Stories

Stories from God’s Harvest: Renewal Covenant Church

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers into His harvest field” (Luke 10:2).

The power of a praying grandmother

You may know that our country is facing a clergy shortage as more of our pastors retire and fewer people are going into ministry. The story below is from Travis Dahlke, who is a farmer and works with computers. He and his wife Julia have felt a call to be pastors, specifically rural church planting. The story shows how important it is to call out ministry gifts in our young people and to constantly be praying for them:

When I was in 8th grade, I went through my confirmation at the Lutheran church. As my pastor came to confirm me, he choked up a bit. Later that day, my grandma said, “He thinks very highly of you, Travis. He told me that he appreciates you trying to help keep the other students focused during Confirmation class.” Then she said those words that no 8th grade boy ever wants to hear: “You should be a Pastor.”

I shrugged it off, like most 8th graders likely would, but she planted a seed that day. Her words were spoken 33 years ago, and now they are coming true. My grandma has been gone from this earth for close to 10 years already, but I can still hear her voice, and I know she prayed for me every day. Well, I guess after decades of trying to do anything and everything else, I’m finally steering in that direction. God has called me to be a pastor—just like my grandma said. Lord, please give me the strength that I will need.

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, so pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers (Luke 10:2). May we be praying for (and looking for) more harvest workers!