Brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
(2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
On our recent visit to Bolivia, where LATTE Professor Philip is located, we found an example of this type of giving. LATTE Professor Larry, Ernie Latorre, and I were visiting Bolivia. We attended a worship service together with the national congregation. After the service, the members insisted on sending the offering along with us. Our first thought was that they were as much in need of this offering as anyone, but we thought it was very important to honor the spirit in which they offered this, as well as their desire to assist in world missions, so we accepted.
May God bless their spirit of mission giving and promote it among us as well!
Pastor Robert Smith serves as the liaison for LATTE and as the chairman for the WELS Administrative Committee for Latin America.
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