Some Easter Observations

This past week we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, at Easter services all around the world.  Across the globe Christians celebrated the major event of the Faith when Christ not only arose from the grave, but also triumphed over death. He had truly been raised from the dead, was alive and completed his earthly assignment for the salvation of believers.  As we read the accounts of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, we share the tears of Mary Magdalene as she wept finding Jesus’ body missing from the tomb. And then in great relief and joy she discovers that He is still present! Later that day Jesus appeared to the disciples who exploded in emotions ranging from overwhelming joy to guarded disbelief; this latter reaction being the famous exchange with "doubting" Thomas who wouldn't believe until he actually touched the wounds of the Savior!  How many of us today doubt the presence of Christ in our lives as Thomas did? But, like Thomas, we come to “strengthened faith” as we see God work in our lives and as we observe the opportunities that we have to trust and assist in the building of the Kingdom. I want to share with you some of the opportunities ahead for the Atlanta Union Mission and how the risen, living Savior is at work in the mission to bring care and healing to the homeless, addicted and hungry in our city and state.

Each day we see that He truly is alive in our lives and in the lives of those who serve and are served!  Following are a few opportunities from the past few weeks for you to see how “touching the wounds” can strengthen faith and grab hold of the opportunities provided by the Lord.

Men's graduation ceremony at our Carpenter's House facility . . . We hear testimonies from men whose lives have been changed by the Great Healer!  He is with them and continues to grow these men in faith and hope. I am with men with whom I was serving beside at our Community Center six months ago. Most had just arrived from the streets; lives shattered and without hope.  Here they are now on graduation night alive, excited and sharing how Christ over the months has reached into their lives bringing change and healing! These men have touched the wounds of the nails in the body of the risen Christ!

Women’s graduation celebration at My Sisters House . . . We share in the joy of others at our women's and children’s facility for the homeless which also serves these ladies as a recovery program.  This night we see Him again in different ways:  A woman stands up and shares her struggles and how she has made it only through the power of Christ. Fighting back tears she addresses the audience praising God and thanking her husband of 30 years who is quietly standing at his seat.  This gentleman, who shared the journey with his wife, told me later that “she's my wife and I could never turn away from her.” We saw the nail marks of Jesus in these two lives; a husband who truly loves his wife as Christ loves the church, and a woman who has hope and confidence restored! And, by the way, she starts her master’s degree program this fall! He is Alive!

Volunteers who tenderly love people and faithfully serve the Mission . . . We see all sorts of people from all walks of life serving: A couple who have been touching lives at the Mission for 25 years; a young person who is serving for the first time in the nursery; a very successful business man (Harvard grad!) at my side serving bread and soup at lunch. His smiling face, filled with compassion and concern, communicates to the men that his actions, care and love are real. He is Alive!

As we continue to celebrate Easter, the big headline is: He is not there! The tomb is empty and the Lord God of the universe is alive! And back to our friend Thomas . . . Jesus had him place his hands on the wounds; the marks of life, not death. Thomas quickly believed! Jesus then made the statement still critical to all of us today:  "Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

While none of us have placed our hands on the marks of Christ, I can still see the glorious results of those wounds in the lives that He touches everyday at the Atlanta Union Mission (including my own life!).  I pray that these stories will encourage you to cling to the reality that He is alive and moving in people’s lives today!  Get involved at the Mission if you aren't already. See firsthand His impact on the lives of so many people. I am confident that once you do, your life won’t be the same!

Thanks for your continued support of the work through your time, talents and treasures.  Would you please be in prayer for all of us at the Mission? I would encourage you also to go to the recent edition of our Light newsletter on the website to read about Charles, Mandy and Judge Barbara Caldwell to see how God is working in powerful ways! 

Blessings,

Jim