May 30, 2008
When we think about the parable of the sower and the seed, we usually focus on the growth that comes from the seed. Have you ever wondered how the sower felt when the seedlings sprouted briefly and then died for lack of depth or were choked by the thorns?
Workers in some of the large cities in this region have every reason to be discouraged; they are toiling over some hard and stony fields. Even when there is fruit, it seems to be weak and sickly.
One woman has been developing friendships with Iraqi refugees, pouring her life and love into these women who have lost so much. But it seems that as soon as the friendships have reached a level where they can share spiritual truths, the women are accepted as refugees in western countries and her friends leave. The worker then has to start over again, reaching out to another group of wounded women. She sometimes wonders if she can keep pouring out.
Her husband has seen more fruit. Several men he has built relationships with have come to the Lord; some have even been baptized. But then their growth stops. They receive the Good News with great joy, but then fear of family reactions, disappointments, concern for financial provision causes them to drift away.
It is discouraging to sow faithfully with love and yet see so little in return, especially when they hear of the amazing work being done in other areas. The workers could, perhaps, be forgiven if they gave up.
But these workers are not quitting, they are excited about the future. "God is about to do something here," they say. "People are praying, not just workers, but local churches are praying. People all around the world are praying. God is going to move, and there will be a great harvest in this field."
The Near East has several major cities where there is still great resistance to the Good News
Prayer Requests:
- Cry Out to the Lord to encourage faithful workers among Iraqi refugees.
- Cry Out that those who come to belief will hunger for more and grow in faith.
- Cry Out to the Lord to fill more and more people with a passionate desire to pray for the people and cities of this region.
Seeing is Not Yet Believing
Volume 2 - Issue 1 Jan 5, 2009
Seeds Need Water
Volume 1 - Issue 24 - Dec 9, 2008
Paying The Cost
Volume 1 - Issue 23 - Dec 6, 2008
Waiting to Flower
Volume 1 - Issue 22 - Nov 30, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 21 - Nov 15, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 20 - Oct 30, 2008
Fasting for the Future
Volume 1 - Issue 19 - Oct 15, 2008
Faith Rewarded
Volume 1 - Issue 18 - Sept 30, 2008
Don't Grow Weary?
Volume 1 - Issue 17 - Sept 15, 2008
The Father's Dilemma
Volume 1 - Issue 16 - Aug 30, 2008
One Extra in Chapel
Volume 1 - Issue 15 - Aug 15, 2008
Rescued
Volume 1 - Issue 14 - Jul 30, 2008
Sacrifice
Volume 1 - Issue 13 - Jul 14, 2008
Finally Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 12 - Jun 29, 2008
Kingdom Workers Opposition
Volume 1 - Issue 11 - Jun 15, 2008
The Sowers
Volume 1 - Issue 10 - May 30, 2008
A Love Story
Volume 1 - Issue 9 - May 14, 2008
Who Healed You
Volume 1 - Issue 8 - Apr 29, 2008
Breaking Dividing Walls
Volume 1 - Issue 7 - Apr 14, 2008
Almost Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 6 - Mar 30, 2008
The Hunter
Volume 1 - Issue 5 - Mar 14, 2008
From Morning to Dancing
Volume 1 - Issue 4 - Feb 28, 2008
The Bonds of Brothers
Volume 1 - Issue 3 - Feb 14, 2008
Found
Volume 1 - Issue 2 - Jan 30, 2008
An Invitation to Join with Us
Volume 1 - Issue 1 - Jan 14, 2008
