This fall is beautiful. The changing trees seem more vibrant in their color than they were in the past. And I don't remember still being able to pick ripe tomatoes last November. As I walk through our garden, I think about how the whole year points toward the harvest. Getting the garden ready involves a lot of work every spring. We till the soil, rake the dirt into rows, lay out the drip irrigation system then test it, and finally plant the seeds. Then all summer long, we weed and water to nurture the plants along. Finally, we get what we were aiming at all along. The harvest reminds us what it is all about. We are reaping the fruit (and vegetables) of our efforts.

Last week I concluded our services talking about how this is a season of amazing harvest in our ministries. My son spoke up front of what he sees God doing in the youth ministry. We need to join God in his work by fueling the combine. The ministry has been arduous at times. Our leaders have rolled up their sleeves and gotten to work. But now the time is ripe!

I've been using these Messages About Purpose and Strategy to focus on the GO Fund Campaign. It's a plan to go beyond our fixed cost budget and support some wild harvesting here. Jesus directed his followers' attention to the fields, saying they are ripe for harvest (John 4). The GO Fund is a team effort to raise the resources necessary to reap this great spiritual harvest. Jesus also said that much is required from those who have been given much. Our ministry opportunities are ripe for the picking! Let's follow through with radical commitment, sincere sacrifice and passionate ministry effort. Everything is at stake!