From Planting Seeds to Reaping the Harvest: Three Angels Church Completes the Cycle of Evangelism

Four years ago, when traditional methods of evangelism were not producing the results our church had hoped for, the Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church in Owasso decided to take a different approach. Recognizing that some people might be hesitant to attend church-sponsored events because of preconceived ideas or religious prejudice, we launched Owasso Events, a community-focused outreach platform designed to connect with people in a welcoming and non-threatening environment.

While the events were community-centered, we never concealed our identity. Attendees always knew that the programs were sponsored by both Owasso Events and the Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our goal was simple: build genuine relationships and demonstrate Christ's love through service to the community.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Our first major event, the Owasso Christmas Symphony, exceeded all expectations. The overwhelming community response marked a turning point in building trust and breaking down barriers. Many who attended the symphony later participated in other programs because of the positive experience they had at that first event. Over the years, we hosted health lectures, healthy cooking classes, marriage enrichment seminars, financial wellness workshops, cybersecurity awareness presentations, and numerous other community programs. Each event strengthened relationships and created new opportunities to connect our neighbors with the church.

Two years ago, those efforts led us to conduct a 10-day evangelistic series. Attendance reflected a significant breakthrough, and guests responded positively to the presentations. However, despite the encouraging participation, no long-term commitments resulted from the meetings. Rather than becoming discouraged, our church returned to prayer and continued investing in community outreach, trusting that God was working in hearts even when we could not yet see the results.

This year, the harvest arrived.

Following years of planting seeds and cultivating relationships, we partnered with Dustin Pestlin of Hope Through Prophecy and Amazing Facts for another evangelistic series. This time, we witnessed the beautiful results of God's leading. Through the meetings, six individuals were baptized, one joined the church through profession of faith, and at least six more are preparing to follow Christ in baptism.

Looking back, we can now see that every community event, every friendship, and every act of service was a seed planted along the way. What once appeared to be slow progress was actually God's season of preparation. He knew the right time to bring these precious souls into His church.

Our experience has reinforced an important lesson: evangelism is not merely an event. It is a process of building relationships, removing barriers, serving others with love, and trusting God's timing.

Perhaps most importantly, we have discovered that when a church works together in unity, united by one heart, one mission, and one purpose, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, God not only prepares the community for the harvest but also prepares the church to receive it. Through that unity, He strengthens faith, deepens commitment, and equips His people for the blessings He intends to pour out.

The apostle Paul expressed this truth beautifully in 1 Corinthians 3:6:

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase."

We planted. We prayed. We worked together. And in God's perfect timing, He brought forth the harvest.

Reported by Alfonso & Lesley Orellana