We all understand there is a time for planting and a time for harvesting. This is clear if you grew up on a farm planting and harvesting crops. It is also true for many aspects in our lives. You start a diet and exercise program and a certain time later you have lost the desired weight. We need time to learn a new skill. After we have studied and practiced then we can execute that new skill.
Westbrook is involved in three sowing and reaping projects as Jesus described in Matthew 13:23.
The first is in the reaping stage. The garden on the west side of the property prospered under the care of dedicated Westbrook members. Thank you to the workers who made this year’s garden a success. Sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, green and wax beans, onions, green and jalapeno peppers, radishes, and carrots were planted and cared for. Over 700 pounds of produce has been given to Bountiful Basket Food Shelf! Still more to come! The mission of Bountiful Basket Food Shelf is to alleviate hunger for those in need. Bountiful Basket distributes to people who live in our area. A harvest is happening here. In the last year, Bountiful Basket has increased their distribution from 359 to 716 households and from 510 total visits to 1016. Westbrook also supports with a financial gift and our high schoolers will be trick or treating this Halloween- not asking for candy- but for food for Bountiful Basket.
The second project is to fill food boxes for Feed My Starving Children on Saturday, October 14th at 2:00-3:45. FMSC's carefully chosen food-distribution partners are the hands and feet of Jesus in their own communities, providing hope and healing in a variety of settings, from schools to hospitals, orphanages, churches, refugee camps, malnutrition clinics and
more. We invite you to join Westbrook Community Church on Saturday October 14th at 2pm (ending at 3:45pm) and turn hunger into HOPE with your own two hands! All are welcome. No donation is required. The church will be paying for the food you box. Bring your friends and family and let's celebrate all that God is doing through FMSC. FMSC is feeding
1.2 million children every single day. Click here to join our group: Westbrook Community Church at FMSC
WOW! What great examples of tremendous reaping with these two organizations!
The third is just beginning. Shortly, you will see shoes boxes from Operation Christmas Child stacked in our lobby. We fill these shoe boxes with gifts appropriate for young children. All of the necessary information is explained in the lobby. You can, also, receive the information on the website Operation Christmas Child. This event is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Over 200 million shoe boxes have been delivered by a Christian worker to children throughout the entire world. Boxes can be packed with school supplies, dolls, clothing, etc. A toy, especially a deflated soccer ball, is always a big hit. They are delivered by any means possible- even by ox carts, and small boats sailing up-river. Personalize your box by writing a note on the inside cover. The salvation story is always explained when the shoe boxes are given out. National collection week is November 13-20.
God asks us to sow. One Westbrook project is wrapping up; two others are beginning. The love of Christ is being expressed in these projects. He will reap. We can only joyfully imagine the people who will be in heaven because of efforts like these.
What a privilege to sow and be involved. These projects begin with us and result in evangelism, discipleship, and salvation.