4 years of Philoi Global.
Years ago, while I was in Adelaide, I met a woman called Ruth. She lived alone, with no close family nearby, and was a member of a small Lutheran congregation doing its best to stay afloat.
Ruth cared deeply for the persecuted church. Every time her pension came in, the very first thing she did was write a $20 cheque to a ministry supporting persecuted Christians. She did this faithfully every single fortnight.
Sometimes she would call me in tears because she longed to start a prayer group at her church, but no one else was interested. Still, she prayed on her own. Still, she gave from what little she had. And every time her cheque arrived, I found myself wondering how she would manage for the rest of the week.
Ruth often brought to mind Paul’s words about the Macedonian churches:
"They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity... You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich."
In Philippians 4:16, Paul thanks the church for supporting him again and again when he was in need. He calls their giving a ‘fragrant offering’ (verse 18) – a gift that rises before God with delight.
When I think about what faithful giving looks like, I think about Ruth. She did not give out of abundance; she gave out of her poverty – cheerfully, freely, and eagerly.
The 1st of April 2026 marks four years since Philoi Global was founded.
We find ourselves thinking about people like Ruth – quiet, faithful saints whose generosity has shaped our understanding of what Kingdom partnership truly looks like. Their steady, sacrificial giving became a living picture of a “fragrant offering,” and their example continues to influence how we view generosity.
As we reflect on these four years, we are deeply grateful for our partners who give sacrificially to care for Christians in exile. In a season where many feel the strain of hardship, your commitment is moving, and your generosity is deeply felt by our team and by the communities we serve.
Thank you for standing with us and for demonstrating the generous grace of God to us.
Help us to sustain families at risk.
*Names have been changed for security reasons.
