Evangelism is like farming. No farmer expects a harvest without preparation, planting, and patience. Before reaping the fruit of the land, the soil must be plowed, the seeds must be sown, and the crops must be nurtured. Jesus often used this farming imagery to describe the work of spreading the gospel. He made it clear that the mission field is vast and ready for harvest, but the question remains: are we prepared to be laborers in His field?
This question is especially relevant now, as the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) launches Harvest 2025, a yearlong evangelistic initiative designed to bring the gospel to thousands across the 10/40 window. This division-wide movement is a call to action—encouraging churches, institutions, and individuals to engage in active evangelism and discipleship.
If we are serious about evangelism—whether in our local communities, online spaces, or mission territories—we must understand the spiritual cycle of sowing and reaping. The work is not instantaneous, nor is it easy, but it is the calling of every believer.
Plowing the Soil: Preparing Hearts for the Gospel
No farmer plants seeds on unprepared ground. Before planting, the soil must be broken and softened. In the same way, before people can receive the message of Jesus, their hearts must be ready.
Jesus spoke about this in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9). Some hearts are like hardened soil, resistant to the truth. Others are rocky, receiving the Word with excitement but lacking deep roots. Still, others are filled with weeds—worldly distractions that choke their faith. But when the gospel is sown in well-prepared soil, it takes root and produces a great harvest.
As a church, our role is to help prepare hearts. This doesn’t always mean preaching immediately. Sometimes, it begins with building relationships, serving others, and demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways. It may involve answering difficult questions, listening to people’s struggles, or simply being present. Before we sow, we must prepare the ground.
Sowing the Seeds: Sharing the Gospel with Intentionality
Once the soil is ready, seeds must be planted. Galatians 6:7 tells us, “A man reaps what he sows.” If we want a spiritual harvest, we must be intentional about sowing seeds of truth.
This means evangelism must be more than occasional outreach programs or one-time events. It requires consistency—small acts of witnessing, daily conversations about faith, and intentional efforts to plant seeds of truth. Whether it’s through social media, community service, small group Bible studies, or personal testimonies, every seed matters.
Harvest 2025 is driving a region-wide movement of evangelism, emphasizing mass outreach efforts across SSD territories through public evangelistic meetings, digital evangelism, and small group ministries. In Myanmar, where challenges and instability persist, local churches are harnessing the power of social media and digital content to share messages of hope, reaching communities that may otherwise be difficult to access. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, small group Bible studies are promoting deeper connections, providing a safe and welcoming space where individuals can explore faith, ask questions, and experience the love of Jesus in a personal way.
A farmer does not randomly scatter seeds and hope for the best. He carefully selects quality seeds and plants them at the right time. In the same way, we must be strategic in how we share the gospel. Who are the people God has placed in our lives? What approach will speak best to their hearts? Some need direct truth, while others need a gentle, patient introduction to Jesus.
Cultivation and Growth: Trusting God in the Process
One of the most challenging aspects of evangelism is waiting. Farmers do not see instant results. After planting, they must wait for rain, sunshine, and time to do their work.
In evangelism, growth is not always immediate. Some people respond to the gospel right away, but for others, it takes years before they fully accept Christ. This requires faith. James 5:7 encourages us: “Be patient. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”
Harvest 2025 recognizes this reality by emphasizing prayer and follow-up initiatives. Many SSD territories, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, have long-term evangelism strategies that focus on maintaining relationships after initial outreach efforts. Churches are being encouraged to organize prayer groups and mentorship programs, ensuring that those who hear the gospel do not feel abandoned but continue to receive support in their spiritual journey.
As a church, we must trust that God is working, even when we don’t see results right away. Every conversation, every Bible study, and every testimony shared is a seed that God can use in His perfect timing.
The Harvest: Seeing Lives Transformed
After months of preparation, planting, and nurturing, the farmer reaps the harvest. Jesus told His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37–38). The world is filled with people searching for hope, meaning, and salvation. The harvest is ready, but it needs workers.
Evangelism is not about numbers or quick results—it is about transforming lives for eternity. Every soul that comes to Christ is a victory for the kingdom. But the work is not yet finished. Harvest is not the end result, but this is a continuous process of reaching out and bringing people to the foot of Jesus so that they too can be a channel of God’s truth and salvation to others.
Preserving the Field: Discipleship After Evangelism
Farmers don’t stop after sowing seeds; they water, fertilize, and protect their crops from weeds and pests. In the same way, evangelism does not end at baptism—it continues through discipleship. The cycle begins again—preparing, sowing, waiting, nurturing, and reaping—until Jesus returns.
New believers need guidance. Without proper support, they may struggle, fall away, or become discouraged. Just as Jesus invested time in His disciples, we must invest in those we lead to Christ. This means providing mentorship, inviting them into a faith community, and equipping them with the tools to grow spiritually.
Neglecting this stage can lead to a weak harvest. Without intentional discipleship, many new believers remain spiritually immature or drift away. We must not only bring people to Christ but also walk with them as they grow in faith.
Answering the Call: Will You Be a Laborer?
God is looking for laborers—people willing to step into the mission field, whether in their workplace, community, or an unreached territory. Evangelism is not just for pastors and missionaries; it is for every believer.
The question is not whether the harvest is ready—the question is whether we are ready to work the fields. The process requires patience, dedication, and faith. But the reward is eternal.
Are you ready to plant seeds of faith? The time to start is now.