One of the things that stands out in Paul's letter to the Philippians is their deep affection for one another that stems from their partnership in the gospel.
'I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
'It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1:3-8)
It's amazing how God grows our affection for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when we serve alongside each other is proclaiming Jesus to the world around us. (This is one of the reasons why we think ministry teams are so great!)
But their affection for one another doesn't mean they just hang out together. It is trumped by their desire for the gospel to go forth and for more and more people to be saved. It isn't an affection that holds people close at the expense of the growth of the Kingdom of God.
At City on a Hill we're blessed to have a number of Mission Partners who we love deeply and whose presence and fellowship we cherish. But the time does come where our partnership with them and the gospel needs of the world means that we send them out with our prayers and support.
This Sunday we will be doing just that as we farewell Ross, Shona & Eden as they continue their preparation to serve God's Kingdom. At church on Sunday (10am & 6pm) and at a Partnership Night on Monday we will be commissioning the McGaughrans as he head towards supporting church planting in Austria.
It will be a great chance for us as a church to express our affection for them as we send them out in gospel partnership.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
If you want to know more about what they're doing and how you can personally be praying and partnering with them, please click here for their latest newsletter and here for financial partnership information.