Romans 12:13 exhorts us to practice hospitality, a observation that has been evident throughout Australian history. There is no doubt that extending hospitality can facilitate connections.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Australian government made a commendable commitment to welcome international students. This was achieved through various means, including providing scholarships, expanding the capacity of educational institutions, and offering new-arrivals assistance at airports.
During a time when internet connectivity was unheard of, and communication was not as seamless as it is today, the simple yet heartfelt act of volunteers welcoming international students at the airport was of significant importance. Accompanying those students to their accommodations, especially if they were struggling to find suitable accommodation in a foreign land, exemplified Australia's spirit of generosity and support.
This focus on international education not only positioned Australia as a prominent destination for global learning but also fostered enduring partnerships with neighboring countries.
As we reflect on this example of foresight, we are motivated to continue the spirit of generosity and hospitality in our approach to gospel work, and to explore creative avenues to do so.
Today, I would like to introduce a new initiative tailored for Hong Kong migrants – the Hong Kong Festival. We will collaborate with three other Chinese churches in this initiative to meet and forge connections with new migrants from Hong Kong. Inspired by the impactful efforts of Chinese churches in England, this festival includes vibrant celebration of culture, food, and community. This event is scheduled for May 4th at Morling College in Macquarie Park, with the aim to bring together migrants and Chinese locals alike.
We invite you to join us in prayer for the migrants to embrace the Festival and for us to establish genuine connections with them. We encourage you to join us in this meaningful event and sign up as volunteers to help out on the day, ultimately reciprocating the hospitality and love we once received, for the glory of God’s kingdom.
羅馬書12:13鼓勵我們要熱衷於好客，這是澳大利亞歷史上一直可見的觀察。好客可以促進與其他人的聯繫是確實的。
在1960年代和1970年代，澳洲政府在接待國際流學生上作了可貴的支援。這是通過各種方法實現的，包括提供獎學金、擴大教育機構的容納量，以及在機場提供給新到訪的援助。
在互聯網連接完全是前所未聞、通訊不如現在那樣無縫的年代，義工在機場歡迎國際學生的簡單而真誠的行動具有重要的意義。陪同這些學生去他們的住處，尤其是如果學生在陌生的地方還沒有找到住宿地，體現了澳大利亞的慷慨和關懷的精神。
這項對國際教育的投資不僅使澳洲成為全球學習的重要目的地，還促進了與鄰國們的持久合作夥伴關係。
當反思這先見之明的例子時，我們被鼓勵繼續在我們的福音工作上體現這種慷慨和好客的精髓，並找尋創意性的途徑。
今天，我想介紹一個針對香港移民的新提議：香港節。我們將與其他三間華人教會合作進行這個認識香港移民並建立聯繫的活動。受到英國華人教會有效的嘗試所啟發，這個節日將以文化、食物和社區為主的慶祝活動。將於5月4日在MacquariePark的Morling神學院舉行，旨在匯集移民和本地華人。
邀請您與我們一同為移民欣然接納這個節日、並為我們與他們建立真誠的聯繫祈禱。此外，我們也誠摯地邀請您參加這個歡迎的活動，我們希望在這個活動中促進天國裡的好客並合一。
鼓勵您加入我們參與這個有意義的活動，並報名成為義工，在當天提供幫助；最終回饋我們曾經收到的款待和關愛，為著神國度的榮耀。
