The needs in our world are staggering! Many people are unemployed or are facing economic disaster. The threat of terrorism is running rampant. There are growing health scares in many countries all around the globe and significant climate changes are on the increase.
However, let me suggest that there is another need out there of much more significance than any of the problems I’ve listed here. It is the ever-growing population of our world that signifies a mounting number of people all around the world who do not know Christ. Certainly, our sovereign, omnipotent God is in control and we must trust Him to bring those He wills unto Himself. Yet, the needs are incredible.
According to the United Nations, the population of our world will grow by over a billion people in less than 12 years. A recent USAToday article also revealed statistics that indicate an increasing number of people here in the United States and around the world that do not believe in any religion whatsoever. Plus, we should consider the ramifications of the old Moody Monthly statistic that stated there are four retiring missionaries for every 1 new missionary heading out.
The stats shout the reality. We’re not keeping up! The need for harvest workers around the world is growing exponentially.
It’s amazing to think that our Lord has a plan for this ever-expanding population growth and the resulting need for more and more harvest workers. His strategy, clearly laid out for us in Scripture, is to pray.
It’s amazing to think that our Lord has a plan for this ever-expanding population growth and the resulting need for more and more harvest workers. His strategy, clearly laid out for us in Scripture, is to pray.
Matthew 9:36 – 38 puts it this way, “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly [is] plentiful, but the laborers [are] few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
The Lord’s strategy is to pray for more workers. So, let’s bind together to do that.
On Sunday, October 11, 2009, Vision For Youth is calling all Gospel-preaching churches everywhere to schedule intentional prayer time for God’s people to pray for a new generation of harvest workers! We beg you; please carve out some time that Sunday to ask your people to pray for the Lord to call some from your church into His world-wide harvest fields. Prayer is His plan and His strategy. Our responsibility is to obey His mandate.
On Sunday, October 11, 2009, Vision For Youth is calling all Gospel-preaching churches everywhere to schedule intentional prayer time for God’s people to pray for a new generation of harvest workers! We beg you; please carve out some time that Sunday to ask your people to pray for the Lord to call some from your church into His world-wide harvest fields. Prayer is His plan and His strategy. Our responsibility is to obey His mandate.
We have heard from church leaders, missionaries, and youth workers from the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America who are planning to spend intentional time that Sunday in prayer for new harvest workers. Why don’t you join them?
Historically when God’s people band together for a specific prayer campaign – God does something amazing. Remember what happened in the early 1800’s when the Student Volunteer Movement propelled close to 20,000 new American missionaries into the world’s harvest fields. And look at how the Lord is using the student prayer movement “See You At The Pole”, where this year close to 4 million American high school students prayed specifically for their schools. Maybe; just maybe, the Lord will use our “Harvest Sunday” on Sunday, October 11th to do something great as well.
Some churches are hosting early morning prayer breakfasts. Others are scheduling around-the-clock prayer vigils and other churches are taking some time during their morning service or Sunday School hour to pray specifically for new harvest workers. I also know of churches that are taking their entire Sunday School time to pray intentionally for the Lord to call people into His harvest. What you do is up to you! The important thing is to pray.
The needs of our world are staggering – it’s time for another prayer meeting!
