These are the words I heard from a co-worker at our annual EHC leadership conference in September. Sadly, it’s the reality for a number of our dedicated EHC staff and volunteers in other nations.

The brother I quoted above gives leadership to EHC’s work in a nation that considers itself part of the modern world. For us this would imply freedom of speech and of conscience. However, in this nation, a growing number of Christians and pastors are being physically attacked, beaten, and kidnapped while homes and churches are burned to the ground.

Our brother also shared that he has been “tagged” by his government as being “a threat to national security” because of his faith in Christ and his role in the spread of the gospel. This looms over him continually.

Listening to him was almost overwhelming. His comments were heartbreaking, but his voice tone and his countenance were gentle, peaceful, and fully committed. He has counted the cost…

In 2 Corinthians 6 the apostle Paul describes the hardship he and many others have endured in ministry with these words.

“ …as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

The advance of the early church often involved brutal opposition as a result of the spiritual battle that exists in this world. It will be this way until Jesus comes again. But the church is advancing!

Despite threats and brutality, the power of the gospel is breaking through barriers everywhere. There are astounding testimonies of people thirsting for life and responding to the good news of Christ as they encounter his salvation message. In some of the most dangerous places literally thousands of people are turning to Christ.

This November, as in previous years, we draw attention to the Persecuted Church. Let’s all take time to pray for Christians who suffer for their faith and join millions of believers across the world who will also pray for our dear brothers and sisters.

Many of the 171 nations where EHC is active today are on the World Watch List of 50 nations where it is most dangerous to be a Christian.

The most common requests that we hear from our co-workers are these: “Pray for us that we be courageous and not lose the vision of reaching people with the gospel”, and “Pray that God’s Word will run swiftly and be honoured through the nation”.

Let’s pray for them often, especially during this month of focus on the Persecuted Church.

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The definition offered by the World Watch List (WWL) flows from lengthy research and careful analysis of a multitude of events. Briefly stated, it is, “Any hostility experienced as a result of one’s identification with Christ. This can include hostile attitudes, words and actions towards Christians”.

The broader definition includes, “restrictions, pressure, discrimination, opposition, disinformation, injustice, intimidation, mistreatment, marginalization, oppression, intolerance, infringement, violation, ostracism, hostilities, harassment, abuse, violence, ethnic cleansing and genocide.”

The WWL reports that the number of Christians worldwide who face high levels of persecution as a result of their identification with Christ has risen from 365 million in 2024 to more than 380 million in 2025.

In many nations this growing persecution involves suffocating oppression and deadly violence, stone-throwing and raids on worship services as well as sexual abuse of Christian women.

WWL has stated from their 2025 research that one in every 7 Christians live in situations of at least ‘high’ levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith.

Here are highlights from their report. For faith-based reasons, Christians have been…

• Killed, including state sanctioned executions
• Detained without trial
• Abducted
• Sentenced to jail, labour camp, sent to psychiatric hospitals as punishment
• Forced into marriages with non-Christians
• Physically and mentally abused, including beatings and death threats
• Forced to leave their country
• Houses of Christians and other property, shops or businesses have been attacked, damaged, bombed, looted, destroyed, burned down, closed or confiscated

International Day of Prayer

Persecution against Christians continues to intensify. On Sunday November 2nd, millions of Christians around the world will focus prayer on this tragedy. Let’s pray with them, on our own or with others. Here are some suggestions:

• Pray for the Lord to act in great power to turn back the spirit of hatred against his people and deliver them from evil.
• Pray for protection from extremists who use rape as a weapon against women and men. May the Lord put a hedge of protection around them.
• Pray for God’s protection and encouragement of Christian children who are bullied by classmates who freely express hatred and contempt towards them.
• Pray for God’s protection of Christian girls and women who are at great risk of kidnapping.
• Pray for Christians who suffer for their allegiance to the Lord, that they would have the strength and vision to hold on to the hope we have in Christ, whatever may come.

