“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Melvin and Shirley were thoroughly exhausted as they returned home from their midweek children’s meetings. “I wonder if the boys and girls even got anything out of my lesson tonight?” Shirley asked her husband. “You did a great job of trying to settle the children down, but they were just so full of life. I don’t ever remember seeing them so rambunctious!” she said with a sigh. Melvin had already made his way to the family room and nearly collapsed in his favorite chair. “I know what you mean, Honey. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it!” he said with a tone of sadness and almost defeat in his voice. “Do you think it’s time for us to quit? Do you think the children even want to come to JOY Club?” he asked his wife. Just then the telephone rang, and it was a mother of two of the children who came to club that night. This mother said to Shirley, “Thank you so very much for taking the time to serve the Lord in this precious ministry. My two children came home tonight thoroughly excited telling me all about your wonderful lesson. I suspect people do not thank you very often, and I just wanted to say thanks for your great ministry.” Shirley and the mother chatted for a few more minutes before saying good-bye.  Melvin and Shirley looked at each other, and with a smile on their face remembered the words, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” They were convinced and ready to start preparing for next week.