God uses the true believers to find and feed His lost sheep (the elect) with the true gospel. What is the meaning of the word "lost?" The word "lost" (apollumi) can be translated as the words "perish" or "destroy." In other words, God's elect are headed for destruction (annihilation) before they become saved. In this respect, God warns us to beware of false teachers (wolves) who lead the unsaved to destruction via false doctrines (Mt 7:15).