The workers are few

When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:36-38 NIV

I’ve received a friendly comment from Dean Finnie yesterday. Dean is an Englishman, a Crystal Palace FC supporter (just so that you know) and – more importantly – a man with a burning heart for Jesus. Dean and his wife Paula are working as missionaries in South Africa for Crosslinks. Please check out their weblog Adventures with God to find out more about them and their cute little son Joel.

Last night I spent quite some time scrolling through Dean and Paula’s postings and I have to say that I am impressed by their work in a poor South African community which is struggling with many social problems. I am afraid that many Christians in Europe and the US are fully occupied with internal church affairs. Some of us are complaining about empty churches, others are singing God’s praises in happy-clappy congregations filled with people who are all having a great time. But what about all the poor people in our world who are starving and suffering? Who is going to help them? Who is going to tell them about the Way, the Truth and the Life?

Of course I know that only some of us are called by God to go to far away countries as aid workers, doctors, nurses, teachers, evangelists or missionaries. But even if we are not called to go far away, we should obey our Master:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - The Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

OK, maybe you are not in the position to go to Africa, Asia or South America. I am sure God is able to use you right where you are. Maybe as an Internet Evangelist… But even if that is the case – please don’t forget to support your brothers and sisters who literally obeyed Jesus’ instructions! Please pray for workers in the harvest and let them know that you care by supporting them practically and financially! Reading a missionary blog is a good way to get involved… I will add Dean, Paula and Joel’s website to my favourites list. It’s the least I can do!

Dear Father, thank You for people like Dean and Paula Finnie who are actually doing what your Son told us all to do. Bless them and help us to pray and to do whatever we can to support your front soldiers. And please, help us to become workers in the harvest ourselves!

Weblog Dean, Paula and Joel Finnie
Crosslinks missionary site
PDF with some background information