我的見證(My Testimony)

兩個星期前的主日是由我們國際小組負責，我被Sheila要求是否可以跟大家分享
身為基督徒對於華人在異地工作的我意義為何，在來自弟兄姐妹的鼓勵及感謝下，
在此也跟大家分享一下：

I work part time as an office administrator in an family run company that sells electrical cable glands and cleats. I started this job from last November and it’s my first job in the UK since I came here in 2003. Actually, right before I took this job, I nearly gave up looking for a job not only because I was rejected several times on the interview but also because my husband Anthony wanted me to fully support him in the last stage of his Phd study.

On our way home from the interview with this company, I already promised Anthony that if I could’t get it, I’ll stop looking for a job. In the mean time, I kept praying to God for showing me his plan for me. The next day, I was told that I was offered the job and I could choose workings days that suit me. When I hung the phone of, I can’t help thinking “How great is our God!!” He’s so gracious and kind to me.

Being the only one overseas employee whose mother tongue is not English in the office is not an easy task. I do sometimes feel that I can’t get involved in their conversation due to different cultural background. Other than that, I am upset when I can’t understand what my colleagues are talking about because of language barrier.
I’m particularly disappointed and distressed when I can’t communicate with our clients on the phone. Whenever I have these negative feelings, I’ll look into Bible, which is God’s words when I’m at home to seek his help. The following two passages are of tremendous help to me. Our heavenly Father not only saves me from feeling down, but also gives me considerate boss and colleagues who appreciate my strengths like numeracy and quick response instead of blaming my English.

2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
哥林多後書12:9
我的恩典夠你用的，因為我的能力是在人的軟弱上顯得完全，所以，我更喜歡誇自己的軟弱，好叫基督的能力覆庇我。

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I’ll strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
以賽亞書41:10
你不要害怕，因為我與你同在；不要驚惶，因為我是你的神。
我必堅固你，我必幫助你，我必用我公義的右手扶持你。

Besides, my family life changes a lot since I start working. I don’t have as much time for Anthony and Matthew as I used to do, yet I still need to carry on my role as a wife and mum. With the tight schedule, sometimes I am prone to lose my temper and become impatient. There was one night when Anthony finally initiated the discussion with me about how to improve the situation. We keep praying afterwards. Then one day when I was looking at Book Proverb casually, I spotted one passage that changes my attitude completely, which is from

Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
箴言25:15
恆常忍耐可以勸動君王，柔和的舌頭能折斷骨頭。

This passage is so true and so helpful for me. Now, a gentle tongue is my best weapon whenever Matthew gets grumpy and whenever Anthony gets angry. In addition, most of you, my brothers and sisters, you also set an good example for me and support me when I’m in need.

From the short talk above, you should be able to see what being a Christian means to me in my work environment as well as whatever circumstance I’m in.

Finally, I want to end my talk by reading you a passage that is of tremendous help to me. For those who are not Christians yet, I assure you that it’s worth trying because it costs you nothing. And I think it’s also a good reminder for those who are Christians already.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, with transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
腓立比書4:6-7
應當一無掛慮，只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝，將你們所要的告訴神。
神所賜出人意外的平安，必在基督耶穌裏，保守你們的心懷意念。