WORKING TOGETHER is SUCCESS

Rev Dr Gordon Wong

Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore. He can live without durians, does not take spicy food, but loves desserts that are cool and creamy.

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

The missionary apostle, Paul, begins his letter to the disciples in Philippi by thanking God for their “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5, NIV). We at MMS follow Paul’s example, and also thank God for the partnership we have in the wonderful work of sharing the Good News of God’s love to the regions around us. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

This is Max Lucado’s paraphrase of clergyman Edward Everett Hale’s exhortation: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

When we think about the problems that confront us, and our world, it is easy to lose heart and give up. We become paralysed by despair.

“What’s the use? I am only one person in a world of seven billion. Even if I try to do something, it won’t change anything.” I confess I feel like that very often.

But Edward Hale’s words spur me on. "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

That is the beauty and power of partnership. I may be only one person, but if I partner with you, we are more than one. If we each do what little we can, we can do much more together. Not all of us have the aptitude or availability to be a missionary in a foreign country. But some of us do. And each of us can partner with those who are able to be missionaries.

Not every local church has the budget to finance a missionary, but other churches do. And if we partner with one another, we together contribute to the wonderful work of the Gospel.

MMS would love to partner with you, and help you partner with other churches. Whether you are a local church, or an individual, there are many different possible ways in which we can be partners in the wonderful work of the Good News of God’s love in Christ Jesus. Please get in touch with MMS and explore these many different possibilities.

I was asked recently to define my understanding of success in ministry. Let me offer you an answer from Edward Hale again.

Together — one of the most inspiring words in the English language. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

Working together is success. Let’s work together and give thanks to God for the partnership we have in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.