Surveying the harvest fields
We’ve all heard of surveying land for building roads and other things, but do we often think of surveying the harvest fields that Luke and John talk about in the Word of God?
Elijah and Moira Hall have given a lot of thought to the process of a surveying journey. It’s definitely about the Lord of the harvest, the spread of the gospel, and about a people.
Following a homemade map, with the help of internet maps, Elijah has gone from village to village appraising the situation. He and missionaries experienced in surveys, who have come to help him ascertain the condition of these people, then outline where and how they live.
They see the soy plantations, small farms, wooded areas and how the “winding, unmarked roads are like a maze” that get them to people who live in thatched roofed huts.
He sees that they work their fields simply, with hoes.
Elijah says, “They drink terere (Paraguayan cold tea served in a special horn with a metal strainer straw, passed from one person to the next) together as they talk” with the chief.
They ask defining questions like, “What does the chief think about his people helping us learn Mbya language and culture? Have his people lived here for very long and about how many families are there?”
Gifts are given and they drink more terere.
Elijah asks the farmers dwelling near the indigenous communities questions like, “Is there land available in the area? Do they think it’s a safe place to live?”
More terere drinking. Maybe they’ll get an invitation.
Sometimes the survey team sleeps in tents, on the ground or maybe a little place resembling a hotel “complete with bedbugs” but out of the rain.
Elijah and Moira sense that they may be coming to the end of their survey time as far as where they might set up home and engage with these people. It will take another missionary who will come give a second opinion about a possible location to begin their work.
They could be close to the time when they will be able to locate close to this people group and begin the long road toward sharing with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray today with Elijah and Moira as they seek the right opportunity to be His ambassadors.
Surveys help strategically place missionaries where they can be effective. You can help fund these people group assessments.