A Seed Planted

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6

“Thank you so much for planting the seed.” The last sentence of the letter struck me. It was so simple, yet profound. A seed of the gospel had taken root and changed the course of one whole family.

Let me explain. My mother taught a conversational English class at our church over thirty years ago. She wasn’t formally trained as a teacher, but felt God calling her to this ministry shortly after hearing about it. Her small class consisted of internationals who were eager to advance their English skills. She taught them simple lessons, giving them homework and rewarding them with prizes. She always included a Scripture or Bible story. Most of her students weren’t familiar with the Christian faith and were interested in expanding their knowledge of another culture.

They shared their favorite foods and customs. There was the time her students took her to a fancy restaurant that served live shrimp. She passed on that delicacy, but was happy to enjoy an authentic meal with her new friends. Our family gathered with their families for Christmas pageants and meals in our home.

And one day, her favorite student (She’s never claimed this aloud, but I could tell.) received Jesus Christ as his Savior. Over the next few years, his family all became believers. His daughter shared in this letter that she believed her father, who had been raised a Buddhist in Laos, was meant to bring his family to Texas so that he could begin a new life in Christ.

While my mother took joy in that letter, it also brought her sadness. You see, this precious man had passed from Earth to Eternity. His daughter wrote to thank my mom for doing her small part. Planting a seed.

Lord, thank You that Your Word is powerful. Please use me to sew Your Truth in someone’s life today.

Whitney