Retire? REFIRE!: A Retired Pastor's Journey in Cross-Cultural Missions | 退休？迎风再起！——退而不休的牧师的跨文化宣教之旅

Dear Mission Partners,
Peace!    

Thank God! Since LHGM (Living Hope Global Ministries) initiated cross-cultural missions in Honduras, Central and South America in 2018, the Holy Spirit has started His great work. In just four years, more than 50 Chinese churches in the United States and Canada have sent many short-term mission teams , which have transformed the lives of many young people. Pastors who have been there testified that when the missionary fire of a church is ignited, the whole church is revived. I have witnessed many people who have been there, their lives renewed, their spirits revived. People came to see that they were inadequate in love, and weak in faith, and they recognized that in order to testify the truth of the Bible, one should live it out through one’s own life. The few days engaging in mission work was like experiencing a baptism of life; it was a transformational  outlook on life, values, and the world. People no longer had the desire to waste food, or envy fame and wealth; nor did they want to continue disregarding their spiritual gifts or wasting their time.  For local pastors, our visit brought them comfort and encouragement, so that they no longer felt sorry for themselves as Christian minority. Their dedication is revived, and their ministry becomes more energetic, more positive, and more fruitful. What is delightfully surprising  is that all the people who went there are eager to pass on the missionary vision of Honduras. They are all willing to go again to support the cross-cultural ministry in Honduras, and I am one of them.

It is entirely new terrain for me, from a newly retired pastor of more than 30 years to stepping into a cross-cultural missionary field. I knew that there would be language barriers, cultural dissimilarities, and lifestyle differences, and wondered if I would be able to contribute. Thank God, because of God’s calling once again, I joyfully accepted His sending. I know I am not capable, but I believe in the Lord Who calls me, with Him all things are possible. I cherish everything that God has given me, therefore, I call this "another spring of ministry" that God gave to me.

From January 16 to 21 this year, I joined the "Central and South America’s Shepherd Vision Journey" composed of 19 pastors from Canada, the United States, and Argentina. On the first day, we boarded a second-hand school bus purchased from the United States and bumpily clambered through mountains and ridges. It took seven hours, and finally we arrived at the Indian tribe deep in the mountains. As soon as we got off the bus, we saw adults and children waiting there. They were curious and happy to see unfamiliar faces. On the first night, most of the people who came to the church were women and children. The gathering was led by the newly established youth praise group, and God’s presence was felt throughout the worship. The next day we visited the scattered homes of the tribe and found that most of the houses were small and gloomy, with nothing but a simple kitchen and beds inside. Some houses had no electricity or even water. The sanitary conditions were extremely poor. It was hard to imagine how they lived. It was difficult to see a hopeful future from the poverty stricken, unclean, and helpless faces of the indigenous Indian tribe. I asked God, “Who will help them?”

On January 19, our entire team went to the prison to preach, which was the very first experience for me. Thank God, the gathering in the prison that day was led by a worship group composed of believers in the prison. Their singing was forceful and touching. The members on our team took turns to share their testimonies. Under the stirring of the Holy Spirit,  more than forty prisoners came to the stage to pray to receive Jesus. It was a very touching moment and an unforgettable gathering. On the way back in the afternoon, I saw a group of teenagers waiting for us. When they received the soccer uniforms we ordered earlier and handed them over to them, they immediately changed into their new soccer jerseys and started playing happily. Seeing that many young people were displaced, which created serious social issues, Living Hope Global Ministries established the Soccer Ministry, hoping to attract wandering young people to the church through soccer.  Soccer is the soul of Central and South America, where everyone loves soccer. Some people say that one more soccer jersey in a church means one less prison uniform in the jail. Eight teams have been organized so far, and more teams are expected to be established. May God use this new ministry to drive the church youth ministry and lead them to the Lord.

Thank God, after returning from Honduras, God arranged a 16-day short trip to Peru for me and my wife. Although this time it was to help the Chinese church ministry in the capital city of Lima, I realized the local cross-cultural needs through this short ministry. Chinese started to immigrate to Peru more than 170 years ago. There are about 2-3 million Chinese descendants, most of whom cannot speak Chinese. In recent years, many immigrants from Fujian have started restaurants or grocery businesses. They struggled to make a living and faced many challenges. During those two weeks of short ministry, I led quite a few gatherings and participated in various activities. I was greatly encouraged by seeing the brothers and sisters’ desire for the truth as well as their zeal to serve. When we heard about their immigration pathways and their spiritual journey of believing in the Lord, my wife and I were deeply moved, and our spirits were renewed. There are nearly 3 million people in Peru who identify themselves as Chinese, but there are only two Chinese churches. This is a huge gospel field. There I can strongly feel the “ Peruvian Call", where the Lord Jesus called "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:37) Brothers and sisters, have you heard that? Can you say to the Lord, "Here am I, send me!"

