Help Youngsters to Become Christ’s Disciples

From Confusion to Devotion

　　As a second-generation Christian, I spent most of my childhood at church. However, during my high school years, I experienced a period of spiritual confusion common to many “second-generation Christians”: I didn’t understand the purpose of going to church, and I was not certain if I truly believed in Christ. Thanks to the Lord for giving me good spiritual companions and mentors who guided me through that difficult stage.

　　I was a committee member of a Christian fellowship in Form 3. At that time, there were only a few members in the fellowship. At each weekly meeting, almost all the major roles were filled by the committee members. This led me to reflect on the reasons and purposes for my participating in church meetings and services. Gradually, I became more willingly committed in the fellowship and began to experience the joy and peace of working with my brothers and sisters with one heart and one mind in the house of God.

　　The Bible study camp held by my church for the whole congregation in 2010 was a turning point in my faith. During the dedication service on the last evening, I witnessed several brothers and sisters (who were only a few years my senior) moved by the Spirit to dedicate themselves to God and live their lives for the Lord. My heart was deeply touched, so I prayed privately to God and pledged to follow God’s will as the clay in the potter’s hand and live for Him all my life. The theme verse of the camp was Jeremiah 1:10: “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” This scripture still reminds me to follow the guiding hand of our Lord and to serve as His instrument day by day.

　　In Form 4, I attended a gathering for Asian Christians through my church. On that day, after the sermon, the preacher called on those willing to be baptized and to serve at church to stand up from their seats as a sign of their commitment. At that moment, I kept praying in my heart and made a promise to God that I will be baptized and join the church in the future. It was not until I finished my prayer that I found myself already stood up and burst into tears. I always keep this unique experience in my heart because I believe it is at this moment that God touched my soul and made me return to Him.

Seeking the Lord in a Foreign Land.

　　Nonetheless, during my university years, I found that the Christian companions around me were becoming more and more scarce, and those remaining in the church were skeptical and struggling in their faith. Even though I experienced such changing environments, I thank God that I participated in a Christian organization where I could still learn and serve in a community. As such, I was spared from loneliness and disappointment on my journey of faith. The experiences during these few years prompted me to think more about ministry and the church. It gave me a stronger desire to know God better and to have a deeper understanding of His plan for me.

　　Hence, upon graduation, I took a six-month short-term mission to South Africa in the hope of experiencing God more deeply through learning and serving in a foreign land. God is faithful indeed! He helped me to renew my relationship with Him and led me to understand my calling eventually. During the short-term mission, I witnessed many brothers and sisters vowing to commit themselves as missionaries, and I was moved and thankful for them. However, the longing for missionary work just escaped me. In the last month of the mission, I began to pray for my next direction in life. God reminded me of the situation of my own church in Hong Kong, especially the youngsters among the “second-generation believers” there. Perhaps, as a “second-generation believer” myself, I could well understand the perplexity and struggle in their hearts. God posed a question for me through one of the study sessions on discipleship during the short-term mission: “Are you willing to shepherd this group of youngsters and help them become my disciples?” I was very excited, and also remembered that I promised God to serve youngsters in the church at the Hong Kong Bible Conference in the previous year.

God’s Responses to My Concerns

　　This calling persisted in me after I returned to Hong Kong from South Africa, but there were two issues that prevented me from taking further action. First, I was only in my twenties and as such have had limited experiences in life; it seemed too early for me to go to seminary. Secondly, I couldn’t quite grasp the meaning of God’s calling: Should I be a full-time youth pastor, or only serve as a participant in a youth ministry?

　　Then, I spent a year and a half seeking the answers to the above questions. Through my work and service at church, I gradually became aware that I have a kind of love toward young people that does not come from me. Though I often felt irritated by them, I still wanted to spend more time with them, hoping that I can concentrate on serving and teaching them, and helping them to see as well as trust God, so that they may become the true disciples of Jesus Christ, and have their lives transformed.

　　Moreover, as Jeremiah 1:7-8 states: “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.” This verse came to my attention many times as I tried to seek and confirm God’s calling. This scripture told me not to worry about my age, but to obey and trust in His guidance. So I decided to seize the opportunity to serve and respond to the call to become a full-time minister. I made the decision in my heart: If there were a call for full-time ministry in a coming gathering, I would raise my hand in response and show my determination in front of everybody.

　　One month later, at a camp organized by the One Circle, the preacher encouraged us to seize the opportunity to serve the Lord. I knew that God was then giving me a chance to make a full-time service decision. So I kept praying and eventually decided to let go of my anxiety, follow His lead, and respond to the call to commit myself in full-time ministry.

　　Now, as a student at the seminary, I hope that through these theological studies, I will come to know my strengths and weaknesses, and have my knowledge enriched and my character strengthened, and, more importantly, eventually learn to become a pastor with a loving heart.