The Journey Begins

A critical priority

GOD’S PURPOSE is accomplished when his people have a right priority—going forth and weeping, bearing precious seed. Only then can they “doubtless come again with rejoicing”, bringing their sheaves with them. (Psalm 126:6)

The seeds of the Harvest ministry were sown during a sermon preached by missionary who told of a surgeon who had resolved to serve God when he retired. But when the time came, his hands were gnarled with arthritis. He had failed to redeem the time.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:14-16)

And so after much prayer, God illuminated four key words for us in another passage:

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, LIFT UP YOUR EYES, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:35-37)

The realisation came that, with the right editorial team, and the best communication technologies available, the global mission field could be visible to all, 24/7, in a way never before possible. For our days are indeed evil, and the laborers never so few, for a harvest never so great.

But the rewards that await, are indeed great. We can all boldly go where God has gone before.

I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. (John 4:38)

Paul said,

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Our editorial model is the same method the Lord used to inspire his disciples. It took a woman of Samaria to show the way, as she drank of those rivers of living water, and immediately became a soul-winner. She went into Sychar and returned with a crowd—bringing her sheaves with her.

Paul did the same. His instant response on the road to Damascus was, instant response was, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6)

That should be our response, too.