WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.620 Okay. How you guys doing? Everybody's really quiet after that. What's up with that? 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:15.480 Hey, we are finishing up a three-part series that we did, what we've been doing on stewardship. 00:00:16.460 --> 00:00:22.400 And so today we talked about stewardship of God's Word, was two weeks ago. 00:00:22.859 --> 00:00:27.199 We talked about stewardship of God's money and the stuff that God's given us. 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:30.899 And today we're going to talk about the stewardship of our lives. 00:00:31.600 --> 00:00:34.560 And so with that, I want to read the passage in your bulletin. 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:40.299 So would you please stand with me and let's read God's Word together and honor His Word as we read it. 00:00:41.140 --> 00:00:46.579 And we're just going to look at the passage today comes from the book of Joshua and the book of Judges. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:48.259 And you can follow along in your bulletin. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:52.200 The people have just been released from captivity in Egypt after 400 years. 00:00:52.739 --> 00:00:55.019 They've wandered in the desert for 40 years. 00:00:55.020 --> 00:00:57.600 And now they are about to enter into the promised land. 00:00:57.620 --> 00:00:58.780 And we picked up in verse 1. 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:03.280 Now when all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 00:01:03.440 --> 00:01:07.420 Take up for yourself twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe. 00:01:07.939 --> 00:01:11.219 Command them, saying, Take up for yourself twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, 00:01:11.320 --> 00:01:13.480 from the place where the priest's feet are standing firm. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:17.879 And carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight. 00:01:17.879 --> 00:01:24.079 So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:29.099 And Joshua said to them, Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. 00:01:29.199 --> 00:01:33.799 And each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder according to the number of tribes of the sons of Israel. 00:01:34.679 --> 00:01:39.479 Let this be a sign among you so that when your children ask later, saying, What do these stones mean? 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:45.180 Then you will say to them, Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord 00:01:45.180 --> 00:01:46.579 when it crossed the Jordan. 00:01:46.820 --> 00:01:48.579 The waters of the Jordan were cut off. 00:01:48.900 --> 00:01:51.880 So these stones shall be a memorial to the sons of Israel forever. 00:01:52.620 --> 00:01:56.480 Thus the sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and they took up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, 00:01:57.020 --> 00:02:01.320 just as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of tribes of the sons of Israel. 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:05.600 And they carried them over with them to the lodging place and put them down there. 00:02:05.599 --> 00:02:09.939 Then Joshua set up the twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priest 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:13.519 who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:16.280 For the priests who carried the ark were standing in the middle of the Jordan 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:20.560 until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua to speak to the people. 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:25.159 According to all that Moses had commanded Joshua, and the people hurried and crossed. 00:02:25.240 --> 00:02:30.240 And when all the people had finished crossing, the ark of the Lord and the priests crossed before the people. 00:02:31.019 --> 00:02:35.120 Then after many years we're told that if Joshua leading God's people, 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:39.900 we're told that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110, 00:02:40.980 --> 00:02:44.000 and they buried him in the territory of his inheritance, Timnaheres, 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:47.599 in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the Mount Gash. 00:02:47.939 --> 00:02:50.340 All that generation were also gathered to their fathers, 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:54.060 and then there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, 00:02:54.620 --> 00:02:56.360 nor yet the work which he had done for Israel. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:58.099 This is God's reading. 00:02:58.700 --> 00:02:59.259 Please be seated. 00:02:59.259 --> 00:03:06.620 The people of Israel had seen amazing things. 00:03:07.419 --> 00:03:10.000 They had been in captivity for 400 years, 00:03:10.479 --> 00:03:13.859 and God raised up a deliverer to come in and to deliver them, 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:17.799 and now they have been walking in the wilderness for 40 years in the desert. 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:21.060 God had been feeding this mass of people for 40 years. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:21.859 Can you think of that? 00:03:21.860 --> 00:03:28.740 Every day a cloud followed them and covered them from the heat to protect them from the heat of the desert, 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:32.640 and at night a pillar of fire came to give them warmth. 00:03:33.320 --> 00:03:35.780 The clothes they had on their back, we're told in Scripture, 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:37.980 the clothes they had never wore out. 00:03:38.920 --> 00:03:42.900 Now I don't know how you would feel about wearing the same pair of pants and jeans for 40 years. 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:44.580 My wife could not get into that, 00:03:45.140 --> 00:03:47.320 and most of us probably couldn't either, 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:49.859 but the clothes never wore out. 00:03:50.500 --> 00:03:53.519 They had water for 40 years from a rock that followed them around, 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:56.019 and now they are about to enter into the promised land, 00:03:56.259 --> 00:03:58.199 and the Lord has them set up a memorial, 00:03:58.819 --> 00:04:00.879 a reminder for them of God's faithfulness. 00:04:01.239 --> 00:04:04.079 Actually, it's a reminder of God 00:04:04.079 --> 00:04:07.939 and what he's done in their life and how he's gone before them. 00:04:08.079 --> 00:04:11.519 It's a reminder of God's relationship with us. 00:04:13.240 --> 00:04:16.100 It's a reminder of God's stewardship to his people. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:20.760 The stones just don't represent memories of the great and amazing things that God did, 00:04:20.920 --> 00:04:23.660 but they represent God's presence with them now 00:04:23.660 --> 00:04:25.720 and how he always will go before them, 00:04:25.780 --> 00:04:27.600 and he will always work and do things. 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:29.240 And so when people looked at these stones, 00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:31.400 it was a memory of these things, 00:04:31.480 --> 00:04:33.120 but it was also a memory of them 00:04:33.120 --> 00:04:36.260 because there was one taken for every tribe, 00:04:36.300 --> 00:04:39.080 and these stones represented the people of God. 00:04:39.480 --> 00:04:42.740 These represented God's people. 00:04:42.740 --> 00:04:46.060 In verse 6, I find it very interesting. 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:48.500 He says, what do these stones mean to you? 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:50.939 It's very personal. 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:55.019 What does God's faithfulness mean to you? 00:04:55.500 --> 00:04:58.759 As you look around and you see symbols of God's working in your life, 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:00.139 what does that mean to you? 00:05:00.220 --> 00:05:02.379 When you see the things that God has brought you into 00:05:02.379 --> 00:05:03.620 and the places that he takes you, 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:05.300 when you see his stewardship 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:09.520 and how he's gone before you so obviously, 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:13.500 what does that mean to you? 00:05:14.259 --> 00:05:17.160 And how will you share with your children 00:05:17.160 --> 00:05:22.819 the amazing things that God has done in our life? 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:26.599 I've asked Franklin to come up. 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:30.980 Franklin and Therese have been with Watermark 00:05:30.980 --> 00:05:31.899 almost from the beginning. 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:32.959 They came right afterwards. 00:05:33.480 --> 00:05:35.319 Franklin, and you've seen them walking around. 00:05:35.779 --> 00:05:37.040 They are an amazing couple. 00:05:37.159 --> 00:05:38.139 They came from Beijing. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:39.719 Franklin was actually born in Hong Kong. 00:05:40.279 --> 00:05:41.740 Therese was born in Taiwan. 00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:46.100 And they have been married for almost 30 years. 00:05:46.620 --> 00:05:47.480 Therese, is that correct? 00:05:48.339 --> 00:05:48.899 I just want to make sure, 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:50.199 because Franklin told me. 00:05:50.259 --> 00:05:51.680 I just want to make sure he's correct on that. 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:54.040 Okay, and so Franklin has been working 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:58.220 with some back in Beijing and in China and America 00:05:58.220 --> 00:05:59.780 with some large corporations. 00:05:59.780 --> 00:06:02.319 And now he's kind of at a different stage of his life 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:04.280 where he's kind of his own boss. 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:06.280 And so I've kind of asked him to come up 00:06:06.280 --> 00:06:09.720 and share of God's stewardship and faithfulness 00:06:09.720 --> 00:06:13.480 in his life in the things that God has been teaching him. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:15.379 So Franklin, will you come on up and share with us? 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:21.360 Thank you, Tobin and the worship team. 00:06:21.360 --> 00:06:23.780 And the powerful video that we have. 00:06:25.500 --> 00:06:28.100 The question that the video showed was, 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:30.460 how do we feel in that dash in our life? 00:06:31.300 --> 00:06:33.540 The dash from the date when we are born 00:06:33.540 --> 00:06:35.840 to the date where we leave this earth. 00:06:36.439 --> 00:06:38.660 How do we want our life to be remembered? 00:06:39.340 --> 00:06:42.220 And how we want God to remember us as? 00:06:42.220 --> 00:06:44.780 I think these are all great questions 00:06:44.780 --> 00:06:47.520 to ask ourselves every day, examine ourselves. 