It’s June 6, so I open our ministry’s website and click on our most recent donor report. There it is - the list of friends, family members, and churches who are faithful partners in our ministry. Many years ago, when we were still fairly new at “living by faith and by the donations of friends,” I would open this report and (I’m a bit ashamed to admit this…) would glance first at the dollar amount. Did we receive enough donations to make it through the month? (The answer was always YES.) Would we have to tweak our plans in order to stretch the dollars? (Yes, we did have to do this a few times, but not very often.)  

Now as I look at our June 6th report, my eyes are drawn first to the names. I feel a bit like the Apostle Paul as I scan through the list and take a minute to thank God for the people there. Dino & Sue, Diane, Bob & Joyce, the Cunninghams, the Clines, Gary & Judy, Delaware Bible Church. These are just a few of the names that bring a burst of joy to my prayer because of their “partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”  

I continue to read and pray through the list of names, thanking God with joy for Greg & Jenny, the Bells, the Petit family, Jennifer, and many others who have joined our partnership team during the years that we’ve been serving the Lord overseas. I echo Paul’s sentiments again when I “rejoice greatly in the Lord that (they have) renewed their concern for us” and that they have “sent (us) aid more than once when (we) were in need.” (Phil. 4:10 & 16) 

Today’s June 6th joy comes from the faithful people on this list who are partnering with us in sharing the Good News. And as Paul said, it’s “Not that I desire (their) gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to (their) account.” (Phil. 4:17) 

Finally, I recall the names of friends who are no longer on our list because they’re already in heaven, rejoicing with Quechuas who are also there on account of their generosity. My June 6th joy is complete!