It was only a few days ago when people were preparing for the coming of the New Year.  Tradition dictated that to bring in the good fortune, one would have to buy fireworks or a set of round fruits.  Our family had none of these.  If fireworks were all we had to see, we could see the various colors across the Makati skyline from our balcony...and without spending a single cent.

What kept me busy the few days prior to December 31 were the acts of sowing into the ministries of God's servants.  For many years now, our family has committed to support pastors, campus workers, and missionaries in different parts of the country as well as abroad.  This is our act of "planting".  Perhaps due to our background as having come from the agricultural province of Negros, we perfectly understand that one cannot reap where one has not sown.  Which is why for me and my wife, the period after Christmas and onwards into the first fifteen days of the new year, we continue to give to missions.  This is our planting season.

True enough, through the years of sowing, God has proven his faithfulness.  The harvest would come in at different times of the year, just at the perfect moment when the finances were needed.  What we didn't expect was the timing of this year's harvest.

Picture this.  We were sowing after Christmas, renewing support commitments to the pastors and workers we have partnered with for the past few years.  Then I felt I should sow more.  While on Multiply, I see Michael Paderes is online.  He oversees a number of missions efforts globally.  An amount is committed.  The seed is planted.  Then another pastor I don't know personally but who is connected to me on Multiply as a "friend" is online.  God's Holy Spirit leads me to support him.  So a commitment is made.  The list goes on including seed money for a pastor friend who is believing the Lord for a house which their family can call their own.

Fast forward to today.  After struggling with whether to blog this or not, I have decided to post this testimony that all glory may go back to our Heavenly Father, the source of all blessings.  The harvest came in yesterday!  I hope I don't sound "tikalon" (Ilonggo for 'mayabang').  After all, if there is anything to boast about, it is only in the ultimate goodness of God.  Bear in mind, I am unemployed.  So the harvest received is really not due to my effort.  I would really like to think that because of the harvest I can already stop working tomorrow.  Actually, I can.  That's how big the harvest is!  But I will continue to work.  For as long as this earth is turning, there are people to be reached for Christ.  There will be missionaries to support.

Do you also want to receive a big harvest this 2010?  Join me in planting seeds to reach more people with the Good News of Christ.  This is planting season.

2Corinthinans 9:6-11