My pastor friend, how much of what we've done will continue to impact our town 50 years after our ministry is completed?

How much of what we've done will continue to impact our CHURCH 50 years after our ministry is completed?

How much of what we've done continues to impact individuals in our church 50 days after our ministry is completed?

Of course, these questions can only be answered by God.  He gives the growth.  However, we can be careful not to build with wood, hay and stubble, but with those things that remain--the Word of God, prayer, evangelism.  Here's what George Whitefield wrote in his diary one day:  "I went to Kidderminster where I was kindly received.  I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savour of good Mr. Baxter's doctrine, works, and discipline remained to this day."  That was written on Dec. 31 of 1743, over 80 years after Baxter's ministry in Kidderminster was completed. 

Jesus said to His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last" (John 15:16).  By God's grace, true gospel fruit will last eternally in Heaven.  Wouldn't it be wonderful, if we gave ourselves to the means of ministry that God has ordained, and that in His overflowing grace to us, He would allow continuing fruit even in the field of our earthly ministry?  Let's labor and pray that it would be so, to the good of His people, and to the glory of God Himself.