A Harvesters' Heart (Revised)

A Harvesters' Heart:

Pain, Pleasure and Perspective

Seattle Harvest Crusade November 2010

Arriving in Seattle early beating feet in the streets of downtown Seattle a focused group of Fresh Life and Skull Church members took up their swords of evangelism in the heart of the lion's den, combating Hell from within its gates.

The sad, lonely and impoverished; the confused, eccentric and educated; tourists, businessmen, drug addicts and porn stars; from the decadent to the destitute we took up the truth of Gods word and gave it freely to all. Compelled by our compassion we persevered.

Fresh Lifers began reaching out to the lost the moment we set foot in Seattle. Our first day at Pikes Place seemed to be met with the most welcome and receptiveness.

In the midst of a sea of pain; hope and encouragement unveiled itself at unexpected times in unimagined ways.

On one occasion we met two men from a metal Christian band, Nine Lashes, there to record their album. They relayed the ministry behind their music, performing in High Schools encouraging godliness, while not unveiling their belief, or overstepping the schools boundaries.

The High School event promoted a local concert where they could unveil the full glory of Gods Word, and Salvation. The implications of divine appointment kindled excitement at the prospect of being reunited in the future as potential guest-artists of Skull Church.

Most encouraging were those receptive to the truth, willing to hear about Christ, three giving their lives to Christ on the spot.

Most often we were met with indifference and dismissal. People to busy with their own lives and elusive goals to be interrupted by God. We must have upset the Enemy, who was in active opposition the second day, we were met with scoffing, mockery and a shout of “Hail Satan!”.

Our third day was filled with heartache, joy and solace. At the U-district mall the weight of oppression made it very difficult to speak with people. The resentment of Gods Word was palpable in some.

We talked with a young porn actress who spoke of her life. The truth of Gods love and forgiveness through faith in Christ was revealed to her. She rejected, tears streaming down her face, knowing she had refused the truth yet afraid to muster the hope, too fearful it may be dashed to walk out of the open prison doors.

The Harvest event with Greg Laurie was a greater success than Key Arena owners anticipated, exceeding their projected attendance by thousands each night; the finale overwhelming Key capacity. Many gathered 'round televisions in the foyers, even so thousands were turned away at the entrance.

Strange emotions of pleasure at shocking success of the crusade and sorrow for the many lost that had been turned away danced within me.

Monday figures for the event were announced; 4,225 made decisions for Christ in the most un-churched city in America; many more ripening in our midst; future decisions of a great spiritual victory that continues to ripple throughout Seattle and its suburban expanse.

I found solace in the salvation of so many, though a shadow haunted my heart for those turned away; trying to digest the fruits of the trip, both bitter and sweet.

The morning message at Mars Hill was appropriate. Have faith; but faith is a verb of perpetual activity: like the dripping of a leaky faucet. Having faith is to have faith again and again: in sadness have faith, in doubt, confusion, pain and bitterness have faith, with a contrite spirit have faith, when you don't understand Gods plans... have faith.

And in meditation perspective is found.

Perhaps many lost were turned away in blessing, their absence causing sorrow for what they had missed, frustrated they were unable to participate. Perhaps God hinting of the rapture, encouraging them to come early, not reject the truth any longer, to accept Christ into their life before they are left behind, or are told: Be gone, for I never knew you.

I challenge you, look into the eyes of the lost, talk to them, listen to their stories, their lives, see the fears and despairs of their hearts... they need Him. How small a thing it is to share with them: an opportunity, a little bread of life, a little living water, a little Word of God? How small a thing to sacrifice: a little time, a little comfort, a little embarrassment over a little foolishness? But how great a reward? A soul, a friend, a family member lost, now found; an encourager in your time of sorrow, a helper in your time of need, a son or daughter of God praying for you in the Fathers' ear when to you He does not feel near.

How great a reward indeed? Of how much more do those who give receive?