On the Call....

The bus trip was long and bumpy. Village after village came and went. Field after field.... Banana trees, pineapple fields, water buffalo hitched to homemade plows. Rice patties, corn fields with tall palm trees scattered throughout, fruit stands; the huge bus blowing its horn like a train.... move or die. Its ok for the gigantic bus to tailgate a motor bike or tricey, and it's ok to pass on a four lane highway by using the lane of the oncoming traffic. The roads were really good.... except where they weren't. The washboard that was the asphalt, rolling and crumbling beneath the fast-moving tires. Rounding that tight mountain curve at 40 or 50 only to see the under-side of the 18 wheeled flatbed that had just unsuccessfully tried the curve we were now flying toward.
 
Movies in Visayan...I can't follow them yet. Trying to sleep, but the movie that's playing seems entirely composed of screams, heavy breathing, and gun shots. Feeling the need to rescue somebody every time I'm just nodding off. Starting at 3am makes for a long day.

Feeling so overwhelmed by the number of people we have passed. Those little huts that each represent a family. Do they know? Have they heard? Who will tell them? God! My heart aches for them to know You! But how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a Preacher?

And still more fields. As the morning progresses, people are tending those fields. As far as the eye can see there are rows upon rows of fruits and vegetables.... And two or three bent backs and straw hats... laboring. So much work left to do.

And I remembered...
 
This is how God feels. This is why He told us...

John 4:25 Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

Again, my heart felt so full. Just like these huge fields, and so few laborers, so it is with the gospel. It is here, it is available, and so many have not heard...

Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the laborers [are] few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

So I pray. God, please send laborers into these fields. Have mercy on all these souls. Let them hear! Send reapers for your harvest. God, send others, and God, send me!