744 小休再上路

這一年, 世界仍在動盪之中經過。

以色列暫時停止了對加沙的攻擊, 我盼望這地區,在經過接近80年後的衝突後, 能走向和平。 想起小時候, 我會相信這片土地是神賜給以色列人, 因此他們有權利去殺害其他所有的人, 來保護這片屬於他們的土地, 我只能承認自己的無知。不過這最後沒有導致我失去了信仰, 反而令我學會通過懷疑去尋求及認識所信仰的對象。

12月是記念耶穌基督降生的時候, 是一個大家彼此祝福的日子。《同路人》在這裏祝福每一位讀者,不管是在澳洲或是出行, 都能經歷從神而來的平安, 與家人不單享受輕鬆的假期, 更能共度美好時光。我們的同事也會稍事休息, 明年一月初再出版, 再與讀者同行。

我們的辦公室會在這間進行搬遷, 但我們在今年開始了在網站送上的每天新聞評論, 在這時間我們仍會維持。把《同路人》轉變成多平台的中文媒體的方向, 將會在明年繼續下去。是你們的支持, 令我們相信, 《同路人》不止是一份刊物, 而是一群基督徒要與華人社區同行的召命, 更是神要通過我們給社區的祝福,我們盼望《同路人》在未來一年, 能繼續堅守作說真話的中文刊物。

今天任何人要向美國總統特朗普提出要求, 必先要歌頌他的偉大及貢獻, 與我們所鄙視的文革八股沒有分別,西方的政治家稱這為政治現實。俄羅斯作為侵略者, 卻在大言不慚「恩賜」給烏克蘭和平的條件, 其他西方國家領袖也要委曲求存。澳洲人繼續要面對經濟及生活壓力, 而移民仍被推諉為問題根源, 處於不安之中。不幸是在上週, 香港發生世紀火災, 導致156人死亡及無數財產被燒燬,更令人心碎。更不幸的是我們見到香港負責的官員對事件的冷漠, 並且香港已完全併入中國的管治模式, 一切以「國家安全」或是領導人意志為主導的極權管治,沒有人能質疑事件的真相及要求政府交待及負責。

不過, 在這些無奈之中, 我仍相信掌管歷史的神, 是那位關愛世人, 把自己獨生兒子耶穌送給世人, 要把人救贖的神。

祝各位讀者聖誕快樂!新年進步!明年再見。

周偉文, 社長

A Short Break Before Continuing the Journey

This year, the world has continued to pass through turmoil.
Israel has temporarily stopped its attacks on Gaza. I hope that this region, after nearly 80 years of conflict, can finally move toward peace. I remember when I was young, I believed that this land was given by God to the Israelites, and therefore they had the right to kill all others in order to protect the land that belonged to them. I can only admit my ignorance. Yet this did not cause me to lose my faith; rather, it taught me to seek and understand the One I believe in amid questioning and doubt.

December is the time when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ—a season when people would bless one another. Sameway sends blessings to every reader, whether you are in Australia or gone overseas. May you experience peace that comes from God, and not only enjoy a relaxing holiday with your family, but also share quality time together. Our colleagues will also take a short break, and we will resume publication in early January next year, journeying with our readers once again.

While our office will be relocating, the daily news commentary we launched on our website this year will continue throughout this period though. Our transformation of Sameway into a multi-platform Chinese media outlet will also continue next year. It is your support that convinces us that Sameway is not just a publication—it is a calling for a group of Christians to walk with the Chinese community. It is also the blessing God wants to bring to the community through us. We hope that in the coming year, Sameway will continue to stand firm as a Chinese publication committed to speaking truth.

Today, anyone making a request to U.S. President Trump must first praise his greatness and contributions—no different from the Cultural Revolution-style rhetoric we despise. Western politicians call this “political reality.” Russia, as an aggressor, shamelessly claims to “grant” conditions for peace to Ukraine, and other Western leaders must endure and compromise. Australians continue to face economic and living pressures, and immigrants are still scapegoated as the root of these problems, leaving people anxious. Sadly, last week Hong Kong suffered a once-in-a-century fire disaster, causing 151 deaths and the destruction of countless properties—a heartbreaking tragedy. Even more tragic is witnessing the indifference of Hong Kong officials responsible for the incident, and the fact that Hong Kong has now been fully absorbed into the Chinese model of governance—an authoritarian system dominated entirely by “national security” or the will of its leaders, where no one may question the truth of events or demand government accountability.

Yet, in the midst of such helplessness, I still believe that the God who rules over history is the same God who loves humanity—who gave His only Son Jesus to the world to redeem humankind.

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you next year.

Mr. Raymond Chow, Publisher