"May the things you do, do things."
This powerful line was spoken during our prayer call the other week, and I immediately noted it.
It's a beautiful prayer that takes me back to the understanding that we are "blessed to be a blessing." In life systems, continual ripples go out, and if things work as God intended, there should be no end. It should just keep going.
May the things you do, do things.
Let me share an example:
Last year, a woman from Grand Rapids whom I had met in Liberia many years ago, connected me to a ministry in Pakistan (see where I'm going with this?).
After several online meetings and presentations with this ministry, they decided to add DML to the discipleship ministries in which they were already involved. We did online training sessions for trainers and, thanks to the financial partnership of many of you, began to have the materials translated into Urdu.A few facts about Pakistan: It is the fifth most populated country in the world, with the second highest population of Muslims. 1.37% of the population is Christian, or just over three million people, and the number of Christians is growing rapidly.
Our partner in Pakistan is planning to reach a number of cities across the country in 2025, and I received their first report this past week. I would like to share with you two testimonies included in that report:
The
illustration of the cruise ship versus the warship was particularly impactful
in helping us understand our role and purpose. Another powerful point was that
God has called us to work—He did not create chairs and tables, but rather, He
created us with the ability to work and build. This session made our purpose
abundantly clear.
I
am grateful to Lord’s Home and DML for helping us better understand God’s perspective on our work and business.
Greetings in the Lord’s name. My name is Nida Shaheen, and I am a banker at HBL Bank. This vision-casting meeting was truly deep and thought-provoking. I strongly encourage such theological teaching at every level within the Pakistani church.
Through
both the Old and New Testaments, I learned that God's perspective on work and
business is not new—it has been present since the very beginning of
the Bible. The way God has progressively revealed His design for work and
business was truly enlightening.
As
someone working among Muslims, this session has encouraged me to approach my
work with greater dedication, seeking to inspire my colleagues through my
devotion and integrity. Another key takeaway for me was understanding that work
is not a punishment but a divine calling for which God has created and
appointed us.
I
am deeply grateful to Lord’s Home and DML for providing this valuable learning
opportunity. I look forward to applying today’s teaching in my workplace.
Do you hear how the things we do are going to do things? Years later, a woman I met in Liberia followed up with me regarding a connection in Pakistan. We followed up. The ministry engaged. Now, churches and banks have the potential to see change, and the ripples go on.
The DML team has been enjoying a song called "Your Labor is not in Vain," which I've included here. It's a song that reminds us that our work has impact and outcomes, no matter how big or small we feel our work is! Read the lyrics below and be encouraged this week. Be careful—it can get stuck in your head, especially the reminder from God that "I am with you."
May the things you do this week, do things, in Jesus' name!
Your Labor is Not in Vain, by Porter's Gate Worship Project:
VERSE 1:
Your labor is not in vain
though the ground underneath you is cursed and stained
Your planting and reaping are never the same
But your labor is not in vain.
REFRAIN:
For I am with you, I am with you.
I am with you, I am with you
For I have called you,
called you by name
Your labor is not in vain.
VERSE 2:
Your labor is not unknown
though the rocks they cry out and the sea it may groan.
The place of your toil may not seem like a home
but your labor is not unknown. (refrain)
VERSE 3:
The vineyards you plant will bear fruit
the fields will sing out and rejoice with the truth,
for all that is old will at last be made new:
the vineyards you plant will bear fruit. (refrain)
VERSE 4:
The houses you labored to build
will finally with laughter and joy be filled.
The serpent that hurts and destroys shall be killed
and all that is broken be healed. (refrain)