The Distinction of Partnership
by Joan Hunter

While ministering in a church recently, I heard the pastor share an interesting and different definition of the word “partner” and it was such an incredible revelation to me. One dictionary refers to a partner as the “wooden framework used to strengthen a ship’s deck at the point where a mast or other structure passes through it.” This is a reference to the support piece on ships that depends on sails to propel them across the seas.

If we apply this definition to the spirit in view of partnership, we realize that there is a remarkable correlation between the natural partner of a ship and the spiritual partner of a ministry. For example, a portion of the partner is above the deck (seen) and another portion of it is below deck (unseen). The purpose of the partner is to add strength to the deck (platform), hold the mast up (strengthens me) and as the wind (Holy Spirit) fills the sails attached to the mast, it moves the ship (ministry) where it needs to go. Without the strength of the partners (partnership), the ship (ministry) cannot sail (go into the all the world).

Hallelujah!!! So, you see just as a partner is vital to the successful voyage of a ship at sea, Partners are vital to the success of this ministry and the fulfillment of the Great Commission given to us by Jesus!

Psalms 107:23-24

“Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters; they have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.”

Many denominations and many nations are being touched through Joan Hunter Ministries. We have ventured out in faith to many parts of the world and God has affirmed the preaching of His Word with signs and wonders. Salvation and healing have been brought to many and believers are being equipped to do the work of the Kingdom.

Ephesians 4:11-12

“And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ.”

It would not be possible for us to travel into the world without the support of our partners. While you may be unable to travel the world with us, as a partner, each time we stand to minister you are there with us through your prayers and giving.

The word partner also means, ‘joint heirs’. Every soul that is saved, every sick person that is healed, and every minister that is trained to carry this message to the world is credited to you in heaven just as much as it is credited to those who go physically. The blessings that are on this ministry are yours too because as joint heirs you share with us in the outpouring of God’s blessings.

I Corinthians 12:19-21

“If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but only one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”, or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

As in our analogy of the ship at sea, the sails would be useless without a mast to support them and a mast must have partners to keep it upright in high winds and heavy seas.

Father God intends us to support each other as He steers our ship through stormy seas to a peaceful harbor. The Lord Jesus is our heavenly pilot and as we freely give ourselves to His purposes, we receive all we need. Everyone on the ship shares the same eternal rewards of those who operate the vessel. They all prosper together as they respond in obedience to God’s call. The Holy Spirit has charted a course for us to follow and we can and will follow His guidance…together.

Through your generous gifts and faithful prayers we are carried, on the wings of the wind of the Holy Spirit, to see thousands healed, saved and delivered. And, the same blessings on this ministry come on your life as you partner with us.

God reminded me of this scripture in 3 John. One that we are all familiar with;

3 John 2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

I love the word ALL. It is inclusive of EVERYTHING and excluding NOTHING! He wants us to Prosper in ALL things AND be in health. Thank you, Jesus! BUT, with every promise, there is a condition. The condition here is “just as your soul prospers”.

You may be asking, “Joan, how can I be sure that my soul is prospering so that I can have prosperity and health in all other areas of my life?”

I’m glad you asked! God showed me the condition and then He showed me the “how to” found just a few verses down, and I want to share it with you.

3 John 3-8

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. (NKJV)

As you send men and women of God out in a manner worthy of God…YOU WILL DO WELL!

God promises that if you send seed out to get His Word out that HE WILL BLESS YOU!!!

Deut 1:11

“May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!” (NIV)

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being faithful to support this ministry as we take the message of Jesus Christ around the world.

My staff and I want to pray for you and your needs as you partner with us. Please take a moment and fill out the enclosed prayer request card to send in with your best gift today.

Seeing His dreams come to pass – together.

Joan Hunter

PS. Be sure to check the schedule daily on the website for new bookings or last minute schedule changes. Pray for us as we go.