He who goes out weeping...

I've just returned from a pastoral visit which I have been meaning to chase up for a while. As far as I can tell, without wanting to presume, it gives me cause for thanks.

It was with a person and friend who used to attend our services - I discovered that, chiefly for transport reasons, this former adherent is currently worshiping elsewhere.

The person admitted that, during the spell with us, understanding English had been difficult: some of the message was grasped, but certainly not everything.

I had suspected that this person wasn't a true believer. I had seen softening which was evidenced by more regular attendance. Then suddenly, without explanation, the seat was empty at the service.

What a joy for me to learn today that the same soul now confessed to being converted to the true Christian faith in the period since.

It all began, apparently, when prayer was offered in our church for this person by name: it started a change that now fills this person with delight.

The intention was expressed to visit the church again soon - both service times, for morning and evening, were checked. We bowed and asked the Lord to bless and bring them back.

Whatever the final outcome, I re-learnt a lesson today - the sovereign Word sent forth, when wielded with prayer, is God's mighty sword to subdue souls to Christ.

It reminds me of Psalm 126:6;

"He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

If sheaves yield songs of joy, what praise do souls produce!