A well-timed message of dependence as we approach the very day (July 4th) when we celebrate independence. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Judges 7:10 were the foundational scriptures for a message of encouragement, exhortation, education and edification. Bishop McLaughlin began by reminding us all that while we are all called and anointed to do something for God, that ?something? will not be achieved independent of others. God has and will strategically place others in our lives to strengthen and encourage us along our journey to fulfill his purposes in our lives. God places us in a body of believers so we can act as a group, a constellation of sorts, to form a recognizable pattern vs. that of individual stars. Our Bishop went on to describe the vigorous training regimen of those aspiring to be Navy S.E.A.L.S when they have reached a ?low? in their efforts and feel they can?t go on. But, the Navy utilizes a buddy system so that each man has ?another? upon whom he or she can rely for encouragement and strength in the darkest of times. The world will know who we are and who?s we are as Christians by our love for one another. Sometimes when we don?t have enough within us, someone is placed to put ?it? there; to en-courage or literally put whatever ?it? is in us just like Phurah did for Gideon. Thanks for those who are more experienced and wiser who help see us through life?s toughest assignments. Everyone in the body needs a Phurah and many of us may one day walk in the role and power of a Phurah to someone else. We need to remember that whatever we do for God will always involve others.?