00:06:49.020 --> 00:06:51.860 Several weeks ago when I was asked to share with you 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:55.120 about stewardship and how it relates to my life, 00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:58.200 I told Tobin that talking about my life 00:06:58.200 --> 00:07:00.160 is easy to let pride creep in 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:03.320 and that I've done this and done that, 00:07:03.420 --> 00:07:05.240 I've been successful in this and that. 00:07:05.240 --> 00:07:08.319 So I pray that the Lord, 00:07:08.900 --> 00:07:11.199 the Holy Spirit will guide me, guide my thoughts 00:07:11.199 --> 00:07:13.879 as Apostle Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:15.480 that if I must boast, 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:18.259 I will boast of the things that show my weakness 00:07:18.259 --> 00:07:20.600 because Jesus Christ is my strength. 00:07:22.379 --> 00:07:24.420 The Bible passages that I will be quoting 00:07:24.420 --> 00:07:25.920 will be in the bulletin. 00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:31.100 So what is stewardship? 00:07:31.900 --> 00:07:34.500 And it took me a while to check out, 00:07:34.580 --> 00:07:36.360 make sure that I got the definition correct. 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:40.160 And it is a responsibility to take care of something 00:07:40.160 --> 00:07:41.680 belonging to someone else 00:07:41.680 --> 00:07:43.980 or entrust it to our care 00:07:43.980 --> 00:07:46.639 and we should exercise diligence 00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:50.360 and responsible management towards it. 00:07:50.900 --> 00:07:53.600 So what are the things that doesn't belong to us 00:07:53.600 --> 00:07:55.240 but we have to care for? 00:07:56.280 --> 00:07:58.480 So from the very beginning of the Bible 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:01.500 in Genesis 1, verse 27-28, 00:08:02.140 --> 00:08:04.840 So God created man in his own image. 00:08:05.620 --> 00:08:08.620 In the image of God, he created him. 00:08:09.080 --> 00:08:11.220 Male and female, he created them. 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:13.680 God blessed them and said to them, 00:08:14.280 --> 00:08:16.200 Be fruitful and increase in number. 00:08:17.020 --> 00:08:18.520 Fill the earth and subdue it. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:22.400 Rule over the fish of the seas and birds of the air 00:08:22.400 --> 00:08:25.500 and over every living creature that moves on the ground. 00:08:26.879 --> 00:08:29.319 Throughout the Bible, God constantly reminded us 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:32.000 and reminded me that everything we have 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:35.060 were created by him and belongs to him. 00:08:35.560 --> 00:08:37.440 And that included me and you. 00:08:38.800 --> 00:08:40.480 God also gave man the responsibility 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:43.480 to make productive use of what he gave us 00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:45.060 so that it will be fruitful 00:08:45.059 --> 00:08:49.259 and it will multiply by managing it responsibly, 00:08:49.619 --> 00:08:53.339 cultivating it, exercising control and influence over it. 00:08:53.340 --> 00:08:58.300 And I look back, you know, as engineers or scientists 00:08:58.300 --> 00:09:01.000 or businessmen or even students, 00:09:01.660 --> 00:09:04.740 it's easy for us to think that we have made things. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:07.620 We make things, we build things. 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:10.259 I was in construction and built things. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:13.960 And finance things as a banker or as students. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:16.700 We've got excellent grades, exceptional grades in exams. 00:09:17.259 --> 00:09:21.019 We do it all with our own strength, tenacity, 00:09:22.139 --> 00:09:24.039 take credit for all that work. 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:27.680 But let's take a look, think about it. 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:29.980 Examine a small part of a body, for example. 00:09:29.980 --> 00:09:33.159 Without the wondrous and miraculous brain 00:09:33.159 --> 00:09:36.420 that God created for in each one of us 00:09:36.420 --> 00:09:39.480 and somehow being connected to our hands and feet, 00:09:40.300 --> 00:09:43.080 without that connection in the most miraculous way, 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:44.759 we could do nothing. 00:09:45.700 --> 00:09:48.420 We cannot even have the ability to lift up a feather 00:09:48.420 --> 00:09:49.600 with our fingers. 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:53.759 So the last two weeks, we have explored 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:55.440 the stewardship of God's word and money. 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.720 And in discussing my life, 00:09:57.720 --> 00:10:01.660 allow me to be transparent and vulnerable to you. 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:05.279 Allow me to reveal the things that has happened in my life 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:08.340 as it relates to stewardship of relationships, 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:12.320 time, work, children, etc. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:15.360 All such things that have valuable lessons 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:16.860 that have taught me 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:19.440 and have enriched my life abundantly. 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:23.060 Hopefully, it will be an encouragement to you also. 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:28.000 I've divided my life into three phases. 00:10:28.859 --> 00:10:31.279 The first phase is about my spiritual journey. 00:10:33.219 --> 00:10:36.399 I came from a large, non-believing family. 00:10:37.399 --> 00:10:38.139 Don't be scared. 00:10:38.599 --> 00:10:39.859 A family with 12 kids. 00:10:41.479 --> 00:10:42.939 I went to Catholic school, 00:10:43.579 --> 00:10:44.679 in primary school, 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:46.799 which taught me that there is God 00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:48.719 and our God is authoritarian 00:10:48.719 --> 00:10:51.159 and disciplinarian to us. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:53.299 When I do something wrong, 00:10:53.439 --> 00:10:54.240 I will be punished 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:56.039 unless I go into confession. 00:10:57.179 --> 00:10:58.219 And the way to redemption 00:10:58.219 --> 00:10:59.699 was to say the Lord's Prayer 00:10:59.699 --> 00:11:02.000 and Hail Mary so many times a day. 00:11:02.759 --> 00:11:04.459 So from very young age, 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:07.059 I know and was fearful of this God. 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:08.779 But on the other hand, 00:11:09.079 --> 00:11:10.100 knowing that this God 00:11:10.100 --> 00:11:11.860 will save me from troubles, 00:11:12.459 --> 00:11:13.759 so I prayed often, 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:15.819 saying the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary 00:11:15.819 --> 00:11:17.659 as I was told to do so. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:21.759 Then when I entered junior high 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:22.480 and high school, 00:11:23.199 --> 00:11:24.899 I went to a Protestant school. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:27.839 There, the Bible was a required subject 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:29.079 that I must study 00:11:29.079 --> 00:11:30.319 in order to go through high school. 00:11:31.219 --> 00:11:33.759 The subject was called biblical knowledge, 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:37.500 so we were taught knowledge about the Bible. 00:11:39.699 --> 00:11:41.039 Unfortunately, in those years, 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:42.600 we were caught by a change 00:11:42.600 --> 00:11:44.339 in the education system in Hong Kong, 00:11:44.340 --> 00:11:47.379 and the foreign teachers have to leave us. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:50.759 And the one who ended up teaching me 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:53.200 the last couple of years of high school 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:57.519 smoked and sweared in and out of class. 00:11:58.399 --> 00:12:01.259 So what taught to me from the Bible 00:12:01.259 --> 00:12:02.680 was a total contradiction 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:04.200 to the behavior of the teacher. 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:08.220 Yes, I have gained some knowledge of the Bible, 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:10.759 but it was absolutely no meaning to me. 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:12.460 It was just a story, 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:15.139 and I really disliked 00:12:15.139 --> 00:12:19.540 the memorization of the historical facts 00:12:19.540 --> 00:12:21.379 that was required in the exams. 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:24.680 And let's look at my family. 00:12:25.560 --> 00:12:26.820 My parents were good people, 00:12:27.580 --> 00:12:28.379 honorable people, 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:30.320 taught me how to be a gentleman, 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:34.460 honest, hardworking, diligent man 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:36.879 that I can, you know, ought to be. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:39.700 My father made the conscientious effort 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:41.039 to sit down with us 00:12:41.039 --> 00:12:42.799 almost every Sunday morning 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:45.259 to try to impact us with his stories 00:12:45.259 --> 00:12:47.299 and values repeatedly. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:51.000 But all 12 of us behaved very differently 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.460 as we grew up in terms of values 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:54.279 and personality. 00:12:55.439 --> 00:12:56.799 He had tried very hard 00:12:56.799 --> 00:12:58.559 to impact us from a young age, 00:12:58.939 --> 00:13:01.679 but not all of us enjoyed this time with him 00:13:01.679 --> 00:13:03.639 or appreciate all the things he says. 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:07.279 There was not an authoritative standard 00:13:07.279 --> 00:13:08.539 of value and behavior 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:11.019 that we can learn and love to live by. 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:14.080 After high school, 00:13:14.199 --> 00:13:16.220 I went to the United States for college. 