By Andrew Gale, Executive Director of Global Strategy

In the month of May, Global Strategy is running a matching campaign for our projects called Give for Good. As part of that, we are focusing on the words of Hebrews 11 and inviting some global leaders to share their understanding of this important passage.

In Hebrews 11, we find familiar Old Testament stories of great heroes and heroines of the faith. The text reminds us that these leaders lived “by faith,” a phrase that is repeated over and over. Though these leaders lived by faith, the text also reminds us that not all of them saw the promise of their faith come to fruition in their lifetime. And yet, “by faith,” they lived dedicated to God’s promise. We continue to live by faith, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before us. Global Strategy began in 1909 “by faith,” conceived by leaders who believed that a more connected and supported global church was not only a possibility but a necessary and attainable reality. We continue to live out that faith more than 115 years later.

Hebrews 11 ends with the reminder that we are part of that long line of men and women of faith: “God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours” (v. 40, MSG). We are part of the longer story; we are one snapshot in time added to those who have gone before. Together, we can be part of making the fullness of God’s goodness a reality.

“Give for Good” is a reminder that we all have something to contribute. Maybe we feel like the child with just five loaves and two fish, overwhelmed by the need of the crowd. Will our small contribution make a difference? The answer is, with Jesus, yes. When we work together toward the good of others, our little is transformed into much; our gifts, brought with humility and sacrifice, given by faith, create a mosaic of goodness in the world around us.

At Global Strategy, we have nearly 50 active project partnerships around the world in every region where Global Strategy has a presence. Projects support communities through work that focuses on health and wellness, primary and secondary education, entrepreneurship, leadership formation, church health, community engagement, disaster restoration, and peace, justice, and reconciliation. These projects are developed by local leaders to meet a real, felt local need. Most are short and quickly attainable, where others involve multiple stages over time. All projects include defined timelines that require reflection on and accountability for progress.

I read a quote recently (thank you Corey Stocksdale for sharing it with me) that says, “Freedom from suffering only comes when God inspires ordinary people to do extraordinary things. This is where change happens” (Barker, Make Poverty Personal). In the month of May, we invite you to be part of that change. May God inspire the church to do extraordinary things, and may we participate in that change however God calls us.