Light that Cannot Be Overcome
“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9
How do you feel about cloudy days? West Michigan is well known for gray winter days framed by banks of low lying stratus clouds. I used to tell my students that the sun was still shining and strong above those clouds; that its light was still filtering through even if we couldn’t see its brilliance from our perspective. I have to admit, though, cloudy days can bring dullness to my spirit.
This past year has certainly produced figurative clouds as a world-wide pandemic gripped us and so much turmoil descended all around. The contrast between this February’s Missions Festival and the last one is striking: Last year we packed our auditorium as we feasted on a banquet featuring food from all over the world; our halls were filled with artwork from the congregation, and our Christ Church kids thrilled us with a living wax museum highlighting missionaries from the past and honoring current missionaries. We sang together. This year we are urged to keep distance from each other and our halls are silent. Yet right now, we celebrate the fact that God’s light shines more brightly than ever. The clouds cannot dim His truth or the hope that we so desperately need.
Our theme verse this year comes from the book of John, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. Our missionaries have reflected on that verse and have made videos informing us of how they are living that reality in the ministries where God has placed them. In some ways the view is more intimate now, as they speak from their own living rooms and backyards. Each 2-5 minute video is unique and inspiring but has one overriding message: God is with us. His light shines.
We have exciting ways of celebrating God’s light this February. Each week is designated for a particular part of the world and an email will go out with links to missionaries in that part of the world. This past Tuesday's email began with the Americas, and will continue in the following weeks with Europe, then the Middle East and Africa, and finally, the continent of Asia. A new Missions page on our website highlights local ministries and missionaries we support with links to videos. New ones will be made available each week throughout the month. The points of light on the map show you exactly where each of our missionaries are located. As you explore all of the possibilities, you will also find their prayer requests, fascinating facts about their countries, personal challenges and even recipes to try, (if you are feeling adventurous or just want to have some fun!) We have tried to provide material that will draw young and old, families and individuals. In addition, our children's resources page offers a short video for kids along with coloring sheets. Each Sunday we will feature one of the missionary videos in both the on-site and on-line worship service, and the kids’ check-in table will have things for the children to explore. Every aspect of our worship this month shouts out the truth that God’s light shines in the darkness.
One more exciting aspect is our opportunity to partner with the Seed Company in translating the book of Romans for a people group in south Asia. We are challenging members of our congregation provide the funds that would enable translation of the entire book. It is such a privilege to shine God’s light into hearts that are eagerly waiting! Details about how to do this are presented in our webpage as well as in our first worship service.
What a joy it is to proclaim that our God is the fountain of light—that His Light shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome! Our prayer is that this overwhelming truth will enlighten your hearts this month and inspire you to pray for and connect with our missionaries and ministries. May you be challenged to share the light within you in new ways. God bless you.