What difference can one person make?

Some people are natural encouragers. Barnabas, a Jewish Christian from Cyprus was one of those people. He is remembered mostly for the way he encouraged others - people like St Paul and John Mark. 'Encourager' is what his nickname Barnabas means. His real name was Joseph (or Joses in Greek). Take a look at the short fun video which introduces Barnabas and asks what difference one person can make.

Be a Barnabas from Chris Kinsley on Vimeo.

Today 11 June is the commemoration of St Barnabas. What if he hadn't done what he did? Who have been the key encouragers in your life? Are you an encourager?

Bountiful God, giver of all gifts,

who poured your Spirit upon your servant Barnabas 

and gave him grace to encourage others: 

help us, by his example, 

to be generous in our judgements 

and unselfish in our service; 

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 

who is alive and reigns with you, 

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and for ever.

Church of England Collect for Barnabas, Apostle.