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Aletbea 譯／思恩
今年參加英文文宣寫作研習營的學員，在溫哥華教會信徒的熱情歡迎下，來到卑詩省的溫哥華。由於弟兄姊妹殷勤的招待，我們很快地適應這個暫時的新家，並開始為期一週的課程。
環伺會堂，處處可見神的創造之美，提供諸多寫作的靈感；誘人的拱形木門迎接著尋找安靜禱告場所的信徒。身為一位英文文宣寫作研習營的學員，當我走進溫哥華教會的會堂時，隨即可從親切的弟兄姊妹中深深地感受到神的愛，以及學員間的友誼。
去年也曾在紐澤西的「喜樂坡教會」，參加英語文宣寫作研習營，當時我期待能夠擁有靜謐的時間，以便能夠為神寫作，不被家中俗事干擾、分神。我也期待能夠有向別人學習的機會，希望能因此得到啟發。今年隨著參加人數的增加，尚不至於沒有機會向其他同靈請益及尋求協助的機會，因此個人對寫作營的期待也不致於落空。
今年，由谷慕霖弟兄及石汝蓮姊妹制定寫作方向並提供指導，幫助每個學員琢磨、修飾自己的作品。在禱告會上，楊傳道也貢獻他的智慧。其餘的參與者，不論是新人或是老手，彼此都交換了許多建議和評論。不論在同儕互修文章的上課中，或是課餘時間，大家也多忙於彼此修稿潤飾，彼此鼓勵，互相支持、打氣。
我們立刻開始寫作，以較短的屬靈文章為主，藉此刺激我們預備心為神寫作。幾天之後，在開始撰寫長篇的文章之前，許多有愛心的弟兄姊妹帶我們到戶外踏青，欣賞神所創造奇妙的美景。
山峰上的一抹雲白及青蔥的峰頂，是我們在閱讀他人的屬靈短文時可供遠眺的背景。稍後，身旁美麗的林木增添了些許涼意，這時的我們正為長篇的屬靈文章做腦力激盪。
對所有的人來說，這是一個收穫豐富，寫作成果豐碩的一週。不管在紙稿上或是在平日相處中，我們也都交換對彼此的寫作深思過後的想法。在同儕互評、讀經或是寫作的時間，我們也分享許多智慧的言語及對彼此的建議。除了致力於屬靈短文及長篇文章的寫作之外，也投入相當多的時間在追求靈性上的增長，一切都是為了能夠為神寫出更好的文章。
今年聖經研讀的經卷是《詩篇》，讓我們藉著研讀神的話語和禱告而得到造就。在許多的寫作時間之外，詩頌課程帶來短暫的休息，並讓我們能夠藉著詩歌來歌頌神。白天到戶外散散步，也可以抒發整天坐在室內所孕育的精力，疲乏的思路能夠再次得到復甦。
一個星期很快就過去了，但靠著神的恩典，英文文宣寫作研習營有很好的成果，大家都投入相當的時間與神交通、為神寫作，彼此學習和啟發，分享許多歡笑和情誼，在這裡無時無刻都可以感受到神的愛環繞著我們。
The participants of this years English Writers Retreat (EWR) were greeted by warm and welcome smiles of Vancouver, B.C. church members. Their kind hospitality allowed all of us to settle down quickly into our new, temporary home for the week-long event.
The beauty of Gods creation surrounding the church provided ample inspiration, while the inviting chapel with its arching woodwork welcomed those seeking a quiet place of prayer. Walking into Vancouver Church as one of the EWR participants, I could feel only the love of God from the kind and caring members, as well as in the fellowship shared among all the writers.
Having participated in last years EWR in Hillsborough, New Jersey, I was looking forward to a time of quiet and rest, in which I could write for God and not be distracted by worldly things that surround me at home. I was also looking forward to a time in which I could learn from others and be edified. With more participants joining this years retreat, I was hardly lacking in any help or advice and I had no cause to be disappointed in my expectations.
This year, Bro. Stephen Ku and Sis. Elaine Shek for-ged the way for the rest of the participants, providing guidance for all and helping everyone refine their writings. Preacher Timothy Yeung also offered his wisdom in prayer sessions. The rest of the participants-both veterans of EWR as well as first-timers-exchanged plenty of advice and comments, edited each others work inside and outside of peer editing sessions, and gave plenty of spiritual support.
We immediately began writing, starting with a relatively small piece, a devotional, to give our brains and hearts a slight kick start to begin writing for God. A couple days later-before we began our full-length articles-helpful church members took all of the participants out on a small excursion, where everyone was able to appreciate the wonder of Gods creation.
Lovely white, mountain peaks and grassy hilltops provided the backdrop for us as we sat down together and studied spiritual works written by other authors. Later on, a lovely, if slightly chilly, wood surrounded us as we began to brainstorm for our full-length articles.
It was a fruitful and productive week for all. Many reflections and thoughts were shared, both on paper and in companionship, and many words of wisdom and advice exchanged through peer editing, Bible studies, and work sessions. We devoted ourselves to writing devotionals and full-length articles, with ample time spent in spiritual cultivation in order to better write for God.
The Bible studies this year focused on several《Psalms》, which allowed us to spend time cultivating ourselves through the word of God and through prayer. Hymn sessions also gave a brief and welcome pause to work sessions where everyone could fellowship and praise God in song. The daily walks provided an outlet for pent-up energy and rusty brains as a result of sitting indoors all day.
The week passed by all too quickly, but by the grace of God the entire EWR was fruitful in providing time spent with God, time writing for God, and time edifying and learning from each other. Many smiles of laughter and companionship were shared, and the love of God surely touched and surrounded us all throughout the entire time.
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