I am one of the minority indigenous from Taiwan,  and I can see "indigenous people" everywhere in Peru, per their appearance, skin color, clothing, and personality, they look just like the indigenous in Taiwan. People are kind, optimistic, conservative, friendly, and hospitable. There, the locals didn't regard me as a foreigner. They naturally wanted to communicate with me and were surprised that I couldn't speak their language. They were puzzled, but I was embarrassed. Because of their support and enthusiasm, my wife and I are determined to learn their native language. For the sake of love, and for the sake of the gospel, we have to learn to walk an extra mile regardless how hard it will be. Please pray for our learning.

Thank God for allowing me to see what God wants me to see in Central and South America through short missions. When I stepped out of the church and entered into cross-cultural missions, I became more and more sure that our entire life is God's act, arrangement, and good will. Everyone can reach a point to retire from the church or the workplace, but the heart of serving God should never retire, just like God’s love for us, which never ever retires. God gives us the opportunity to serve, which affirms our value before God. This type of service is like "another spring of service" given by God. Or say "retire but not rest". In fact, the "retire but not rest" is not limited to pastors. Every child of God can continue to serve God after retirement. Service is also not limited to cross-cultural missions. In order for retired people in the church to have a share in the ministry, I call it "retire? REFIRE!”  In fact, after retirement, there are many mission fields and churches that need your help. We are definitely not trying to take over the pastoral responsibility of a church, but becoming an igniter of mission fire or a willing supporter of a church in need.  Does your church have anyone who has retired or is preparing for retirement? If they have a burden for missions, please ask them to contact me, and I will try my best to match their gifts, competences, physical strength, mental strength, and experiences when making the mission trip arrangements, or I will personally accompany them.

Please pray：

1. My wife and I will go to Taiwan on 4/17 and return to the United States on 7/11. During the three months in Taiwan, we will go to many churches, deliver the missionary visions in the  areas of Malaysia, Cambodia and Japan. We are currently arranging our itinerary, please pray for our adaptation, physical and spiritual strength, and safety.

2. Pray for the mission trip from July to the end of this year. Other than the  STM trip to Kenya during Thanksgiving in November, the trips to Peru, Ecuador, and Honduras are still in the planning stages. When we are not overseas engaging in short-term missions, please pray that we may continue to pass on the vision of missions in Chinese churches in North America, and that we continue to recruit people for the "Retire? REFIRE!” vision. We will arrange for retired pastors and brothers and sisters who have such a burden to go on missions. Pray that wherever we go, our deeds will become a blessing to the local people, and that those who go together will also be blessed abundantly by God.

3. Pray for the eight teams that have signed up for the short term mission trips in Honduras from June to August this year. A total of over 200 people will participate. Please pray for each team's safety, good coordination among members, their physical as well as mental health. Pray that the participants’ spiritual lives may be renewed and the local people blessed.

4. Pray for the coworkers of Living Hope Global Ministries to serve well with one another, to grow spiritually, and for those whose family members are in another country to be reunited. Pray also for the ongoing various ministries, and the financial needs. Let our deeds bear witness to the glory of God and carry the Great Commission to win all the nations to the Lord until He comes again.

Thank you again for your intercession. Because of you, we will not be alone on our missionary journey. Your prayers strengthen our hearts for mission work. If you want to know more about our ministry or need our prayers, please contact us. If you would like to support us financially, please use  the online giving method or send it directly to Living Hope by check. Thank you.

Your co-laborers in the gospel mission,

Pastor Paul Shen and Wife

亲爱的宣教伙伴，平安！

感谢神！自从2018年LHGM（新希望全球事工）开始了中南美洲洪都拉斯的跨文化宣教以来，圣灵大大动工，在短短的四年内，已经有美国、加拿大50多间华人教会派出许多的短宣队，改变了许多年轻人的生命。去过的牧者见证说，当教会的宣教之火燃起，整个教会就更新了。我亲眼看见许多去过的人，他们的生命大翻转，灵命更新。有人看到了自己的爱心不够，自己的信心软弱，发现圣经真理当以生命来做见证。在宣教那些天里就像经历了人生的洗礼，人生观、价值观、世界观改变了。不再浪费食物，不再羡慕荣华富贵，不再浪费恩赐，不再浪费时间。对当地牧者来说，也带给他们欣慰和鼓舞，让他们不再以少数基督徒为自怜。他们奉献的心重新被挑旺，事奉变得更积极、更有盼望、更有果效。很惊喜的是，去的人都愿意传递洪都拉斯的宣教异象，也都乐意再去并支持洪都拉斯的跨文化事工，我就是其中之一。

从牧会了三十几年的牧师到跨文化宣教的宣教士，对刚退休的我来说是崭新的事奉领域。明知我到那里有语言上的限制，文化差异大，生活方式不一样，我还能作什么？感谢神，因着神再次的呼召，我就欢然地接受祂的差遣。我明知自己不能，但我相信呼召的主，在祂凡事都能。我很珍惜神给的一切，我称这是神给我的『事奉第二春』。

