A pastoral exhortation in view of the upcoming Kuching Mission
“For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).
Although Paul was imprisoned and separated from the church in Philippi by a great distance, his memory of their fellowship with him had not diminished. He could write, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you… for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3–5).
Their “fellowship in the gospel” was far more than warm friendship. The biblical idea of fellowship is about sharing, participating, and having something in common. Paul and the Philippians were bound together by their common faith in Christ and their shared commitment to advancing His Gospel.
Although the Philippians could not accompany Paul wherever he preached, they participated in his ministry by praying for him and supporting him materially. They sent Epaphroditus to minister to his needs. They remained concerned for the progress of the Gospel, even when Paul was far from them.
This is beautifully illustrated in Paul’s testimony about the churches of Macedonia. Though they endured “a great trial of affliction” and “deep poverty”, their generosity “abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Remarkably, Paul says they gave “to their power” and even “beyond their power” (v. 3). What produced such generosity? Paul explains: they “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (v. 5).
There lies the heart of true missionary fellowship. Before we give our money, our time, or our strength, we must first give ourselves to the Lord. When our hearts belong wholly to Christ, we will care about what Christ cares about. We will desire His Gospel to be preached. We will rejoice when sinners hear of the Saviour. We will pray for missionaries and preachers labouring far away. We will willingly support the Gospel works in places which we may never personally visit.
The Philippians understood that those who remain at home can have genuine fellowship with those who go forth. Paul later commended them: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel… no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Philippians 4:15).
Their fellowship was practical and enduring “from the first day until now”. This should also characterise our church. The Lord has graciously opened doors for Gospel ministry in various places. Brethren labour in different fields; churches need strengthening; preachers need encouragement; Gospel works require support; and souls still need to hear about Jesus Christ.
Those who travel go as representatives of a congregation that stands behind them in prayer, encouragement, giving, and love. Some may preach. Others may teach. Others may serve in practical ways. But the whole church can participate through “fellowship in the gospel”.
Therefore, the upcoming Mission Trip to Kuching should never be regarded as the undertaking of only those whose names appear on the travelling team. It is our church’s Gospel work.
Let us then pray earnestly for those who will go, that the Lord will keep them spiritually strong and physically well; that He will grant wisdom, courage, humility, and love; that His Word will be preached faithfully; that believers in the mission field will be strengthened; that sinners will hear the Gospel and turn to Christ; and also those who labour there will continue to do so after the visiting team has returned home.
We should always ask ourselves: What has the Lord entrusted to me that can be used for the furtherance of the Gospel? Perhaps we can give financially, encourage a missionary or preacher, help meet a practical need, and regularly remember a particular mission work in prayer. Perhaps the Lord may even be preparing some among us to go forth and serve Him more directly in the days to come.
Missionary concern must never belong only to pastors, missionaries, or mission committees. It belongs to the whole church.
On Thursday evening, the youths of Campus Bible Study gathered for dinner and fellowship. It was a time to share the Lord’s goodness and mercies that they had experienced throughout another academic year. We also welcomed new friends from various tertiary institutions.
Amidst the demands of academic rigour and the pursuit of secular aspirations, many Christian youths are increasingly overwhelmed by responsibilities that can gradually divert their attention from the Lord. This gathering was planned to urge the participants to consecrate their hearts to the Lord, deepen their love for Him, and begin the new academic year with their priorities rightly ordered before God. We pray that each youth entering or attending tertiary education will commit to the weekly Campus Bible Study and fellowship sessions, which are carefully curated for their spiritual growth. It is essential to meditate constantly on God’s Word throughout the week, for this strengthens our hearts to remain steadfast and guarded against worldly influences.
Join us for our Campus Bible Study Sessions, held weekly on Thursdays (6pm to 7pm) via Google Meet! God willing, we will be studying the wise counsels from the Book of Proverbs.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
