After the trip: Blog 5. Planting Seeds, praying for growth

1 Cor. 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

On one international trip to Kenya, my team spent time in Muranga'a. Muranga'a was an old British fort that watched the main roads between settlements in Nairobi and the northern territories leading to Mt. Kenya and beyond. Muranga'a is a thriving town now with access to great soil, deep valleys, tea and coffee climate, and mild weather. While we ministered in this area, we worked with a local American missionary at a location called the Hilltop. This rural property sat between several significant villages in rural Muranga'a county and acted as a preaching point for many unchurched. Our team led worship, preached, sponsored medical clinics, and held Bible schools for a many children in the area. We were also able to experience the widow ministry developed at this location. Quite an amazing setup, both in ministry and in beauty.

While we were here, the local missionary invited us to participate in a beautification project on the property. They team was adding shrubs and trees as a water break on a side of the property that would easily wash out in the rainy season. So, we spent a morning planting shrubs and trees on the property. It was a nice break from the other type of work we were doing, and the beauty of the property allowed for some time to reflect on God's amazing creativity.

I did not think much more about it. I had pictures of my son and some other students of mine working with their hands and laughing through day. But 5 years later, it was not a core memory of mine.

Then, one of my good friends who had returned to Muranga'a sent me photo of the plants. In true Kenyan fashion, the plants thrived in the rich soil. The trees and other work we had done were now mature and accomplishing their intended goal. I was so grateful to hear from my friend and to see the photos.

I went back and looked at our original pictures--holes in the ground, planting the seeds, watering the soil. Not much to look at the time. And the team was covered in red clay for our efforts.

But seeing the growing bushes and trees reminded me that our mission work is not measured in one trip or one experience. Mission work is a life-long experience, and each mission trip contributes to a steady stream of Gospel-oriented, kingdom-focused work that will outlive us.

What a joy for us to participate in planting seeds. We may never see the end result, but we accomplished what God called us to do. I will always be grateful for this physical image of the spiritual journeys I have experienced in mission.

Pray for the seeds you planted. Pray they will be watered and nurtured, Pray that God will bring growth. Pray that our work for the Kingdom will outlive us. Give thanks for the opportunity to serve in the body of Christ that spans millennium and will eventually last for eternity.