“In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
John 16: 33b NRSV

Report Data © Open Doors International

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What an uplifting thought to keep in the forefront of our mind every day — The Lord is good and his love endures forever!

Although only 26 verses long, this psalm is packed with profound meaning for people in all generations and circumstances of life. It’s a song that instructs and guides anyone who takes time to meditate on its message.

Most likely a leader would recite the opening line of each verse which would be followed by the people responding: “His love endures forever.” Imagine that choir of voices repeatedly expressing such powerful truth about God’s love.

Through generations, the annual celebrations which had begun thousands of years earlier, reminded worshippers that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. In the best of times and through stressful, anxious, and dangerous times, these words reminded them that they could count on God’s love and faithfulness.

Today, in our world of so-called progress, it seems that people of all ages around the world are stressed to the breaking point and experiencing hopelessness and despair.

I would like to suggest that as people of faith in the God of gods we regularly take time to include this psalm in our prayer time. It would be reassuring and good for our souls in these trying days. It would also be a witness to be known for our gratitude to God for all of the reasons stated in this Psalm.

No matter how perplexed we may be with the pressures and sufferings we face in this life, we can always ask the Lord to remind us of all the things we can be thankful for along our journey.

The sincere expression of thanks has great value for our spiritual life of faith, our emotional stability, our physical health, and our relationships.

A number of nations have a day built into their calendar called, Thanksgiving Day. The holiday was initially a day set aside to pause from our work and give thanks for the autumn harvest.

Perhaps in these troublesome days we would do well to take time each day to review Scripture passages like Psalm 136. It could serve as a prompter to help make a list of how much we have to be grateful for, even in the midst of our challenges and hardship.

For our own sake, we must take time to remember that God is with us and that he is faithful no matter what comes our way. Let’s also be generous in expressing appreciation to those who participate in our lives in small and big ways.

Thanksgiving is not only a day on the calendar but also a way of life.

Please know that not a week goes by that I don’t sincerely give thanks to the Lord for your partnership in making known the gospel of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, here and around the world!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136: 1-3, 26

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The profound reinvention of many societies, including Canadian society, continues to wash away the Christian values and ethics that once guided many governments and institutions.

The impact on children and young adults is devastating.

A research document released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2024¹ examines the state of young people’s mental health and the possible causes for this global crisis which is characterized by increased stress, growing anxiety, deepening hopelessness, and lack of resilience.

Here is an overview of some key findings. According to research one in six people between the ages of 10 and 19 are experiencing mental health challenges. Some of the causes listed include social changes such as poverty, abuse, or violence. The report also states that increasing stress among children and adolescents can be linked to adversity, pressure to conform with peers, and exploration of identity.

Another section of the report bluntly states that emotional disorders are common among adolescents, including anxiety and depression. Further we read that globally “suicide is the third leading cause of death in people between the ages of 15 and 29”, and that digital and other media can be contributors.

Researchers examined a wide range of topics including home life, physical health, and the use of social media. Changing moral values and a culture of entertainment and distraction appear to play a significant role in the growing despair sweeping over this generation.

Children, adolescents and young adults are in trouble, and they need our help.

As I read the report my mind drifted to the Word of God, my own experience of this life-giving Word and what I’ve seen in other Christians. Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10)

Only in God do we find solid help for our fragile souls; only in him do we find living hope.

Hardship, suffering, even violence and poverty may still come, but walking with God develops resilience.

The dissatisfaction and despair that plagues so many young people today would be extraordinarily relieved if they knew God’s immeasurable love for them. They would discover that contentment and a meaningful life come from walking in God’s ways. It’s the life for which everyone is created.

Children and youth need us to care for them. Many professionals are doing their part to help. Their role is largely about prevention, detection and treatment. But what can we do?

