“As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.” – Philippians 4:15-17 (NLT)
In these verses from the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul expresses his deep gratitude to the Philippians for their financial support during his missionary work. What makes this support remarkable is that the Philippians were the only ones who consistently provided this assistance, even when Paul had moved on to other regions. This wasn’t about mere charity; it was a partnership born out of a shared mission, a shared vision.
Thank You
We have so many donors and partners who we want to thank for all the many ways you contribute to Mission Discovery, whether it be through prayer, support, or volunteering. And just as Paul did, we want to take a moment not to ask for more but to let you know that we learn a lot from you in the way you selflessly give to Mission Discovery and make change around the world. It is such a beautiful thing that we have these partnerships. We definitely could not do what we do without them.
One Body, One Purpose, Many Gifts
In Romans 12: 4-5, Paul says, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Some of us contribute finances, some labor, and some pray. It takes everyone’s talents and resources to be the organization that we are. No matter how big or how small a contribution may seem.
A Lesson in Generosity and Partnership
The Philippians’ generosity teaches us several important lessons about giving and partnerships:
1. Steadfast Support:
The Philippians didn’t offer one-time aid; they provided continuous support. This demonstrates the power of consistent giving and how it can sustain vital missions over time. As an organization that’s been watching the Lord use us for over 30 years, we’ve seen the fruit of faithful supporters in our own work.
2. Shared Mission:
Paul and the Philippians shared a common mission—the spread of the Good News. Their partnership was rooted in a shared vision for making the world a better place through mission work. In a similar vein, Mission Discovery Short-Term Mission Trips seeks to join hands with donors who share the vision of positive change and transformation. We don’t just see our supporters as dollar amounts but as genuine brothers and sisters who have chosen to partner with us in something greater than ourselves.
3. The Joy of Giving:
Paul emphasized that he didn’t seek gifts for his personal gain but wanted the Philippians to “receive a reward for [their] kindness.” This speaks to the joy and fulfillment that come from giving and partnering with a mission-driven organization like Mission Discovery. We’re excited when supporters partner with us not only because we’ll have more resources to do the work the Lord has called us to do but also because we know that the supporters themselves will receive the joy that comes from partnering with the Lord to make a difference in the lives of others around the world through mission trips.
Building Bridges, Changing Lives
At Mission Discovery, when like-minded organizations and individuals come together, the possibilities are endless. We’re inspired by the example of the Philippians, and we’re inspired by the impact of our supporters.
