Taiwan Church News 3205 Edition July 29 - August 4, 2013 Editorial Editorial: Boys, Be Ambitious! The original purpose of Sapporo Agricultural College(SAC), which was the former institute of current Hokkaido University, isto develop the uninhabited land of Hokkaido, cultivate the necessary human resources in agricultural, mineral and related fields, in order to facilitate the prosperity of that very land. The first principal of SAC is an American, Dr. William Smith Clark(1826-1886), whose specialty was in botany science. And he is a very key person who introduced into Japan the western culture and scientific method in education. As a devout Christian, Dr. Clark also preached to his students regularly, inviting his students to his sermons and convertingthem to sign a faith covenant. Under the leadership of Dr. Clark, a new group of young Christian scholars were cultivated by SAC, and their contributions to the development of Hokkaido, even the whole Japan, were beyond question now. Before his return back to America, Dr. Clark was best memorized in his riding the horse, to the teachers and students delivered his famous saying:"Boys, Be Ambitious!'. This aphorism become the school motto of Hokkaido University. A half-person bronze statue was also set up on the campus until now, reminding every student entering into this knowledge temple, their focus should not only limited to personal interests and achievement but also should stretch their concern far enough into their own homeland and society. History has passed one hundred years since then, yet considering the legendary story of Mr. Clark, Taiwan and her future is still like wandering in the wilderness. Justlike the lamentations cried out in the Old Testament, Taiwan peoples suffered in a series of crises: a severe job loss on cross strait service trade agreement, autocratic decision of nuclear plant construction, Dapu land confiscation, Abusive Death of Corporal Hung Chon-chiu...etc. But, within all these catastrophes, we seemed to feel a hopeful strength coming from the youth. Many young men took part into the protest activities against the unjust government; they poured out on the street and said a definite no to nuke; the used their bodies to stop the crane before Dapu demolition violence and they stood out for truth on Corporal Hung's case. Some people may feel these young men are too much naive. And they don't have any idea about "the implicit rule of game" lyingunder this realistic big society. Yet, maybe it is due to such simple ideas and dare guts, these are the real stuff to keep our society move forward. As a matter of fact, facing today's tough realities, these somehow immature impulse and never compromising passion are the real hopes of Taiwan's future. Church also need to review the content of her youth ministry, and pay more attention to the voice of young men. We should beno more satisfied with pastoral care and Christian education to produce a conservative youth. Instead, church should know how to cultivate the youth: Make them become the subject of the church, encourage them to involve in church ministries with ideals and passion, and train them dare to criticize the mistakes of the church herself. Just like TKC of PCT, established in 1949,she not only delivered her constructive criticism to PCT, but also became a progressive force to care and concern Taiwan's problems. In the middle of this summer vacation, a quadrennial TKC Taiwan Youth Convention was held at Aletheia University from 17-20 July.The major thread of this convention is "All Youth Poured Out". Through intensive curriculum and activities, multiple issued discussions and first hand visit to learn on sites, PCT expected to revive the responsibility and missionary passion within the faith of these church youth, in order to build up a communion of faith and order. Especially when Taiwan society is fallen into abyss step by step, sincerely say our bless and reminder to TKC: Boys, be ambitious! Offer ourselves as a sign of hope, and influence the future of Taiwan as a ray of light! |