Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be at- tacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NLT)
As I’ve considered how best to continue to provide high quality content for the leaders, members, and attendees of Grace Brethren congregations in North America, the image of a strand of three cords comes to mind.
Ask any pastor who has faced a difficult situation. Whom is he likely to call?
Or any missionary, whether in a domestic or international setting, whom do they reach out to when things around them seem to be falling apart?
My guess is that they’ll pick up the phone to talk with another Grace Brethren pastor in the next town or across the country or reach out to a supporting congregation at home.
Someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
It’s a cord consisting of a group of people and their pastor, a larger network of congrega- tions, and the Lord that help make the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches continue to be vital and effective. It’s a cord that is tightly wrapped with love and concern for one another – helping each other reach his or her communities for Christ through prayer, fi- nancial support, and sometimes, a helping hand. It’s seeking His direction in prayer, then joining hands and following in faith, knowing that He is in control.
It prevents anyone in trouble from falling alone.
And the symbolism of three strands of cord goes a long way in the triune sphere of the Brethren movement!
I hope this issue of FGBC World will inspire you to wrap yourself in the relationships that make up the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. Learn how one of the newest members of the ethnic church planting team found freedom in Christ while gaining personal freedom for himself and his family. See how a partnership across the ocean has provided prayer support for a home-grown ministry in the Central African Republic. And, be encouraged to join the rest of the Grace Brethren family at one of the premier relationship-building events of the year – Vision2020 West.
…for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
This article appeared in the Summer 2012 issue of FGBC World magazine.