We can pray for them faithfully. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Let’s pray for the Christians in schools, colleges, and universities, from students to faculty, that with the help of God they would be witnesses of his love and grace; that with the Lord’s help they will be able to speak gently and compellingly about the hope they have in Christ.
2. Let’s cover all children, adolescents and young adults with prayer, asking the Lord to protect them from social pressures, destructive influence and violence. Let’s ask the Lord to send them good friends to be companions on their journey. Let’s pray that they will come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved, by God’s grace.
3. Let’s pray for the professionals who apply their skills and expertise to help children and youth deal positively with mental health issues. Let’s pray that these dedicated workers will be receptive to God’s wisdom and guidance and come to know the Lord of hope themselves.
4. Let’s pray for the church to be awakened to urgency and necessity of exposing young people, from childhood and up, to the Word of God and teach them how to trust him and walk in his ways.

Children and young people need our prayer support for strength and wisdom as they face the pressures of their unique context. Let’s ask the Lord to help them find their way and find their place in this world.

Above all, they need to have opportunities to come in contact with the life-giving Gospel of Christ. Let’s pray for those opportunities to come, that many may encounter the Lord and experience his love and grace.

Let’s take this vulnerable generation into our hearts and lay them often at the feet of Christ.

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Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2: 9, that no eye has seen, no ear has heard no human mind has conceived, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.

His mission and service for Christ began with his response to the Lord who appeared to him and appointed him to be his servant and witness. (Acts 26: 16-18). This passage reminds us of the commission and promise of Jesus to his followers, “You shall be my witnesses”. (Acts 1: 8)

We who have responded through repentance and faith are given the awesome privilege and responsibility to communicate the gospel of God’s grace and love to others. We also are his servants and witnesses.

In the biblical context, being a servant of Christ refers to one who humbly, and obediently submits to Christ’s priorities, will, mission, authority, and direction.

Being a witness of Christ is to communicate and live in a way that makes Jesus known. For Paul and for millions of believers today this often requires the Holy Spirit’s enablement, courage, and wisdom in the face of opposition, even at the cost of one’s life.

Paul’s journey was marked with many powerful victories that would make the bestseller’s list today. However, when he became a follower of Christ, he oriented his life in a new direction, and it was costly.

He endured hardship, persecution, a shipwreck, physical suffering, lashings, stoning, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, dangers from robbers, false brethren, and betrayals by people who claimed to be his allies. He was perplexed, persecuted, struck down, imprisoned, he faced riots, and was finally delivered to death.

Through it all, he learned to be content, and he experienced the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Over the centuries, billions of people have come to know Christ through the message brought to them by empowered and faithful witnesses. Many have received the gospel message from bruised and battered believers.

Today, in our increasingly troubled world, our role as faithful servants and witnesses of Christ is vitally important. Like Paul, we know that we can rely on God’s unconditional promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

As we serve our Lord in this life, we hold on to his unchangeable promises. He is there to comfort us in our difficulties, guide us in his service, and empower us to be his witnesses.

Let’s remain faithful in prayer and support of those who respond to his call in difficult and often extremely dangerous places. Let’s also ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more labourers into his field.

May all believers take to heart the words that Christ spoke to Paul in Acts 26: 16 and continually grow as fruitful servants and witnesses of his love and grace.

In Revelation 7: 9-10 we are given a glimpse of the immense fruitfulness of Christ’s faithful servants and witnesses over the centuries…

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Let’s hold on to this vision of God’s great victory as we serve, endure, and do the next thing to reach as many people as possible with the good news of salvation and eternal life.

As we watch the breaking of our fragile world through wars, disasters, and the waywardness of lost humanity, let’s resolve to be witnesses and servants of Christ. So much is on the line for everyone, everywhere, including in our nation.

May God’s grace, peace and strength be with each of us.

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Moments before disappearing through the clouds, Jesus said to his disciples, “You will be my witnesses”.

The scope of this unusual mission was staggering—in Jerusalem, all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

This small group of people was still recovering from the traumatic events that had occurred 40 days earlier. The man they had loved and followed had been arrested, falsely accused, humiliated, and brutally executed. But on this day, he stood before them to delegate a task that would change the world.

To the natural mind their assignment seemed impossible. However, the impossible often happened with Jesus, including his glorious resurrection.

