Did you know that out of hundreds of paintings, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one while he was alive? Only one. If only one had ever been sold it would all have been worth it, the hard work, joy, sweat and, I’m sure, tears at times. If he only knew how many were sold and at what cost. But I bet he’d say it was worth it, if only for the one…

We really don’t know the exact number of people who’ve been saved because of the ministry of America’s Keswick but thousands have been ministered to. It’s hard work, a labor of love. Yet there are days that try the best of saints. But even the least of us saints would have to say, I for certain do say, it was worth it, if only for the one…

A missionary my church supports in Italy gave a message recently. He and his wife have served in Naples for many years and are preparing to retire. He spoke of this one painting sold by Van Gogh. It was a very good analogy to the experience of missionary work. More great cost, hard work, sweat and tears. Naples, Italy may sound like a dreamy destination but in reality it’s a tough neighborhood. Life hasn’t been easy for them there but it has been worth it, if only for the one…

After the service my Pastor, who’s also preparing to retire, came over to me and I greeted him the same way I always do, with a question, “How’s my favorite pastor?” He gave me a hug and what he said next really touched my heart. “You know, Dina, as soon as he said those words ‘If only for the one’, I immediately thought of you.” Twelve years ago, I was the one Pastor led to the Lord.
The name of the painting Van Gogh sold was Red Vineyard. I have purchased a reproduction for my favorite Pastor and will give it to him for his retirement.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for what You did for all. You’d have done it if only for the one…

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Romans 6:10 NKJV

Dina Seatondseaton@americaskeswick.orgDina has served on staff since the summer of 2002 in Marketing and Guest Services. Her first book will be in publication this spring – “Do it again Lord, Do it again!”