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We Know What We Need

SCRIPTURE TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:12-20

Paul is known to us as a great theologian, writer and inspired missionary who had a dream of establishing churches in the first century. Paul was the chief architect who organized early Christian churches in Asia Minor (Galatia and Ephesus) and then in Greece (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth). Paul made three distinct missionary journeys to spread the gospel to the Jews and Gentiles.

However, he took different people in the course of each of his missionary journeys. In the case of the first missionary journey from Antioch to Cyprus, he was accompanied by Barnabas. In the second missionary journey to Philippi, he took Silas, and then later Timothy. This gives us wisdom how to handle our mission strategy in relation to our contextual mission tasks. Each mission field requires different kinds of people to carry on the missionary mandate.

Paul wrote many letters while he was in prison. In fact, Paul was imprisoned in Ephesus, Asia, Caesarea and in Rome. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and then transfered to Rome for trial. Paul's many letters may have been written before the final sea voyage to Rome. However, Paul's letter to the Philippians was written in Rome.

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The Philippian Church

According to Biblical scholars, Philippi was a small city and the Christians were only a small community where every individual was conscious of his/her own importance. It is evident that women took a very prominent place in the Philippian church. The first convert was a woman and it was in her house where the church held its meetings. Perhaps she gathered together her circle of friends to meet at her house.

Paul gladly acknowledges his debt of gratitude to those Philippian women who "worked hard with me to spread the gospel" (v. 3). This also shows us the importance of the role played by women in the formation process of early Christian communities.

However, a small population of the Philippian Christians were divided and rivalries confronted the community as each one pursued his/her personal ambition and interests. It is noted that two women broke the harmony of the church because of their private quarrel. At the same time, it is good to know that the Philippian church was the first established church in the soil of the west through Paul's efforts in his second missionary journey. This particular church was initiated by a woman and was eventually divided by women. But while Paul thanked the Philippian Christians, his mixed emotions of anxiety and gratitude gave the letter a character of its own.

"We Know What We Need"

Paul knows "what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough" (v. 12a). Paul expressed special thanks to the Philippian Christians for the money they had sent him through Epaphroditus. Paul acknowledged that the gift was so essential for his mission work in those times of trouble. However, Paul was dissatisfied with the amount of money sent to him, which was less than what he had expected and even had come so late.

It is true that we are all engaged in the ecumenical movement. We appreciate very much those who have continually supported us in our mission works in all the six continents. We are still carrying out our missionary mandate in one way or the other. As Paul so rightly said, we know what it is to be in need in CCA. It is more or less the same situation as Paul's — the contribution from the member churches and councils, and the support from the

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ecumenical partners are not enough to meet our expectations and we cannot implement our plans and achieve our goals. Therefore, in times of trouble — like now, we have to ask for what we need to pursue our mission at this juncture of history.

Paul goes on further to say that, "I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at anytime, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little" (v. 12b).

I am sure that it is the basic understanding of a mission worker: to be content in their way of life anywhere and anytime, full or hungry, with too much or too little — while all the time trying to learn from their experiences amidst hard working conditions. Mission work is an involvement and confrontation with the localities where all human problems are unresolved. We are all called to be obedient mission workers to tackle complicated human conditions anywhere and anytime. Although we may not have enough resources, still, it is our task to carry out our missionary mandate in our contextual needs.

Let me share with you about Paul's mission. Paul "came to Thessalonica, according to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. There, during three Sabbaths, he held discussions with the people, quoting and explaining the scriptures and proving from them that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from death. "This Jesus whom I announce to you," Paul said, "is the Messiah." Some of them were convinced and joined Paul and Silas; so did many of the leading women and a large group of Greeks who worshipped God" (Acts 17:lb-4).

Christ suffered and died for our sins and Christ is risen and Christ shall come again — that is the central message we are supposed to convey everytime and everywhere. Regardless of the conditions and of the amount of resources that we have, we have to convey the central message. Regardless of where we come from, whether west or east; whether developed, developing or underdeveloped country; whatever context we are working from, we have to spread the gospel —the good news— in word and in deed.

As we examine ourselves, we have to learn from Paul and ask ourselves if we have enough knowledge to quote and explain clearly from the scriptures the message of the gospel. Do we know how to prove the central message of the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ? Do we have the ability to convince

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people that Jesus is the Messiah? Through this process of questioning, we may be full or hungry in economic terms, in real life as mission workers.

Partnership — A Matter of Sharing

Paul expressed that "you were the only church to help me; you were the only ones who shared my profits and losses" (v. 15b). It is true that supporting agencies are the only ones who help in the ongoing mission work of CCA along with some churches and councils. We know that so many churches and supporting agencies are around us. But we are proudly saying that you are the only ones committed to supporting our ecumenical endeavour. You are the only ones who share the successes and failures in the work of CCA.

In the same spirit, while Paul was in prison in Rome, he was very much encouraged by Philippian Christians. For Paul, it was a time of stressful and fearful waiting for his trial. However, Philippian Christians were the ones who expressed their solidarity with Paul by sending moral and financial support through their messenger, Epaphroditus.

It reminds us of a very important and meaningful implication for the ecumenical movement. Each of us has a role in the struggle for human liberation. Who are the messengers? Who are the women? Who are the constant partners in the ecumenical movement? Who are the frontliners? Who are those really extending their solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized?

Nevertheless, it is time for us "to see profit added to your account" (v. 17). In the balance sheet of CCA'S successes and failures, if there are many good successes, then maybe you should be given credit. If there are failures, then it may necessarily be your burden.

Perhaps, CCA'S mission work is still worthwhile to support. We have to share sweet-smelling offerings to God so that we may bear good fruits. Abundant wealth through Christ Jesus our God will supply all your needs so that you may be instrumental in helping all the ecumenical movements around the world for the glory of God.

For this, we are here in the presence of our gracious God who called us to carry-out these mission tasks in our context in Asia today.(l994)