Fruit

John 15:5 (NLT)

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

   Every once in a while, someone will congratulate me on “my success” with this ministry. I then have to pull them aside and explain as kindly as I can two important facts: First, it’s not my success. I don’t do anything alone. My wife, my friends, and all the people who pray for us, volunteer, and financially support this ministry are a huge part of how God works for His purposes here. This ministry would be nowhere without them. Second, and most importantly, there is nothing any of us do that ever produces fruit except that we remain in Him. As the Scripture teaches us, some plant, some water, but it is always God who gives the increase. 

   So as we all endeavor to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, He continues to touch lives through us. Thank you for your participation as we work together to produce fruit for Him.  

   The following is a letter we recently received from one of our students. He articulates very well what God is doing in his life, and I thought this would be a good example of how the Lord continues to produce fruit through this ministry. 

To the staff at Lessons for Life Ministries: 

   I wanted to extend to all of the staff there my sincere thanks and best wishes for your continued success. The lessons and the Bible you sent me were critical in helping me survive my incarceration here. In addition, the book Plain Vanilla Wrapper motivated me to come closer to God. My faith is stronger now and I am overcoming the sins of my past life. In this new life I have developed healthier habits such as Bible study, meditating on the word of God, prayer, worship and now spreading the gospel myself.

   There is such a great need here for the gospel of Jesus Christ. About half of the jail population has never been to jail before, and we are treated with contempt. 

Christ is my comfort and it is encouraging to know there are other Christians out there who look at us as worthy of redemption, love, and forgiveness. 

   Due to my wonderful experience with your organization, I am forwarding others to you that are thirsty for the word of God. Please continue your ministry as I know how much it encouraged my spiritual growth. If I ever regain my freedom, I will reach out to help your organization with whatever help you need.

     Thank you all so much!

     Your brother in Christ,

James