“He told us that when he was about five years old, the young daughter of a missionary gave a Bible story to his mother”
by John & Gretha Langendoen
Many years ago, while living on our farm in southern Ontario, we had a black walnut tree in front of the house. It sat rather close to the house and when it eventually split through the middle, it had to be cut down for safety reasons.
For the next 15 years there was nothing left of the tree except its stump, which was slowly rotting away. Then one day we noticed that young walnut trees were starting to grow some distance away from the old stump.
What had happened? Apparently, while the old tree was standing, squirrels had carried away nuts — no doubt to have a good meal somewhere. But occasionally they would drop a nut. The nuts had lain on the ground, covered by leaves and other debris, until time and circumstances were just right for them to start growing.
New life had begun after 15 or 20 years had gone by! And so it is with our mission work. Sometimes we get discouraged because there is little evidence that anything is happening in the lives of the people we work with.
But we do not give up hope. God is faithful and He is the one who gives the increase, even when we have to wait many years, like the walnut tree.
As representatives for NCEM for a time, we have traveled and visited a number of locations. But as we have visited various churches and shared what God is doing on Native fields across Canada, we have observed that many people have no idea of the great spiritual need there is among our country’s First Peoples.
Often we have heard people say that they had not previously realized the great need, and didn’t know anything about the work that is being done.
We have also spent time on the mission “field” and while there we have met a lot of Native people. One of them was Kevin, who especially encouraged us with his testimony.
He told us that when he was about five years-old, the young daughter of a missionary gave a Bible story book to his mother.
Kevin’s mother began reading it to her children every evening. Kevin admits that he did not become a Christian right way — and even got involved in drugs and alcohol during his teenage years. But that Bible story book laid the foundation for him in becoming a Christian later in life.
All because a young girl was willing to share the Gospel by giving away a Bible story book. A small deed becomes big when God is in it!
Over 25 years ago an NCEM missionary traveled through our home area and spoke in the local church one weekend. He shared many things with our family which had great impact and left a lasting impression.
Perhaps this missionary no longer even remembers our visit, but the seeds were sown and are now bearing fruit over 25 years later.
Our youngest son was about five years-old at the time, and that very weekend he declared that he was going to be a missionary to the Native people! The Lord saw fit to grant his desire and he and his wife served among Native people.
Brian & Sandy worked most often with young people, and every time we hear of Native children and teenagers giving their lives to the Lord through their ministry, we praise God.
All this because, over 25 years ago, a missionary was willing to share what God was doing among the Native people of Canada. The seed that was planted over 25 years ago is now bearing fruit!
John & Gretha Langendoen are former associate members who assisted as NCEM representatives, and with field ministry in several Native communities and a couple Bible camps.
Adapted from our Northern Lights magazine (Issue #481). Note: some of the locations and involvements of our missionaries may have changed since the original publishing of this article.