Aiding with Funds and Resources

Afflicted, joyful, impoverished, and generous are four contrasting descriptors of the Macedonian churches according to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:1–5:

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

You’ve probably read these verses countless times. But have you thought about their implications within a network of churches?

As a pastor, I used the example of the Macedonian churches in messages to prompt my congregation to give sacrificially for the needs of our church. While it is valid to apply this passage to one’s own church, we must remember that churches in the GARBC exist within a compassionate fellowship in which we should willingly and sacrificially assist sister churches.

I had this lesson newly impressed on me by Chris and Deb Hindal, the capable leaders of our GARBC international ministries. They recently traveled to Kenya, Africa, to minister to a group of our international partners. As the Hindals recounted their trip with our staff, they gave an emotionally moving description of the churches caring for one another. Despite their deep poverty, the conference attendees collected an offering. The collection was not for their own needs but for sister churches that were experiencing great needs and difficulties in a neighboring country. Among those attending the conference were a humble pastor and wife who have opened their home to thirty-nine orphans. Despite having an extremely meager income, this couple is caring for the orphans’ physical needs. Pastors and wives such as these are the ones who so willingly gave at the conference to help sister churches.

In the mail, by telephone, and through the media, I receive no end of pleas for assistance from nonprofit organizations. These requests are designed to pull at my heart and ultimately to reach into my pocket. I do not fault these organizations. However, I must make decisions regarding which of them I am going to help. Many years ago I chose to invest my money within the parameters of a fellowship of churches and ministries that share my convictions and with whom I can have personal relationships. Yes, God is using other organizations to achieve His purposes. God bless them. I don’t think it is arrogant or unkind to say they have their network and I have mine. God can use us in our particular realms.

The GARBC has provided me with a network of friends and acquaintances in churches and ministries that are doing God’s work. I’m putting my eggs in that basket. That fellowship network also belongs to you. To discover how you can help your friends in sister churches around the world, learn about the GARBC ministries of Baptist Builders Club, Gospel Literature Services, and the International Partnership of Fundamental Baptist Ministries by visiting www.garbc.org. The ministries in the GARBC network are your family. Even though you may be afflicted and impoverished, you can be joyful and generous by helping sister churches in need. Follow the example of the churches in Macedonia!