“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “’The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matt. 9:35-38 

When we were pregnant with our daughter, my wife was put on bed rest for a few weeks before the due date. Our son Joash was three years old, and our son Lincon Aaron was one year old. I was planting a church in Houston back then, and I remember bringing my laptop to work from home as I cared for Joash, Lincon Aaron, and my very pregnant wife. There was so much to do and only one set of hands! It seemed impossible. But it was also an opportunity for me to serve my family and go the extra mile for them.

In the year that I have been serving in the Texas District, I have seen many servants of God going the extra mile because “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” It’s not easy! But it is a great opportunity! You may have heard the story of the two salesmen sent by a shoe manufacturer to a remote village to sell shoes. The first salesman went and scouted around for a few days; he didn’t sell any shoes and was very discouraged. His report was: this is a disaster! No one here wears shoes! So, the manufacturer sent a second shoe salesman. A few days later he called very excitedly as he discovered the same situation. He reported: this is great! No one here wears shoes! He saw the most incredible opportunity of his life and asked for more inventory to be sent.

As I help different congregations in their call process in West Texas, I have discovered that the harvest is indeed plentiful in Texas. The demographic studies of the communities around our churches and ministries show that many, many people are unchurched. What a great opportunity to “go throughout all the cities and villages, teaching… and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.”

The plentiful harvest in Texas continues to require our prayers for workers today. Many pastors and church workers serve more than one faith community because the laborers are few. It’s not easy; it may even seem impossible sometimes. But they keep proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. I want to take this opportunity to say, “Gracias!” Thank you for your hard Kingdom work.

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” The plentiful harvest in Texas still calls us to bear witness ourselves. Jesus still wants to “make disciples of all nations.” He still has compassion for the crowds and chose to use you and me to serve them.

By Rev. Lincon Guerra
Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Area A