Ministry, It's Mainly About the People, Precious People

For most of us, this is not the first church, congregation where we have been privileged to fellowship and serve. As we reflect on those with whom we have served, most of us fondly remember the people not the programs.

loonies in birthday cards

“I have made fresh scones”

massage - Pastor

“Good morning, I wonder how long you will last?”

In the last part of Philippians chapter 2, Paul mentioned two young men who had been wonderful encouragements to him. In referring to them, he prayed that they would also be an encouragement to the church in Philippi. WHAT IS DEAR IS SWEETER WHEN IT IS SHARED.

ILLUSTRATION:

A Christian motivational speaker, not a theologian - wonderful story of a street person - this cup of coffee is too good not to be shared.

Paul spoke of these two men whom he planned to send to the church in Philippi. Their names were Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Both of them were known to the believers/saints in Philippi.

Timothy

young believer/disciple from Lystra

had been with Paul & Silas as a ministry intern when they preached the Gospel in Philippi

For whatever reason, when Paul & Silas were imprisoned, Timothy was not

continued to serve with Paul - that was not the case with others - later Paul would write Timothy only Luke was with him.

Epaphroditus

part of the church in Philippi

no mention that a leader but a trusted gifted server

delivered much need support - funds and help

stayed to care for and serve Paul

become ill, almost died when with Paul

This portion of the Epistle unpacks into 2 sectioons:

1. TIMOTHY whose worth was proven

We come to that in verse 22, but we need to read this like the Philippian believers did the first time.

encouraging content but probably brought to their knees - even with the mind of Christ in and among them to will and to do His good pleasure, the task before them was still somewhat daunting. We can understand that. Often even as we are encouraged with where God has brought us, there is still so much that needs to be done.

In addition of this letter with words of comfort it would have meant so much more if Paul could have sat down and encouraged them in person. He had already indicated that he wanted to come to them but until he cleared that was impossible. For now he would send these two brothers.

In ministry and ministry partnerships nothing more encouraging and affirming than one on one times.

FOR EXAMPLE:

Regional Pastor Poltava Ukraine

After an all night train ride Moscow/Ivanovo tea and fellowship with Sergey and Tatyana Druz.

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