00:13:17.399 --> 00:13:17.860 And there, 00:13:18.819 --> 00:13:19.740 I left my family 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:21.639 and was approached for the first time 00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:23.759 actively by Christian brothers and sisters. 00:13:25.840 --> 00:13:27.659 In Wisconsin that I went to, 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.179 the brothers and sisters, 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:30.319 the Christian brothers and sisters 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:31.340 were very tenacious, 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:33.240 and they kept on asking me 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:34.200 if I were a Christian 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:35.899 every time I met them. 00:13:36.540 --> 00:13:38.080 When I told them I was not, 00:13:39.180 --> 00:13:39.960 they went their way 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:41.060 to fellowship with others, 00:13:41.280 --> 00:13:42.620 leaving me cold in the fellowship. 00:13:44.300 --> 00:13:45.860 So that had turned me off 00:13:45.860 --> 00:13:46.740 and I stopped going 00:13:46.740 --> 00:13:47.899 to the Bible study group 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:48.860 after a few times. 00:13:51.379 --> 00:13:53.240 And I graduated from Wisconsin 00:13:53.240 --> 00:13:54.800 and then went on to grad school. 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:57.139 And it was when I got to grad school 00:13:57.139 --> 00:13:58.840 that something had changed. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:00.540 The brothers and sisters 00:14:00.540 --> 00:14:02.259 in the Chinese Bible study group there 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:04.399 was very warm and inviting. 00:14:05.200 --> 00:14:06.399 It allowed me to search 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:07.920 and seek the Bible freely, 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:09.780 asking questions 00:14:09.780 --> 00:14:10.600 and accepting 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:13.820 my sometimes off-the-wall answers. 00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:16.879 The summer after I went to grad school, 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:18.820 looking for a place to live, 00:14:19.379 --> 00:14:20.980 a brother rounded up 12 others 00:14:20.980 --> 00:14:22.000 and rented a house 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.639 and called it the Christian house. 00:14:23.639 --> 00:14:27.059 Though I was not a Christian, 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:29.580 then they invited me in, 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:32.559 accepted me as the one of them. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:35.480 There I saw how these Christian brothers 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:36.840 and sisters lived their lives, 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:38.080 helping each other 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.500 and encouraging each other, 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:41.639 especially in studying the Bible. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:43.860 I have the opportunity 00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:45.299 to discuss many issues 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:46.819 in the Bible with them, 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:48.500 openly and in greater depth. 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:50.600 After a few months, 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:52.500 I began to really want to have 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:54.420 that peace and joy that they have. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:57.200 As I said before, 00:14:57.680 --> 00:14:59.639 being brought up in a Christian school, 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:02.300 all along I knew there is God, 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:05.200 but do not know who that God is. 00:15:06.360 --> 00:15:08.279 It was when I was invited to a retreat 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:09.860 that I came to know 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:11.320 who Jesus Christ is 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:13.040 and why He has made 00:15:13.040 --> 00:15:14.399 the substitutionary death 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:16.320 on the cross for my sins. 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:18.220 and a brother led me 00:15:18.220 --> 00:15:19.580 to receiving Jesus Christ 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:20.379 into my heart 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:22.140 as my own personal Savior and Lord. 00:15:24.040 --> 00:15:25.040 Brothers and sisters, 00:15:25.780 --> 00:15:27.660 in this city of Hong Kong, 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:30.080 where we can meet people so easily 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.980 with so many events and gatherings, 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:33.760 many were brought up 00:15:33.760 --> 00:15:35.180 with similar background as me. 00:15:36.180 --> 00:15:36.840 Heard of God, 00:15:37.500 --> 00:15:38.879 studied biblical knowledge 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.900 as a requirement, 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.880 went to church sometimes, 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:43.700 or have encountered 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:44.320 unpleasant experiences 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:45.960 with other Christians 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:46.860 at home, 00:15:47.520 --> 00:15:47.879 school, 00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:48.620 or business. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:50.960 How do we exercise 00:15:50.960 --> 00:15:51.700 good stewardship 00:15:51.700 --> 00:15:53.120 to those who God 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.200 placed in our path, 00:15:55.160 --> 00:15:56.620 allow us to lead them 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.960 to a personal relationship 00:15:57.960 --> 00:15:58.920 with Jesus Christ, 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.940 or are we chasing them away 00:16:01.940 --> 00:16:03.480 by being either too cold, 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:04.800 too warm, 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:05.980 too aggressive, 00:16:06.360 --> 00:16:07.480 or too impersonal? 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:10.779 In Romans 10, 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.300 14, 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:12.100 it reminded me, 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.680 how then 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:15.000 can they call on 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:15.440 the one 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:16.860 they have not believed in? 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:19.240 And how can they believe 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:19.899 in the one 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.539 of whom 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:21.480 they have not heard? 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.480 And how can they hear 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:24.300 without someone 00:16:24.300 --> 00:16:25.240 preaching to them? 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:27.860 I'm very glad 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:29.279 and blessed 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:29.960 that the Lord 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:30.620 put loving, 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:31.779 caring brothers and sisters 00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:32.600 in my path 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:34.340 who ministered to me 00:16:34.340 --> 00:16:35.440 at a critical point 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:36.120 in my life 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.340 before I graduated 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:38.000 from college 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:38.620 and go on 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.460 to the busy world 00:16:39.460 --> 00:16:40.720 that was full of 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:42.379 distractions and temptations. 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:44.240 Little bit back 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:45.580 at this part of my life, 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:48.019 God has reached out to me, 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.860 but I was running away 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:50.340 from Him 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:52.460 for a long, long time. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:55.080 But a seed was sown 00:16:55.080 --> 00:16:55.679 in my heart 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:56.860 from very young days 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:58.019 and along the way, 00:16:58.679 --> 00:17:00.440 and He never gave up on me 00:17:00.440 --> 00:17:01.919 to call me home 00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:02.700 to be with Him. 00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:06.380 Let's take a look 00:17:06.380 --> 00:17:07.500 at the second part 00:17:07.500 --> 00:17:08.180 of my life. 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.720 The second phase 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.440 of my life 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:12.080 began after I graduated 00:17:12.080 --> 00:17:12.880 from college. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:15.160 This was shortly 00:17:15.160 --> 00:17:16.440 after I accepted Christ 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:17.559 and serving 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:18.059 in a church 00:17:18.059 --> 00:17:18.620 in Boston. 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.299 I was living a life 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.160 like a Christian 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:22.440 should, 00:17:22.860 --> 00:17:24.200 doing all the right things. 00:17:25.100 --> 00:17:25.840 My career 00:17:25.840 --> 00:17:27.180 has been smooth sailing, 00:17:27.819 --> 00:17:29.059 never skipped a beat, 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.279 always had a job 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.100 despite several 00:17:31.100 --> 00:17:32.120 economic crises. 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:34.319 When I was not satisfied 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:34.960 with one job, 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.620 I would quit 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:37.500 and there was another one 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:38.799 waiting with more challenges 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:40.180 and more responsibilities. 