April 21: Phoebe: Supporting the Mission

Theme: Understanding the significance of being a helper and encourager in ministry.

Carol Nyack
Shepherdess
 Cayman Islands Conference
 of SDA

Phoebe

As I pondered on the story of Phoebe, captured in just two verses of Romans 16:1-2, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life. At the age of sixteen, I made the most important decision of my life by surrendering completely to the Lord through baptism. However, joining the tiny Seventh-Day Adventist Church in my remote village of Cedros, south of Trinidad and Tobago, was not the most popular choice. That day, my unforgettable thoughts and silent vow were, “I’ll go where You want me to go and do whatever You want me to do.”

This quiet promise led me to embrace various responsibilities in church and ministry.  Alongside senior elders, I would visit my neighbors to answer questions from the Bible. Like a sponge, I absorbed everything shared by these seasoned leaders. I also eagerly attended services, whether there were two, three, or thirty members. The learning curve was steep, and I relied heavily on the wisdom of those senior leaders—especially since I was unfamiliar with even the basics of scripture.

After two years, I went off to Caribbean Union College (now USC). While there I grasped opportunities to develop skills and talents that could be used for the Lord.  I immersed myself in services and campus ministries, diligently documented experiences and ideas to incorporate them into my local church ministry and community.

My heart’s desire was to return to my church and assist with evangelizing the entire community or village. Did I ever? Ah! Married a minister ( not intentionally) and allowed the Lord to use me in more than my community but many communities locally and internationally.

The apostle Paul entrusted Phoebe with an important role in ministry. Could God use you in a similar way? Her ministry was impactful and profound. Paul urged the church in Rome to welcome and assist her, for she had been a great help to many, including him.

Phoebe was a woman of faith, integrity, and courage—a leader who served as a deaconess in the church at Cenchrea, a port near Corinth. In a city filled with shrines and false gods, she lived a life devoted, overflowing in service to others. Paul likely entrusted her with delivering and explaining his letter to the Romans, demonstrating her wisdom, eloquence, and understanding of the gospel. She seemed to have developed her skills and talents from those she associated with in the temple and served faithfully and effectively.

Paul says that Phoebe is "our sister," emphasizing her belonging in the family of believers (Romans 16:1). This reminds us to honor one another in Christ, living in harmony and supporting each other’s God-given callings.

Phoebe was also a benefactor, using her financial resources to support Paul’s ministry and assist the brethren. She may also have ministered by providing lodging, food, and other necessities for those spreading the gospel, thus lightening their burdens, encouraging, and assisting as they labored for the Lord. Her generosity and practical support remind us that God blesses us so we can bless others (2 Corinthians 9:11). In fact, she was a helper and encourager, playing a vital role in ensuring the success of God’s mission.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10

How is the Lord calling you to serve?  Like Phoebe, we all have talents, gifts, and resources that can be used for His glory by supporting our leaders, spouses, friends, and children as they minister. We too can minister through acts of kindness, financial support, hospitality, or leadership. In so doing, we strengthen the brethren and further build up God’s kingdom.

May we, like Phoebe, be vessels of God’s love and service, always ready to support His work whenever the opportunity arises.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Prayer: Our Father in Heaven, thank you for blessing us with gifts, talents and resources. Cultivate within us hearts of service, generosity and encouragement.  Help us to recognize opportunities you place before us to support those ministering and grant us wisdom to use our talents for your glory.  May we be a source of encouragement, a helper in ministry and a vessel for your love in Jesus’ name, Amen.