Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – One morning in June 2025, while on a work trip, a representative of the Community Development Ministry unexpectedly received a message from a servant of God. A year earlier, the ministry had partnered with him in a small way: providing 100 plastic chairs for a house group of poor believers in a remote area. One year later, that story had an outcome no one expected.
See photos: the post on the Community Development Ministry fanpage
No More Sitting on Split Logs
He shared that since the house group got proper chairs, the spirit of God’s people there has completely changed. People no longer sit on wobbly split logs. Children no longer have to stand crowded together during services. The elderly no longer have to bring old cushions to put on the ground.
And in that simplicity, God’s Word was sown. People in many surrounding villages began to believe, and the number of believers grew quietly but clearly. The servant of God wrote: “Thank you to the ministry for partnering at just the right time. It has been a great blessing to our house group.”
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God Uses Small Things
The money for 100 chairs was not large. When the ministry decided to help, it was simply moved by a very practical need, never imagining that a year later it would become a link in the growth of the church there.
God used the staff in Moses’ hand, and five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd. He can also use 100 plastic chairs to do great things in His Kingdom. What matters is obedience and God’s timing.
Our Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain
The writer of this reflection, after many years of community development work, said that he felt smaller than ever that morning, because God is still working every day through things that seem very ordinary. The ministry prays to keep receiving support, not only financially but also through prayer and partnership.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Let Us Pray Together
- For the house group and surrounding villages to keep being built up in faith.
- For those serving God in remote areas to receive new strength.
- For the ministry to stay attentive to small but timely needs.
Read more in Community Development and Church News. Contact the church office: 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
