Partners in the Gospel

Dear Stonecroft Volunteers,

Let me quote the Apostle Paul:

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

– Philippians 1:3-5, ESV

I couldn’t have said it better myself! Every time I’m with Stonecroft volunteers, I sense an intimate connection based on our “partnership in the Gospel.” You are truly my partners – more than that, my sisters!

The Greek word translated “partnership” is koinonia – which is also translated “fellowship.” Koinonia isn’t just about being friends; it’s about being friends with a purpose. People who experience biblical fellowship are tied together by something bigger than themselves – God’s work in the world! Movement creates community!

Before I came to Stonecroft, the closest friends I made are those with whom I was engaged in evangelistic outreach. We were truly partners in the Gospel! And Stonecroft volunteers know exactly what I’m talking about!

So, it’s easy to thank my God when I think of you, our volunteers. It’s easy to pray for you with joy!

In addition to being partners in the Gospel, you have had a great impact on my life. I just told a friend how it’s a miracle that our family has stayed healthy with all the life changes we’ve had since I started with Stonecroft: new job, long-distance commute, moving, change of schools and friends, and the death of husband and father. But God! And the prayers of thousands of Stonecroft sisters!

You treat me with such kindness and encouragement everywhere I travel. I still get cards from you on special occasions, and I got hundreds when Rick died. What servant hearts! You have no idea how you encourage me! When Rick was ill in Knoxville, volunteers who I hardly knew ministered to us more fervently than anyone else. We are friends for life, now!

I am constantly amazed at your incredible dedication, hard work, and perseverance, month after month, year after year – some of you for many decades – as you labor to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to women in your communities.

You invest time, talent and treasure in your outreaches – sometimes with little fruit, sometimes when you are taken advantage of by women who attend just to be served. You do this all for the sake of the Gospel and for the lives of women in your communities. Because you know that all heaven rejoices when one lost soul returns home!

I could go on and on about how grateful I am for you, our volunteers. But I will end with more of Paul’s prayer for his Philippian partners in the Gospel. Know that this prayer is for you, too:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Amen.”

– Philippians 1:9-11, ESV

Your sister in Christ,