In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” During the month of April we transition out of lent and a long winter, and into spring and Easter. The journey out of darkness and into the light is led by Jesus. He is the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the dessert at night. He is the light that didn’t go out during Chanukah. He is the fire walker with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He is the illumination of the ascension and the glow of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He is still the light of the world and uses his church to shine his love in places of darkness.

As Jesus mentions in Matthew 5, you are the light of the world. And your partnership with the church in India and Nepal is bringing light to the darkness. It generates income for families on the brink of extreme poverty. It is providing education and love for children. And it is spreading the hope of Jesus to villages that have never heard of him. You are making a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your support. Thank you.

Lord, may your light shine brightly through our lives and partnerships. Display your light and love to our next-door neighbor and our global neighbors. Let your light reside and illuminate through your church. Amen.