We can compare preaching the gospel to the life of a tree. Talking about Jesus with someone would be the sowing of the seed. When the person develops an interest in knowing more, that would be the seed germinating. Clearing doubts and correcting ideas contrary to the word of God would be watering the plant, pruning it and removing any weeds. Finally, the long-awaited fruit would be the baptism. When we look at this process on the mission field, we often think we will be part of them all.
I am Brazilian and have decided to dedicate my life to working as a cross-cultural missionary. This year, God led me to Cambodia, where Buddhism is the predominant religion. However, animism (belief in spirits) predominates in villages further from the city. The language in these villages is Khmer, which is entirely different from my Portuguese and very complicated to learn. Still, the Holy Spirit opens doors for me to preach the gospel.
Soon after arriving in Cambodia, I met a boy from a Buddhist family who did not actively follow any religion, and the Holy Spirit planted the seed of friendship between us. The boy would visit me whenever possible, and we would eat together and talk about life. Not long after, he became a student in my English classes.
One day, as we were about to share a meal at my house, he asked, “Can I pray to God instead of my traditional Pnong prayer of gratitude for food?” I was elated. I could see that the seed planted years ago by other missionaries was germinating.
In one of our English classes, I talked about the word “law” and compared it with “commandment,” then followed it up by saying that in the Bible, there is the law of the Ten Commandments of our God. My Buddhist friend was curious and asked me to explain more. With this opportunity, I continued watering the seed, strengthening it for the harvest.
When I moved out of the house, I met new neighbors, including a Buddhist girl. We talked frequently about life, religion and family, among other things. One day, I talked about the Bible and its different stories. Remembering that I had a Bible in Khmer, the Cambodian language, that another missionary had gifted me, I lent it to the girl to read. As soon as she picked up the Bible, she started reading the story of creation. She was very excited and took the Bible home, where she continued reading.
On the day I was to depart for Brazil, the girl asked, “Could you leave the Bible with me since you didn’t know how to read Khmer?”
“Are you reading it?” I asked surprisedly.
“Yes, except for when I am sad.”
“The Bible has several passages written to comfort us in moments when we are sad,” the Holy Spirit prompted me to reply. “God will continue to care for you. The missionaries here can help you study the Bible.” The proposal thrilled her.
During my time on the Pnong project, I sowed seeds, watered those already planted, pruned small branches and saw fruits being harvested. While we often don’t see the seeds we plant become fruitful trees, in heaven, God will show us all the fruits of our work for Him.
