The Harvest

is Ready

Invest in the Harvest

After our time in the Navy, Lucy and I spent four years in Central Illinois, where I worked at a nuclear power plant. Farming was a big part of the local economy.

In the springtime, farmers would till the soil, turning it over in preparation for planting. Driving through the countryside, you could actually smell the rich soil in the air. They would then plant their crops, usually corn or soybeans. I always thought it took a lot of faith to be a farmer. They would invest so much sweat and money, trusting and hoping that the crops would come in.

Then, in the summer, you would see the farmers tending their crops, watering them and perhaps adding fertilizer. I was always fascinated by watching the corn grow. It grew so fast! Before you knew it, the stalks were six feet tall, with several ears of corn on each one. In fact, I used to call those acres of corn "The Corn Desert!"

Finally, fall would arrive, and you would watch the farmers harvesting their crops. They would spend days working long hours to bring in the harvest. Their faith in the process of planting and tending had led to the reward of the harvest.

Beloved, Jesus tells us to look around and see the harvest right in front of us. It's not a harvest of corn, soybeans, apples, or any other crop. Our harvest is a harvest of souls. There are countless people we interact with every day who are ready to be brought into the kingdom of God.

Jesus said,

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." - John 4:35

Things have not changed in two thousand years. The fields are still ready for harvest. Knowing this, there are two things we can do.

First, we can enter the fields and seek to bring souls to Christ. It's not as hard as one might think. A simple question like, "Have you ever thought about deciding to follow Jesus?" just may open the door of faith for someone.

Second, we can pray. Jesus said,

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." - Luke 10:2

I love the fall and everything that comes with the harvest. Apple cider, hayrides, and all the celebrations that make this season special. But there is no celebration quite like the one that comes when a soul is brought into the kingdom of God.

Faith brings a harvest in the fall for the farmer, and our faith may bring a harvest for eternity.

~ Pastor Ken Lang

Meet Steve Walton: Planting Seeds of Faith

Steve Walton serves as Calvary’s part-time Youth Pastor. He and his wife, Lydia, have been part of the Calvary family for about three years, along with their children, Stephen and Vivian. From their first visit, they were drawn to the genuine care people showed for one another and their shared love for Jesus.

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Davis College with a minor in Youth Ministry. For the past year, he has served Calvary’s teens by building relationships, studying God’s Word together, and helping them grow in their faith. For Steve, one of the greatest rewards of ministry is getting to walk alongside young people as they learn what it means to follow Christ.

Ministry is a family affair for the Waltons. Lydia serves in Sunday School and AWANA while their children participate in Calvary’s ministries. Outside of church, Steve works as a carpenter, Lydia homeschools their children, and the family loves spending time together camping, hiking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. We are so blessed to have the Waltons as part of our Calvary family and look forward to seeing how God continues to work through them!

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Calvary Connections

“I didn’t know Calvary offered all these things!”

We heard that more than once at last month’s Calvary Connections event, and maybe you’ve thought the same thing.

Worship services are an important part of life at Calvary, but there are so many more ways to grow in your faith, build meaningful relationships, and be part of our church family. There are opportunities for every stage of life to get involved!

If you’ve been feeling God’s call to take another step, get connected, or become more involved, we’d love to help you find your place.

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