“But to do good and to communicate forget not” (Heb 13:16)
The Hebrew writer has moved to the summit of the great truths concerning the superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ in contrast to all that was associated with an old covenant. He has exhorted his readers to go outside of all affiliations unto Christ and to continually offer the sacrifices of praise unto Him.
Following this pointed exhortation the writer touches on practical advice for our Christian life. Verse 16, as shown above, speaks to us as to our need to support the work of God in a practical way. The yearly report of the two Trusts as shown in this magazine certainly shows that the Lords dear people in assembly fellowship have heeded this exhortation in a very liberal way. Eternity alone will reveal the far-reaching effect of such giving. The distributions through the use of the Trusts have proved very helpful for many of the Lords servants, especially in foreign fields. It has assured a safe remittance and, in many cases, the ability to have funds deposited directly to a personal account which can be withdrawn in a safer and timely mode. However, with the increased use of the Funds, a practice has developed that was not intended. In the middle of last year a brother, in writing, said that he appreciated receiving information from the local area since “many do not write letters now that they use the Fund for transfer of fellowship.” He expressed that the fellowship is very much appreciated and important in the furtherance of the gospel, but being in an isolated area he did miss getting word of different activities in the homeland among the Lords people. Visiting a missionary in the fall in his area of labor, we asked him his experience as to letters received along with fellowship. He indicated that about fifty percent of the fellowship received is sent without any contact from the giver other than a name listed on the distribution notice from the Trust. Again he mentioned his appreciation for all the fellowship but did miss the personal contact.
We would like to request both individual and assembly correspondents to consider the need to write a letter at the time the fellowship is sent to the Trust. It does not need to be multi-page but you can share with the brother and sister to whom you write some positive information concerning your personal or assembly activity. If an assembly correspondent finds it a large chore to write letters, consider engaging another brother who would reflect the exercise of the assembly. Do not hesitate to use the e-mail address of the recipient if it is available. It is more expedient and less costly than overseas postage. Even if you write a regular letter, indicate to the recipient that an answer by e-mail is suitable. This is a great help to the individual and often precludes lost mail, which is prevalent in other countries. The correspondent receiving e-mail can easily print it out and treat it as regular mail. Hopefully the respondent will give a little information of current happenings that will provide a basis for intelligent prayer and not necessarily a lengthy, year-long review that leaves specifics lost in the volume of content. Although Paul appreciated the support that the believers in the church at Philippi sent him (ch 4:15-16) he was interested in their welfare. It was likewise with the church at Corinth and other churches and individuals. He sought to address concerns when he wrote. We believe that there is scriptural precedence for writing along with our giving. Suffer a word of exhortation and WRITE to our brethren and sisters that are busy in service for Him.
