What's the purpose of this ministry? I ask myself questions like that from time to time. (Anyone in ministry should.) It's important to sit back, take a look, and see if we're accomplishing what we set out to do, hitting the mark or off target. I do this often when it comes to Ciloa because with so many needs out there, it's easy to be pulled in the wrong direction.

 If you don't already know (which means I've done a terrible job), Ciloa is about encouragement. We seek to encourage others, build them up, and stand with them. You, specifically. And not just any encouragement, but encouragement in walking with God. That leads to teaching, such as how to encourage others, relate to God, tolerate frequently foolish followers, etc.

 But we've been missing something, and it's significant. We haven't included you in the encouraging bit. Now you may be thinking, "Oh, no. He's going to make me do something." OK, if you're made to do something, it isn't really encouragement, is it? So no force, pressure or guilt here. (Though if you don't, it's unlikely you'll get into Heaven. Just sayin'.) Curious?

 I once met a man who struggled with arthritis, leaving him with aching joints, stiff legs, and sore hands. On his weekly visit to the market, people hurried past as he shuffled down the aisles. Occasionally someone paused long enough to retrieve yet another item that had escaped his poor grip. He would mutter his thanks but, in truth, he didn't want the help. He felt so weak...so useless.

 Then one day he noticed that those who helped him had something he'd lost. It wasn't a newly bruised apple or dented can. It was a smile. They were smiling because they had helped him. And there was more. As they continued on their way, they were more polite, considerate, and helpful to others. They carried that smile with them. They were encouraged by what they'd done. And suddenly, so was he.

Soon his trips to the market were more frequent. He tried not dropping things or hindering others in their rush, but when he did, he apologized with a smile and thanked them from his heart. Sometimes he even chatted with them a bit. He noticed people more. He saw burdens they thought were well-hidden. And for those who needed to receive encouragement by giving it, well, what was another bruised apple?

The foundation of Ciloa is Hebrews 3:13: Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. God's message is simple---Always encourage each other because when you fail, others will not see the light of my love or hear the echo of my voice. Encouragement never stands alone. It simply cannot be a one-way street. And here's where you come in.

We want to make another short film, this time on encouragement, and we'd love for you to join us. Send us your pictures and videos. They can be of a loving family, people helping people, children laughing, or you with a great big smile. They can show the desperate need for encouragement in the world. They can be serious, funny, cute or clever. 40,000 people spelling Ciloa (or Chuck) comes to mind.

We have a great opportunity to share God's encouragement and be encouraged in return. So take pictures. Shoot video. Find old ones. And send them to us at TheNote@ciloa.org. We'll keep you posted of our progress and answer any questions you may have. And when we're done, we'll unveil the effort on our new (yes, new) website. Come join us and let's have fun encouraging each other!