, observing their commandments." (Refer to Numbers 8:23-26) The scripture reminds us that retirement is from the arduous work. He retired from his job and took on a supporting role, recuperating and passing on from generation to generation.

2. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and test God's good, perfect, and acceptable will." (Refer to Romans 12:2) Do not "rest on your laurels", let alone "rely on your old age". This is the most common trap for retirees. Two big traps.

3. Salt does not lose its taste, and light does not dim. God has given talents to talents, so how can we "disable martial arts" after retirement? I believe that as long as you are willing to explore and prepare in advance, you will definitely find a "useful place". I fully look forward to the next article that will provide specific and practical suggestions.

(Taiwan‧Pingtung‧Xiaobai)

hidden influence

74期中吳獻章教授所撰〈從阿摩斯看無名傳道人的影響力〉給我很大的提醒。文中提到阿摩司原是修理桑樹的，但他回應上帝的選召，大膽向以色列說預言。吳教授也轉述蘇格蘭牧師麥克拉倫（Alexander Maclaren）說的話：「隱藏自己是傳道人最重要的事，傳報信息的人應該隱藏在他信息的背後。」

This reminds me of a genial female preacher I met as a child. She was slim and modest, and she cared tenderly for the people around her, but her sermons were sonorous and powerful, and every sentence was accurate. She relied on the truth and had an uncompromising attitude, which painted the image of a servant of God in my heart. Maybe you don't remember her name, but many people respectfully call her "Sensei" (meaning Japanese teacher). I still remember her standing on tiptoes next to the baptismal font, loudly singing hymns for every saved soul, with the spirit of a lion!

Her attitude towards truth pursuit and gentle care influenced many people and she was also a role model for many people. Many of the young people she cared for back then have become the mainstays of Chinese churches everywhere. I believe this is something she did not expect.

In this chaotic era, we need hidden preachers everywhere to preach the gospel and bear witness to the beauty of God with firm faith and gentle words. I hope that we can all become "Sensei" and become vessels hiding behind His message to bless and influence others.

(Taiwan‧Hsinchu‧Deai)