Hong Kong: Devotion by Ambassador Iantha Scheiwe

The beginning of a new year is such a strange time. In reality, nothing is different from the final day of the year before. And yet, we yearn for the opportunity of a fresh start and a focus towards a future that is somehow different from our current situation. The position paper, “Establishing common ground for protestant schools worldwide,” includes important reminders for our Christian schools around the world. It states that our schools “make a remarkable contribution to human dignity and the common good by seeking to develop a culture of hope, service and achievement, empowering staff and students to embrace the future with confidence.” (Preamble, p.7). The paper also reminds us that “Christian faith sees the present reality from a different perspective: the promise of God’s kingdom” (p.13).

It is true that we do not know what the days of 2021 hold for our learning communities and the societies that we serve. Even so, the grace we receive from Christ and the establishment of God’s kingdom equips us with a particular perspective that is needed in the world today. We *can* embrace the future with confidence because we know that the world is in God’s hands and God has prepared good works for us to do already, that we may walk in them. So, too, the promises of God in Christ Jesus strengthen us in trust and compassion to know that God provides even in the midst of unexpected challenges.

May you be encouraged at the start of this calendar year, knowing that God has called you to a blessed purpose to nurture the hearts and minds of learners and colleagues in your care and that the Spirit is equipping you with everything you need for this holy work. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

 

By Ambassador Iantha Scheiwe (Hong Kong/USA)