“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)Being on the road again in the handicapped accessible conversion van is one of the richest blessings God has given me in a long time. He blessed me with a free trip to Myrtle Beach to attend the annual Gaither Fest. God had his hand on the beautiful weather and calmed my troubled stomach so I was able to drive 184 miles both ways without having to stop. It was a celebration of my renewed independence and my 62nd birthday and a generous gift from a dear friend and neighbor.
The greatest blessing is being able to drive myself to church. This past Sunday, Pastor Cox talked about how God has provided a plentiful harvest, but sometimes the need is great for dedicated workers to spread the Gospel of Jesus.
Though there are many activities I cannot be a part of at Trinity Baptist Church, I’ve learned the plans God has for me.
The things I do are not “good deeds” and I can’t earn my way into heaven, but God has opened the floodgates of opportunities for me to write, speak and minister to others. He helped me make the decision to buy the van so that I could have transportation which would enable me to reach out to others, particularly disabled folks who might not have a relationship with Jesus Christ and perhaps are bitter and angry about their disabilities.
But the real reason for this story is once again about my card ministry for our soldiers. In my morning devotional time the Tuesday after this Sunday service, the Lord guided me in relating the sermon message to this ministry. Last year when I had published an APB (all points bulletin) for workers, the response was tremendous. With the help of other volunteers, we mailed 4,000 Christmas cards to Iraq for our soldiers to send home to their families and friends.
This particular morning I saw the “harvest” as the many soldiers who are serving our country in war-torn areas where they have no place to buy greeting cards. But if someone else provides the cards, the soldiers have free postage.
So now I will get down to the real nitty-gritty of this article. The soldiers who are the “harvest” are plentiful, but the “workers” are few. One friend and I have at least 600 cards ready to go as I write this. I’ve been in touch with two clubs whose members are willing to help and about a dozen women at my new church, but still I have cards needing to be recycled.
Once the word got out that I have this ministry, people brought all kinds of cards to my home. So, folks, right now, I don’t need a “harvest of cards.” This is a request for willing “workers.” And there are different jobs to do. But first, if you have cards to get rid of, cut the backs off and only bring the front of the cards to me. If you can’t help with recycling, then buy a package of card stock, double-sided tape or glue sticks. And anyone can donate money toward the cost of mailing these boxes overseas.
Those who are out of work and can’t afford to contribute financially perhaps can use free time to help recycle cards. I know a lot of people work, have families and have limited time, but remember that our soldiers work, have families and have little recreational time.
And if you absolutely have no time or energy for the card ministry, then be a willing worker in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus says:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Are you a worker for the Lord? Are you concerned for those who are not part of the “harvest” and do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Then make it your personal ministry to spread the word of the gospel verbally. Become a worker and help bring in the “harvest” of lost souls. Timing is critical in both the salvation experience for those who are lost and the card ministry for our soldiers. The cards have to be mailed no later than the first week in November.
If you have time and desire to participate in this ministry for our soldiers, contact me at 704-278-9355 or lindainthecards@gmail.com.