Books Are Multiplied

It is my custom, especially during my Quiet Time on Friday mornings, to reminisce about the journey the Lord has led us along. As I sit on my La-Z-Boy chair, under my quilt (my ‘meeting place’) to meditate, I think back to the ‘stepping stones’ of Betty’s question, to Don Evans, to Swansea University, etc., and frequently comment “Lord, You did that!” At the end of my lengthy ‘journey of remembrance’ I add the comment and prayer. “Lord, I have tried to sow Your seed wherever You have led me. Sometimes I did it well, but often I did it poorly. However, Lord, it is Your seed, and You said that it would not return to You without accomplishing its purpose. Please Lord, bring forth fruit from what I have sowed, somewhere in the world today. Amen.” One wonderful morning, He invaded my quiet place and showed me a far-ranging rice paddy field. Suddenly, green shoots shot up all over the place. I was thrilled and humbled as I considered what I think He was showing me. My labour was not in vain.

I have mentioned in a previous chapter the great blessings I received by hosting and mentoring, for a short time, Greg Gordon, the creator of www.sermonindex.net (see the chapter “Sermonindex.net”) – surely a God-placed ‘stepping stone’. I knew that he had put some of my sermons on the web page but had seldom taken the time to see how they were being received. That was until a couple of years ago. I was looking for some other sermons (by Stephen Evans) and saw my name nearby. I clicked and was reminded that 39 of my sermons had found their way ‘on-line’. Naturally, I looked to see if anyone had downloaded them. I would have been blessed to see a few hundred, maybe a thousand, downloaded. I was utterly amazed when I saw the figures – several times anything I had hoped for – surely the ‘rice’ was sprouting! But more multiplying was yet to come.

Six years ago, I received a call from a young man whom I knew by sight but had not yet become acquainted with. James asked if we could walk together as he wanted someone to be accountable to and to pray with. Thus began a deep friendship which continues to this day. His whole family have become part of my life, and I treasure every interaction with them.

We spent many hours walking, talking and praying together, for the church in Victoria and for personal needs. We have so many interests in common, but in many ways, we are so different. He is an entrepreneur of note, especially in IT, and has started up a number of companies. He also supports Pastor Dan Muwanguzi and his work in Uganda. (https://christianmodelministries.com/). On one of his visits to Uganda, James set up an IT company led by Dan’s nephew Isaac (www.odyssey.com), and for one of their early ventures they edited my current web page (www.garethevansministries.org). What a blessing! That blessing was multiplied as, for several months, I would present much of my Bible teaching each week on Zoom to all the employees. An extra little blessing came when Isaac’s wife produced their fourth child and named him Gareth!!

All my books were edited anew and made available for purchase through Amazon. It was James’ 14-year-old daughter Jaimee who designed all their covers, including this book. In appreciation for all they had done, I gave permission to the team in Uganda to use my books and any finances received for them, for the extension of their ministry.

It was my intention in 2024 to join James in Uganda to teach at one of Pr Dan’s many Pastors’ Conferences. As the itinerary was being made clearer, it became evident to me that my age and fragile body were becoming too large an obstacle to ignore. It would be presumptuous of me to expect my body to stand the strain of several hours driving on some Ugandan roads. However, my absence was not going to be a hindrance to ministry among those pastors, as Odyssey took the initiative to print my books locally and distribute them free to all the pastors in attendance. I understand that they have now been translated into four languages – English, Spanish and two local languages in Africa. I am truly amazed and so blessed to know that my writings are now being spread abroad just as my sermons are. Surely, the rice is “popping up” in the paddy field.

Lord, You are so good to me! May both the writing and speaking continue to be to the praise of Your Glory. (Eph 1:6, 12, 14).