Here in the Northwest, we’ve had a particularly cool and wet summer so far, and everything’s in bloom. Flowers have sprung up where, at some past moment, somebody planted a seed. Even the gardener may have forgotten about it, but a burst of color and fragrance affirms the act.
(Jon Warren/World Vision)
We’re all planting seeds, metaphorically. The things we say, the way we treat people, the example we set all can have an impact on those around us. On this side of heaven, we may never know the results.
One person who influenced me at a key moment was John Stott. One night in graduate school, I read his book Basic Christianity cover-to-cover. I was an atheist when I started reading, but by the time I finished the book, I knew it was God’s truth. Recently I wrote to Dr. Stott, thanking him for his impact on my faith and sharing how my life changed as a result.
Though I’m no Dr. Stott, I feel blessed to know that The Hole in Our Gospel is also a tool God is using to plant seeds in people’s hearts. I’ve heard from pastors, politicians, and even a major-league baseball player that my book compelled them to step out in faith for the poor. Clearly, the book is reaching a wide range of people. And all I can do is praise God for giving me this opportunity to serve Him.
What seeds are you planting today? Or think of those who influenced you. Isn’t this a good time to tell them how you’ve “bloomed”?
Hey, Rich Stearns. Thank you. Recently, almost every day I am reading your write a book, the Hole in Our Gospel, I think it’s a good book. Thank you that you and you team have do many things to the poverty. When I was reading, I want to tear my eyes, because of you tell me many storys of the poverty countrys. the kids, the women, and the senior citizens. they have no clean water, nurtritious food, health care, educational opportunities, and spiritual nurture, just now you and your teams provide for it this. Just now, I want to join in your group. My name is Odyssey, and I come from Beijing of China.
I will pray for you and your team.
Best wisher for you
Odyssey
Thank you, Rich, for reminding us that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant kind word or deed may be used by God for his purposes. Along with the pastors, politicians and sports celebrities your book has changed me in ways that I could not have imagined. I’m grateful that many (those who have great visibility as well as those of us who don’t) have been challenged, admonished and enlightened about what true stewardship is—and thanks to you, God is working on and in us. I’m going to order the updated version of your book for my husband and me. It’s especially important for us to know you we can “give” now because our financial means have plummeted, (just as we were excited to give more), in the last 2 years. My husband has been out of work and it’s been difficult to not have money, at least, to give as we have become aware of needs; or to continue to give to ministries to which we had been privileged to give in the past. I’m determined to remain prayerful and keep my eyes open to how we can be used by God even as we fear losing our home.
i lOVED your book and sponsored 20 children because of YOU. before i was stingy. now, i pray for God to give me a heart of generosity. i am broken for the things that break His heart