The Lesson of the String

In March, I had the privilege of attending the joint Europe and Central Asia/Middle East and North Africa forum in Cluj, Romania, alongside representatives from 34 National Ministries. It was a joy to hear these ministries from both regions testify to God’s faithfulness in their respective countries. The forum’s theme, Equipping for the Future, provided a brilliant framework for our time together.

On the final day of the forum, Paola Montello (Vice President, Prison Fellowship Italy) led us in an inspired activity. Everyone was instructed to join in a circle, and the first person was given a ball of string. Paola shared that the rope represented the connection within the PFI family. She reminded us that the PFI family is only as strong as the connection between its members and encouraged everyone to continue to share ideas and lift one another in prayer so that we might equip each other for the future. The first person was asked to share about one ministry they heard from that week that inspired them and throw the ball to that person. After a few rounds of this, we were a tangled mess. When the ball reached Andy (PFI President and CEO), he took it around the room, handing it from one person to the next to ensure everyone held a section of the string. The message was clear: each person present was an inspiration.

The message was clear: each person present was an inspiration. This reminded me that our greatest strength is not simply the programs we run. Though they are essential to accomplishing our mission and realizing our vision, they are all downstream of our core–the strong connection of the global family. This connection is PFI’s beating heart. Our interconnectedness also mirrors God’s heart: to see His people united (Psalm 133:1) from every nation, tribe and tongue (Revelation 7:9) to further His kingdom.

Jesus prays that His people would be unified so that the world would believe who Jesus is and why He came (John 17:21)! The unity of God’s people is the starting point for extending God’s Gospel message to the world. By working together, sharing burdens and lifting each other in prayer, we can more effectively advance God’s kingdom to the praise of His glorious name.

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11