今年的一月16-21日，我参加了由19位来自加拿大、美国、阿根廷牧长所组成的《中南美洲牧者异象之旅》。第一天我们坐上从美国买进的二手校车，沿途翻山越岭，路况颠簸不平，七小时后终于到达深山的印第安部落。一下车就看见大人小孩已在那里等着，他们见到陌生的面孔又好奇又欢喜。第一天晚上到教会，来的大部分是妇女和小孩，聚会在刚成立的青少年赞美团带领下，整个敬拜感受到神的同在。第二天我们走访散居部落的家庭，发现大部分的住家面积小，屋内阴森森的，里面除了简陋的厨房和床，什么都没了。有的家没有电，甚至没有水，卫生条件极差，简直难以想像他们是怎么过日子。看到印第安部落的穷困、脏乱、潦倒、和无奈的面孔，很难看出他们的未来。我问神，谁来帮助他们？

一月19日，我们团队一起到监狱布道，对我来说是第一次。感谢神，当天在监狱的聚会是由在监狱里的信徒所组的敬拜团带领诗歌，他们的歌声嘹亮，震撼人心。接着牧者们轮流见证，在圣灵的感动下，竟然有四十多位犯人来到台前决志，那是非常感人的时刻，也是难忘的聚会。下午在回程的路上，就看到一群青少年等着我们，当他们拿到我们从国内订购的足球制服整套交给他们时，他们马上换上球衣高兴地踢球。《新希望全球事工》因着看到许多年轻人流离失所，造成严重的社会问题，就开创了新的《足球事工》，希望透过足球来吸引无所事事的青少年到教会。足球是中南美洲的国魂，人人爱足球。有人说，教会多一套球衣，监狱就少一件囚衣。现在已经成立了八支球队，预计将有更多的球队产生，求神借着这新事工带动教会的青少年事工，引领他们归主。

感谢神，从洪都拉斯回来后，祂为我跟师母安排了16天的秘鲁短宣，这一次虽然是帮助首都利马华人的教会事工，但从匆忙的服事里看到了当地跨文化的需要。华人移民到秘鲁已有超过170的历史。约有200-300万的华人后裔，大部分不会讲华语。近几年来有不少从福建移民开餐馆或杂货店，他们为了生活打拼，也面临诸多的挑战。在那两个星期的匆忙行程，带领不少的聚会，参与不同的活动，也看到弟兄姐妹对真道的渴慕和热心服事，自己大受激励。尤其听到他们移民的心路历程和信主的经历，我跟师母深受感动，灵里从新得力。秘鲁全国有近300万自称是华人，但只有两间华人教会，这是一片极大的福音禾场。在那里我能强烈地感受到从『秘鲁的呼声』，主耶稣在那里呼叫『要收的庄稼多，做工的人少。』（太9:37）弟兄姐妹，您听到了吗？你能否向主说：『我在这里，请差遣我！』

我是从台湾来的少数原住民，但到了秘鲁到处都可见到“原住民”，不论他们的长相、肤色、穿着、性格几乎像极了台湾的原住民，人们亲切、乐观、保守、友善、好客。在那里，当地人没有把我当作外国来的人，他们很自然地要跟我交流，他们很稀奇我竟然不能讲他们的语言，他们很纳闷我却很尴尬。因着他们的认同和热情，我跟师母决心学当地的语言，为了爱他们，更为了福音的缘故，就是再难，也要学习多走一里路。请您为我们的学习祷告。

感谢神，借着短宣让我在中南美洲看到神要我看见的。当我走出教会到跨文化宣教时，我越来越肯定我们的一生都是神的作为、安排、美意。每一个人都有从教会退任或从职场退休的时候，但我们服事神的心不应该有退休，正如神对我们的爱从不退休。神让我们有机会服事，表示肯定了我们在神面前的价值。这样的服事就像是神赐给的『服事第二春』。或着说『退而不休』。其实，『退而不休』的服事不是牧者的专利，每一个神的儿女都可在退休后继续事奉神，也不一定只有跨文化宣教才算事奉。为了让教会里退休的人在事奉上有份，我就称它为『退休？迎风再起！』（Retire? REFIRE!）其实，退休后有很多的宣教工场和教会需要人帮忙，我们绝不是代替教会牧会，而是成为宣教之火的点燃者或弱小教会的义务帮扶者。您教会有退休的人或准备退休的吗？若他们有负担，请他们跟我联络，我会尽可能地配合他们的恩赐、能力、体力、心力、经历来安排他们前往，或我亲自陪他们前往。

需要您的代祷

再次谢谢您的代祷，因为有您，我们在宣教的路上不会孤单，也因有您的代祷，我们宣教的心更坚定。若您想更多了解我们的事工，或需要我们代祷的，请跟我们联络。若您愿在我们的财政上支持，请善用电子奉献或直接寄到 Living Hope谢谢。

与您一同宣教的同工
                                                    沈德来牧师和师母