It’s about that time. Combines are making their way to the field, farmers are gearing up for the late nights ahead and the grain elevators in every small town are beginning to bustle. Being raised in rural Illinois, harvest season is one of my favorite times of year. There is nothing quite like watching the fruits of your labor turn into profit, as well as a means of survival for families across the globe.
Unfortunately, after a week in Zimbabwe, my sinuses indicate it’s apparently harvest season here too. The stuffy nose, congested head and itchy eyes followed me all the way to Africa. Go figure…
However, another harvest has been weighing on my heart, a harvest even more valuable than your precious corn and bean fields. This harvest is specially cultivated by the Lord himself. Like crops, His harvest begins with planting the seed. Harvest is a biblically confirmed, full-circle process.
“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:14
and
“Indeed, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its produce.” Psalm 107:38
Here’s the kicker:
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37
Verse 38 continues, “So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
I’m asking the Lord for more workers. I’m prompting you to join me this harvest season. He NEEDS you to be the harvester of His fields. He needs me to do the same. I followed His call into the nations, and He is asking each of you to do your part. Your community, your city, your state, our country – they need you and they need Jesus. The time is now.
I’ve realized the necessity of harvest stretches globally. It is an evident priority in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This week is “Proclamation Week.” Several churches are participating in a city-wide evangelism outreach event called Bulawayo for Jesus. The hope is to take the city by storm with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The topic of harvest is a recurring theme here. I have heard more than one preacher emphasize the ripened harvest in this place.
It’s ripened and ready where you live too. It’s your turn to step out in faith, with boldness, and proclaim the good news. What joy your new confidence will bring the Father! Draw people to Christ, share His grace and invite people into eternity with Him. I promise I will be here doing the same.
And remember,
“The fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike.” John 4:36
Much love,
Carley
