Co-workers for the kingdom

Editor’s Note: Michael Dukes is regional director for donor ministries at Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org), Franklin Graham’s organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. During a recent visit to American Family Association (AFA), Dukes shared the following about AFA’s longstanding relationship with Samaritan’s Purse, also the parent ministry of Operation Christmas Child. Though directed toward the mission and ministry of AFA, Dukes’ words are an encouragement for all Christians as they seek to share the gospel and advance the kingdom.

The mission of AFA remains as clear and bold today as it did nearly 50 years ago – standing firm on the truth of God’s Word to inform, equip, and activate folks in ways that will impact and transform American culture for the sake of the gospel.

That is not easy work. Culture rarely applauds truth. Yet here you are … showing up day after day, standing firm, and speaking clearly in a world that desperately needs light.

And it’s a joy to acknowledge AFA’s and Samaritan’s Purse’s complementary mission [as we stand] side-by-side proclaiming eternal hope that comes only through Christ. Different lanes, same Lord. Different callings, same Great Commission.

Here are three principal thoughts supported by Scripture that should encourage and spur us all on in the work He has prepared in advance for us.

1. We are a light that must be seen.

In Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT), Jesus says, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. … Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to be the light.” He says, “You are the light.”

The question is not whether you shine; it is where and how.

AFA’s work is unapologetically public. Media, advocacy, equipping families – this is light placed on a stand, not hidden under a basket. Such visibility brings pressure, scrutiny, misunderstanding, even opposition.

But Jesus reminds us: Light exists for darkness.

If the culture pushes back, it is not proof that you’re failing. It is often confirmation that you’re shining.

Our role is not to manufacture light. Our role is to stay close to the Source of the light.

2. We must have a faith that moves.

James writes, “Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (2:17, NLT).

This is where the partnership between AFA and Samaritan’s Purse becomes such a powerful testimony.

AFA proclaims truth boldly by informing minds and shaping hearts. Samaritan’s Purse demonstrates that truth tangibly by feeding the hungry, treating the sick, sheltering the displaced, and so forth. (See p. 7.)

Word and deed. Truth and compassion. Conviction and mercy. This is the gospel lived out in stereo.

Together, this partnership reflects a complete witness: Truth spoken clearly; love demonstrated sacrificially.

Both are essential if the world is to see Jesus rightly.

3. We must value faithfulness over results.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NIV): “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. … We are co-workers in God’s service.”

That concept is deeply freeing: God’s co-workers.

[We are] not God’s saviors … not God’s results managers … just faithful co-workers.

Some days, you plant seeds, never seeing the harvest. Some days, you water work that began long before you arrived. And some days, God graciously lets you see fruit. But growth? That is always His job.

In a results-driven culture – even within ministry – it’s easy to measure success by numbers, reach, or response. God measures success by obedience and faithfulness. He is not asking you to change the culture alone. He’s asking you to remain faithful where He has placed you.

What you do matters eternally.

Every article written with integrity, every program aired with boldness, every message crafted with conviction, every family equipped, every partnership strengthened, every act of compassion offered in the name of Jesus – none of it is wasted.

God is using both faithful voices and faithful hands – through AFA, through Samaritan’s Purse, and through partnerships like this – to accomplish His purposes in ways we may not fully see until eternity.

So, take heart. Stand firm. Shine boldly. Serve humbly.

And may the Lord continue to use your work to bring truth, hope, and transformation to families, to the church, and to the world.