Spring 2003 

Seeds Everywhere

            Cottonwood seeds drift through the air here like snow. White blankets coat our swimming pools, and tufts catch in the grass and tumble along the wood floor in my kitchen. The temperature has finally warmed enough for short sleeves and I have my bicycle out and running again.
            Most of the time, we Christians are a little like cottonwood trees. We cast our seeds out on the wind and hope they end up in some fertile place, growing into new and healthy trees.  I try to take advantage of the opportunities the Lord brings my way. But I rarely see results from a brief word of encouragement, a friendly smile, or conversation in the grocery store line.
            Formal ministry can feel like casting seeds on the wind. Sunday school teachers know this feeling. Are the kids listening? Will they really understand today’s lesson? Will the women in my Bible study be changed by coming to class today? Does anyone care that I made coffee before the service?
            Paul reminds me in 2 Thessalonians 3: 13, “Never get tired of doing good.”  And in 2 Corinthians, he says, “For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”  (New Living Translation)
            Of course in context, Paul was speaking about financial generosity. But I think the principal stands for all kinds of generosity as well, good works, kindness, time, and yes, even ministry. I’m learning a bit about that this spring. I’d like to share the experience with you:

A Guidebook for New Believers, Encouraging Words for the First Hundred Days, (published by AMG Publishers)

            AMG released my latest book, a devotional for new believers, three weeks ago. I dreamed the book would fill the gap in the market between materials available for those who do homework and attend a new believers class, and those who never grow new faith roots. I wanted the book to be a give-away for ministries actively involved in Evangelism. My editor sees it as a great gift book, doing well at the local Bible bookstore. As an adventure, I took my advance in copies instead of cash. I’m trying to give the book away to ministries and churches to use for grounding new believers in their faith.
            It’s been a hard road. As yet, I don’t know where all these copies will end up, but I do know this: The God who prompted this idea knows. I’ve become like a cottonwood tree, scattering my work on the wind and hoping that God will direct the seeds to the right place. I’m excited to see where it all leads. I’ll let you know.