The Philippian
church was commended by Paul for the way they “entered into
partnership” with him “in giving and receiving.” He emphasized that it
wasn’t so much the gift giving itself but the generous spirit that was
behind it that brought glory to God. We are privileged to belong to a
fellowship of churches that exude generosity of spirit. Please read the
letter we have sent to our sister churches in response to their great
love and sacrifice for us. They have partnered with us in giving and
receiving in a way that is not common at all.
To the elders of Harvest Bible Chapel in Brampton, Cambridge, London, Muskoka, Oakville, and York Region:
Dear Brothers:
The familiar words of James 1:2-4 have particular meaning for us now: “Count
it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you
know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let
steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.”
We
have experienced God’s perfecting love over these past few years. As we
walked that path of trial and discipline, the loving response of our
sister churches in Canada and of the leadership at the Harvest Bible
Fellowship reflects God's continued mercy and goodness to us in Barrie.
We now have several challenging years behind us. We look back with
gratitude to God for his perfecting work in us, and we thank you for
standing with us through the darkest of those days. Your encouragement
and prayers have been used by God to lift up our failing hands.
As
we move through the remainder of this calendar year and into a new
budget year in January, we can assure you that we are using these gifts
prayerfully and with discernment as good stewards before the Lord. We
are committed to adjusting our expenses while still exercising faith for
the work that remains to be done. We are content to wait upon the Lord,
for he alone gives us strength for the work ahead.
On
Sunday, September 19 we brought before our people an acknowledgment of
your gifts in order to allow our people to gain the perspective we have
had of how you have stood with us in prayer, in wisdom and in sharing
financially in our burden. We believe this glorifies God and further
strengthens the faith of our people. If you believe it will likewise
strengthen your people, we encourage you share with them that we are,
together, engaged in a work that includes "keeping our brothers."
For those of us who have served in other churches and denominations, the
reality of how you have surrounded us is unique to our movement and
reflects the generosity we have been taught by, and have seen in, the
elders in Rolling Meadows. We are grateful for their example. The verse
we have heard often quoted rings true here, “One gives freely, yet
grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only
suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who
waters will himself be watered” Proverbs 11:24-25.
May God cause you to grow richer in all things, to be enriched and abundantly watered and to produce much fruit to his glory.
Beyond
the financial stewardship, in the early part of 2010 we received a
comprehensive list of recommendations from the Harvest Bible Fellowship
with regard to sharpening our focus and defining our values. This fall
we will complete the changes recommended to us. We are already seeing
the fruit of that exercise with increased passion for small groups,
better communication and a solid assimilation process, to mention only
three. As
elders and staff we will continue to reflect on what we have learned
personally and corporately through this time. As God gives us
opportunity, we will share what we have learned for our mutual benefit,
and declare openly and boldly that we are more committed than ever to
the fellowship God has given us as local churches. This, above all, is a
gift from God to be cherished and celebrated.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
On behalf of the elders and people of Harvest Bible Chapel Barrie and by his grace alone,
Terry Codling
Elder Chair