IT’S HARVESTIME!

A colorful display of fruits and vegetables lined the steps of the old concrete building. The annual Harvest Festival of the Bethlehem Church signaled an exciting time for me. I looked forward to doing the once-a-year march up the church aisle with my friends; all of us carrying fruits picked from our very own backyards!

Clutching an over-sized bunch of grapefruits, I solemnly marched up the steps of the building, down the aisle, and then laid the grapefruits on the altar along with pineapples, bananas, breadfruit, coconuts, and a plethora of other fruits. One at a time, we all placed our gifts on the altar until it overflowed with fruitage.

After the ceremonial march ended, the concert began. One indispensable item was the solo rendition of “Reapers Are Needed”—a song highlighting the need for Christian workers. The same lady sang it every year. She did so with great gusto and upon reaching the line, “Rouse ye, O sleepers,” she would yell so loudly that I felt somehow I was the one asleep being woken up.

Apparently I was. Years later, I became aware of the call of the Lord to the ministry. The knowledge came slowly—almost imperceptibly. At 9 years old, I made a commitment to serve the Lord and at 12 years old found myself weeping in a service after a message on missions—to the amazement of my parents. I felt inescapably destined to work for God.

Those years of hearing “Reapers Are Needed” helped shape my life. Today, serving as a minister in my local church, I still appreciate its message. And I appreciate those times in the Harvest Festival where I came to realize that I could do more than bring in a harvest of grapefruits and pomegranates—I can bring in a harvest of souls.