“Jesus told them, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.’” (Luke 10:2)
Children’s hearts and minds are fertile soil that we, as Christian parents, teachers, and family members, need to intentionally and purposefully cultivate in order to reap a harvest of spiritual maturity and moral excellence in our families.
One way we approach this goal at Linder is through participation in Leadership Training for Christ, an annual event that is held for the northwest region in Richland, Washington. About 30 of our children, plus family members and other adults, traveled to Richland to attend the Leadership Training for Christ convention, where over 175 children from 3rd to 12th grade participated in many different events, such as Puppetry, Bible reading, Bible bowl, Chorus, Christian art, Christian drama, Speech, Signing, etc. The book of Matthew was the section of scripture used at this year’s convention, with the theme being “Don’t Worry, I’ve Got This.”
After months of preparation, studying the book of Matthew, working on developing speaking, writing, and singing skills, all of the participants reaped some of the early harvest of this time spent letting God’s word transform our hearts and minds. What a great investment, not only for the weekend spent with all those youngsters from around the northwest, but also for a longer term harvest in all our lives from the planting of God’s word in our hearts and minds.
It was so rewarding to see all the young ones who had invested their time in studying God’s word and learning new skills use them in the various events to honor God. The convention was not about winning a competition (even though recognition awards are given), rather the emphasis is placed on allowing God’s word to transform us into the likeness of Jesus, no matter where we are in our walk or what our talents might be.
“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36
Our prayer is that you also will want to plant seeds for an eternally important harvest. We invite you to Come and See the harvest Jesus has in mind for your life!
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:6