中
信
之
友
2026
10月版
暗處中的成長
有些改變，很快就看得到；有些改變，卻需要很長時間。
在中信多倫多中心的服事中，我們常常接觸不同年齡、不同背景的人。有人因興趣而來，有人因個人需要而來，有人只是想找個地方學習、認識朋友。開始的時候，我們未必知道這些相遇會帶來甚麼。
但是當我們陪伴的久一點，回頭再看，就會發現一些原本不明顯的改變，早已在生活中慢慢發生。
福音契機由音樂開始
每一個生命的成長，都有屬於自己的故事。
我們的兒童合唱團和成人愛.樂團，都不是一開始就有很多人。經過一年多、兩年的發展，兩個團隊才慢慢建立起來。
兒童合唱團裡，有不少孩子來自未信主的家庭。他們最初來到中心，很單純，就是喜歡唱歌。最近孩子們正在學習一首名為 Amazing God 的歌曲，當中有孩子問了一個很直接的問題：“Who’s God?”
就是這樣一個簡單的問題，讓同工有機會告訴他們，我們所相信的神，是創造天地和萬物的神，也是認識和愛我們的主耶穌。對孩子來說，也許只是一堂普通的練習；但對我們來說，音樂也可以成為認識信仰的一個起點。
成人愛.樂團則有另一種故事。團員大多是退休人士。年輕時，他們忙於工作和家庭，有些人曾經喜歡音樂，卻一直沒有時間學習。退休之後，終於有機會重新拿起樂器、重新學唱歌。
不少團員都是由零開始。最初大家唱流行曲、學基本技巧，慢慢建立信心和默契。當中也有未信主的朋友，而今天，他們已經願意一起學習詩歌，並在中信的活動中演出，以音樂表達感恩。
有時候，人不是因為信仰走進中心，而是因為一個興趣、一個需要、一個願意讓自己留下來的地方。神借著每個微小的機會慢慢開始福音契機。
結束後的選擇
這不是我們第一次提到今年暑假的青少年義工，但回頭再看，最讓我們感動的，並不只是他們參與過多少活動，而是他們在不知不覺間，開始有了更多投入。
起初，不少青少年來到中心，可能只是因為一個簡單的原因：想認識新朋友、參與活動，或找一個可以學習和發揮的地方。很多關係和經歷，本來就是從這些看似平常的起點開始。
暑期活動結束之後，有些人卻沒有就此離開。他們繼續參與中心其他的兒童及青少年活動，主動回來幫忙，也願意在不同項目中承擔更多。
沒有人要求他們一定要留下，但他們開始願意付出額外的時間和心力。
也許他們自己未必察覺，這段時間已經帶來了一些改變。他們比以前更主動，也更懂得留意別人的需要；有人開始協助照顧孩子，有人幫忙準備活動，有人運用自己的專長，也有人只是自然地陪伴其他年輕人。
這也提醒我們，陪伴下一代，不只是留意他們最後完成了甚麼，更是學習看見和欣賞他們每天一點一點的嘗試。正如聖經所說：「耶和華不像人看人：人是看外貌；耶和華是看內心。」（撒母耳記上 16:7）神看見的，不只是我們已經做到甚麼，也看見我們仍在學習、仍在摸索、仍然願意踏出下一步的心。
一次主動幫忙、一句安慰別人的說話、一個願意聆聽的時刻，甚至只是活動結束後仍然願意留下來，這些都可能是成長的記號。對父母、成年人和身邊的同行者來說，我們未必需要急於給予評價或要求他們立即看見成果；有時候，一句真誠的肯定、一個信任的眼神，已經足以讓他們知道：自己的付出有人看見，也有人珍惜。
對我們來說，這正是陪伴青少年其中一個珍貴的地方。有些成長，不是在活動結束時看見，而是在之後，他們仍然願意嘗試中，慢慢顯露出來。
九十歲，仍然可以開始新的路
2025年，我們開始了《智友同行》，透過12周的防騙課程陪伴社區中的長者。今年九月，我們進一步開展《智友同樂》，特別幫助長者學習使用手機和科技。
對年輕人來說，使用手機可能很自然；但對不少長者而言，學會傳訊息、拍照、使用應用程式，其實可以幫助他們重新與家人和社區連繫，也增加生活上的自主和信心。
在這項服事中，有一位婆婆的故事特別讓我們記得。一年前，我們第一次認識她時，她已年近九十歲，經歷喪偶不久。一位社區義工帶她來到中心，她就這樣開始參加我們的活動。
這一年裡，並沒有發生甚麼很戲劇性的事。就是一次又一次參加活動、聊天、吃飯、與人相處。但我們慢慢看見她變得更精神，也更願意與人接觸。後來在一次中心的節慶活動中，一位義工有機會進一步和她分享福音。
其實很多服務看起來很微小，如陪一個人坐一會兒、記得她的名字、幫她處理一個生活上的問題、教她用手機、陪她參加一次活動，等等。
這些事情未必立即帶來結果，卻可以讓一個人慢慢感受到自己被看見、被接納，也有人願意陪她走一段路。
今天她們亦成為我們的祝福，經常帶食物到中心與我們同享。因為有很多愛我們的朋友，中心的人情味和歡笑亦隋之上升。如同 詩篇133:1 “ 看哪，弟兄和睦同居，是何等的善，何等的美！”中心成為一個歡聚傳愛的地方。
結語｜看不見，不代表沒有發生
我們很容易用人數、活動、成果去衡量一項服事。但生命的改變，往往沒有那麼快。
一個孩子開始問「神是誰」，一位退休人士重新拾起多年以前的興趣，一個青少年完成義工時數後仍然選擇回來，一位九十歲的長者在人生另一個階段重新建立關係，也開始認識信仰。這些改變都不是一天形成的。
我們所能做的，是繼續把每一次活動做好，把每一個來到我們中間的人好好接待，也在適當的時候分享我們所相信的福音。
至於生命如何成長，很多時候，要過一段時間才看得見。但正是在這些看似平常的日子裡，我們一次又一次看見：福音可以透過陪伴、服事和真實的關係，慢慢進入人的生命。
感恩與代禱
- 感謝神一直信實供應中心的需要，也感恩今年的步行籌款活動順利完成。願一切榮耀歸給神。
- 求神賜我們智慧和敏銳的心，看見社區真正的需要，也帶領中信多倫多中心明白祂的心意，在祂所作的工上有份。
