Harvest 2026: A new thing!

As we celebrate Harvest, Major Sarah Butler invites us to notice where God is at work.

Are you someone who notices everything – a new haircut, an interesting shop on the high street or vibrant flowers that were not there the week before? Or does life pass you by until, suddenly, you realise that everything has changed and you are not quite sure how or when it happened?

This Harvest, we are encouraged to notice what God is doing – to recognise his hope, provision and renewal in our communities. Isaiah 43:19 says: ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’

In my current appointment, I have the privilege of seeing God at work across our territory from a wider perspective than when I was focused solely on my own frontline ministry. I am noticing that God is, and always has been, at work across our corps, centres and settings. I see new expressions of Salvation Army ministry, creative ways of reaching people with the gospel, new people responding to the call to discipleship and leadership, and a growing sense that God is saying: ‘See, Salvation Army, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way.’

What are you noticing in your area? Where is God doing a new thing? Could it be passing you by?

We are reminded this Harvest that God does not always work in obvious or grand ways. Often, his leading is subtle – seemingly small or hidden from view. Perhaps we need to look more closely, discern with fresh eyes, and pray prophetically over our communities until we begin to recognise what God is preparing. It is good to make time to slow down, or even pause, as we prayerfully reflect on God’s mission for us. We cannot begin to perceive what God is doing if we fill every moment with our own agendas and familiar practices.

The mission of God is not limited by our imagination, the ceilings we place upon what is possible or our human frailties and imperfections. God’s mission is unfolding all around us – often quietly in the background and within people’s hearts – bringing life, hope and healing to our communities in unexpected ways. This is the work for which we, as The Salvation Army, were raised up: to notice what God is doing in places where others fear to go, to bring hope to the people society has forgotten, and to do things differently so that transformation and restoration can come to desolate places.

God is always at work in our communities, bringing the values of his Kingdom to Earth. He invites us to join him in this adventurous mission. Scripture reminds us repeatedly that God takes our small offerings and transforms them for mighty purposes. Just imagine the adventures we might one day reflect upon if we say yes to his invitation – to notice what he is doing and become involved!

Pause and respond

• What will you give this Harvest? 75 per cent of your offering stays within your corps and 25 per cent goes towards your divisional Mission Innovation Fund to resource mission opportunities.
• Read through Isaiah 43 and pray for vision and discernment. Where can you see God doing a new thing? How can you join in?
• Give online at salvationist.org.uk/harvest.