Inspirational
Planted and Re-Planted
Pastor Popoy was ecstatic when he was accepted to teach English in a Cambodian school. Fascinated by the place and its people early on, he had already read as many books as he could find about Cambodian culture.
His friends, however, were sad to see him go. The young pastor had been a dynamic leader in the youth group, where he was a role model. “The Lord has been using you here,” cried some of his wards. “Why leave?”
“Remember Abraham?” he would reply. “The Lord asked him to leave his country to a place he never knew existed. As for me, I am going to a place I already know so well. God planted me here, and He will re-plant me there so I could produce lasting fruit for Him.”
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” (Genesis 12:1 NLT)
The youth need not have worried. After Pastor Popoy was gone, several members of the group rose to the occasion and shared doing the work he left behind.
Meanwhile, Pastor Popoy embraced his new job with purpose and excitement. In teaching the children English, he used Bible parables, stories, and heroes to illustrate concepts. After the kids had learned enough English, he introduced them to Jesus.
He and the Philippine youth group continued to communicate via social media, sending each other photos and narratives of how grace nurtured them in their growing work for the Lord.
“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” (John 15:16)
May we always aspire to produce lasting fruit wherever we go.
