
How $20 can teach a lesson
An Air Force colonel once taught me a humbling lesson…
‘Have fellowship with every good work; give something to it.”
Lynn McMillonThat was the wisdom of Otis Gatewood (1911-1999). When he spoke those words in a graduate missions class I was taking in the summer of 1963, he planted an indelible mark in my heart.
I was young, and Gatewood was a pioneering missionary among Churches of Christ following World War II. In 1947, he left ministry in Utah to share the Gospel in postwar Europe.
Hans Novak reportedly received the shoes off Gatewood’s feet when Novak had none. I was blessed to be Novak’s helper in 1960 and heard this and many other Gatewood stories. Gatewood even received the Distinguished Service Cross from the German government for his humanitarian work.
What Gatewood said had all of the credibility in the world to me and still does. He also said, “Don’t make missionaries beg for money; be generous with them.”
I think of Gatewood’s sage advice whenever I ask you to financially support The Christian Chronicle — and you do! You are an inspiration to me because you believe in the positive mission of the Chronicle to bring you news that matters every month.
You have fellowship with us in this ministry. Together, we praise God by celebrating the good that so many people and churches are doing for him. I personally learn of more ways to have fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters by reading our stories.
Thank you for understanding the work of the Chronicle and for faithfully sending your support. We are humbled, and we are eternally grateful.
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