Greetings from Ireland!
This is Pat and Tina Sweeney and we live in the south-east corner of Ireland with our two boys, Jonathan and Matthew.
We consider our association with Spirit and Truth Fellowship International to be one of the great blessings in our lives. Why?
Well, over the years, our hunger for the Word of God and our desire to learn how to become effective and fruit-bearing members of the Body of Christ have brought us into contact with many different groups, Churches and Ministries. Many have blessed us for a time and we’ve learned from them, but we believe Spirit & Truth Fellowship International is different. How?
Spirit & Truth is different firstly because of their insistence on accurate biblical teaching, and that it is the foundation for an effective Christian walk. They continually exalt the Word of God over the traditions and doctrines of men. They do not use condemnation or legalism to control people, but rather seek to empower people by promoting grace and freedom in Christ.
Secondly, they are committed to helping Christians to grow and mature through a network of locally run fellowships. This Ministry is not "personality based." It does not rest on the shoulders of just one spiritual leader, but rather on a network of Christians who are committed to a shared vision. This allows many people to contribute and ensures accountability and balance within the Ministry.
Over the years we've come to know some of the
Board of Directors quite well. We've seen them up close and personal when they've come to stay in our home, and we’ve seen how they’ve dealt with different issues and challenges in their own lives and in the Ministry. We’ve witnessed first hand their integrity and trustworthiness, and their willingness to serve. Many times we have been blessed by their encouragement and support. To us, they are wonderful examples of true servant leaders.
Just as we have been so blessed through Spirit & Truth, we believe many more people can also be blessed by this Ministry. And that’s where the
Partnership Program comes in. We see the Partnership Program as an opportunity for us to help this work to continue around the world. We believe that supporting other Christians financially so that they can devote their time completely to the Lord’s work is biblical.
1 Corinthians 9:11,13-14
(11) If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
(13) Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?
(14) In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
The subject of money is another area where Spirit & Truth is different from many other Ministries. We are so blessed by the teaching that we, as Christians, are not obliged to tithe, but rather are urged to give what we have decided in our hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7) In all the years we have been associated with Spirit & Truth, we have never been "badgered" to give money, or made to feel guilty if we didn’t. This is once again an example of how Spirit & Truth emphasizes our freedom in Christ.
We are delighted to have the opportunity under the Partnership Program to give consistently to further the Lord’s work. It is a way for each person to give whatever he or she is able.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
We are completely confidant that what we give is put to good use by Spirit & Truth. It’s a real blessing to give to God period! But God, being so wonderful, has arranged it that we can’t out-give Him.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
God bless you!
The Sweeney Family
R. OF IRELAND
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