But what an assignment! No planes, trains, buses, radio, TVs, or the internet. How would they be his witnesses to the ends of the earth?

Jesus promised they would have all the necessary resources. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8) I can only imagine how this statement would have struck the disciples. Their Lord had just been raised from the dead by the power of this same Spirit.

This promise was fulfilled only days later and so began a global missions’ movement that continues to reach people to the ends of the earth today. Billions across the centuries in every corner of the world have been recipients of Christ’s life transforming gospel message through multitudes of his witnesses. And this critical mission will continue until Jesus returns.

Being a witness of Christ is a sacred task and weighty responsibility given to every disciple of the Lord. These are people who are convinced of the saving truth of the Gospel and who grow as faithful followers and representatives of Christ. They continue to mature in the knowledge of his ways which becomes evident in every part of their lives.

The witnesses matter because they pass along the crucial message of God’s love and grace. The character and ways of every disciple has an impact and creates an image of who we are for the onlooker. Herein lies a continual challenge for the church as we all endeavour to be faithful witnesses.

It is vital that as the Lord’s disciples we persevere in reading and pondering the Word of God, allowing it to do adjustments to our lives and continually transform our hearts and minds.

We must also persevere in prayer. We must pray for the harvest, for the workers in the harvest field, and for the gospel to spread rapidly, in spite of the hindrances of unreasonable people.

It’s also important that we pray for one another because the Lord’s witnesses matter. Here is a brief prayer to help us do just that.

Father, I come before you in the name of Jesus, and I thank you for your people.

Help us to always abound in your work. Help us to be rooted and built up in your Word, established in the faith and overflowing with thanksgiving.

Help us to seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and to set our affection on things above, and not on things of the earth.

Help us to not to be governed by our feelings but to be moved by the Word and Spirit of God that we may walk in the ways of your kingdom.

Fill us with the knowledge of your will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Help us to live in such a way that we may please you, be fruitful in every good work, and grow steadily in the knowledge of Christ our Lord.

Help us, your own people, holy and dearly loved, to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, even in the face of hostility and adversity.

Help us to love one another as your Word teaches us (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) and forgive one another as Christ forgave us.

Help us to always treat each other with gentleness and respect in all circumstances.

Help us to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders, letting our speech be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.

Let no evil be in our midst and no plague come near us.

May we be a people who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

Father, I thank you for your bountiful mercy and grace toward your children.

May the peace of God rule our hearts. Amen.

(The essence of this prayer is from passages in the Psalms, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and I Thessalonians.)

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Governance matters and it’s not man’s original idea. In fact, we see in Scripture (Genesis 1: 28) that the principle of government was established by God for the proper stewardship of creation.

An important responsibility for God’s people at all times and in all places is to pray for those who have the authority to govern, whether they be followers of Christ or not, since good governance is vital for the welfare of all citizens. In Old Testament times, even while in exile, God’s people were instructed to pray for the peace of the city where they lived, because if the city prospered so would God’s people. (Jeremiah 29:7)

The apostle Paul who lived in a time and place under the harsh domination of the Roman Emperor, instructed all Christians to pray for those in authority.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 1:1-4)

There’s crucial reason why we are instructed to pray for people in government.

We learn from Scripture that governing is a biblical responsibility established for the well-being and flourishing of people in accordance with God’s purposes. One important role of governments is to prevent violence and chaos.

Considering Paul’s words quoted above, we remember that the purposes of God for his people this side of Christ’s return includes being on mission for the spread of the gospel so that all people may come to a knowledge of the truth.

His purpose is that the witness of his church may go forward unhindered by societal turbulence. However, by God’s grace, even in turbulent times and places his kingdom advances.

The governance of people and creation is a sacred trust, whether those who govern realize it or not. Those who serve in such positions will one day give an account to God for how they have stewarded their responsibility.

In the democratic world it is sometimes said that those who have been elected will give an account at the next voting polls. However, Christ’s followers know that this is not the end of the matter.

