What a blessing to have Leona as well as Frank and Sue share with us on Sunday. From the updates about Thailand to learning about fruitfulness and weeds, it was a packed and rich day full of highlights.
First, we had the opportunity to hear from Frank and Sue, who served as pastors in Peace Gospel Church in Thailand for many years. Last year, Arthur and Leona traveled to Thailand on a mission trip that included a visit to Peace Gospel Church. After arriving back in Toronto, Arthur and Leona helped Lifespring sow into much needed repairs for the church building, and Frank and Sue expressed their thanks on behalf of the church.
Leona also had a chance to share about some of the fruit of the seeds that Lifespring has planted in Thailand. Lifespring’s work in Thailand has spanned over ten years and included many projects including bicycle repairs, chicken egg farming, road construction, and marketplace teaching. It was amazing to hear about how God is using these seeds to bear good fruit among the Christians in Thailand as well as their neighbors.
Following on our 2025 theme of fruitfulness and seeds, Leona shared plenty of gems that she’s been learning from her own reflections about planting and gardening. Leona shared a photo of a maple plant that had been growing in her garden for several years. From the outside, the plant looks small and weak. However, the plant has proven to be strong enough to stand the test of time, continuing to return season after season.
One of our memory verses for the year has been James 1:4. It says,
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
– James 1:4
Like the maple plant, at times we may feel small and weak. Yet, even with our weaknesses, God can make us strong and help us to persevere through the harsh seasons of our lives. What is most important is that we rely on God’s strength instead of our own as he gives us the ability to endure and even thrive during challenging seasons.
Another reflection was about a Magnolia tree in Leona’s neighborhood. Just like the Cherry Blossoms we may be familiar with, Magnolia trees flower beautifully but for only a short period of time. This is a reminder of the fleeting beauty of the world. At times, it is easy to allow the things of the world to sidetrack us from what is most important in life. This is why it is so important to remember that the things of the world are fleeting. Only God can provide lasting fruit, the kind of fruit that endures the test of time. We need to remember to invest in such lasting fruit in our lives, being careful to avoid becoming distracted with the fleeting beauty of the world.
Lastly, Leona used the analogy of weeds in a garden to talk about some of those things that can crowd out good fruit in our lives. There are several conditions that cause weeds to proliferate. For one, weeds begin to grow when the turf is too empty or thin. Leona compared this to how weeds in our lives can start growing in the empty spots of our lives. This is the reason why it is important to surround ourselves with people and perspectives that are fruitful and have lasting value. Grow strong grass in your life–remain focused on listening prayer, time with God, worship, Bible study, and enriching conversations and relationships that can help fill your life with fruitfulness.
At the beginning of 2025, our first memory verse for the year was from John 15:5 where Jesus says,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
– John 15:5
As we continue with our theme of fruitfulness for the year, let’s remember to remain attached to the vine, tending to the seeds and fruit that God is bringing about in our lives, while being mindful of the weeding and pruning that God continues to do.