For the sixth year in a row, Comfort International will publish resources for churches and organisations to use at Harvest time this year, which is usually celebrated in Scotland from September to October time. Traditionally the time when farmers reap the crop from a year of hard labour, planting, working and waiting, Harvest is also a time to consider those who do not have as much in the way of worldly resources, whether they be in our neighbourhoods or on the other side of the world. Many churches take this time to stop and learn what the bible has to say about taking care of the poor, and sometimes to take up an offering towards helping many in this situation.
Over the last number of years, Comfort International has produced resources for churches looking for support or ideas in how to discuss Harvest and turn the focus towards those in other countries who are in great practical need. The bible is very clear that as followers of Jesus, it is our biblical mandate to take care of the poor, the widow, the orphan and the foreigner.
In previous years, we have focussed on different parts of the bible to help us celebrate and reflect at this time of Harvest. Last year, our main passage was James 3v18, ““Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” In 2023, we discussed how Jesus is the water of life, and focussed on the situation in South Sudan, where drought is common and food insecurity is incredibly high. Our resources usually include a short encouraging film clip to show the church, children’s activities and resources for kids’ and youth talks and occasionally prayer and other resources.
This year we will be looking at the story of Ruth and Boaz, and how Boaz gladly became the answer to the need and brokenness that Ruth and Naomi were facing when they arrived widowed and poor from Moab. Despite the very real financial and social difficulties that many face in Scotland and the UK, we do find ourselves in a position of relative wealth in the West, and we can take inspiration from Boaz’s example of generosity, and from the man who was to be King David’s great-grandfather.
Harvest is a special time to celebrate and give thanks for all that the Lord has given us. It is also an opportunity to look outward, be generous, and be blessed through giving out to those who have less. In practical terms, we would love to help you with resources for your church or small group this Harvest time. If you are already looking ahead to planning your Harvest service, consider opening a slot to show the Comfort International resources and equip your teachers with kids’ activities and materials. You can browse previous years’ resources on our Harvest page, and keep an eye out for our 2026 resources coming soon! If you’d like to be the first to receive our resources, get in touch today by emailing us at enquiry@comfortinternational.org.
