Dear friends,

When was the last time that you tried to do something, but were unable to, until you asked for someone else to help? Most of the time, we like to be independent and we try to resolve the problems that we face on our own. Maybe it is to do with personal pride, maybe because of past experiences when we were let down by those around us or maybe we were brought up that way (independence is appreciated even in young children).

It is true that there are smaller things that we are able to do on our own, but there are many times that we need the help of those around us. And this is where interdependence comes in. Interdependence means that you accept that you cannot manage on your own and you need someone to help you. Difficult, isn’t it? Interdependence means humility, courage to ask for help and faith to believe that someone will be there to help you.

In Christian ministry, there is no place for independence! In CEF we realize that the ministry is so big that we cannot do it on our own. We needed help in the past, we need help now and we will continue to need help out into the future. There is no shame in accepting this fact. We need ministry partners who can stand with us, and can work together with us to extend God’s Kingdom.

And above everything else, we do not want to forget that we are called not only to interdependence, but also to dependence. The Lord Jesus said, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) May God help each one of us to be dependent on Him in everything that we do – both in our personal lives and in the ministry.

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you that you gave. Thank you that you are ministry partners in the ministry of taking the Word of God to those who are lost.

Iulian Mangalagiu

CEF National Director, Romania