00:17:41.620 --> 00:17:42.259 Career-wise, 00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.580 I was moving right along, 00:17:44.220 --> 00:17:45.000 but spiritually, 00:17:45.500 --> 00:17:46.400 I wasn't growing. 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:49.240 I attended Sunday school, 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.840 read the Bible occasionally, 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:52.299 but found it difficult 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:53.080 to understand 00:17:53.080 --> 00:17:54.039 in boring reading, 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.500 and my mind 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:56.319 often wandered 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:57.240 and distracted 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.340 by work 00:17:58.340 --> 00:17:59.180 or other things 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:00.039 that seemed important 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.779 for me to do. 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:03.680 after getting married 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:05.139 and children came, 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.399 life was busier 00:18:06.399 --> 00:18:06.899 than ever. 00:18:07.940 --> 00:18:09.160 Then the second one, 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.619 then the third one. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:12.500 When I was 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.519 in my mid-30s, 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.180 I faced 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:14.899 the so-called 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:16.319 midlife crisis. 00:18:17.539 --> 00:18:19.019 I was not satisfied 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:20.359 with the menial paycheck 00:18:20.359 --> 00:18:21.859 and small pay raises 00:18:21.859 --> 00:18:22.579 that decided 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:24.660 that it was time 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.399 to venture out 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:26.279 of corporate life 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.940 despite the steady paycheck 00:18:27.940 --> 00:18:29.200 was what the family needed. 00:18:29.200 --> 00:18:31.360 I went out on my own 00:18:31.360 --> 00:18:32.140 doing something 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:32.920 more independent. 00:18:34.080 --> 00:18:34.680 It was then 00:18:34.680 --> 00:18:35.319 that my life 00:18:35.319 --> 00:18:36.319 rapidly went 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:37.140 to a tailspin. 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:38.620 Making money 00:18:38.620 --> 00:18:40.120 was a lot of work, 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:42.000 and the more difficult 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:42.500 it gets, 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:43.920 the harder I want to work 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.519 to prove that 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.360 I can do it 00:18:45.360 --> 00:18:46.000 on my own. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.160 As a man, 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:49.420 I was trying very hard 00:18:49.420 --> 00:18:50.620 to be the provider 00:18:50.620 --> 00:18:51.900 for the family 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:53.039 with my own strength. 00:18:53.039 --> 00:18:55.559 This had taken 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.680 a toll on our marriage, 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:58.740 and we were 00:18:58.740 --> 00:18:59.639 constantly fighting 00:18:59.639 --> 00:19:00.259 for time 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:01.159 that I don't have 00:19:01.159 --> 00:19:02.440 and income 00:19:02.440 --> 00:19:03.279 that was not coming 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.240 in steadily 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:04.839 to provide 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.559 for the family. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:08.399 Through prayers 00:19:08.399 --> 00:19:09.180 of my wife 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.299 and brothers 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:12.039 that embraced us 00:19:12.039 --> 00:19:12.819 through those 00:19:12.819 --> 00:19:13.680 difficult times 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.639 had brought me 00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:15.819 back to God's Word 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:17.460 through serious, 00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:18.799 disciplined Bible studies. 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:21.079 and as I spent 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.559 more time 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:21.980 in reading 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.599 and understanding 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:23.279 God's Word, 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.019 His Word became 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:26.200 much more interesting. 00:19:27.159 --> 00:19:27.960 His Word starts 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.779 speaking to me 00:19:28.779 --> 00:19:29.480 with meaning 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.919 and application 00:19:30.919 --> 00:19:31.839 to my life. 00:19:33.139 --> 00:19:33.680 During this 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:34.700 trying period, 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.720 two passages 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:36.460 came to me. 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.180 Let me share it 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:37.500 with you. 00:19:39.119 --> 00:19:40.359 In Matthew 6, 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:41.539 25 to 27, 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.180 it says, 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:45.419 Therefore I tell you, 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:46.379 do not worry 00:19:46.379 --> 00:19:47.139 about your life. 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:48.519 What you will eat 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.000 or drink 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:50.660 or about your body. 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:52.259 What you will wear. 00:19:53.139 --> 00:19:53.779 Is not life 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:54.359 more important 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:55.019 than food 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:55.779 and the body 00:19:55.779 --> 00:19:56.359 more important 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.019 than clothes? 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:58.940 Look at the birds 00:19:58.940 --> 00:19:59.480 in the air. 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.440 They do not sow 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:00.900 or reap 00:20:00.900 --> 00:20:01.879 or store away 00:20:01.879 --> 00:20:02.940 in barns 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.720 and yet your Heavenly 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.700 Father feeds them. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:06.039 Are you not 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:06.900 much more valuable 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:07.440 in the day? 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:08.539 Who of you 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.240 by worrying 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:10.879 can add a single 00:20:10.879 --> 00:20:11.779 hour to your life? 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.099 And then the other 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:15.579 verse in Psalm 127, 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:16.680 verse 1 to 2, 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:19.860 as I was 00:20:19.860 --> 00:20:21.360 building buildings, 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.539 it meant so much 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:22.860 to me 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:23.560 because it says, 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:24.820 Unless the Lord 00:20:24.820 --> 00:20:25.740 builds the house, 00:20:26.440 --> 00:20:27.120 its builders 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:28.259 labor in vain. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:30.019 Unless the Lord 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:31.299 watches over the city, 00:20:31.940 --> 00:20:32.440 the watchers 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.160 stand guard 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:33.680 in vain. 00:20:34.620 --> 00:20:35.140 In vain, 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:36.200 you rise early 00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:37.240 and stay up late, 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:38.980 toiling for food 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.500 to eat, 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:41.279 for he grants sleep 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:42.500 to those he loves. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:45.519 these words 00:20:45.519 --> 00:20:46.240 have reminded me 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:47.480 that I have to 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:48.500 let go of my pride 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:50.140 in being the provider 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:51.019 for my family 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:52.720 and allowing God 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:53.420 to take care 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.440 of this family. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:56.779 And then I, 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.599 second thing is, 00:20:57.720 --> 00:20:58.720 I have also decided 00:20:58.720 --> 00:20:59.819 that I do not want 00:20:59.819 --> 00:21:00.759 to live in the second 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.799 part of my life 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:03.660 as in the first half, 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:04.940 allowing God 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.799 to be the captain 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.200 to steer this ship 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.160 rather than me. 00:21:08.160 --> 00:21:10.540 And the third thing 00:21:10.540 --> 00:21:11.500 I realized was 00:21:11.500 --> 00:21:12.279 that work 00:21:12.279 --> 00:21:13.900 should not only be work, 00:21:14.800 --> 00:21:15.720 but work should be 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.600 my mission field. 