Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12).
One of the greatest blessings of serving at Pine Haven is the strong sense of community and teamwork among our staff and residents. The Apostle Paul writes, “just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (I Cor 12:12). He goes on to note the significance of every part of the body – eyes, ears, hands, feet, and so on. It’s in functioning together - working toward a common Kingdom purpose - that the Body of Christ is at its best.
At Pine Haven, we know this is not simply horizontal teamwork – no, we work, serve, and offer care knowing that God is in our midst, providing us the strength, grace, and compassion that is at the heart of our mission. That makes all the difference and helps Pine Haven stand out in our community for all the right reasons! The support, prayers, and encouragement we offer one another is rooted in the love God has revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
Consider some of the blessings of community -
- We can do more together than we can on our own – there is a “greater return” for our labor
- We support, encourage, and build up
- We sharpen one another’s faith
What happens when we are not part of a Christian community?
- We become discouraged and disillusioned
- Misunderstandings and frustrations grow
- When we fall or are overpowered, there is no one to help us
Ecclesiastes reminds us that a cord of three strands is not easily broken – teamwork and serving together yields some wonderful results. But the true fulfillment of this Scripture is found in the promise of Jesus: “where two or three come together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). With Jesus at the center of all we do, we can be sure that God will produce lasting fruit from our labors and that He receives all the glory!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Pine Haven. God’s blessings to you and your families,
Pastor Andrew Fortuine, Pine Haven chaplain
