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And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9, ESV).
It’s easy to grow weary.
For 23 years, I’ve been going to the Philippines, teaching church leaders on the importance of one-to-one discipleship.
For those who haven’t traveled extensively with international ministry, let me describe a few items that increase weariness.
Planes. I could just name this word, and most of you would understand. But let me add the countless hours of layovers, an on-the-ground plane crash, losing an engine while taking off, and cramped conditions (especially for anyone over five feet tall) on Asian airlines. Not to mention that it takes 14 hours of flight time (not including layovers) to get to Russia, and about 22 hours of flight time (not including layovers) to get to the Philippines.
I’ve been to Russia over 60 times, and to the Philippines at least 30 times.
Tiredness. There’s a bone weariness to getting off a long flight and to be immediately thrust into the ministry of preaching, teaching, and meetings. Most trips are 15-hour workdays, and hopefully you can get a few hours’ sleep — all of this on top of jetlag.
Spiritual Warfare. There is an increased burden of discouragement and spiritual warfare in international missions. Also, often friends from home don’t see the reason why I would travel to foreign lands when there are so many people needing to be reached in Springfield, Ohio. (A short answer: Jesus said to go to all nations, not just my hometown.)
It’s easy to grow weary and wonder if it’s worth it.
Then I have a meeting with about ten church leaders in General Santos City, and they give these testimonies: (Click the image.)
Pastor Rick Ives and I led a church conference attended by 100 pastors from all parts of the Philippines — imagine the impact. (Below is a group photo.)
And finally, I preached at a church in Cebu City this past Sunday, and before I spoke, the sister who was introducing me had everyone in the congregation who had been discipled to stand.
About 75 percent of the church stood. (Click this image.)
I believe the Apostle Paul was right when he said, “For in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Amen and amen!