When You Come

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” ESV 2Timothy 4:13

In the course of just a few verses, Paul urges Timothy twice to waste no time in coming to him. He tells him first “come to me soon” and later to “come before winter.” You see, many of Paul’s friends and ministry companions had left him and he no doubt longed to see a long-time friend and ministry partner.

But Paul didn’t just need Timothy as a Christian companion and co-laborer in the ministry. Paul also had some very practical needs. Winter would be upon him soon but his cloak was in Troas. He needed some books for study and “above all the parchments;” all very practical, everyday items that could easily be taken for granted in America today. It’s noteworthy I suppose to mention that Paul was most likely in prison and no doubt in harsh conditions when his letter to was written, but Paul did some of his best ministry work in harsh conditions.

I’d venture to guess that most Christian ministry, on a global scale, takes place in what we would consider harsh conditions and without what we would consider proper tools. Think about it for a moment.When’s the last time you worshipped on a dirt floor in a barn? Do you see people gathering under lantern light to worship often? How often have you gathered in someone’s house under the cloak of darkness for fear of persecution because of your faith? These things are reality for much of the world.

Recently I corresponded with a missionary couple living in Asia. In one exchange I asked if they had any current needs that would help them in their ministry. Their reply was very simple, very practical, and very much like Paul’s appeal to Timothy. They wrote: “We are happy that you'll be coming here in October. Regarding our needs…we still [a] need laptop computer and guitar and a Bible (New KJV) medium in size.”

Here’s how I interpret their needs. We need a computer that will be portable and useful for studying, writing and basic communications and for presentations. We need a guitar; a portable stringed instrument to use in worship. Finally, and most importantly, we need a new Bible that is the proper size and printed in a version that is familiar in our region. Just basic, practical stuff when you think about it.

By the grace of God, as this article goes to print, I am either making final preparations to go or am already in the midst of a trip to try and meet these very practical ministry needs. My local church (www.tharptown.com) has helped fund the travel costs and given generously to provide for the items needed. Desiring God Ministries (www.desiringgod.org) has donated a suitcase full of educational material and I would not be going at all were it not for the ministry work of HeartCry Missionary Society (www.hcmissions.org). I want to publically thank these folks for their generous heart and ask each of you to pray for a safe and fruitful trip. God bless.