“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now.”
(Philippians 1:3 – 5)
About a month ago, Claren and I received a phone call from one of our “nieces” in Uruguay. She shared of her upcoming trip to the States to visit friends and “family”. We are the “family”. How blessed we felt that she is clearing her busy calendar to spend time with us.
Silvina and her brother, José Carlos, were two of three of the first children´s group that was started in our ministry in San José, Uruguay. They soon became our ministry partners after becoming Christians. Silvina began by playing keyboard while her brother played guitar in worship. Our ministry partnership grew from there. Now as an adult, she is very active in her local church and doing ministry and mission projects as well as being a leader in her vocational life. It has been great to see how God has used her faith to touch the lives of many more people than Claren and I ever could have.
Who is your ¨Silvina¨ or ¨José Carlos¨? Who is the person or persons in whom you’ve poured out yourself? Has it been a while since you’ve had contact with him or her? Paul, although separated by distance from the Philippian church, remembered them in “every prayer of mine”. He remembered the joy and fellowship that he shared with them. It was something that he never forgot.
Take a moment to remember those with whom you’ve ministered over the years. Pray for them. Rejoice over the victories and the defeats that you had with them. Finally, give thanks to the Lord for the fellowship that you shared with them. We must remember that our ministry and mission is not so much about us, but about those with whom we partner and share opportunities together. Don’t forget this great lesson which Paul shows us – Remember those with whom we’ve partnered. We didn’t accomplish anything without their help.
Claren and I will enjoy this time to rekindle old memories, but also look forward to future opportunities to serve together. May you have that opportunity, too!
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle