Together for the Harvest!
In Matthew 9:36-38 we are told that “when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
The word that Jesus used there for “ask” is sometimes translated “pray” and literally means to earnestly request. Here, Jesus, wants his disciples to have their eyes opened to the need and to respond to that need in earnest prayer.
As a movement of Queensland Baptists, we have a need to see more and more people being raised up who will be evangelists, pastors, shepherds and teachers as we seek to reach our state for Jesus. But as is so often the case when we truly pray, God begins to reveal to us how he wants to use us in response to the very prayers we have offered.
Today, I am inviting you to pray that God will raise up more and more people who will be willing to step out in faith, to study and become better equipped to share in God’s great mission in our world and in our state. Pray that God will bless and grow the ministry of Malyon College as we seek to train and equip people for faithful service to Christ, the church and the community. Pray about who you could or should be encouraging to seriously consider studying at Malyon College. But don’t just pray, talk to people in your church. Encourage them to get in touch with Malyon to find out more about the various study options. Encourage people from your church to get involved in the upcoming Malyon Open Day and Night program which is coming up on Tuesday 16 May. The vast majority of those who study with us at Malyon have done so because someone like you encouraged them to seriously consider the possibilities of Bible College training.
Over the past few years, enrolments at Bible Colleges around the country have generally been down, and we have been no exception. This has placed an enormous strain on our finances and we have sought to tighten our belts in every way we can, without diminishing the quality of the service we provide. But we believe that it is time to see a turnaround – not just because of the financial strains but because of the great need that there is to see more and more workers being sent out into God’s harvest field. And so, we are asking you for your assistance as we seek to faithfully equip gospel workers.
Here at Malyon, we not only provide quality teaching in Bible and theology, but we are also committed to the deep spiritual formation of every student. In addition to this, we are committed to resourcing each of our students with the ministry skills necessary for exegeting our rapidly changing culture and communicating the truths of God’s word in a way that genuinely connects with people.
Will you join us in helping to fulfill our part in equipping faithful workers for the harvest?
Your fellow servant,
Peter Francis (Principal)
