LET’S LABOR TOGETHER
Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV)
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous,
but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Greetings to each of you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Jesus Christ was moved with compassion when he saw so many people weary and worn out, for they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Consequently, Jesus discussed with his disciples how only an insufficient number of laborers are doing God’s work, so Jesus commanded them to pray entreating God to send laborers into his harvest.
This has become one of my prayer requests. We have often heard about the Pareto Principle which is an aphorism asserting that 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. This is probably true even in the case of St. John because most of the progress that we have experienced is the result of only about 20% of our congregation’s efforts and contributions which is not fair since the 20%, who are doing most of the work, are weary and worn out from carrying our own load and the load of the 80% that are negligent.
When I was an adolescent, people were called “wallflowers” if they went to a party standing around instead of dancing. Unfortunately, a lot of people who go to church are “wallflowers,” for they are consumers but not contributors. It is like going to a restaurant sitting down being served and fed well without paying when you leave. This is not right!
I pray that those of you, who for whatever reason are not doing your part, will hear God’s voice and be an active participant because when Jesus returns, he will not entertain or tolerate excuses for negligence. I pray that St. John will no longer be like most corporate and congregational entities that exemplify the Pareto Principle. I also pray that God will send forth laborers into his harvest and bless us with disciples of Christ who are sincere and serious about doing God’s work.
On Tuesday, I was with the faithful laborers of our Grocery Giveaway Ministry, and I want to commend them for their diligence. Moreover, I acclaim all St. John congregants who have utilized our God-given gifts and fulfilled our God-given responsibilities regarding our church, especially in the last 13 months.
Amid this pandemic, St. John is still thriving as a Kingdom Building Church in two communities. For example, we are planning to allow Contra Costa County to utilize our facilities for Covid Vaccinations. On Monday (April 26th) thru Sunday (May 2nd), free Pfizer Covid Vaccinations are scheduled (9 am – 4 pm) to be administered at our North Campus (29 8th Street – Richmond, CA). Because we have a great opportunity to “Reach Others For Christ,” we need volunteers to serve as greeters and parking attendants each day to assist, so please sign-up and show up. If you were not emailed the sign-up sheet, you can sign-up through our website (sjmbc.org). Note, St. John volunteers represent Christ, not the medical team that will be administering vaccinations; therefore, St. John volunteers must not give advice or answer questions regarding vaccinations. When questioned about vaccinations, instruct people to discuss their concerns with the medical team administering vaccinations. Furthermore, I should know and share with you by next Thursday (April 29th) if Contra Costa County will utilize our South Campus for Covid Vaccinations (May 3rd – 9th).
Last but not least, I must express my gratitude to you for two reasons. First, I thank so many of you who blessed me with birthday gifts, cards, and well wishes on April 19th (Pastor Hall’s Birthday). Secondly, I thank so many of you who have been supporting St. John financially, especially in the last year (even though the monthly contributions are declining). With everything that we are doing and trying to do, your financial contributions are needed. We currently give by mailing or dropping off our Tithes and Offerings to our St. John South Campus (662 South 52nd Street—Richmond, CA 94804) or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org). If you are a member of St. John who is financially able but not supporting our church financially, allow God to bless you with more by giving today your Tithes and Offerings. In summation, “Let’s Labor Together,” for this glorifies and pleases God.
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor