Central Campus ENews

My two daughters, Ashley and Alisa were just like any other children when it came to sibling rivalry.

I remember when they sang a duet in church one Sunday.  When they were finished, Ahsley proceeded to help Alisa off the platform with a sisterly push from behind, sending Alisa down four steps in record time!  As Alisa marched back up the stairs crying loudly and angrily, that’s when dad and mom stepped in to spare anymore injury, or hurt feelings.  (See it even happens in pastor’s homes!)

As they gre up, they began to see the value of their relationship to each other and they grew close.  They looked out for each other.  The bond that started when they were little is even stronger today.  They’re all grown up now, but they’re still looking after each other.

Looking out for your brother or your sister is exactly how God’s family is supposed to work; that we go out of our way, we keep checking to make sure our brother or sister in Christ is doing OK.

A man by the name of Onesiphorus looked after the Apostle Paul when he was all alone in a prison in Rome.  Actually, the guy with the long name is an example for all of us.  Many had deserted Paul, but Onesiphorus, the Bible says, “…searched hard for me until he found me.  He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16-18).  A real brother or sister searches out where the needy one is physically, emotionally, spiritually, and walks in when everyone else is walking out.  By the way, Onesiphorus means ‘profitable’, and that kind of friend is priceless.

As we are closing in on the holiday season, it is even more important that we do this.   one way we can look after our brother or sister is through the Emergency Assistance Fund.  Throughout 2009, we have helped numerous people with needs because of this ministry which is entirely funded by you.  As the year comes to an end, more people will be contacting us for help.  If you are looking for a way to help someone in need this holiday season, I encourage you to give to the Emergency Assistance Fund.

In your world, who’s off everyone’s radar?  Who’s forgotten?  Who’s messed up?  Who has a need that should be ministered to?  Go to them in Jesus’ name.  Look after your brother or sister!

Brian Folden