Since we took over the project from the Coleman family, Isatta and I have been praying and brainstorming about how to move forward with our little church group. Two weeks ago, the Lord gave me a response to our prayers as I was working in the little peanut garden behind our house.

Our back yard is about 40 by 50 feet. Most of it is rock and gravel, but on the south end the topsoil is good. At the beginning of the rainy season, Isatta and I planted peanuts, corn and some cucumbers and cassava there.

As any gardener knows, every planted seed needs attention and care. Weeding is a long, tedious process that brings the gardener into direct contact with his plants, touching them, digging around them and sometimes pruning the plants for a better harvest.

As I weeded my little garden, the Lord impressed my heart that what I was doing is what I must do for our little church group. The Colemans did a wonderful job planting a church here. The gospel seed has sprouted up, and our little flock is growing in the faith. As they grow, there are undesirable things that can spring up like weeds and hinder their spiritual growth.

In this society, family ties, social pressure and economic hardship choke the truth. Our responsibility is to guide our little flock and help them grow stronger and more resistant to these distractions. The Lord promises, “The reapers will be paid good wages and will be gathering eternal souls into the granaries of heaven. What joys await the sower and the reaper, both together!” (John 4:36 TLB).

Dear reader, we cannot do this without your spiritual and financial help. We thank you for all you have already done for this project. Without you, we couldn’t have come this far. Please continue to pray God’s wisdom for us as we work toward the great harvest.

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