About three weeks ago some of our team received an encouraging message along with the above photos: "Blessed sabbath brothers. Fruit for your labour, your contact at the door finally committed. Thank you, Pastor John."

Last year as we were knocking on doors in Perth we had no clue what the results would be, or even if there would be any that we would be able to see at all.

Sharing books door to door through evangelistic canvassing is often a “seed-sowing” work. A canvasser may pass through a street, a suburb, a town, and share much literature. However it is rare for us to witness the result of the material that has been shared. Often if we are only travelling through an area, that one-off experience with the person on the doors may be the only time we are able to meet with them.

Yet we can be sure of God’s promise that His Word will not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Even though the work may be trying at times, the assurance is given: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalms 126:6). The gospel seed that has been sown will bear fruit, even though the full results may not be seen this side of heaven.

Occasionally we are permitted to see some of the results of our ministry, such as in this news from Pastor John. When those who had taken part in last year's program heard about it, we were thrilled. 

But really, these photos are only a small glimpse of what has happened as a result of last year’s canvassing program in Perth. This lady who has committed her life to Jesus through baptism is only one individual. How many others have been touched? How many others have been influenced? We cannot know all now. Nevertheless it is wonderful to be reminded that God has been working as the result of books and conversations that have been shared, and that He will continue to do so in the future!

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).