Keep an eye out for the May flowers! If April showers are any indication, we should have a bumper crop! There are so many exciting events in the community this month with National Day of Prayer, Mother’s Day, Graduations, and Memorial Day all occurring in the next thirty-one days. May is a month of great spiritual depth as we celebrate where we come from and who influences our lives, we witness our young people graduate from High School and prepare for the next step in their lives, and we remember those who sacrificed everything in service to our country. Each one of these special days reminds us of how much God is present in our lives and in the lives of others. However, as we reflect on some of the events of last month, please take a moment to thank God for what we have been blessed with in this country. During my Easter morning preparations, I saw the news of the horrific violence perpetrated in Sri Lanka. As I prayed for those who were suffering in the aftermath; I was reminded of what our faith brings us. It brings us resilience beyond our own imagining. When fire devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris last week there was an outpouring of grief but also of a determination to rebuild what was lost. This is Easter dear friends, God building upon what the world believes to be gone. Giving hope and strength where there is despair and fear. In Sri Lanka, we need to focus just as much on rebuilding what was lost; joining with our brothers and sisters who are sitting behind locked doors in fear to shine the light of hope, faith, and love where others have tried to extinguish it with hate. It is a time to embrace our faith and hear the words of our Lord again, “Peace be with you.” Just as he said to his disciples who were hiding in fear, so we need to repeat it to one another, believing Jesus is our truth. My heart is broken for those who lost their most loved family members as well as their beloved places of worship. Jesus said:

• Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know a master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:13-17)

This is our command, love each other, do not hate or fear. Reflect on the Love and life you have received through the Lord, through your Mother; through the food taken into our bodies provided by people who care about us; through the teachings and wisdom of educators; through the Holy Spirit which sets our souls on the path of righteousness; and the freedom to pursue all these things which was paid for by those who fought and died for us. All these sacrifices and blessings have a purpose, to allow us as brothers and sisters in Christ to move and to be moved without fear. We have been chosen to bear fruit through love. Let our fruit build up what has been shaken but not destroyed in each other; here and around the world.

Have a blessed May and bear much fruit,

Pastor Donnie