The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:10-14, 17, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction….
17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

Do we have what we need? Do our circumstances demand that we have more? Are we sure? What can be done to supply what is lacking? All of these questions and more swarm through the minds of those who are venturing out overseas in the LORD’s service. I know, because they overflowed in my mind when my family prepared for just such a venture.

The Apostle Paul had some of those same questions swarming through his mind. He possessed sufficient means at the time of his writing. He had learned to be content with whatever he had. Why are we so disturbed about not having more? We need to learn what Paul had learned: “…how to get along with humble means…”? The LORD, who calls us to leave home and share His Message of Salvation with those in distant lands, promises to strengthens us to meet situations He knows we will encounter. He does the same for those whom He has called to witness here in our respective homelands.

When my family and I were preparing for an extended stay overseas, I wrote letters to churches, asking for financial help. I need not have done so; for only one faithful Oklahoma church responded helpfully. In all honesty, I was seeking for money, and I used the last verse above in my correspondence. Still, the value and strength of that verse alone would have prevailed –and did!— for those who would have chosen to provide financial help. Every soul that was saved, every life that was “resurrected” accrued to the account of that church that prayed and provided for us.

Learn to give to Christian missionaries and organizations that are focused on the lost! Pray daily for the LORD’s leadership in their lives and their organizations. For as you do so, they become an extension of you; and you will receive spiritual credit for all that is accomplished through them for the glory of the LORD! Nor will you ever lack as you give faithfully to others. God will bless you abundantly!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom