Two are better than one...
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.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a NIV
Dear Friends,
As Caroline and I prepare to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary this Saturday, we are reminded of the truth captured in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, where we are taught of the strength found in unity and community. This was particularly evident in our home these past two weeks, as we contracted Covid-19 (again), one after another. First, it was Caroline’s time to rest and my time to help her up. Then, after a few days, my test came out positive, just as her symptoms began to abate. As she has for the past four decades, my sweetheart stepped up to the plate, taking care of me, handling all of our home and family commitments, reaching out to friends in need…and even helping lead music at George Community Church’s vacation Bible school this week, all while I convalesced and coughed and complained that I couldn’t think straight! Two ARE better than one…
The writer of Ecclesiastes seems to have marriage in mind this passage, but that’s not all. Verse 12 adds, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Often, wedding messages suggest that third strand in our marriages is the Lord Himself, who binds us together more securely than any two of us could bond on our own. That is certainly true in our marriage, and millions of others. But if you broaden the abstraction just a little bit, you may see how the Lord uses all of us in Christian community to serve as that “third strand” for Him from time to time, to lift up the greater body of Christ, to warm those who find themselves alone, and to defend those who may be overpowered otherwise. There is great strength in the unity of the body, in marriage and in the fellowship of brethren.
We saw another example of that strength in our NWxNW fellowship this week, as Pastor Matt Bagwell took the lead Tuesday, when I was unable to attend the gathering at Shiloh Basin. We have also seen that strength exemplified over the past few months in many of the churches we serve, as unexpected illness, tragic loss, and ongoing struggles of life have sidelined some beloved members of these communities, but even more have been called to bind strongly together to bring them support and comfort. Caroline and I are pleased to be able to serve such a loving family and fellowship of Christian congregations.
So, if two are better than one, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken, just imagine the strength and impact that can be had when twenty small churches work together! That’s the opportunity we have in InFaith: Northwest Oregon and Sunday School Fellowship. It’s not just a few missionaries running around trying to meet every need…it’s also a group of churches helping churches, lifting each other up in the warm embrace of fellowship and standing together in celebration and in sorrow.
If you or your church would like to have more of that experience, I can likely introduce you to ways you too can serve as “the third strand” as the stronger lift the weaker. Drop me a note today, and let’s pray together.
A reminder as I wrap up: Columbia Community Bible Church is inviting all of you (individuals or churches) to set up a free display at their community yard sale, Saturday, July 19th from 9AM-3PM. Whether you have things to sell, trade or just give away, you are invited to this event at the church, 540 Marine Drive, Portland. Pastor Steven Boyle explains this is less of a fund-raiser than it is an opportunity for the church to meet their neighbors, and he would like your help. To reserve a space, or just get more information, leave a message for Pastor Steven at 503-240-0943. (No texts please.)
May God grant us even greater unity as a Christian community, as He binds us ever closer together.
Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org