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:19.180 Not long after 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:20.360 making those decisions, 00:21:20.820 --> 00:21:21.580 the Lord opened up 00:21:21.580 --> 00:21:22.920 the door to me 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:24.279 to return to China 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.080 in 1995. 00:21:26.360 --> 00:21:27.060 And for the past 00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:27.860 16 years, 00:21:28.540 --> 00:21:29.519 he has provided 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.500 much blessings 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.279 for our family. 00:21:32.380 --> 00:21:33.120 The Lord know 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:33.800 my weakness 00:21:33.800 --> 00:21:34.640 and has used 00:21:34.640 --> 00:21:35.820 these difficult times 00:21:35.820 --> 00:21:36.980 to prepare 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.980 and equip me 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.440 so that I will be 00:21:39.440 --> 00:21:40.019 more ready 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:40.839 and matured 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:41.319 spiritually 00:21:41.319 --> 00:21:42.819 to go to places 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:43.640 where he had 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:44.400 led me to go. 00:21:45.360 --> 00:21:46.140 All glory 00:21:46.140 --> 00:21:46.640 and praises 00:21:46.640 --> 00:21:47.299 to the Lord. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:50.440 Brothers and sisters, 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:52.160 in this high-pressure 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:52.700 Hong Kong, 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.039 we're all struggling 00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:54.779 to succeed, 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:56.259 to be recognized, 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.980 to build relationships, 00:21:58.680 --> 00:21:59.640 fighting for time. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.319 Many of you 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:01.880 are probably 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:02.680 in this stage 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:03.579 similar to my 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:04.779 first half of my life, 00:22:05.319 --> 00:22:06.299 looking for opportunities 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:06.940 by your own 00:22:06.940 --> 00:22:07.920 strength and ability. 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:09.480 by your likes 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.200 and dislikes. 00:22:10.839 --> 00:22:11.819 You may be working 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.420 very hard 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.079 to gain the next 00:22:13.079 --> 00:22:13.620 promotion 00:22:13.620 --> 00:22:15.680 or looking for 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:16.759 the greener pasture 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.420 next door. 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.299 Have you been 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.440 thankful to the Lord 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.900 for the blessings 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:23.160 that he already gave you? 00:22:23.940 --> 00:22:24.980 Are you submitting 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.660 to the Lord 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.500 to be a provider 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.579 for all your needs? 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.460 Are you turning 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:30.599 the captain of the ship 00:22:30.599 --> 00:22:31.460 to God 00:22:31.460 --> 00:22:32.579 to steer it for you? 00:22:33.640 --> 00:22:34.579 Are we using 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.279 the opportunity 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.039 need at work 00:22:36.039 --> 00:22:36.839 to minister 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:37.519 to those 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.579 who are struggling 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.279 in career 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:40.200 or relationships? 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:42.319 Are we reaching out 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.660 to them, 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:43.879 praying for them? 00:22:47.379 --> 00:22:48.500 The third phase 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.200 of my life 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:49.859 concerns 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:51.319 passing the torch 00:22:51.319 --> 00:22:52.700 to the next generation. 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:56.140 A month ago, 00:22:56.240 --> 00:22:56.960 something struck me. 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:57.680 I went back 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:58.559 to my hometown, 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.160 my wife's hometown 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:00.980 of Taipei 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:02.100 for a reunion 00:23:02.100 --> 00:23:02.880 with her brothers. 00:23:04.080 --> 00:23:04.680 Teresa came 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.340 from parents 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:06.220 who were believers 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.779 and prayer warriors. 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:09.460 It was when we 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.319 visited the grave 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:11.460 side of her parents. 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.640 The Lord opened 00:23:13.640 --> 00:23:14.100 my heart 00:23:14.100 --> 00:23:14.880 to appreciate 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:15.440 our marriage 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.279 so much more. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.759 He allowed me 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:18.240 to see 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:19.539 how from one set 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.680 of parents' prayers 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:22.379 led to the strong 00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:23.500 faith from Teresa 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:25.720 and her brothers. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.099 And now, 00:23:27.579 --> 00:23:28.579 both of our families 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.680 have passed our faith 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:30.920 to our seven children, 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.799 three from my side 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.799 and four from 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:34.680 her brother's side. 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.819 When we came back 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.779 and lived in China 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.859 16 years ago, 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:41.960 just like many of you 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:43.579 came back as expats, 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:45.839 as an expat, 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:46.699 yeah, 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:47.939 we have a better 00:23:47.939 --> 00:23:48.699 pay package, 00:23:49.399 --> 00:23:51.639 much better benefits, 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.159 but on the flip side, 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.099 the company expects 00:23:54.099 --> 00:23:55.299 a lot out of you. 00:23:56.119 --> 00:23:56.799 They expect you 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.519 to be on call 00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:58.399 24-7, 00:23:59.099 --> 00:23:59.839 expect you to go 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:00.319 on trips, 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.500 and better, 00:24:01.879 --> 00:24:02.759 to stay in a hotel 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.599 with co-workers 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:04.679 than spend time 00:24:04.679 --> 00:24:05.259 with your family. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.859 They make you work 00:24:07.859 --> 00:24:08.619 until your wife 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:09.039 and children 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.980 do not see you 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.399 at all. 00:24:11.639 --> 00:24:12.619 I'm sure many of you 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.599 felt the same way. 00:24:14.679 --> 00:24:15.500 Maybe some of you 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.539 are children 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:17.419 of an expat 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:18.939 and looking at 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:19.359 the lives 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:20.039 of your parents, 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.959 you know exactly 00:24:20.959 --> 00:24:21.599 what I meant. 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:24.399 At that time, 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.919 our children 00:24:24.919 --> 00:24:25.659 were four, 00:24:26.199 --> 00:24:26.439 six, 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.159 and nine years old 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:28.079 when we came to China. 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.500 They were at 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.779 their very active age, 00:24:31.179 --> 00:24:31.979 ready to absorb 00:24:31.979 --> 00:24:32.959 anything that was 00:24:32.959 --> 00:24:34.179 taught by anybody 00:24:34.179 --> 00:24:34.879 around them. 00:24:36.339 --> 00:24:37.239 Since I travel 00:24:37.239 --> 00:24:37.939 so much, 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:39.059 making time 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:39.659 with the children 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.239 and Teresa 00:24:40.239 --> 00:24:41.019 have to be 00:24:41.019 --> 00:24:41.719 intentional. 