Submitted by Pastor Brad Dush, Fairfax United Methodist Church

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into His fields.” ~ Matthew 9:35-38

I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you on behalf of my family and me to all the people around Atchison County who have welcomed us to the area! We are truly blessed to be here and look forward to what God has in store for us all in Northwest Missouri. As we move into the fall of the year, schedules seem to become regular with the start of the school year (trust me, I know they are still swamped but seem to have a little more regularity). It is often the time of year we can more easily establish a rhythm in life with a routine. We often start exercising again, eating better, and doing other tasks we know will improve our lives. It is usually the time of year church attendance picks back up after the “summer slump.” There is a reset. The best reset in life is to reset with Jesus.

As I reflect on that idea, I am reminded of this scripture. Jesus plainly says there are a great many people who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, but there are too few people sharing that Good News. What a challenge Jesus shares in the text. I encourage you to pray and seek God for ways to share and be the Gospel of Jesus in your community. Help people to reset their lives with the Risen Savior! Invite them to your church. Spend time with them and love on them as only a Christian can. Offer to pray with your friends and family when given a chance. Take their hand and pray with them on the spot.

There is a harvest! We MUST share Jesus with those around us. Remember, Jesus is not only shared with words but with actions. Like the old saying goes . . . sometimes the only Bible people will ever read is you.