Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: April 11, 2020
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Luke 4: 18-19
As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, for many of us Easter celebrations won’t look the same this year. Churches, chapels and cathedrals will stand empty on Easter Sunday, with many of us celebrating the good news of Easter by joining with our church family virtually.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been struck by the fact that although church buildings stand empty, the Church has been dispersed and is sowing love into the lives of others. As we remember Jesus's sacrifice this Easter, let’s ask God how we can be part of his mission of proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and setting the oppressed free.
Last week I heard from CSW’s Nigeria office that churches in Kaduna state had gathered and distributed food and other essentials to over 1,000 households in need during the state's COVID-19 lockdown .
“[The initiative] is meant to identify with beneficiaries during the hard times and to show our concern for their wellbeing, even as we are all passing through the difficult experience...We are doing [it] little by little, not gathering crowds by reaching out. You too can do the same in your neighbourhood,” said John Joseph Hayab, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna state.
I’m humbled and inspired when I think of church communities in Kaduna (some of whom live with the daily threat of violence, kidnapping and attacks on their homes and churches) demonstrating the love of God through acts of kindness to their neighbours in need in these difficult times.
Will you join me in giving thanks for these churches in Kaduna, and in praying for religious communities that are particularly vulnerable during the current pandemic?
May you know the joy and hope of our risen Lord this Easter.
Yours as ever in Christ
Mervyn Thomas CMG
Founder & Chief Executive
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Please join us in praying…
Heavenly Father, may the light of your love shine in the world this Easter. As so many around the world suffer in the coronavirus pandemic, would you bring hope even in the darkest moments. Be a place of comfort, strength and refuge for the many religious communities around the world that are already marginalised and are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic. Protect those who are at greatest risk, give hope to those who feel like giving up, and equip each one of us to be your voice for freedom and justice. In the name of Jesus. Amen.