The members of the Philadelphia Church of God today truly are scattered throughout the Earth. Some of us are blessed to live in a pocket of several members—but many do not have this benefit. Some travel hours to be able to fellowship with brethren and to be spiritually nourished on the Sabbath. Yet other members rarely get this opportunity due to distance or health.

Just put yourself in their shoes for a moment. These dedicated brethren are eager to support the Work of God but may be one or two on an island, state or country. They read, study, fast, struggle to overcome like all of us. A challenge has been put before them of being isolated physically. However, we must not let them feel like they are isolated from the spiritual family.

During this month’s challenge, I want to encourage you to seek out those in your area, region or anywhere within the Church who are shut-in for whatever reason. They need fellowship as well. Set out to give yourself to these members that could use a card, phone call or visit. Fellowship can come through many forms of communication. These valued members need the iron-sharpening experience. So reach out to someone who is isolated in some way this month, and help draw them into the Family of God.

Many different people fit into this category. Maybe there is someone you know who is going through a severe health trial and is unable to attend services. Depending on their condition, maybe a visit is in order—or perhaps a note of encouragement or phone call. Don’t forget about those who are in great health, but for whom distance from a congregation is so great that they cannot attend with other brethren regularly. They too need communication.

Another area you should consider are your fellow singles. I know of some who are part of a congregation of one of two on an island. How about the single who feels isolated because he or she is the only single in a congregation? Sometimes one can feel all alone even when part of a larger group. E-mail, write, call, Skype—exhaust any form of communication possible to draw your fellow singles in as well to this Family of God.

The August monthly challenge is designed to not only strengthen this incredible family that we have been blessed to be called into, but to build your character as well. Singles, now is the time to learn to be outgoing and to give! Put into practice the outgoing care and concern described in 1 Corinthians 13. You can ask your local minister if you don’t know of anyone in this category, but I suspect that most of you do. When was the last time you called, sent an e-mail or in some form communicated with that member? Really, this is something all of us as of God’s Church should be striving to do on a regular basis. As they say in the military, “No man left behind.”

Let’s take on this challenge to seek out those that are isolated or shut-in. Accepting this challenge may put you outside of your comfort zone, but that is a good thing. Embrace it and put yourself out there for one or more of these people God the Father has called into this family. As you serve one of these special people, you are serving God.