A Story of Hope Rising in the Darkest Places
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7
Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA is surrounded by corn fields and dairy farms. It is an imposing structure that dominates the skyline in this rural community. It was a farmer who had a vision to bring the bible to life through drama and musical presentations.
During the presentation of the creation story there is a very dramatic scene depicting Adam and Eve being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. As they left the garden Adam proclaimed his undying faith in God to guide them and protect them as they ventured into the unknown. They had hope for the future despite the dark days of their present reality.
M was sentenced to prison as a political prisoner in her country. During her 30 day sentence she was able to minister to the Jesus followers in prison and to lead seven more ladies to become disciples of Jesus. In the prison the women eat, sleep and live in a space only 1/2 meter by 1.5 meters for each prisoner. In this dark and desperate place M was able to bring hope to those who are incarcerated.
Civil war in The DRC has not stopped the disciple makers from doing street evangelism using the F4L material and through their efforts the church is growing.
In the darkest of times and in the most difficult places people often find hope. Why is this? It is because hope is a person. When Jesus arrived in person on the first Christmas, and today through the Holy Spirit, he is the answer to people's deepest desires. People who know Jesus have hope that lifts them above their troubles and circumstances. Hope seems to be strongest when the struggles of life are great and darkness tries to overwhelm us. This has been true from the time of creation to the present day. Hope often arrives in a person who is a disciple of Jesus and thus has an intimate relationship with him. Let's pray that God will allow each of us to carry a message of hope to someone who needs it today.
