“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now”

The Navy Seals are for many American young men the dream.  They long to be a part of a group of people that are doing exciting, dangerous activities to honor their nation.  The draw at the root is often the respect they get, the excitement and danger, and a strong theme among the Seals – the camaraderie.

No matter the nation, young men in the armed forced serving together create extraordinary bonds.  As they go forth on missions, they must rely on each other and be protected by each other in ways those outside of those armed forced do not understand.  When a mission is successfully accomplished there is great fulfillment.  Even within the context of great sacrifice.

It is also true in the body of Christ.  When believers band together for mission, who intentionally put themselves in the trenches, believe for miracles and look out for one another, there is a bond that is created.  But in Christ that bond goes even further as we genuinely are knit together for eternity.

I have been on these missions and in these kinds of community both local and abroad.  And the bonds and community that are formed go way beyond our typical definitions of fellowship.  These times are exhilarating and hard, joyous and tearful and yet at the end of the day there is fruit that remains.