When I was a sophomore in college, I went on a month long mission trip to Nepal. We stayed in a hotel in Kathmandu that rarely had warm water and only had electricity certain hours of the day. This was during the month of January. We would bundle up in layers, hats and gloves when we'd go to bed at night, and showered only every few days because it was freezing. Never have I been so grateful and appreciative of a warm shower as the day we flew home, and had a long layover in Bahrain. Everyone took a nice hot shower at the hotel. It was amazing!!
Before this month in Nepal, hot water was not something I was extremely grateful for, as I had never experienced going without it. Hot water was something I took for granted. I did not rejoice each morning when I got up to take a shower, knowing it was going to be warm! It was just a normal part of life. It took experiencing and suffering through cold showers to really appreciate what I had all along.
This week I've had a similar experience leading up to Easter. Watching The Passion of the Christ and preparing for the Good Friday service, I've really been reflecting on the last days and hours of Jesus' life, and what that must have been like. Sitting in the pain, anguish, and sorrow of Jesus' crucifixion has given me a much greater appreciation for his resurrection! Easter should not just be another Sunday, but the greatest celebration of all time, because Jesus is alive! He conquered death! But before we can get to the celebration on Sunday, we must first walk through the pain of Friday.
This weekend, we invite you to join us at our Easter services:
- Good Friday Experiential Service: Friday, March 30 at 7 pm. We will reflect on the last few days and hours of Jesus' life through worship in song, communion, and a variety of stations. Come sit in the pain of Friday.
- Easter Service: Sunday, April 1 at 10:30 am. Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!!
I don't know where you find yourself in this season of life. Maybe you're experiencing pain and suffering, heartache and brokenness. Jesus has been there. I pray you'd experience his presence in the midst of the darkness. Maybe you're in a season of growth and celebration, filled with hope and joy. Praise God! All I know is that we often have to walk through the trials before experiencing the celebration. But the celebration is all the more sweet when we look back at what Jesus has brought us through.
"I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Jesus spoke these words to his disciples just hours before being arrested and crucified. Rest in his peace, regardless of the season you find yourself in, knowing that He has overcome the world through his death and resurrection!
Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in growing extraordinary students who love God, love people and make disciples. Keep reading to see some highlights from this past month, some parent resources, and the calendar for the upcoming month!