So then, how can we pray for men and women who serve in various systems of governance even though many may not be disciples of Christ? The following are a few thought prompters drawn from Scripture to help us pray.

• That God’s kingdom would come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven—in our nation, province, community and church.
• That people in government would be influenced by godly principles in such a way that they would be inclined to promote and enable godly values in society.
• That government leaders would act justly, love mercy and humbly walk with God.
• That those serving in government will not make decisions that would impede the advancement of the church’s mission and the spread of the gospel of Christ.
• That those who do not believe in Christ will encounter the gospel message and receive it with open hearts and minds, to the glory of the Lord.
• For those who are believers, that they will not become weary in well-doing or be swayed away from godly principles.
• That God would place people in proximity to decision-makers, whether as assistants or advisors, to speak a clear word of wisdom that would influence them to do right. We remember that God placed Joseph in Pharaoh’s house and Esther in the king’s palace to save multitudes.

The world, our nation, and our communities are at critical crossroads. You and I may not have a role in the halls of government, but we have a role and a place in the courts of God. Let’s pray believing in him, fixing our eyes on him who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

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People in Honduras need the Lord. EHC workers are committed to keep sharing the gospel message with people home by home and person by person.

Here are two testimonies recently received in our office.

Don Manuel

While visiting a senior’s home the EHC team encountered 87-year-old Don Manuel. He expressed feelings of sadness and despair after his family completely abandoned him. He had spent part of his life raising his children and providing for their education.

His son graduated as a systems engineer, his second daughter earned a degree from the National Autonomous University of Honduras, and his third daughter has a degree in pedagogy. None of them visit him. The team reports:

“After listening to him attentively share the pain in his heart, we had the opportunity to present the gospel to him through the tract How to Find Peace. Not only did we read it to him, but we also explained the true meaning of the gospel. At that moment, Don Manuel was able to understand the message of salvation, and with an open heart, he accepted Christ as his only and sufficient Saviour.”

We give glory to God for his life and pray that he may find the comfort and peace that he needs in the Lord.

Acsa

Acsa is a 15-year-old girl who lives in Nueva Capital, a marginalized neighborhood in Tegucigalpa, the capital city. The EHC team reached this area to carry out a home-to-home gospel outreach led by Pastor Sánchez. They reported:

“At one of the homes, we met Acsa. We greeted her and introduced ourselves as an evangelistic team. When we asked her name, she responded, “Acsa.” We then mentioned that her name appears in the Bible, which became the starting point for a deeper conversation. During our discussion we saw her great need for a relationship with the Lord.

With tears in her eyes, Acsa expressed her longing to know Christ and hear His Word. As we shared the gospel with her, she immediately responded with a willing heart, surrendering her life to Christ at that very moment.

Deeply moved, she expressed her gratitude that the message of the gospel had reached her life that day.

Along with sharing the message of salvation, we gave her the Gospel of John and taught her essential steps for her new walk in Christ Jesus. It was a blessing to see that Acsa’s heart was ready to receive the gospel that day.”

EHC Honduras, now led by Ministry Director, Lidia Reanos, has been fervently reaching the nation since 1983. The team faces the challenges of mountains and seasonal road destruction, which necessitate alternative means of travel such as mules or small planes. Despite political unrest, extreme poverty, high crime and high murder rates, EHC remains committed to reaching everyone everywhere in this complex nation. Through strategic partnerships with churches, innovative training, and the use of literature and digital tools for evangelism, the gospel of Christ is continually reaching people.

Let’s lift EHC and the people of Honduras to the Lord in prayer. May God in his great mercy answer these prayers and pour out his Holy Spirit upon Honduras.

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Various beliefs and religious practices created a context for the church that had no shortage of challenges. In addition, Paul wrote that some who were preaching the Christian message were doing so out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition.

Paul’s letter is a strong word of encouragement to Philippian believers to live the Christian life authentically, and he guides them in that path.

He also prays for them with a full understanding of the challenge they face in the surrounding culture.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

The Bible tells us that Christian love is continually growing and maturing in the knowledge of God, in depth of insight — what we must learn about God’s ways, and what is morally right.

