More on preparing for the Fall Harvest

This week our church was “overrun” by kids – the annual VBS program on “Jesus in Nazareth” attracted over 60 kids, and number of teens from outside of the church assisting. Comments were frequent “what if church would be like this for kids every Sabbath!” reflecting on all the fun in learning and dedicated effort of adults for children.

This Sabbath I am preaching at the oldest Toronto Church – Kingsview Village, the first church organized and built in Toronto by pastor J.T.Errington from London in 1910. The theme is “Focus on the Youth” and I am bringing to the church there prophecy of Malachi 4:5-6 about the Revival in the last days when parents will turn their hearts to their children which would become mutual. That is the main ingredient for revival needed today – parents getting involved fully with their children!

Our Children Ministries director Lucy Simoes will be inviting at VBS grad all the community children to the Adventurer’s programming, and to the weekly Sabbath School classes. Yet the invitation must also go out to the church adults – volunteer your time, help out with programming for kids and youth! Many kids have left in the past right after Adventurer’s as they were not welcomed to teen programming through Pathfinders and AY. Let me remind you that church clubs exist for a purpose of mentoring kids as they grow and develop their own faith. We cannot neglect the process of weekly training just because we do occasional annual events! As we sow seeds of kindness we must not neglect to harvest on relationships built.

Let me remind you again the Radical Friendship principles: first of all – be yourself, enjoy what you love to do, and let God use you as the tool for witness in your pass time. May the Fruit of the Spirit – the Love expressed as Joy be the “hook” for all who you meet to introduce them to Jesus as the Master of your life.

Get ready for the harvest this fall. Let this Saskatchewan stylized sheaf of wheat remind you our purpose – harvesting for God’s Kingdom. Plan to dedicate time and your gifts to serve new interests after your summer vacations.

In September as we welcome students back Christopher Bassaragh will do a two week revival series for youth and teens, students bringing in their friends. Throughout October we would invest extra energy into friendship building to invite people to two special weeks in November –

5-12 – Praying for our friends

18-27 – understanding prophecies for the last days.

As you enjoy the summer, pray for harvest, pray that the Lord would set you in his field for mighty harvest.