The Harvest Field

In a few hours I will leave on a trip to our annual youth camp on the west side of Panay Island.  It’s about a 4 hour drive across decent roads. The last hour and a half passes some beautiful coastal views, especially at sunset.  Seasonal waterfalls are often visible along the mountain range that rises from the ocean floor.

About 100 of our young people will be gathered at Camp Moriah - 2 acres of beach front forested land owned by one of our church members.  The 4-day camp will feature games, speakers, music, and special activities that will serve to encourage each attendee to grow their relationship with the Lord and share their faith to others.

Yesterday I traveled two and a half hours to our neighboring province where Pastor Ronald manages a computer school while also evangelizing and discipling students.  We left 6 big boxes of school supplies for the children of several dozen families where Ronald does his outreach.  The supplies will be divided up into individual packets with a gospel presentation inside.  Each child will know that these supplies were given in Jesus’ name.

On Sunday I will travel to the interior of our island, also in mountainous terrain, to distribute school supplies to the needy families in our churches.  I will have the opportunity to share with them God’s Word and a message of encouragement.  The school year here in the Philippines begins the first full week of June, so this is an opportunity to share God’s love and blessings among the churches we work with.

In the days ahead I will be traveling to other areas to distribute school supplies, to speak in some of our churches, to lead Bible studies, to conduct trainings, and even to officiate a wedding.  Last week I heard that one of our most distant churches baptized 8 new believers just 2 weeks ago.  Another church purchased a vehicle so that they could transport their members to the 4 outreaches they oversee and which they hope will someday become churches.

All around God is at work.  He works because people have prayed for a harvest of souls, others have planted the seeds of the gospel, and still others have harvested the spiritual fruit.  Person by person God’s kingdom grows.