In this fallen world and its values, we are called to reflect God’s righteous ways. This guides our response to everything and everyone. Paul’s prayer applies to the whole of life. It’s a strong word of encouragement and also a clear admonishment to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

We know that we can’t achieve such holy standards on our own. But Paul encourages the Philippians and us today to humbly seek and follow our God who will complete the work he has begun in those who love him until the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

There is help. Paul tells us that it is God who works in his people to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)

In a world that seems to be unravelling more and more, followers of Christ have the certainty of where everything will end. We know the end of the story and look through the storms to the wonderful day of the Lord.

Until he comes, or we go to be with him, we can be daily recipients of his amazing grace. As we continually learn to walk in his ways, being humble, repentant, and maintaining a serving heart, the light of the gospel shines as a bright witness to others.

Let’s take great encouragement from Paul’s prayer and offer those words to God in prayer for one another.

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As we grow in discipleship our hearts are shaped by the Word of God and as a result our worldview changes profoundly. We learn to live and work with confidence in God who can do immeasurably more that we could ask or think. Our trust is no longer in ourselves or in the ways of this world.

In the Gospels we meet Jesus our encourager. He speaks of the challenges we will face in this life and at the same time opens our eyes to what is possible now that his kingdom has come. We see this clearly in the parables.

The parables are mini stories with big intentions. Jesus uses them to help us grasp the radical difference between the principles of this world and the nature of the kingdom of God.

This kingdom is supernatural and has now invaded this world in the person and mission of Christ. The redemptive rule of God has come into history to deliver people from the power of evil. At the end of the age, when the king of the kingdom comes in his glory, he will sit on the throne of judgement. But until then, he has commissioned his people to share the message of redemption with everyone possible, everywhere possible.

Sharing the gospel has always been a risky business in this fallen world. Luke and Paul wrote about the brutal opposition encountered by the Early Church. Today, we are witnessing a level of violence against evangelism around the world as we’ve not seen in our lifetime. In many nations the anger rising against Christ and his people leads to intense suffering, even death.

While this world is a battleground where a ruthless war rages against the Lord and his gospel, it is also his harvest field, a plentiful one. Our place in this vast field is as seed Sowers.

Mark has a collection of three parables about seed and Sowers. The first considers the soils where the seed is sown. Jesus explains that just as different soil conditions affect the harvest, the condition of people’s heart determines their response to the Word of God.

The next two parables focus on the seed itself and provide great encouragement to the Sower. We learn that in fact, the fruit depends on the seed itself. In the parable of the growing seed Jesus teaches that once it is sown, the seed will germinate, sprout and grow in ways we cannot explain or even see at first. (Mark 4:26-29)

In the parable of the mustard seed we learn that a small beginning can produce great growth because of the life that is in the seed. (Mark 4:30-32).

How vital a lesson this was for the disciples who would soon be commissioned to go into all the world and proclaim the good news of the kingdom. They could have easy thought and felt that fruitful evangelism depended entirely on their efforts. However, the Lord of the harvest made sure that the training of the seed Sowers included critical lessons on the powerful seed of God’s Word.

Jesus’ parables clarify the perspective on our role in God’s harvest field and encourages us to sow without holding back, trusting that the life in the seed will bear its fruit.

These parables explain our frequent disappointment and what may feel like failure. But they also give hope, the assurance that ultimately there will be tremendous growth and an abundant harvest.

Regardless of what may seem like fruitless efforts at times, we continue to sow faithfully as far and wide as possible. We keep our eyes on the promises that Jesus makes in these parables and never forget that the things of God’s kingdom don’t operate like the things of the world.

By God’s grace a great harvest is being gathered across the world wherever the seed is continually sown. We continue to do the same here in our own nation trusting in the miraculous process.

One day, at the end of the age, the Harvester will reap from his field with joy, and he will gather to himself a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe and tongue.

Let’s believe the lessons of the parables as we follow Jesus our encourager.

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