The Harvest is Plentiful
It’s Tuesday morning, the first day of October, as I find myself typing these jumbled thoughts. As much as Wisconsin farmers don’t need it right now, rain is falling steady and the thunder cracks here and again. Its supposed to be full swing harvest season in the fields right now, but due to a delayed wet spring planting season, the harvest is also late to get rolling, and the rain is not helping the matter.
Last night, myself and a crew of guys were out chopping corn silage till about midnight. Late nights are a common occurrence throughout the harvest season. They can get tiring, but last night I was more than happy to be getting a chance to sit in the harvester, lighting up the field in the night. I head to the airport Thursday morning, and with rain today and tomorrow, last night was sadly the end of the harvest season for me.
There are going to be several things I miss while being away; People, creature comforts, cheeseburgers! This harvest season is also one of those things. It’s my favorite time of year on the farm, and truthfully, I also feel a little guilty for leaving such a task to the rest of the guys. (hopefully they all make it through alive)
While in the chopper last night, the words of Matthew 9:37 came to my mind. No, I’m not a bible passage wizard. I had to look up where exactly this verse was found. Jesus says to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
This fall brings a different kind of harvest as my team and myself embark on the mission that God has laid before us. A harvest that I’m a bit less familiar with. Let me tell you, I can run a chopper, combine corn and soybeans, back a semi trailer into a field driveway, drive any tractor. I’ve had a lot of experience over the years and it has made me pretty good at what I do. However, it’s a bit sad to say, when it comes to sharing the most important aspect of my life, I’ve invested far less time in stepping out to share my faith with others around me. I foresee lots of learning and growth in myself as I’m stretched to be used for the Lords harvest these next 11 months. Not an easy kind of learning, but that of which comes with trials, errors, and stepping out of the natural comfort zone. The world race does have an application and interview process, but they understand that a masters degree in divinity is not a requirement for living a life on mission. They have seen that a simple “yes” spirit for the Lords calling is truly important in reaching people.
As I spend my last couple of days at home before launch, it really is a bittersweet experience. Goodbyes are not the most fun thing. Between the high school alumni soccer game this past Saturday, and the commissioning that took place at church on Sunday, many goodbyes were said. At the same time, I’m also amped up for what lies ahead! I’m eager to put distractions aside and let ministry be full time in my life. I’m looking forward to meeting back up with my wonderful team and going out in the name of the Lord! I hope the next blog contains some amazing stories from Medellin, Colombia and what ministry looks like there.
Until then, I need to quit procrastinating and get to packing!!! My goal is to keep my pack 40lbs or less. We’ll see I guess! If you’ve read until here, thanks! I’ll try to keep these blogs interesting with pictures and stories from wherever in the world we find ourselves. And also, thank you to all who have financially supported this mission. I’m still blown away and will never forget the generosity of you faithful followers.
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
