Why “Phoebes”?

 

“Phoebes” name has a two fold meaning: Phoebes are very small brown birds.  They are “generic” looking and are found in city centers and small towns, building little nests wherever they can.  They are under bridges, eaves, in signages over large big box stores.  They are accustomed to living around people as most people ignore them while they build their nests in resilient places.  They mainly prey on the mosquito and fly population, keeping those predators at bay.

 

Phoebe was also a well known benefactor in the 1st century that was believed to have helped the early church in a discreet and strategic way, through her connections and wealth, to deliver the letter from the Apostle Paul, to the church at Rome.  This letter is what we now know as the Book of Romans. 

 

We are both. We are discreet "connectors".  We are fierce advocates that ward off predator behaviors and bring awareness to our communities.  We advocate for our local community's "nests," using our connections and unique strategies to tend to the nests and bring hope to the weary.  We don't want to draw a lot of attention, specifically because of who we seek to help.  We are intentional, strategic, and about the mission.  

 

Locally advocating.  Locally connecting.  Locally preventing.  

 

For our children's sake.