Mindful Endurance


by Paul Boeker, Editor Just over 100 years ago, Sir Ernest Shack-


leton led an expedition to the South Pole. As they maneuvered toward the landing site, their ship became trapped in ice on August 27, 1915. Te ice began to crush the ship,


even though the hull was two feet thick. Te men had to abandon their ship on October 24. Incredibly, through immense hardships, the men were able to


reach a lonely, barren island in their lifeboats some six months later. Ten six of them set off in a small boat to go 850 miles to a whaling station for help. Tey succeeded in getting a ship and returning for their comrades. On August 30, 1916, almost exactly one year later, all men were rescued. Ironically, the ship was named “Endurance.” Each of the 28 men on the expedition showed great endurance. But explorers aren’t the only ones who need endurance. As


God’s people “you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised” (He- brews 10:36 ESV). Endurance is a character trait, a virtue, like kindness or patience. Endurance is the power of withstanding hardship or suffering.


It means to keep doing what we are supposed to be doing even if it hurts. It means doing what is right even if no one encourages us or appreciates us. One name for God is “the God of endurance.” He is the source of our endurance. Our Fellowship is now six years into the Vision 20/20 initia-


tive. We need endurance for the next four years to reshape our Fellowship into “a fellowship of churches that equips and inspires one another so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed by every member of every church at every opportunity.” But endurance itself is an outreach tool. When Paul and Silas


prayed and sang in prison despite false accusations, disgrace, wounds, chains, and hunger— when they reassured the jailer that he had no reason to despair — the jailer realized that they indeed knew the way to salvation. Te hope we can explain to others (1 Peter 4:13-17) comes by virtue of endurance (Rom 5:1-5).


Help Harvest Radio


Switch to FM Harvest Radio (Rádio Seara] needs to convert its signal from AM to FM. For many in Northeast Brazil, this is their only link to the gospel. For others, the station’s mes- sage has led to local churches being planted among people who were saved by listening to the station. Our Fellowship is partnering with Harvest Radio and


Avant Ministries to provide a new FM antenna and the link to the studio to the new transmitter/antenna site. As of Au- gust 15, over $27,000 has been given toward this project. Join us to fund this project! Give through your local


church, give online at fellowshipforward.org, or send your tax-deductible giſt to FEBC Canada or FEBC USA. Indi- cate that your giſt is for “Convention Project.”


FEBC USA 11605 W Dodge RD STE 3 Omaha, NE 68154-2566


FEBC Canada PO Box 115 Langham, SK S0K 2L0


Convention Project


Churches seeking pastors: Hodgson Bible Church, located in the beautiful Interlakes area of central Manitoba, is seeking a lead pastor for a Christ-loving congregation. Tere is potential for growth and outreach among a variety of cultures in the community. Please pray for Hodgson, that God would lead the pastor of his choosing to this impactful ministry.


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Fellowship Focus, September/October 2016


FellowshipForward.org


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