When Gospel truth that has been sown comes to fruition...

Ryan who serves in our Operation Joy project was surprised last week when a lady who he had testified to a few months ago approached him. Ryan tells the story of God's divine intervention.

In 1 Corinthians Paul uses the analogy of sowing seed to discuss the role we have in people coming to faith. Of course, Paul's point is that neither he nor Apollos, are responsible for spiritual growth, they may sow and water but it is God who brings the growth. Equally, those who are blessed to see the harvest of this growth are simply a step in that person's story. Ryan shares a story with us of a time recently when he was privileged to harvest seed he had sown.

“I was serving in the Nourish food project with Barry the project leader when all of a sudden a lady approached me saying, you told me a story about yourself and how God changed your life. I woke up this morning and I just felt that I needed to come and speak with you today”

Ryan said after the lady had done her shopping they went and had a chat. Immediately the lady started to ask questions about God and her life and how there must be more to life than this. Ryan took her to, Genesis 1:26 and showed her that God created man in his image. Ryan then told her about the Story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and how this boy had squandered all his inheritance on prodigal living but then when he was desperate and had nothing he came to himself and made his way home. Ryan told the lady how the father in the story was watching from a far off and waiting for his son and when the father saw his son he ran and kissed him on his neck. Ryan then said to the lady “God is always looking for his children to come home”

Ryan spoke to the lady about Repentance and how God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten son to die for our sins, that if you believe in him you will be saved (John 3:16). Ryan felt that the lady was ready to receive Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. Ryan led the lady in a prayer of salvation, as you can imagine this was a very emotional but powerful thing that was happening. The lady began to weep, after Ryan had led her in the prayer, he then began to pray for her to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ryan gave her a bible and directed her to a church that is local to where she lives.

Ryan checked in with her this week and she is doing really well. The lady has started church and is also taking her children, she has thanked us for getting her back on track and feels that everything is going to be ok in the future. We will continue to support this lady.

Ryan was privileged to see the seed he had sown weeks before coming to fruition in this lady's life, but it's not always that way. We can all sow Gospel truth, trusting that God will bring growth.