- 為中心新的 “生活技能及成長計劃” 禱告，求神使用這些新的嘗試，在AI快速發展的時代，更好地連結、陪伴和裝備下一代。
NEWSLETTER
OCT
2026
Growing in the Unseen
Some changes are easy to see. Others take much longer. Through the ministry of CCM Toronto Centre, we meet people of different ages and backgrounds. Some come because of an interest, some because of a personal need, and some simply because they are looking for a place to learn and meet others. At the beginning, we do not always know where these encounters will lead. But when we walk alongside people over time and look back, we often realize that changes we hardly noticed at first have already been taking place.Gospel Opportunities Through Music
Our Children’s Choir and Adult Music Ensemble both started small. It has taken more than a year—closer to two years—for the two groups to gradually grow and take shape.
Many of the children in the choir come from families that are not Christian. Most of them first came to the Centre simply because they enjoyed singing. Recently, while learning a song called Amazing God, one child asked a very direct question:
“Who’s God?”
That simple question gave our staff an opportunity to explain that the God we believe in is the Creator of heaven and earth—the God who made us, knows us, and loves us.
For the child, it may have been just another choir practice. For us, it was a reminder that music can open a natural door to conversations about faith.
Our Adult Music Ensemble has a different story. Most of the members are retired. When they were younger, work and family responsibilities often left little time to pursue their interest in music. Retirement has given them the opportunity to pick up an instrument again or learn to sing.
Many started with no musical background at all. They began with popular songs and basic skills, slowly building confidence and learning to work together. Some are not Christians, but today they are also willing to learn hymns and Christian songs and to perform at CCM events as a way of sharing their gratitude.
People do not always first come to the Centre because of faith. Sometimes they come because of an interest, a personal need, or simply because they have found a place where they feel comfortable staying. Through these ordinary opportunities, God can open doors for the gospel.
