August 17th, 2026
by Shane Rootes
by Shane Rootes
Sometimes a missionary never sees the harvest.
Years before CVM existed, missionaries visited churches across America, sharing stories from distant nations. Children listened, and more often than not, most forgot the details.
Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s Word and His calling never return void.
“So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11.
While the specific details may have faded from memory, God had already planted something deeper: a stirring of the heart, a sense of curiosity, and the quiet realization that He was at work far beyond the boundaries of their hometown.
From conversations with many field workers over the years, the pattern is remarkably consistent. Someone shared a story, and someone listened. As a result, a tiny seed of hope and a future calling was planted.
Those missionaries never knew what their stories would eventually produce. Many seeds spend years underground before anyone sees growth. The same is true of calling. God often begins working long before we recognize His hand.
“One sows and another reaps.” — John 4:37
Friends, never underestimate the impact of sharing your story. It is your stories that have helped make CVM the deeply relational ministry it is today. Long before there were mission trips, partnerships, conferences, or field assignments, there were people willing to tell what God had done in their lives. Those stories inspired others to take a first step of faith, and then another.
Your story becomes part of His story, and His story has captured the hearts of veterinary professionals and students for the past fifty years. Today, a new story is waiting to be written. A student is listening, and a veterinarian is wondering if there is something more. A future missionary is hearing God stir their heart for the very first time, and by God’s grace, you are one of the main characters He intends to use in the chapter that comes next.
Never underestimate the impact of sharing your story.
Return to CVM 50th Page
Years before CVM existed, missionaries visited churches across America, sharing stories from distant nations. Children listened, and more often than not, most forgot the details.
Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s Word and His calling never return void.
“So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11.
While the specific details may have faded from memory, God had already planted something deeper: a stirring of the heart, a sense of curiosity, and the quiet realization that He was at work far beyond the boundaries of their hometown.
From conversations with many field workers over the years, the pattern is remarkably consistent. Someone shared a story, and someone listened. As a result, a tiny seed of hope and a future calling was planted.
Those missionaries never knew what their stories would eventually produce. Many seeds spend years underground before anyone sees growth. The same is true of calling. God often begins working long before we recognize His hand.
“One sows and another reaps.” — John 4:37
Friends, never underestimate the impact of sharing your story. It is your stories that have helped make CVM the deeply relational ministry it is today. Long before there were mission trips, partnerships, conferences, or field assignments, there were people willing to tell what God had done in their lives. Those stories inspired others to take a first step of faith, and then another.
Your story becomes part of His story, and His story has captured the hearts of veterinary professionals and students for the past fifty years. Today, a new story is waiting to be written. A student is listening, and a veterinarian is wondering if there is something more. A future missionary is hearing God stir their heart for the very first time, and by God’s grace, you are one of the main characters He intends to use in the chapter that comes next.
Never underestimate the impact of sharing your story.
Return to CVM 50th Page
No Comments