Encourage One Another

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11

In a recent newsletter, Dayo Obaweya, MAI’s Regional Coordinator for West Africa, writes the following:

“To be involved with mission and see a sudden change in the political, economic, and social situation of the people could be depressing (just to use mild language). People’s lives had been affected negatively almost eroding the gains of yesteryears. We suddenly began to meet so many people that had lost their jobs, their means of livelihood and family members, as we travelled within country. The desire to be divorced has increased among spouses and there are increased rifts between parents and children.”

This statement could also be made about many other countries, including the United States.  No one would argue that the past year has been tough for humankind throughout the world.  There is no greater time than the present to encourage each other.

Exodus 17:8-13 tells the story of Joshua’s battle with the Amalekites: ⁸ The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. ⁹ Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” ¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. ¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

How encouraging it must have been for Joshua, who was on the front line of battle to know that he was not alone. Moses was there with the staff of God held high.  Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses helping him keep his hands steady for as long as it took to bring victory.

This Biblical event provides context to the work being done through Community Health Evangelism (CHE).

• Over 2.5 million people in over 75 countries are not alone as they fight the battles of poverty, depression and illness. MAI is there, sharing the gospel and teaching valuable lessons that will empower them to build a better future for themselves and their family using locally available resources.
• CHE communities become healthier as they learn basic health principles and practices.
• Through CHE, people are equipped to be independent workers and evangelists in their communities, providing encouragement and hope to their neighbors.