I like to see results. More specifically, I like to see the direct outputs of my specific inputs. I like to do things like mowing and vacuuming. It’s nice to see how something was before you worked on it and how it is after. It’s nice to feel a sense of accomplishment. But life isn’t always like that. Ministry isn’t always like that. You can work hard for years, thinking you are doing something, but not so sure of what results you are actually getting. In business, if at some point you’re not “seeing” results in the form of customers and revenue, then at some point your business will fail. But ministry isn’t business. And what you think is a “failed” ministry might be a great success in the eyes of God.

The other day we heard from some missionaries who serve in the Middle East. They talked about people being on a kind of spectrum. Some are closer in their journey to God and some are further away. In our interactions with people, we ought to do our best to nudge them a little further in the right direction. For those of us who have grown up around altar calls and the visual of people getting out of their seats to make a decision for Christ, the concept of presenting the Gospel without seeing some immediate response might be a bit difficult. We love the radical conversion stories. But if we’re honest, we know that some conversions happen after years of crying and praying and hoping and hurting. We might understand this intellectually, but still, who doesn’t want to see immediate fruit? And yet, no tree grows overnight. Who knows what great fruit will come in the generations to follow simply because you obeyed and planted seeds in the field to which you were called?

I think maybe C. S. Lewis has a similar concept in mind when he writes, “All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.” The Corinthians of Paul’s day wanted to associate themselves with this teacher or that, but Paul tells them not to concern themselves with such things. Those things are fleshly and bound up in jealousy and strife (1 Cor. 3:3). Paul continues, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor” (1 Cor. 3:6–8).
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Some preachers, teachers, evangelists, writers, and others may think they are a bit more special than they really are. If you puff yourself up you will just be contributing to the fleshly jealousy and strife Paul was talking about. We are laborers in God’s vineyard and the results are up to Him. Don’t think too highly of yourself if you seem to be getting a lot of good results. And don’t think too lowly of yourself if things seem to be moving slow. Do what God has called you to do and leave the results to Him. Be encouraged today.

We had such an amazing mission trip to Europe! We had the privilege of spending time with several WMA Associate Missionaries in Poland and Austria. We were welcomed so lovingly by them all and had a wonderful experience with each one.  

In Poland, we were hosted and spoiled by Pastor Marek and Marysia Kiewra with wonderful meals. They immersed us in Polish culture and history, and most importantly, sweet fellowship with them. We stayed at the Mission Conference Center that God gave Pastor Marek a vision to build, where groups of pastors and leaders, from the region and beyond, come for retreats, develop spiritually, deepen their knowledge of God, build relationships, and rest. When we were there, a pastor was having a retreat for his lay leaders, and it was wonderful to see Pastor Marek’s vision being fulfilled. We also had a wonderful dinner with Peter and Anya. They hosted us in a beautiful entertainment space at their home in a transformed barn. They also transformed their land into beautiful gardens for people in the area to come and enjoy. In this setting, they can share God’s love with many from the community.

In Austria, we had the pleasure of spending quality time with Cesar and Simone Sotomayor and their family. They lead a beautiful church of Afghan and Iranian refugees, as well as Austrians, in Graz, Austria. They hosted us so well and showed us much love and a lot of fun! One of the highlights was getting to support and celebrate a beautiful Iranian family as they were baptized and declared that they are now followers of Christ. We also had a great time of fellowship with Bill and Ada Wiisanen in Vienna, Austria. They serve at a refugee church in Vienna in addition to helping at the church in Graz. It was wonderful to see them in person as well. A highlight of our time with them was meeting Maria, a Ukrainian refugee whom WMA supported and prayed for as she led 26 Ukrainians to Austria when Russia invaded their city. Bill and Ada hosted them all and eventually found homes for each one. 

This mission trip was truly a highlight of our lives! We could write a book on all we saw and experienced and we are so thankful for the opportunity to go and represent WMA! Our daughter, Brenna, is still in Austria and serving at the churches in Graz and Vienna this summer.

Melody Downey
WMA Missions Coordinator