I have been spending time reading the book of Philippians this month.  I am challenged and encouraged by Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13.  Some days, I read it and smile in agreement with Paul.  Other days, I read it and have to pray and ask the Lord to help me have the same faith and confidence as Paul.  Some days are easy, and some are hard.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me.  You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it.  I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.  I know both how to make do with a little, and I know how to make do with a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.  (Ph. 4:10-13)

This year, I have been traveling to many of our OC teams around the world, and as I reflect on my travels, I see so many signs of God at work in our teams. Many of our workers are struggling. Finances are tight everywhere.  But, we are seeing pastors trained, churches planted, and individuals discipled across the globe.  God is preserving our teams in the face of great trials and challenges, money and other provisions seem to fall from the sky to meet desperate needs, God is raising new leaders to step into gaps, Teams are experiencing dreams and spiritual inspiration for renewed vision, and the list goes on.  All our missionaries are familiar with this passage in Philippians, and all of us are learning to do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

In my journeys, most of the workers I have been meeting with are highly engaged, overworked, and under-supported.  Sometimes, I see miraculous ways that God is providing.  Last week, I was with Migue and Cortney in Granada, Spain, where they served as missionaries for over twenty years.  When one ministry opportunity was closed, they sought a new way to serve their community and share the gospel.  They decided to start a business.  They now run a successful Moroccan tea shop just outside of the walls of the Alhambra.  God has used their shop to build bridges with the city's community, business owners, employees, and other missionaries.  

I met Carlos and Valleria, Brazilian missionaries called to serve in Spain.  Carlos works at producing and translating Christian video resources in multiple languages, and Valleria has partnered with a few special people to minister to women who have been trafficked into the sex industry.  She recently led another woman to the Lord, who went to Spain to pursue career advancement.  When she arrived, the job was not there.  Desperate, ashamed, and with no other options, she was put to work on the street.  Now, she has a relationship with Jesus and a friend who is working with her to get her back home.  Carlos and Valleria are significantly under-supported, but it has not stopped them from serving and sacrificing for Jesus.

Last month, I also connected with one of our South East Asian team leaders.  Ron trains and coaches pastors, teaches in several Bible schools, helps rescue women and children from human trafficking, helps individuals start small sustainable businesses, and much more.  He serves alongside his two adult children, who continue to make a massive difference in their country, far beyond what you would expect from one family.  This is another great example of doing all things through Christ, who strengthens us.