HAPPY EASTER! As I write this newsletter, it is early on Good Friday here in Maryland. Reading again through the gospel accounts of Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, I am reminded of just how quickly events moved in those last days on earth for Jesus, and the roller coaster of emotions that must have been experienced by him and his followers. The exuberant crowd of followers waving palm branches at the arrival of their king, seemingly either disappeared or were completely swayed to instead shout for his crucifixion! Even his closest disciples who were excitedly planning who would be alongside Jesus in his kingdom, were at first chastened by Jesus’ words, and then completely shocked and devastated by his crucifixion and death! Despite all of Jesus’ teachings and warnings, no-one was ready for events to spin out of control so quickly.

I imagine we have all experienced times when life is going along well – even becoming exciting with the culmination of much-anticipated thrilling events; but then in an instant disaster hits, tragedy strikes, or a truth is revealed that plunges us into panic and despair. Our minds are reeling, we are overcome by emotions and can barely function – all within a matter of minutes! We become spectators as our life continues to unfold yet going down a totally unforeseen path beyond our control. In a sense, we have our own “Good Friday”.

But the Easter story is not over on Friday – as the hours pass and we remain in confusion, our God is still working! Even though our faith is deeply challenged, and we struggle to hang on to our trust in God, He continues to work and even do miracles to accomplish His plans – for not just our own lives but for the rest of humanity! In the midst of our desperation and gloom, suddenly a light appears, a door is unlocked, a stranger speaks words of hope……. and we begin to step into a totally new, bright and unexpected future that we could never have imagined could be so rewarding and fulfilling. Let’s remember the lessons of Easter when we pass through dark days at any time of the year! HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Shirley.

Pastor Honoré in Central African Republic – He shared with us that he and his family have recently been going through a season of strong spiritual warfare, including attacks on health and false accusations causing lots of trouble from a ministry team member who has since left. But God has shown himself strong and confirmed Pastor Honoré’s integrity. It simply is a reminder that the enemy (Satan) is always seeking to destroy God’s work! Pastor Honoré planted the church in 2015, and they will celebrate the ten-year anniversary at Easter. The church has grown to 500 congregants, and the school has over 100 students – quite amazing since it is in a rural area outside of the capital city!

Pastor Honoré also shares some wonderful praise reports! They finally have the electricity hooked up to the CEERCA ministry base after waiting so long! This makes a huge difference in so many ways! Last week he attended a national conference of all the Christian schools in C.A.R., along with partners from 11 countries and the President and Minister of Education. There were more than 850 participants and at the end Pastor Honoré was chosen to be one of 40 school leaders to meet with the government to discuss and plan how to improve the school system. This was an unprecedented event and there is excitement about how schools can be improved in the future. What a privilege for Pastor Honoré – and great encouragement after the recent dark struggles!! We pray for wisdom and favor for him on this new committee and that God will bring positive improvements to the school system there.