By Robin Crowley

A frequently quoted promise to believers comes to us from Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).” Taking a closer look at the context in which the promise was made, we find that Paul was praising the Philippian church for taking care of his needs. In verse 16 Paul writes, “for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” Paul was thankful for their generosity, but concedes that the gifts were not for him to boast about or put faith in, for he had learned to be content in “plenty or in want.” Rather, the giving of the church was credited to the church as an offering and sacrifice, pleasing to God. That’s receiving with humility!

Humility in receiving can be quite difficult. The human nature is to take pride in being able to provide for oneself, while being dependant on others is looked upon as weakness. How much more of a challenge must it have been for Paul, being an apostle of the Savior of the world, the Christ, and being in chains? I wonder how many people lost faith because of Paul’s circumstance, and let it taint their giving. Consider the fact that the churches knew little of Paul, other than he was a follower of Jesus. Nevertheless, Paul saw the bigger picture – the gospel. Perhaps the Philippians, through the discernment of the Holy Spirit, also had faith for the bigger picture. All we know is that Paul praised his benefactors saying, “…for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me (Phil 1:7).” That message is as clear to us today; that wherever the gospel is being presented; wherever people are in need; by sharing what we have with those taking the “good news” to the ends of the earth or right in our own neighborhood, we receive a blessing from our Father.

In the play “Glass Houses” the question is asked, "Why is it that God is moving so freely and with such power in Africa?” The answer: “Because the people are starving to the point of desperation.” What will it take to make us that hungry?

I seek the true witness of Christ at work in his people, and from all of the reports from past trips, the pictures, church plantings, testimonies of healings and most of all, the Peruvian people’s faith and love for their Savior and His people, I believe they are living it. I want to see it, I want to live it and I want to breathe it...and most importantly, I want to bring it back.

“Lord Jesus, I am yours to use and radically change into your image according to your plans and destiny set aside for Clay Alan Hillwig”. LET’S GO!!!