As I reflect upon the passing year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible opportunity to serve the Lord through the ministry of Ela Koinonia. My husband, children friends and those who are familiar with my journey know that it has not been without its challenges, as I have often found myself pulled in various directions. However, amidst it all, one word echoes relentlessly in my heart and mind: faithfulness. God expects nothing less from us, for He has
demonstrated His own faithfulness towards me.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 14 to 31, we encounter the powerful parable of the talents. It speaks of individuals entrusted with different amounts of talents, and how they chose to handle that responsibility. One servant was given five talents, and through wise trading, he doubled his master’s investment. Similarly, the servant who received two talents also traded wisely and gained twice as much. However, the servant who was given a single talent buried it in fear, failing to multiply what he had been entrusted with.
When the master returned, he commended the first two servants, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21). This parable primarily addresses the stewardship of money, but its message extends far beyond financial matters. It teaches us about faithfulness in all aspects of our lives.
God rewards those who are faithful even in the small things, faithfully fulfilling the tasks to which He has called us. Although He may grant us increased influence or resources, He still requires us to remain faithful in every area of our lives.
In my own experience with Ela Koinonia, this truth has been ever-present. Week after week, I have been pulled in multiple directions, facing busyness and challenges. Nevertheless, I have striven to remain faithful and obedient to the voice and leading of the Lord. It is my earnest desire that the message we share through this ministry will impact and transform the lives of others.
Looking ahead to the third year of Ela Koinonia, my prayer is that our team, together with myself, will continue to rely on God’s strength. May we live our lives in faithful service to the Lord, regardless of the circumstances that surround us. Just as the parable teaches us, those who are faithful will experience an abundance of blessings. As we remain obedient to God’s call, He will multiply our efforts and use us to make a profound impact on the lives of many.
Let us embrace the words of Proverbs 28:20, which says, “A faithful person will be richly blessed.” May our faithfulness be a testament to God’s faithfulness, and may it ignite a flame of transformation in the hearts of those we encounter. With the Lord’s guidance and our unwavering dedication, Ela Koinonia will continue to thrive and fulfill its purpose of bringing hope, love, and healing to a world in need.
I encourage each of you to remember the parable of the talents and the call to faithfulness it embodies. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s will, faithfully stewarding the gifts and opportunities He has bestowed upon us. By doing so, we shall enter into the joy of our Master and experience His abundant blessings in all areas of our lives.
Thank you to my dear family, friends, team, readers and encouragers who stood by our side these past two years.
Know that, you are fully known and deeply loved!
Thoughts penned by OSHIN GRACE DANIELL
The bigger
picture
In moments of doubt and weariness, we must hold fast to the vision of the completed puzzle.
Two years!–feels as though time super accelerated. The memory of my initial conversation with Sandy regarding Ela Koinonia remains vivid in my mind. I was astounded by her unwavering determination to sow seeds of hope and blessings, despite being in a season of profound grief. Yet, in that moment, I did not fully grasp the profound verity that God remains intimately close to the broken-hearted.
In Psalm 34:18, it is written, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” These words resonate deeply within me as I ponder the incredible journey we have embarked upon. When God draws near to us, His closeness breaks down barriers, shatters limitations, and transcends our human understanding. In His presence, impossibilities crumble, and possibilities are birthed.
Since the inception of our expedition, we have relentlessly pursued the Spirit of Excellence, endeavouring to infuse every aspect of our work with utmost dedication and precision. However, know that this path we tread was not paved with fragrant roses, for there were moments when we found ourselves entangled in the suffocating grip of mental burdens, threatening to divert our attention from the very mission we embarked upon. Yet, steadfastly we held onto our unwavering commitment to keep God at the epicentre of our endeavours. It is by His divine grace, the unmerited favour He has lavished upon us, that we stand here today, two years later, resolutely pushing forward, undeterred in our pursuit.
In a recent conversation, a dear friend shared with me the triumphant tale of her conquest over a 1000-piece puzzle. With a sparkle of joy and relief in her eyes, she revealed, “Oshin, it took me more than a week to complete it. There were moments when I felt the urge to surrender, to admit defeat. I even made some incorrect connections, mistakenly thinking they were right until another piece revealed a different truth.”
This captivating account sparked a profound realization within me. Imagine our lives as intricate puzzles, where each piece represents a consistent effort. With God beside us giving us instructions, through unwavering dedication and patient persistence, we have the power to witness the gradual assembly of a magnificent masterpiece. Piece by piece, we get to see God bring together the fragments of our existence, unveiling a breath-taking picture that exudes the beauty of our Father.
Just like my friend who refused to succumb to discouragement, we too must resist the temptation to abandon our endeavours. In moments of doubt and weariness, we must hold fast to the vision of the completed puzzle–the vision that God has for us, the big picture He is painting– reminding ourselves that each piece we diligently place in faith contributes to the grandeur of the final picture.
It is essential to acknowledge that mistakes and missteps may occur along the way, just as the misplaced connections in the puzzle. However, these errors should not deter us. Instead, they serve as valuable lessons, guiding us to rectify our misconceptions and seek new perspectives.
I truly believe that Ela Koinonia is a masterpiece in making and God has wonderful plans for it in the coming years.
Keep reading and Stay blessed