A Two-Part Reflection on Faithful Ministry — Part One

Over the years, one lesson has surfaced again and again as I’ve watched God work through Cabaret Haiti Mission: when we think there is little to plant, God reveals a plentiful harvest.

When I first became involved with this ministry, I imagined the greatest moments would be the ones where we could clearly see God at work—a child graduating, a life transformed, a family restored, or a community strengthened. Those moments do happen, and they are beautiful reminders of God’s faithfulness.

But over time, and through changes in Haiti’s political climate and daily realities, I’ve come to realize those visible moments are only a small part of the story.

Most days of ministry don’t feel like standing in a field overflowing with abundance. They feel much more like planting seeds.

Jesus often used the imagery of a sower scattering seed. We mistakenly think the farmer’s responsibility is to make the seed grow. It is not. His responsibility is simply to plant faithfully, trusting God with everything that happens afterward.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:7 (ESV):

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

That truth has become increasingly meaningful to me.

What does planting seeds look like at Cabaret Haiti Mission?

• Every act of love is a seed.
• Every child who receives an education is a seed.
• Every meal provided is a seed.
• Every Bible lesson taught is a seed.
• Every prayer offered is a seed.
• Every sponsor who faithfully gives plants another seed in the lives of children and families they may never meet this side of heaven.

Not every seed produces visible results overnight. Some take years before we recognize what God has been doing beneath the surface. Others may not reveal their full harvest until eternity.

That can be difficult to remember when we look at the realities facing Haiti today.

The headlines speak of violence, instability, uncertainty, and loss. Those of us connected to this ministry have felt that pain personally. Recently, our Cabaret Haiti Mission family mourned the heartbreaking loss of one of the young men who grew up in our orphanage after his life was taken by gang violence. Moments like these leave us grieving and asking questions that have no easy answers.

In seasons like this, it is tempting to wonder whether our efforts are making a difference.

Yet Scripture reminds us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Our calling has never been to guarantee the harvest. Our calling is to remain faithful in the planting. God alone gives the growth.

As we look around Haiti today, it can be easy to focus on what seems impossible. Yet Jesus often pointed His followers toward the smallest of things—a seed. Not because of its size, but because of its potential in God’s hands.

Like faith the size of a mustard seed, the work we do each day may appear small. A lesson taught. A meal shared. A prayer whispered. A child encouraged. We may not see what those seeds become, but God does.

We often imagine a bountiful harvest as something huge and easily seen. We look for greatness in size, number, or scale. But God often reveals greatness in ways that are quieter and far more awe-inspiring:

• A child who feels safe.
• A young person who discovers they are deeply loved.
• A family strengthened through Christ.
• A church that continues serving despite overwhelming circumstances.
• A prayer answered in a way only God could have arranged.

Those are harvests, too.

Perhaps that is where faith grows strongest—not when we can already see the harvest, but when we continue planting because we trust the One who gives the growth.

As Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV):

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Thank you for continuing to plant alongside us through your sponsorships, prayers, encouragement, and faithful support. Every act of generosity is another seed sown into lives that God continues to nurture, even when the growth remains hidden from our eyes.

Next month, we’ll explore what happens after the planting—and how God often reveals a harvest in ways we never expected.