25 & 26 July 2026 (Pastoral Page) LORD OF THE HARVEST, SEND US OUT TO REAP YOUR HARVEST

by Elder Samuel Chan

This year, just like last year, coincides with our church's Mission Month when I am preparing this year's Pastoral Page. As I prayed about whether I should continue writing on this theme or focus on something different, I was reminded of Elder Chin Tiong’s Pastoral Page sharing on 11/12 July.

He spoke about how God had led him step by step in mission work, and how he had witnessed God's hand at work in the vast fields that are ready for harvest. His testimony not only encouraged me but also strengthened my conviction that our community outreach ministry is truly being led by God. It is our prayer that more brothers and sisters will join in this work so that the light of the Gospel may shine brightly throughout the West Coast community.

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.'" (Luke 10:1-2)

When many people read this passage, they pray that God will send more workers into the harvest field. Yet few begin by praying, "Here am I. Send me!"

Most of us first wonder about whether we have enough time, whether we already have too many commitments, or whether someone else might be better suited for the task. However, have we considered that this may be the Lord's personal call to us? As His servants, are we responding with willing hearts, or are we leaving the Lord waiting?

When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing the seventy-two disciples who were about to be sent out to minister. They themselves were the workers He was sending. At the same time, because the harvest was so great, they also needed to pray that God would raise up even more workers. This remains our prayer for the church today.

Over the past year, my team has been involved in community visitation ministry. Through this work, we have witnessed God moving in people's hearts. One elderly individual who was unable to attend physical worship services due to health reasons has now begun participating in online worship. Previously, this person would not sing during our visits, but now gladly joins us in singing hymns and worshipping the Lord.

Another elderly person who has not yet come to faith and was previously uninterested in church activities has recently expressed a willingness to attend and even plans to bring a friend along. These are clear testimonies of God at work in people’s lives.

There are still many elderly residents in the West Coast community who need regular visits, care, and companionship. This is a ministry in which every member of the church, including our young people, can participate. Therefore, we continue to pray:

"Lord, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Send out workers into Your harvest field, and may we ourselves be willing to be those whom You send."

At the same time, we are also witnessing the growth of several newer believers within our community. This past April, three individuals were baptized and have since become actively involved in small groups and community outreach activities. We believe that as they continue to grow in their faith, the Lord will bring even more active seniors into our church family. And we need more brothers and sisters to serve as volunteers who can connect with and journey alongside them on a regular basis for their growth and reach out to their friends.

In addition, there are many areas of outreach ministry that require more volunteers, including tutoring students, visiting underprivileged families, and supporting various weekday community programs. Once again, we pray:

"Lord, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Send out workers into Your harvest field, and may we ourselves be willing to be those whom You send."

This month is our church's Mission Month, but mission is not something that should be confined to a single month of activities. Do we hear the Lord's love and compassion for the people around us? Do we see the needs within our community: families facing challenges, students who need academic support, and elderly residents who long for companionship and friendship?

These are all part of the harvest waiting to be gathered.

May we respond once again to the Lord's call:

"Lord, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Send out workers into Your harvest field."

And may we also be ready to say:

"Here am I. Send me."

Amen.