"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor" (I Cor 3:6-8)
The "Green Ghana Project" which was officially launched some weeks ago, took of today, with many traditional, political, religious leaders, and ordinary Ghanaians taking part in it. Also, whilst agencies such as Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Environment and Government driving the initiative, NGOs, Schools, Civil Society Groups, Churches of Christ, Church of Pentecost, Anglican etc are solidly supporting this project. Many have seen the importance of this project and hence it was widely preached to many others to the extent that all political parties are unanimously involved.The initial target was 5 million trees across the country however due to massive support, the target has been raised to 10 million. Wow.This is wonderful.
What is the point here?
As I listen to news updates on this Green Ghana Project today, I cannot stop reminiscing the interesting times I joined my zealous brethren at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)- Church of Christ and University of Ghana (UG)-Church of Christ at various parts of the Country for a spiritual tree planting project- EVANGELISM. There were times that some brethren did not even intend to go on such gospel campaigns but then, the excitement and infectious energy of other brethren get them come along.
And eventually they come to understand the importance of winning souls for Christ and get involve with all their heart. Sometimes the number of students set out to carry out this God-given task increase and become huge and leaders will have to now book extra vehicles. Personally, I liked these evangelism projects so much that, on many occasions, I had to join brethren and risk the consequences of having less time to prepare for exams. I say to God's glory that, it was a risk that paid off- it's not for everyone to do same though. I hope brethren would work hard and bring those gospel campaigns back post Covid-19 and it restrictions.
The Challenge
Now as many spoke about the necessity of this Green Ghana Project and the benefits we are going to reap in future as a country the most repeated concern was the nurturing of those trees i.e watering, clearing, pruning, etc and also the sustainability of this project. The President, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and many others talked about the need for continuous care for these trees so that they don't end up dying, rendering this wonderful initiative useless. Thus, I will even suggest that records should be kept so that 5-10 years from today, those who would have their trees still alive and flourishing, should be rewarded.
Question: And is it not true that souls that are won for Christ must be nurtured to a point where they are able to stand alone and grow?. One of the challenges I have seen which I believe you have also noticed is the lack of following up on new converts and prospects in our campus churches and local congregations. I am not saying it is not done at all but rather, it is not enough. As a result of this challenge, many new converts backslide into their past life and pseudo religions. Very painful!!
Moreover, have we not read about Paul and Barnabas saying “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” ?(Acts 15:36)
Brethren let us encourage the habit of following up on new converts and responsive prospects. For by so doing we will be watering what we have planted, the seed-the word of God (Luke 8:11) and God will give His increase (I Cor 3:7)
Apart from our laziness and unwillingness to follow up, our lifestyles even sometimes discourage and dampens the spirit of the new brethren (converts). This is real. Have you not read about Jesus proclaiming " “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves"? (Matt 23:15). Oh brother, sister in the Lord, may it not be said to you; “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! (Matt 18:6-7)
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42)
This is interesting
Today, many people including you (if only you did) , planted trees with prominent people of this country such as the President, the ministers, political and religious leaders. You labored with such great people today.
Question: But have you considered that any time you participate in spiritual tree planting such as public preaching, personal work, distributing gospel tracts, reaching to people through social media with the gospel, inviting others to the true worship service etc, you are laboring with God, "For we are God’s fellow workers;" (I Cor 3:9). Can you imagine being God's fellow worker?
Importance
We know of the importance of this tree planting done today. How our depleting forest is going to be restored if this project is sustained. The shade they will provide, how the trees will hold the soil together and prevent erosion. Some of the trees to may bear edible fruits, some too may be cash crops, the trees will also give us fresh air. There are so many importance that we can obtain from these trees planted
Now similarly, let's consider the merits of spiritual tree planting (EVANGELISM). The world will get to know the truth and be set free (John 8:32). Many will be turned towards God (Acts 26:20) and be spiritually minded (Rom 8:6). Many people will be saved (I Tim 2:4), the Kingdom will spread (Luke 4:43), effects of sin will be mitigated. In fact the benefits of evangelism surpass all I can think about and mention in this article. As we plant the fruitful word of God in honest hearts, let us continue to nurture them for the Lord urged us to continue "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;" (Matt 28:20).
Rewards!
I don't know if ordinary Ghanaians who partook in this tree planting exercise have been given any rewards. Obviously not. But for all of us who engage in this spiritual tree planting exercise (Evangelism), each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor"(I Cor 3:8).
Finally, if we plant and nurture spiritually, our trees "shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper" (Psa 1:3).
Let's go planting 'world billion' trees. Rescue the perishing.
#The Churches of Christ salute you.
#spotlightontheword.com
#The Churches of Christ salute you.
#spotlightontheword.com
You can also find this on Kasukose blog.com
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