Director's Message 

The Harvest Truly is Plentiful, but...

Matt. 9:35 "Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ³⁶ But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

These words were spoken directly to the disciples of Jesus when they were few in numbers, but we cannot say that the numbers are few today. Where are the laborers today? Are they not in the churches, sitting comfortably and counting their blessings? To harvest we need to step out of our comfort zone and go into the field! May you find your place in the harvest field and be part of the great commission of Christ before He returns!

I am often invited to teach and preach in various churches, and hence had the opportunity to share the gospel and teach God's Word. I would extend invitation to visit our Centre, and encourage them to participate in our programs. Very often I would sit with guests for meals or just chat in between the meetings, praying, counselling, or just encouraging them to serve the Lord and give their lives to Him, as simple as that.

What do we do in Harvest Haven?

1. We share the Gospel and make disciples whenever opportunities arise.

2. We do one-on-one staff retreat for staff spiritual growth.

3. We host/hosted more than 75 church groups for camps, retreats, conferences, Sunday schools, etc. in 2023. In total about 2,200 people use our facility.

4. We took a trip up North Malaysia in April to explore mission opportunities. We will do follow up visits next year.

5. We will resume Short-term Bible School for 2 months in April to May, 2024.

6. I attended the World Delegate meeting in our Austrian center, Tauernhof in June 2023.

7. This year we interviewed about 6 potential candidates for the manager's post but we have not found any yet. Pray that you may be the one!

8. I celebrated my 70th birthday in Penang with my family and friends in July. Then I and a brother did a 6-weeks road trip to Australia visiting our students, friends and relatives to reach them with the gospel and encourage the believers to be steadfast in their faith.

Allow me to share a testimony of a recent ministry event.

Just before the pandemic, I got to know Daniel who is a friend's older brother. When the pandemic broke out he moved about 4 hours drive away to tend to his orchard. I decided to visit him to help him in his orchard and share the Gospel with him. After 15 monthly visits he was still not ready to receive Christ.

However, on the 16th visit, Jan.1, 2023 he opened his heart to receive the Lord Jesus as His personal Saviour! After a few months of follow up, he was baptised in HH in the presence of his family, friends and us. What a joy to hear him share his testimony! The bottom line is "don't give up on your 15th !" The 16th may be the breakthrough! In summary, we need to have Passion, Persistence, Perseverance, Personal Sacrifice, Perspiration (working hard like a farmer) and Prayer.

Some developments in our ministry:

1. We partner with some churches in their evangelistic efforts to migrant workers and local natives.

2. One or two churches seek our cooperation and help to start a training program.

3. We plan to start a Retirement Home for lesser known Pastors, Missionaries and Full-time workers soon.

Prayer needs:

1. Pray that God will send us younger staff as most of our staff are above 60. (Where are the younger laborers of Christ?)

2. The cost of living has been rising and we are finding it hard to maintain a reasonable and affordable rate for the poorer churches. Pray for wisdom to manage well.

3. Pray for students for our Bible School in April 1 to May 31, 2024. Consider spending 1 or 2 months studying God's Word in Harvest Haven.

God bless you all, and thank you for your praying, giving, and coming.

 

Report by:

John Lee, Director