Weekly devotion: Standing Together Across the Miles
Unity across a divide - Grafitti of clasped hands on Bethlehem Separation Barrier
Embrace’s partners couldn’t continue helping vulnerable people and supporting them through times of crisis without the faithful supporters who uphold their work. This week we give thanks for all those praying for the Middle East, especially those facing their own challenges.
It is more than 170 years since Embrace the Middle East began helping people suffering through war and poverty in the places recorded in the Bible. Today’s world would be unrecognisable to those Victorian philanthropists, but some things don’t change – the dedication of the Middle Eastern Christians working in a dangerous context, and the faithfulness of supporters who raise funds and pray for them across the miles.
Embrace’s supporters help in so many ways – by making donations, organising fundraising events, talking about our work in their churches, and keeping our Christian partners in their prayers. Many have been supporting us for decades, and many have found us more recently. All are part of the Embrace family, and our partners tell us how grateful they are to know they are remembered.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Please continue to pray not only for our partners, but also for your fellow supporters – especially those who may be facing a difficult time in their lives. Together we share in the mission of our Middle Eastern sisters and brothers, trusting that God will continue to guide and sustain us all in the years ahead.
Bible reading
‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 1:3-6
Thought
Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is full of gratitude and joy. Though separated by distance, he knows they share in the same work; their encouragement and support make them true partners in the gospel mission.
The same spirit of partnership across the miles is alive in Embrace’s work today. While our partners serve in the midst of conflict and hardship in the Middle East, supporters stand alongside them through generosity and faithful prayer. We all have different roles in different places, yet one shared purpose. To God, no act of support is small, and no prayer goes unnoticed.
Ask yourself: How does your role in the Embrace community complement that of others, and what can you do this week to nourish it?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of partnership in your work. Thank you for those who serve in difficult places, and for all who support them through prayer, generosity, and encouragement. Bless the Embrace supporters who face their own challenges at the moment, and remind them that you are always with them. Strengthen solidarity through the whole Embrace community, even across great distances, so that our different roles can work as one body, in your name.
Amen
Get your church involved
Are you part of a church community? Can you help connect more people to the work of Embrace?
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