The Choice to Keep Coming Back
This is not the first time we have shared about our youth volunteers from this past summer. Looking back, however, what encourages us most is not simply how many activities they helped with, but how their involvement gradually deepened.
At first, many of the youth came for very simple reasons: to meet new friends, take part in activities, or find a place where they could learn and use their abilities. Many meaningful relationships begin in exactly these ordinary ways.
When the summer programs ended, some of them did not leave. They continued to take part in other children’s and youth programs at the Centre, came back on their own to help, and became willing to take on more responsibility.
No one required them to stay. They simply chose to give more of their time and energy.
They may not even recognize the changes in themselves. Some have become more willing to take initiative and more aware of the needs of others. Some help care for younger children, some prepare activities, some contribute their own skills, and others simply spend time with younger participants and become a steady presence for them.
This reminds us that walking alongside the next generation is not only about looking at what they have accomplished. It is also about noticing and appreciating the small steps they are taking each day.
As Scripture reminds us, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
God sees more than what we have already accomplished. He also sees us while we are still learning, still figuring things out, and still willing to take the next step.
Offering to help without being asked, speaking a word of encouragement, taking time to listen, or simply choosing to stay after an activity is over—these may all be signs that growth is taking place.
As parents, adults, and mentors, we do not always need to rush to evaluate young people or expect immediate results. Sometimes a sincere word of encouragement or a simple expression of trust is enough to let them know that their effort has been noticed and valued.
That is one of the privileges of walking alongside youth. Some growth is not visible when a program ends. It becomes clearer later, when they continue to show up, keep trying, and choose to take another step.
At Ninety, a New Journey Can Still Begin
In 2025, we launched 《WISE Project》, a 12-week scam-prevention program for seniors in the community. This September, we expanded that ministry with 《WISE LAB》, a new program focused on helping seniors use smartphones and everyday technology.
For younger people, using a smartphone may feel effortless. For many seniors, however, learning how to send messages, take photos, and use apps can help them reconnect with family and community while gaining greater confidence and independence in daily life.
One senior’s story has stayed with us.
When we first met her a year ago, she was about ninety years old and had recently lost her husband. A community volunteer brought her to the Centre, and she began joining our activities.
Nothing dramatic happened over the year. She simply kept coming—joining activities, talking with people, sharing meals, and spending time with others.
Over time, we saw her become more energetic and more willing to connect with those around her. During one of our Centre celebrations, a volunteer had the opportunity to speak with her more personally and share the gospel.
Many acts of service seem very small: sitting with someone for a while, remembering her name, helping with a practical need, teaching her how to use her phone, or simply accompanying her to an activity.
These things may not produce an immediate result, but over time they can help a person know that she is seen, welcomed, and not walking alone.
Today, she has become a blessing to us as well, often bringing food to the Centre to share with others. Friends like her have added warmth, laughter, and a real sense of community to the Centre.
As Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
We are grateful to see the Centre becoming a place where people gather, care for one another, and share God’s love.
What We Don’t See Is Still Happening
It is easy to measure ministry by numbers, programs, and visible results.
But change in a person’s life often takes time.
A child begins asking who God is. A retiree rediscovers an interest set aside many years ago. A young person keeps coming back after a program has ended. A ninety-year-old woman builds new relationships at a new stage of life and begins to encounter the Christian faith.
None of these changes happened in a single day.
Our role is to keep serving faithfully—to do each program well, welcome each person who comes through our doors, and share the gospel when the opportunity is right.
We may not always see immediately how a life is changing.
But in the ordinary routines of ministry, we continue to see how the gospel can enter people’s lives through service, faithful presence, and genuine relationships.
Praise & Prayer
- Praise God for His faithful provision and for the successful completion of this year’s Walkathon. To Him be all the glory.
- Pray for wisdom to discern the real needs of our community and for God’s guidance as we seek to understand how He is calling CCM Toronto to take part in His work.
- Pray for our new “Life Skill & Development” initiatives, that God would use them to help us better connect with, walk alongside, and equip the next generation in this rapidly changing AI era.
