There is simply nothing in this life that surpasses the joy of seeing people discover Jesus. Non-believers, those with a suspicion of God, those who have been let down, whose lives are not good enough – broken people, suspicious. Discovering Jesus.

This has been our experience over the past couple of months, as we draw a small group of white, middle class Westerners to come and find out more. Scratch away the veneer, and like everyone else, they are searching for meaning. The expectation of what life might deliver has not measured up. Relationships are strained, finances are stretched, and societal pressures are dire.

Imagine the surprise then, when they lay aside pre-conceptions and take the time to come and find out more. When they find, instead of a judging God, first a loving Father. When they expect to find a God who tells them they are lost, they discover instead a Son who says “come, lay all your burdens on me.” The stories, both of him and that he told, are amazing. A Father that runs towards a wayward son (maybe I need to reconsider how I treat mine, they said) a teacher who condemns, not the prostitute at his feet but the supercilious priest who has already decided who is worthy and who isn’t (you have to receive it though). A God who shows me what true foundations look like in my life, without enforcing them.

Alongside this, is healing of families in a way that leaves us breathless. God seems to do it effortlessly, without their asking.

All of this happens with our not saying much; no teaching, no interpretation, no forcing of opinions. The Word of Life is enough, just read it and see what it does, sit back and watch the transformation. We pray a lot behind the scenes, but God does it all.

The need though is immense. Trying to find others who are vaguely interested, that is the most difficult part. As Jesus said it would be. Finding the time to make the connections with people outside of the Faith, a willingness to forgo the simple, easy relationships and walk in the harvest and find those who are willing. It takes time, prayer and it is hard work. I would challenge you though, that there is nothing in this world that will satisfy more than introducing someone to Jesus.

Make the time, Jesus did, and he commands us too. Everyone of us who are following him.  The reward is simply out of this world.