Pastor Dishon’s Farewell—A Little Green Bud

May hope allow us to dream.

By Dishon Mills, Pastor, Steele Creek, North Carolina, U.S.

In my office, in front of my desk, there is a fig tree sapling. With my mother’s blessing, I took it from the base of the fig tree in her backyard. I carefully dug it up and wrapped its roots in wet paper towels. I took it home and put it in a pot. I set the pot in front of my desk so I could watch over it. I encouraged the tree to grow, speaking to it about how much I love figs and about the perfect place I picked for it in the yard. I made sure it got enough water and sunshine to grow strong.

Getting uprooted like that is traumatic for a plant. Many times, a plant will die from the shock. I hoped for the best, but my heart sank when the few leaves the sapling had shriveled and died. For weeks, I stared at what looked like a dead twig stuck in the dirt. I continued to take care of it, but I did not know if I was laboring in vain. My care for the sapling was rewarded when I saw a little green bud at the end of one of its branches. Of course, I am at least three years away from seeing any figs on this tree, but my hope has been kindled. And that hope has caused me to dream. My mind is filled with visions of fig preserves, dried fig snacks, and other dishes I will cook with figs. This is all because I saw a little green bud.

Writing this column has been a lot like watching my fig tree sapling. My first Youth Vision article appeared in the Equipper in November of 2020. I was not the first in GCI to be a champion for children through my writing. Like my mother’s fig tree, many faithful servants paved the way for Youth Vision to exist. At the same time, I was asked to take what God had caused me to see and experience and to speak words of life to those who care for our youngest members. I was asked to raise a fig tree sapling. In other words, I was asked to write a column without knowing whether it would ever bear fruit.

Based on my reminiscing, you may have already guessed that this will be my last Youth Vision article. I want to free myself up to focus more on my duties as the pastor of Grace Communion Steele Creek. Yet, as I sit here writing, I am not experiencing sadness. I am filled with gratitude and hope.

Our denomination, like many others, has suffered an overall decline in the number of younger members, yet I believe I have seen a little green bud appear. I am hearing about more and more congregations embedding in their community and starting neighborhood camps that are built upon authentic relationships. I hear about children’s and youth ministries in places like Manila and Surrey Hills that are thriving. I have spoken to many GCI pastors who are diligently working to turn the hearts of their members towards children. I am not saying that the Youth Vision column is responsible for these positive trends. However, I think the existence of this column has been another sign of the good things God is doing in our midst.

When it comes to the young people of GCI, I have a lot of dreams. We may be years away from seeing the fruit, but I believe fruit is coming. I am reminded of the words Jesus spoke to his disciples in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” This is the Jesus to whom we belong. As we faithfully follow where He leads, I believe He will cause fruit to grow in our midst. I pray that we hold onto this truth as we continue to share the love of Christ with our young people.

Thank you so much for reading the words that God gave me. I pray they have helped you feel some hope. And I pray that hope has caused you to dream.

Editor’s Note: This column will continue with guest writers from each of our six global regions.