Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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God didn’t design us to go through life alone. He created us for community and to work together towards a greater purpose. We’ve been hearing stories for the past few weeks of what God is doing around the world through local churches and learning more about the story of Nehemiah and how God’s people worked together to restore what was once broken. I hope you’re being inspired by what we can accomplish when we work together!

In Nehemiah 3, we see an incredible example of the people of Israel coming together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The text lists names of individuals and families working in unity, repairing section after section. No one person could have accomplished that massive undertaking, but by joining their skills, resources, and efforts, the walls were completed in just 52 days! Last weekend, we saw a wall at Willow with the names of everyone who committed to generously supporting our global partners—can you imagine what God will do through our church working together?

Like the Israelites rebuilding the walls, we, too, are called to come together as the body of Christ to further God’s Kingdom work worldwide. By giving to Celebration of Hope, we are directly fueling the work God’s people do to bring healing and hope. Some of us might help rebuild spiritual walls by investing in church planting and evangelism. Others strengthen educational foundations by supporting teachers or helping to build new school classrooms. Still others provide physical shelter, food, and clean water to some of our world’s most vulnerable people.

When we combine our talents, time, and resources, holistic transformation is possible. 

Willow, let’s link arms as a church community, binding ourselves together with the cords of unity, purpose, and faith. When we work together, falling down is not inevitable because someone is always there to lift us back up again. Our impact multiplies exponentially when we give together as one community with a united strategy!

Next Steps

Will you join this great work? Please prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to give—your money, your abilities, your passion—so that more lives can be transformed by the power of the Gospel. If you’re already planning on giving, think about how you can invite others to join us. We are praying that 100 percent of our community makes a contribution toward Celebration of Hope because together, we can overcome any obstacle and scale any barrier to see God’s Kingdom advance mightily across the world.

Go to willowcreek.org/givenow and select the Celebration of Hope drop-down to make a contribution towards the work of our global partners.