Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendants, declares the Lord. “Your children will return to their own land”. Jeremiah 31:16,17

Praise the Lord!

How are you all? Seriously, how are you doing? During the past couple of months, we have seen a quick spike in Covid cases, inflation, gas prices higher than we have ever seen and now we watch from a distance as war rages on in Ukraine. It’s a lot! It’s hard to make sense of all that is happening. Maybe you are struggling personally with several issues that you find difficult to share with others. What are we to do?

The prophet Jeremiah has been known by other names including “weeping prophet” and the “prophet of doom”. He served God during a very difficult time for the Jews. King Nebuchadnezzar had begun his invasion of Judah and would forcefully take the people into exile in Babylon. Jerusalem was destroyed and many were mercilessly killed. Jeremiah kept preaching and teaching and encouraged the people to look to God and never doubt His ultimate plan of salvation for His people. However, the message was not well received because the people didn’t want to hear or even see what was happening around them. Also, Jeremiah personally struggled with his loneliness and “depressive” mood. Yet, no matter how bleak things got for him or the people of Judah he trusted in God’s promise, in His Word and surrendered himself to God’s plans. Do not lose hope, for without hope faith cannot live. Further yet, live out hope! Live every day as hopeful people of faith. We must become a community of hope that witnesses the joy of our faith to all we meet. In this way, we can remain more grounded and secure despite whatever chaos ensues around us.

As we prepare for Passion Week, let us prepare our hearts to be resurrected in the purity of His love so that our life would truly reflect His image!

With prayers,
Your brother in Christ,
Jaisen Achen