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:44.059 because there 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.899 were always things 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.679 that needed to be 00:24:45.679 --> 00:24:46.679 done in the office, 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:48.000 or there were 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.000 phone calls to make, 00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:51.059 and these days, 00:24:51.219 --> 00:24:52.259 an email to return 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.039 from your buzzing 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:53.699 smartphones. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:55.839 When we want 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.419 to relax, 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:57.219 there were hundreds 00:24:57.219 --> 00:24:58.179 of TV channels 00:24:58.179 --> 00:24:59.000 or shows 00:24:59.000 --> 00:24:59.879 and sports, 00:25:00.459 --> 00:25:01.099 maybe serving 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:01.799 the internet, 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.519 so much interesting 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.759 things that can 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.939 consume our time 00:25:05.939 --> 00:25:06.979 away from our family. 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:09.620 fortunately, 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.039 when we were in China 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:12.039 in the mid-90s, 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:14.140 where the distractions 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:14.720 at that time 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.299 was limited. 00:25:16.799 --> 00:25:17.819 But even before 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:18.680 we came to China 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.940 from a very young age, 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.620 we started reading 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:22.759 the picture Bible 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:23.900 to our children 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:25.039 almost daily 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.200 from cover to cover 00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:29.259 and pray with them 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:30.720 even for the five 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.339 or ten minutes 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.220 that sometimes 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.960 I don't have, 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:35.240 that only half. 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:37.160 As they grew older 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:38.420 and able to read 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.100 and understand, 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:40.100 we graduated them 00:25:40.100 --> 00:25:41.759 from the picture Bible 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:43.279 to the full NIV Bible. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:46.519 So from a very young age, 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.640 they have a good overview 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.480 of the stories 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.220 and teachings 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:49.920 from the Bible. 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:52.660 With the three of them, 00:25:53.519 --> 00:25:54.460 sometimes it's hard. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.759 They were at different 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:57.140 level of reading skills, 00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:58.740 so both Teresa 00:25:58.740 --> 00:25:59.319 and I 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:00.279 have to juggle 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.279 to read the Bible 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:02.240 to all three of them, 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.960 until they can do it 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.519 on their own. 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:07.019 When I had to travel 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.960 a lot in China, 00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:09.660 after talking with them 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.440 over the phone, 00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:12.120 checking on their needs, 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:13.759 oftentimes I would pray 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.160 with them 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:15.019 over the phone, 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.559 letting them know 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.779 that they would have 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.920 to depend on the Lord 00:26:18.920 --> 00:26:20.700 for their studies, 00:26:21.180 --> 00:26:22.019 for their exams, 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:23.539 or other challenges 00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:24.299 in their life. 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.380 During our conversations, 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.940 we let our children know 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:29.140 that we are also 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:30.200 depending on the Lord 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.500 for our decisions. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:32.980 so that they can 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:33.940 model after us. 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:36.620 While in China, 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.339 we go to the 00:26:37.339 --> 00:26:38.339 international church, 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:39.920 at that time, 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.920 the community groups 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:42.420 were not very well organized, 00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:44.680 and when the children 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:46.120 stepped in the teen years, 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.059 the youth groups 00:26:48.059 --> 00:26:48.960 were not developed, 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:50.500 and our children 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.640 did not click well 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:52.259 with the kids 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.019 in the groups. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:55.039 so we have tried 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:55.759 different things, 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.799 but it was through 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.720 spending time 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:58.900 at home with them, 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.940 and our weekly devotions, 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.579 that we were able 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.220 to give them 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:04.160 spiritual nourishment. 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:07.359 We have dedicated 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:08.879 every Sunday evenings 00:27:08.879 --> 00:27:10.639 to our family devotion, 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:12.319 and intentionally, 00:27:12.579 --> 00:27:13.740 we made no appointments 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.619 or engagements 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:15.680 with anyone. 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:17.759 an hour to two 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:18.759 every Sunday evening, 00:27:18.880 --> 00:27:19.660 we sat together 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.620 to go over 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.259 our schedules 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.539 and needs, 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:23.380 and to read 00:27:23.380 --> 00:27:24.500 and discuss passages 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.240 in the Bible, 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.820 and sometimes 00:27:26.820 --> 00:27:27.980 what we learned 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:28.740 from the sermon. 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.480 It was through 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.680 these frequent encounters 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.600 with God's Word 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:33.620 and how it interrelated 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:34.580 to our daily lives 00:27:34.580 --> 00:27:35.779 that they came 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:36.759 to personal knowledge 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.279 and acceptance 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.100 of Jesus Christ 00:27:38.100 --> 00:27:39.019 into their daily lives, 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:40.000 and were baptized 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:40.680 in Beijing. 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:43.900 Now that our three children 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:46.100 all graduated from college 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:48.000 and they are living 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.740 away from us 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.519 in New York City, 00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:52.200 they face similar pressure 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.940 and distractions 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:53.980 like I did 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:55.019 when I would first 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.900 enter industry, 00:27:56.380 --> 00:27:57.240 if not worse. 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.759 The three of them 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:00.440 felt the need 00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:02.000 to hold onto each other 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:02.880 accountable 00:28:02.880 --> 00:28:04.180 and continue 00:28:04.180 --> 00:28:05.920 with this family tradition 00:28:05.920 --> 00:28:08.480 by getting together 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.259 once a week 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:10.500 in devotions 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.279 and prayers 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:12.059 for each other. 