Again, I thank God for you all and for His good grace that enables us to do what we do for those in crisis in our local communities. As we emerge from a challenging time, driven by Covid, we see ourselves being embroiled in the inevitable fallout associated with it such as high inflation, interest rate hikes, and what appears to be the poor getting poorer. Sadly, I believe that later this year we will see greater hardship for the more vulnerable in our communities and ask sincerely that everyone pray that I am wrong, but nevertheless, pray also that whatever may come, God will continue to provide the means for us to minister to those in need as He has faithfully done so in the past. Your help and support and particularly your prayers underpin everything we do.

 

As we contemplate what the near future may or may not bring, we should take time to remember and reflect on the huge sacrifice that Jesus Himself made for each one of us, ponder on His suffering and the anguish and darkness of the cross, and the despair that ensued for those around Him when He declared "it is finished".

 

We should take encouragement that this despondency and sorrow then turned into triumphant joy.

 

Mark Ch 16 -

² And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.  ³ And they said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?  ⁴ And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.  ⁵ And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.  ⁶ And he saith unto them, be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him.

 

There may be tough, or even very tough times ahead for us all, however, even in a world which seems to grow stranger with each passing day, we should be of good cheer because one thing never changes, Christ is risen! 

 

May I wish all volunteers, staff, donors, corporate and prayer partners a restful and blessed Easter time as we remember the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. 

 

God Bless.   

 

Glenn Jones

Chairman