Dear Friend,

When thinking about Bible passages at Easter time, many typically turn to the resurrection of Jesus. But this Easter, I’m also thinking about another resurrection — when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, as told in John 11.

Lazarus had already been dead for days when Jesus arrived in Bethany. I love the conversation between Jesus and Martha that takes place before the miracle. Jesus assures her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha thinks Jesus means “in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus could have responded, “No, Martha, I mean today,” but said something else entirely:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Yes, Martha did believe. And you may know the rest of the story: Jesus shouts, “Lazarus, come out.” Wonder of wonders, he does — back from the dead!

Lazarus could be a metaphor for just about anyone who walks through our doors seeking help. On the surface, many of them may seem too deep in their addiction, trauma, illness or hardship to turn things around. But when they come through our doors and learn about Jesus’ love for them, they find hope. Basic needs are met, hearts are comforted and struggling people find new life and fresh starts. They’re like living resurrection stories in themselves.

Our Easter theme centers on three words: Restore. Renew. Rejoice. Christ’s resurrection makes it all possible. And your support provides the means for those transformed lives.

That’s our calling, to point every “Lazarus” we meet to the One who restores and renews.

Patrick H. Vanderburgh, D.Min.
President