EASTER GREETINGS FROM CARE!

I’m sure for many of us, this Easter will feel very different from previous years. Churches are having to think up fresh and imaginative ways to share the good news of Jesus this weekend. I hope, wherever you are, that you are still able to be in touch with your church family.

While the circumstances this Easter might be very different from normal, it is wonderful to think that the message of Easter remains the same. As a CARE team we got together over Zoom to celebrate Easter on Wednesday. In a very moving message, Lyndon and Celia Bowring pointed us to the Lord Jesus, taking us on a journey with him from the Garden of Gethsemane to his triumphant resurrection. You can watch their message here.

It is striking to think that in the garden before he was arrested, our Lord isolated himself from even his closest friends. Luke tells us in his gospel that Jesus withdrew about a stone’s throw away from Peter, James and John. Such was his anguish, an angel was sent to comfort him.

What did the angel say? What words of reassurance and comfort did he bring? We are not told. But we are told that the angel did strengthen him. We all know what happened next. Jesus went to that awful cross for us, died in our place, was buried and then rose in triumph on Easter Sunday. As Peter says in Acts 2:24, “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him”.

Over these last few weeks, you perhaps have experienced fear, distress and even loss. I hope and pray that whatever your circumstances are, this Easter the joy of the risen Lord will fill you and fear will give way for faith. “I am the resurrection and the life” said Jesus. May you experience his comfort, peace and grace over these days. Praise God that the death of Good Friday and restless silence of Easter Saturday, gave way to the celebration and joy of Easter Sunday.

At CARE we continue in our work, aided by technology, determined as ever to make a real impact on our nation. We are so thankful to all of you for your prayers, support and encouragements. If you are able to give us an Easter gift, we would be so grateful, but please only give after first considering your own needs and the needs of your family and church. If you do want to give us a generous gift, you can do so online or contact our team by emailing mail@care.org.uk.

May God bless you all this Easter time.

Yours in His Grace,

Nola Leach

CEO of CARE