Time keeps on rolling on!

You can almost tell what time of the year it is by looking at the grape vines around the Valley. I mean, if you were a viticulturalist then you could I guess…

Anyway, there is a large amount of white netting starting to cover the vines around the 'ville. Why…to protect the grapes from birds – because it's nearly harvest time!

This has got me thinking about my first twelve months here in Healesville. Firstly, I can't believe they have gone by so fast! But also, I feel as if the first twelve months of my time here in Healesville has been about preparing for a harvest.

I have got to know many people in the community, and I have been surprised just how many have had some connection with the Salvos. We have launched many different mission initiatives, including school holiday programs, mainly music, women's breakfasts, Fresh Friday Munch, Christian Education, high school breakfast program, and more!

But then, another concern has really been on my mind. There are so many opportunities in the 'ville, but the problem is that there just aren't enough people to make the most of them!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Dah, we know that! But Jesus doesn't stop there, there is more!! "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." You see, there is a problem (not enough workers), but Jesus offers a solution (ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers).
This year – 2009 – I believe could be a year of harvesting from the planting for 2008. But workers are needed. Now, I've got a few ideas that I'd like to pursue regarding this, but perhaps there are other options too!
 If you are reading this (and are surprised I have actually posted a new blog entry!!), then I ask you too to pray for workers for the harvest fields of Healesville (not the grape vines, silly…but that could be extra work for you!!). And, if you aren't all ready involved in a faith community, why not consider moving to Healesville and living and working here!!! No, there's no job I can give you (but you could pray about that too!!!), but you can get into Melbourne's CBD in an hour by car!

Anyway, enough rambling for now, it's late, and I need to get some rest before our first Café Church for the year tomorrow. But seriously, please pray for the harvest in the 'ville in 2009!!!