For many Chinese, it is not easy to come to America.
很多中国人，来美国不容易。
We are the same. We sold our house and car, and gave the money to snakeheads to escape.
我们也一样，卖房卖车的钱都花完了，才得以逃来。
For many years, or even a lifetime, we cannot return.
而且很多年，甚至终身，都不能回去。
We have been here almost two years, but our work permit has not come.
来这里快两年了，工卡迟迟没下来。
Still, we work hard with temporary jobs.
但我们仍然努力靠临工维持。
We never want to delay rent, or owe anyone money. 我们从来不愿意拖欠房租，也不愿意欠任何人的钱。
But many local Americans, even those who call themselves believers, act strange:
但很多这里的美国本地人，即使自称是信徒的，也表现得很奇怪：
Economy: as locals, they should find stable jobs more easily, but they cannot even pay deposit and rent.
经济上：作为美国本地人，本应更容易找到稳定工作，却连基本押金和房租都拿不出。
Attitude: they do not keep promises, and still ask us to give more.
态度上：承诺的事做不到，还反而要求我们额外付出。
Responsibility: they take our kindness for granted, and do not show respect or thanks.
责任感：把你们的善意当理所当然，却没有表现出同样的尊重和感激。
This is really hard to understand.
这确实让人很难理解。
But in reality, some local Americans lack responsibility:
但从现实角度看，在美国，其实也有不少本地人缺乏责任心：
Some are citizens, but because of laziness, no planning, or long-time dependence, their money is still poor.
有的人虽然是公民，但因为懒惰、缺乏规划或长期依赖别人，经济状况依然糟糕。
Some have income, but they choose to enjoy first, and do not pay rent or duties on time.
有的人即使有收入，也习惯“先享受”，不愿意按时履行责任（比如付房租等）。
In hardship, we still choose honesty and no debt.
在困境中，仍选择诚信、不欠债；
Under pressure, we still keep faith and preach the gospel.
在压力下，仍坚持信仰与传福音；
With little money, we still help others.
在经济紧张时，仍然愿意帮助别人。
This is what Paul said in Romans:
这正是保罗在《罗马书》里所说的：
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
“在指望中要喜乐，在患难中要忍耐，在祷告上要恒切。”（罗12:12）