"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."  - Matt. 9:36-38

I remember preaching from this portion of scripture while I was on deputation.  I remember thinking and feeling like I had a tremendous burden for the people of Spain.  Each time I would stand to present the need of Spain, the burden would grow.  However, I have realized that the burden we relay as missionaries on deputation fails in comparison to the burden that we develop when we begin working with the people.  That burden that we have while on deputation is more of a burden of the statistics, a number…without a name.   It is a necessary burden that helps drive us to where we need to be, however, the true burden is realized when we finally arrive on the field and begin dealing with the people…face to face.  We begin to learn that the statistics that we threw around while travelling from State to State on deputation actually have names, faces, feelings, needs, and many of them are hurting inside and need a Savior, a Comforter.  

Jesus is Compassion by every sense of the word.  However, we see this truth as Jesus stands before the people, the multitudes…face to face, and is “moved with compassion.”  Seeing and dealing with the people as they are, hurting, reminds us of the reason we are here.  

A lady in our church who has been saved and recently baptized that has 2 precious children is married to a Spaniard who does not have a relationship with the Lord and really expresses no desire to have one.  She was living with him and the 2 children before she was saved and since her salvation, has wanted to make things right by getting married.  She is trying to be a godly wife to her lost husband; however, it is hard, very hard, to portray the biblical principles of a wife when your husband has no desire for the things of God.  However, she believes the Word of God that a godly wife can change the heart of a husband and even help bring him to salvation.  She struggles each day to raise her precious children in a home where daddy is getting drunk every week.  She weeps each week, asking for prayer and strength.  

Another couple, who have been growing and serving the Lord, who have 2 precious children, are dealing with issues in their marriage.  The wife raises her hand for prayer, only making it through half the prayer request before breaking down with tears.   

This Thursday, Spain will celebrate Father’s Day so the church celebrated Father’s Day by having the children’s Sunday School classes make a special card for their fathers.  One young boy started crying while making the card and said, “I have no daddy to give this to.”  His daddy died 2 years ago, leaving a single mother with 2 young boys.  

It is hard, it is tough, you hurt because they hurt.  Then, you walk out in the streets and you look at the people…face to face, most of which don’t have a true relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and you realize their fate, their future.  They need a Savior.  They need the Lord.  However, they reject your invitation, they reject the Word of God.  You hurt for them and your compassion grows.  You get a glimpse of the compassion that Jesus had as he looked on the multitudes and you realize the urgency of the prayer and request that he made:

“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Would you pray with me that God would send more laborers into His harvest?