Luke 10:2 - "...The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."
One of the duties I treasure is teaching our Olympians (6-12 year olds) on Friday afternoons. We recently had a lesson on Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Missions and one of the reasons that China today has a large and vibrant Christian church in the midst of persecution and adversity. He was supported in this mission by Charles Spurgeon, George Mueller, Dwight L. Moody and C.I. Scofield, all men greatly used of God. His blonde hair and English dress set him apart from those he ministered to, so he dyed his hair black, grew a long ponytail and dressed in traditional Chinese attire to better fit in and reach the lost.
God used his testimony to convict the hearts of hundreds of people to surrender and go to the mission field. One of those God used was C.T. Studd, a professional cricket player and author of "Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past" (scroll down to read the entire poem). He and the rest of the "Cambridge Seven" toured University campuses in England and Scotland before setting sail for the mission field, and Queen Victoria was pleased to receive a booklet of their testimonies. God was working mightily and people wanted to be a part.
I say this to bring attention to our situation here in Maine and New England. We currently have 21 churches looking for pastors. We are praying for the Lord to send workers to the harvest, some for bi-vocational positions, others for full time service. There aren't a lot of pastors looking to come to this area and we truly are a mission field. I am asking you to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send pastors to Maine and New England, and if God has called and equipped you or someone you know to pastor, please contact me so we can have the joy of making introductions to God's people in need.
I recently met with a pastor friend who has a young man he is apprenticing in ministry. Later this year we will start sending him out for pulpit supply and prayerfully he will be looking for a pastorate next year. We have another large church that has faithfully sent us young men that know the Word of God so we can help them exercise their gifts and polish their presentations through pulpit supply. Several of these men are now pastoring in our local churches. We are here to help, but we need men of God to step up and say, "Here am I Lord, send me." Maybe that's you or someone you know. If so, I'd love to talk to you about the need.
I'll keep praying, and I know if you join your prayers to mind the Lord of the Harvest will answer. Until then, blessings on you and yours. Honor God in all that you do and He will bless.
Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past by C.T. Studd
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill. living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
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