The parable of the sower

Matt. 13
3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."

During the last several weeks, I have had the opportunity of becoming the farmer, becoming the sower, and it has been a mind opening experience. While I am planting beans, I make a small hole and throw beans in it. Now, were I am planting is not exactly a smooth level plain, instead it is rocky, weedy, and usually on the side of a mountain. What has occurred to me is that when the soil is shallow, we plant beans. When we are on the path, we plant beans. When we are on a rocky area, we plant beans. When we are in the weeds, we plant beans. Were there is ground (any type of ground), we plant beans. And we do not just plant one bean, we plant 3 or 4. I often think as we are planting, why are we planting here. The likelihood of a plant growing well is small, but still we plant. And than I think, well let's just plant one bean in this hole, so we don't waist the others because nothing will grow here. But still we plant 3 or 4.

Than it dawned on me. When we sow our seeds of Jesus never ending love in peoples hearts, we shouldn't be concerned about were we are sowing them, even if it appears we are sowing them into solid rock. And we don't just sow one seed, we sow many. And wouldn't you know it, beans can grow on the path, beans can grow on rocks, beans can grow in the weeds, and beans can grow in fertile soil.

Back in Bramadero

Well this news a little late, but better late than never. The bus strike finished two weeks ago and we have been in Bramadero for the last week and a half. Also, the water system is back to normal in Bramadero, so it is good to have things back to the way we are used to.

The rainy season has started so everything is turning very green, but also very muddy. It rains almost every day in the afternoon, but some days all day and night. In order to get to our house we have to cross a stream or river if it recently rained, so that adds to our excitement. Seth has started to plant with the men, so he works most days from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and often comes home very dirty. I planted one day with one family, but mostly spend my time with the kids and with the women. I have gone swimming, taught bible stories, played games and read to the kids. Also, I had the opportunity to cook with some of the women in their houses. We will be heading to Managua for a team meeting the 10th and 11th of this month.