In 1997 Ciloa began as a small ministry seeking to encourage others and share what we had learned along the way. There were only 9 of us. Today more than 170 have been involved, giving their time, talents, effort, insight, and financial support for one simple purpose---to encourage others.

Amazing, isn't it? We never expected Ciloa to become an international effort joining Christians around the world. The Notes of Encouragement alone reach into 188 nations, including 31 Muslim countries many of which are closed to Christian ministries. God will not be stopped!

Has it all been joy and success? No. There are always obstacles, disappointments, and frustrations. We've had our share of discouragement. And the work! There's always more to do. But we've learned to pray, take a deep breath, trust in God, and move on.

In this ministry, we are often asked, "Why do you do this?". Maybe they see the difficulties we face or have been surprised by unexpected encouragement from people they've never met. That's a fair question, one that each of us has asked over the years. It all comes down to...passion.

Passion is defined as a powerful, compelling desire, mixed together with enthusiasm, devotion, joy, determination, and a dash of urgency. Get the idea? We're talking deep level commitment here, no reservations. As an Adidas sports campaign says---All in or nothing!

Still, that's only part of the answer. We have a passion for encouraging others, but why? Is it simply because God tells us to? After all, Encourage one another as long as it is called Today (Hebrew 3:13) is our signature verse. But passion and obedience do not always walk together.

We have this passion because we've known loneliness and sorrow...when no one encouraged us. We've been beaten down by doubt and pain...while no one built us up. We have cried out, My God, My God, why have You abandoned me (Matthew 27:46)...as no one stood by our side.

Think of 10 people. Suppose all suffer from loneliness, sickness, fear, confusion, sorrow, worry, or hopelessness. Could you choose 3 to comfort and forget the rest? What if you were in this group? Would you want to be ignored?

Now imagine if everyone encouraged each other every day. In your hard times, others would reach out. You would be loved and cared for. Never again would you walk alone. Those who do not follow God would see His people, and their hearts would long for such love in their lives.

Each of us in Ciloa is incredibly blessed. We've found God's love in a tender word and listening ear. We've felt His peace in a comforting touch and warm embrace. We know His joy in the reassurance that someone cares.

Why do we do this? Because our compelling desire is to please Him. So we are determined and devoted to encouraging others. Yes, we have passion. And we want to share that passion throughout the Body of Christ, raising and equipping even more encouragers around the world.

You hear, O Lord, the desire of the humble; You encourage them and listen to their cry... (Psalm 10:17). And we will follow You!