βA sower went out to sow.β
Inspired by Jesus’ parable of a sower scattering seedsβwhere those seeds symbolize the word of Godβwe’ve embraced the name ‘Sowers’ for our ministry based in Tokyo, Japan. Just as sowers plant seeds, we too are dedicated SOWERS, actively sowing God’s word by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to simply sow seeds while putting our trust in God, the one who gives the growth.
“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.”
β 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
Planting seeds.
We plant seeds by proclaiming the gospel to the lost in the public square. We do this with words, both verbally and through the distribution of Bibles and tracts. The primary goal is to scatter seeds far and wide, that at least some seed might fall on “good soil.”
Watering sprouts.
We water sprouts by encouraging those who show interest in the gospel to study with us an introduction to the basics of Christianity from the Bible called “First Steps.” The study culminates by inviting them to put their faith in Christ and to respond to the gospel.
Praying for growth.
We plant and water while praying that the triune God would give growth to our laborβthat He would convict those who hear the gospel of their sin and their need for Christ. “He who plants and he who waters aren’t anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Cor. 3:7)
The Latin phrase soli Deo gloria, meaning βto God alone be the glory,β captures the Bibleβs teaching that everything in creation, providence, and redemption is done for Godβs glory and not our own. The purpose of our lives and the purpose for which all things were created is to bring glory to God. It is our hope and desire, as SOWERS, that God receives all the gloryβafter all, our efforts are nothing, He is the one that gives the growth.