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.900 For us, 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:14.740 as parents, 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:16.140 this is the greatest 00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:16.880 blessing 00:28:16.880 --> 00:28:17.880 and assurance 00:28:17.880 --> 00:28:18.740 that the Lord 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.460 can give us. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.539 Not to say 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:22.480 that we have succeeded. 00:28:23.319 --> 00:28:23.819 There are still 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:24.759 many challenges 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.319 ahead 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:26.720 in their lives 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:28.059 because the world 00:28:28.059 --> 00:28:29.359 consistently pulled them 00:28:29.359 --> 00:28:30.759 in different directions. 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:33.240 It's hard to believe 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:34.240 where the faith 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.759 will be 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:35.880 if it weren't 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.619 for the urge 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.500 to come 00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:38.740 to seek together, 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:40.279 seek the Lord, 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:40.940 together 00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:42.099 with all three of them. 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:44.759 I've learned 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.819 through our children's lives 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:46.680 that exercising 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.420 good stewardship 00:28:47.420 --> 00:28:49.079 to one of the most 00:28:49.079 --> 00:28:49.960 precious gifts 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:51.299 that God gave us, 00:28:51.819 --> 00:28:52.660 which is our children. 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.940 It's the most 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:55.940 worthwhile investment 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:57.279 that we've ever made. 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:58.819 It is worth 00:28:58.819 --> 00:28:59.660 so much more 00:28:59.660 --> 00:29:01.059 than any high position 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:02.880 or high return investments 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:04.019 that we've ever made. 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:06.680 there is nothing short 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:07.500 of spending time 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:07.879 with them 00:29:07.879 --> 00:29:09.700 and time with them 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:10.779 in God's Word 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.559 from the time 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:12.240 they were very, 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:12.859 very young. 00:29:14.680 --> 00:29:16.359 As in Deuteronomy 6, 00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.500 verse 6 to 9, 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:17.920 says, 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.460 these commandments 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:20.500 I gave you today 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:21.980 are to be upon 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:22.660 your hearts. 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:23.880 Impress them 00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:24.460 on your children. 00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:25.860 Talk about them 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.900 when you sit at home 00:29:26.900 --> 00:29:28.160 and when you walk 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:28.680 the road, 00:29:29.320 --> 00:29:30.240 when you lie down 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.140 and when you get up. 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:33.240 Tie them as symbols 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:34.019 on your hands 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:35.320 and bind them 00:29:35.320 --> 00:29:35.920 on your foreheads. 00:29:36.860 --> 00:29:37.320 Write them 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:38.120 on the door frames 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:38.820 of your houses 00:29:38.820 --> 00:29:39.860 and on your gates. 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:42.660 Brothers and sisters, 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:44.880 preaching to our children 00:29:44.880 --> 00:29:45.680 in God's Word 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:46.500 may not touch 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.140 their hearts, 00:29:48.300 --> 00:29:49.740 but talking about them 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.240 often 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.880 when you sit down 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:52.400 at home, 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:53.620 when you walk 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:54.380 around the road, 00:29:54.820 --> 00:29:55.700 when you lie down 00:29:55.700 --> 00:29:56.540 and when you get up, 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:58.180 making use of 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:59.240 daily situations 00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:00.900 that they encounter 00:30:00.900 --> 00:30:02.220 as a teaching tool, 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:03.760 reminding them 00:30:03.760 --> 00:30:04.840 of God's creation, 00:30:05.560 --> 00:30:06.080 allowing them 00:30:06.080 --> 00:30:06.760 to experience 00:30:06.760 --> 00:30:07.780 God's goodness 00:30:07.780 --> 00:30:08.660 and reality 00:30:08.660 --> 00:30:09.340 in their lives. 00:30:11.080 --> 00:30:11.480 God's Word 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:12.700 also reminded us 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:14.480 constantly 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.400 that we have 00:30:15.400 --> 00:30:16.279 to be very mindful 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.220 of our actions 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:18.660 and our speech 00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:20.120 doesn't match up 00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:20.799 with what I have 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:21.299 taught them. 00:30:22.400 --> 00:30:23.099 Our children 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:23.680 are watching 00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:24.400 every move 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.299 and every action 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:26.000 that you make. 00:30:26.779 --> 00:30:27.799 How you react 00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:28.799 to those around you? 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.579 How do you make 00:30:30.579 --> 00:30:31.759 decisions in the workplace? 00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:33.559 How do I deal 00:30:33.559 --> 00:30:34.259 with my staff 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:34.940 and co-workers? 00:30:35.860 --> 00:30:36.900 How do I manage 00:30:36.900 --> 00:30:37.319 the things 00:30:37.319 --> 00:30:38.559 that God blessed us with? 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.000 Helping them 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:41.640 to experience 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.200 the reality 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.960 of Jesus Christ 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:43.640 in their lives 00:30:43.640 --> 00:30:44.259 personally, 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.180 will help them 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.440 build a solid foundation 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:48.259 for them to move forward 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:49.400 into their adult lives 00:30:49.400 --> 00:30:51.099 and prayerfully, 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:51.860 one day, 00:30:52.440 --> 00:30:53.319 they will pass 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:54.460 on the same faith 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.220 to their children 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:56.720 and their children's children. 00:30:59.400 --> 00:31:00.740 Many Christian parents 00:31:00.740 --> 00:31:02.819 will send their children 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.519 to church 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.740 and Christian schools 00:31:04.740 --> 00:31:06.360 hoping that they will 00:31:06.360 --> 00:31:07.099 learn the gospel 00:31:07.099 --> 00:31:07.620 from it 00:31:07.620 --> 00:31:08.799 and become good kids. 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:11.339 from my experience 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:12.079 through church 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:14.099 and Christian school, 00:31:14.319 --> 00:31:14.960 those church 00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:15.559 and Christian school 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.759 play an important part 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:17.799 in helping them 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.819 to learn from the Bible. 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:20.319 In the end, 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.279 a child's ability 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:22.339 to come to Christ 00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:23.359 will be taught 00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:23.839 at home. 00:31:24.720 --> 00:31:25.980 Following your examples, 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.200 what you do, 00:31:27.419 --> 00:31:28.099 what you speak, 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:29.480 your decisions 00:31:29.480 --> 00:31:30.000 at home 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:30.639 and in business. 00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:32.440 if we do not 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.140 spend the time 00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:33.680 with the children, 00:31:34.300 --> 00:31:34.940 then they will be 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:35.820 taught by others. 