What an amazing time of year spring is. It holds such promise! Farmers diligently planting their crops and the cows birthing their calves, along with the sheep and their baby lambs. It brings me such joy to see them dotted about, here and there, on the surrounding rolling hills as I go to and from Salem. In spring, students are coming to the completion of a year's worth of study and effort. Even the months of the year seem to do their toiling in this season, as April showers usher in May flowers. All around us life gives evidence that if we sow we will reap, and that all of our labor is not in vain.

     Part of my Bible reading lately has been in the book of Ecclesiastes, where King Solomon waxes eloquently about the futility of man's labor under the sun, and one could be left despairing about the worthwhileness of his existence if he didn't  remember that there is a greater purpose in this life than just looking out for oneself. Solomon says in chapter three that 'everything God does will remain forever',  so we can be assured that for all of our duties on this earth that are done for God, by His Spirit, will have a never ending legacy which will come to a glorious crescendo at His return!

     The greatest occupation of achievement that we as Christians can give, next to loving God with all our heart, is that of being farmers for God. Psalm 126:5-6 says, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."  Charles Spurgeon wrote concerning this passage, "When a man's heart is so stirred that he weeps over the sins of others, he is elect to usefulness. Winners of souls are first weepers for souls. As there is no birth without travail, so is there no spiritual harvest without painful tillage. When our own hearts are broken with grief at man's transgression, we shall break other men's hearts: tears of earnestness beget tears of repentance..."

     Jesus says in Matthew 9 "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."  Will you go work in His harvest? It is spring and people are out mowing their lawns, shopping in the stores, having picnics...will you go to them and share JESUS? This is not the time to be sluggish. God is calling us to join Him, to be co-laborers for His Kingdom. The time is short and the time is now. There is no greater delight or reward than when a person gives their life to God, laying aside their sin and shame and coming to live in His wonderful light. We are here to bring good news to those who are sitting in darkness, without hope, trapped and in bondage. They need a Savior and we have one...and He once rescued us from the same pit of despair.

     If you want to be inspired and encouraged in sharing your faith, seizing every moment for Christ, then you should consider hearing our speakers for Memorial Day Weekend, Jon and Ann Dunagan, who have given their lives for the spreading of the Gospel. We still have space, but we are filling up, so sign up today. We'd love to see you!

Your fellow servant,

Julie Hansen