As we head into the final days of 2023 and EA’s 11th year of ministry, I was reflecting this morning on Paul’s words to the church in Philippi regarding God’s provision:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. (Phil. 4:10)

Ten years had passed since Paul had established the church in that city. The Philippians had generously supported Paul when he left Philippi to minister in the Macedonian cities of Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-13) and moved south into Achaia, ministering in Athens and Corinth (Acts 17:14-18:18).

Throughout the years, the Philippian church had remained concerned about Paul and his ministry, but the distance had hindered their ability to minister to him. The late theologian John Walvoord explains how the arrival of Epaphroditus with their financial support (Phil. 4:18) immensely encouraged the imprisoned apostle:

“The fact that they had gone to such effort to send him an offering by the hand of one of their beloved brethren in the church at Philippi touched Paul’s heart and gave him great encouragement in the lonely hours of his imprisonment.”

Thank you for being so supportive throughout the years! And please know that any gifts toward our year-end matching campaign will, like the Apostle Paul, greatly encourage your ministry partners pictured below.