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:37.940 No wonder 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.740 from a study 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:40.060 from Focus on the Family 00:31:40.060 --> 00:31:41.160 in America 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:42.700 that out of 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.560 100 children 00:31:43.560 --> 00:31:45.460 that entered college 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.880 professing 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:48.980 their Christian faith, 00:31:48.980 --> 00:31:51.319 only 30 of them 00:31:51.319 --> 00:31:52.079 graduated 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:53.539 keeping their faith. 00:31:54.579 --> 00:31:55.660 70 of them 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:56.460 went on 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:57.940 adopting the ideals 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:59.019 and liberties 00:31:59.019 --> 00:32:00.599 that was taught 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.079 to them 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:02.220 by their professors, 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.720 their peers 00:32:03.720 --> 00:32:04.779 and society. 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:06.839 That is astounding 00:32:06.839 --> 00:32:08.079 statistics in America 00:32:08.079 --> 00:32:09.620 and I don't think 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:10.259 Hong Kong 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:11.160 is any different. 00:32:12.519 --> 00:32:13.640 For those of you 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.220 who are single 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:15.240 or do not have 00:32:15.240 --> 00:32:15.960 children yet, 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.740 the same principles 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:18.860 apply on how 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.740 your lives 00:32:19.740 --> 00:32:21.019 affect those around you. 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:22.599 Our best teacher 00:32:22.599 --> 00:32:23.779 is Apostle Paul 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:25.099 who remained single 00:32:25.099 --> 00:32:26.259 but yet 00:32:26.259 --> 00:32:27.539 how he had administered 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:28.319 and loved 00:32:28.319 --> 00:32:29.219 the brothers and sisters 00:32:29.219 --> 00:32:30.699 in the communities 00:32:30.699 --> 00:32:32.059 that he reached out to, 00:32:32.919 --> 00:32:33.679 allowing him 00:32:33.679 --> 00:32:34.219 to become 00:32:34.219 --> 00:32:35.240 the spiritual parents 00:32:35.240 --> 00:32:35.799 to many. 00:32:37.099 --> 00:32:38.439 In 1 Peter 4.10, 00:32:39.019 --> 00:32:39.599 each one 00:32:39.599 --> 00:32:41.099 should use 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:42.119 whatever gifts 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:43.059 he has received 00:32:43.059 --> 00:32:44.019 to serve others, 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:46.119 faithfully administering 00:32:46.119 --> 00:32:46.899 God's grace 00:32:46.899 --> 00:32:48.179 in its various forms. 00:32:48.859 --> 00:32:50.299 let this be 00:32:50.299 --> 00:32:51.179 a constant reminder 00:32:51.179 --> 00:32:51.819 for us 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:53.299 to use our gifts 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:54.819 to affect 00:32:54.819 --> 00:32:56.219 those young brothers 00:32:56.219 --> 00:32:56.679 and sisters 00:32:56.679 --> 00:32:57.719 that cross our path 00:32:57.719 --> 00:32:59.939 so that they can find 00:32:59.939 --> 00:33:01.019 the new life 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:02.179 through Jesus Christ, 00:33:02.959 --> 00:33:04.139 spending time with them, 00:33:04.719 --> 00:33:05.259 loving them 00:33:05.259 --> 00:33:06.240 and nurturing them 00:33:06.240 --> 00:33:07.699 so that they can become 00:33:07.699 --> 00:33:11.119 spiritual parents also 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:12.119 and pass it on 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:12.919 to the next generation 00:33:12.919 --> 00:33:13.959 of family and friends. 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:17.740 in conclusion, 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.519 let's 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:21.220 remember the video 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:22.120 that we just saw. 00:33:23.620 --> 00:33:24.420 Ask ourselves 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:25.120 some questions. 00:33:26.279 --> 00:33:26.880 What are things 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:27.960 that we can take away 00:33:27.960 --> 00:33:28.700 one day 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.779 when we leave this earth? 00:33:32.120 --> 00:33:33.380 Can we take our work? 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:35.299 Can we take our money? 00:33:36.120 --> 00:33:37.059 Our ambitions? 00:33:37.059 --> 00:33:39.619 our possessions? 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:40.859 Our plaques? 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:41.899 Our titles? 00:33:42.500 --> 00:33:43.359 Or anything? 00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:44.159 Can we take any 00:33:44.159 --> 00:33:44.960 of those things away? 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:49.319 And then ask another question. 00:33:49.599 --> 00:33:50.200 What are things 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:51.299 that we can do today 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.940 that will continue on 00:33:52.940 --> 00:33:54.200 after we leave this earth? 00:33:56.639 --> 00:33:57.960 Are we teaching 00:33:57.960 --> 00:33:58.819 our beloved children 00:33:58.819 --> 00:34:00.179 that God lead us, 00:34:00.879 --> 00:34:02.559 lead them to Jesus Christ 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:03.899 and guiding them 00:34:03.899 --> 00:34:04.960 to hold on to the faith 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.559 through adulthood 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:07.659 so that they can pass on 00:34:07.659 --> 00:34:08.599 to the next generation? 00:34:10.019 --> 00:34:10.960 Or are we 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:14.500 helping to 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:17.440 make spiritual children 00:34:17.440 --> 00:34:19.420 so that their faith 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.099 will strengthen 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:21.639 through our relationship 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:22.159 with them? 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.900 It's not what you gather 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:27.059 but what you gather 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:28.639 that tells what kind of life 00:34:28.639 --> 00:34:29.340 you have lived. 00:34:30.860 --> 00:34:32.000 How would you like 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:33.119 our Lord Jesus Christ 00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:33.880 to call you 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:35.780 when you meet Him one day? 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:37.539 Would you like Him 00:34:37.539 --> 00:34:38.119 to call you 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:40.219 as in Matthew 25, 23? 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:41.940 Well done, 00:34:42.380 --> 00:34:43.679 good and faithful servants. 00:34:44.380 --> 00:34:45.599 You have been faithful 00:34:45.599 --> 00:34:46.619 in few things. 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:48.039 I will put you 00:34:48.039 --> 00:34:49.199 in charge of many things. 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:51.519 Come and share 00:34:51.519 --> 00:34:52.619 in your Master's happiness. 00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:55.000 Let us pray. 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:59.219 Father, we thank you 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.960 for this time 00:34:59.960 --> 00:35:00.679 to allow us 00:35:00.679 --> 00:35:01.900 to look into our lives 00:35:01.900 --> 00:35:02.900 and to look into our lives. 00:35:02.900 --> 00:35:03.539 Are we being 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:04.200 a good steward 00:35:04.200 --> 00:35:04.920 to the things 00:35:04.920 --> 00:35:05.579 that you have 00:35:05.579 --> 00:35:06.660 bestowed upon us? 00:35:09.119 --> 00:35:10.300 You reminded us 00:35:10.300 --> 00:35:12.240 in Matthew 16, 26, 27 00:35:12.240 --> 00:35:12.740 that 00:35:12.740 --> 00:35:14.500 what good will it be 00:35:14.500 --> 00:35:15.099 for a man 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:15.780 if he gains 00:35:15.780 --> 00:35:16.539 the whole world 00:35:16.539 --> 00:35:18.360 yet forfeeds his soul? 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.340 Or what can a man 00:35:20.340 --> 00:35:21.420 give in exchange 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:22.099 for his soul? 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:24.320 For the Son of Man 00:35:24.320 --> 00:35:25.200 is going to come 00:35:25.200 --> 00:35:26.380 in his Father's glory 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:27.900 with his angels 00:35:27.900 --> 00:35:29.200 and then he will 00:35:29.200 --> 00:35:30.519 reward each person 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:31.900 according to what 00:35:31.900 --> 00:35:32.599 he has done. 00:35:33.900 --> 00:35:34.340 Father, 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:36.400 help us to exercise 00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:37.119 good stewardship 00:35:37.119 --> 00:35:37.900 in our lives 00:35:37.900 --> 00:35:39.519 to those that cross 00:35:39.519 --> 00:35:40.039 our path. 00:35:40.740 --> 00:35:41.519 Reach out to them, 00:35:42.180 --> 00:35:43.220 to our children, 00:35:43.420 --> 00:35:44.380 spend time with them, 00:35:44.920 --> 00:35:45.599 to our work, 00:35:45.740 --> 00:35:46.740 allow you to be 00:35:46.740 --> 00:35:48.119 the provider and guide. 00:35:48.880 --> 00:35:49.300 Father, 00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:51.039 we ask you to come 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:52.039 to our hearts today 00:35:52.039 --> 00:35:52.740 as we walk 00:35:52.740 --> 00:35:53.800 this journey of life, 00:35:54.400 --> 00:35:55.380 allowing you to steer 00:35:55.380 --> 00:35:56.400 the ship of ours 00:35:56.400 --> 00:35:57.960 throughout our lives. 00:35:58.720 --> 00:35:59.380 Help us, Lord, 00:35:59.840 --> 00:36:00.820 in the name of the Son, 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:01.460 Jesus Christ, 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:01.860 we pray. 00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:02.820 Amen.