This Thanksgiving I’m reflecting on harvest.

A lifelong intrigue with farming began in my childhood. I became aware of the annual calendar farmers followed and noticed that their efforts persisted regardless of weather. Some years, entire fields or portions of fields were reseeded to overcome damage from spring floods. Other years, energy was expended to sustain crops through drought, storm or fire.

No effort was counted a waste. The harvest was too important not to try.

Ministry follows a similar calendar. Our past two growing seasons have been challenging. Sisters and brothers, lay and clergy, thank you for persisting despite harsh conditions, recognizing the eternal harvest that is before us.

Your faithfulness in hard times brings Galatians 6:9 to mind: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV).

We celebrate this year’s harvest, thanking God for the bounty he has made possible. We also turn our eyes to 2022, praying for God’s leading, blessing and provision as we persist in closing the Gospel Gap by Unleashing a Kingdom Force.

God bless and keep you, my dear co-laborers.

A harvest awaits!