The seasons are changing. We are now in a new year and in a time when the daylight lasts longer and trees are beginning to bud with new life. There is a clearer way through the tragic COVID-19 pandemic. As we do during the Lenten season, we acknowledge that we are stewards of our faith in the God who walks with us and makes all things new, even in times of change.
God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to remind the people of Israel of God’s faithfulness in bringing about change in difficult situations. Isaiah 43 paints a picture of the people of Israel journeying out of Egypt, through the miraculous parting of boisterous sea waves. And since the Great Deliverer did this for their ancestors, they can expect that they also would be delivered from their exile.
In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" (NSRV). God has always been faithful and, being in the business of knowing people’s needs, walks with them into the new life that the Creator has always intended for them.
At Mennonite Mission Network, we are blessed to know that we do not just claim that this promise applies to us today. We rejoice that the mission of God to show love to the world has never stopped, nor did the faithfulness of God and God’s people. Mission Network has continued to partner with our brothers and sisters in the U.S. and around the world, to support innovative ways of showing the love of Christ to our neighbors and honoring him, even during a pandemic.
God walks with us, through our personal deserts — the moments of our lives that are difficult and lead us to new situations. We are continually reminded that God has been with us before and continues to be with us now. And in this spring season, we also give thanks that we are able to rejoice with people all around the world through the Easter story — that, in the beautiful language of John 1:14, "the Word became flesh and lived among us" (NSRV). Through that walk, Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love — living with us, dying for us, and then saving us. Inspired by that, we demonstrate our thankfulness by acting out our love for our neighbor.
We have been so thankful for God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of our neighbors. The events of 2020 were a challenging desert, and we are still in need of much renewal. Yet, God has not abandoned us, and we, the people of God, have not abandoned our calling. Mission Network’s programs and presence continue, with our global faith community standing together in mutual encouragement and prayer. Deeply breathing in the nourishing Spirit is energizing fresh creativity and innovation, as we partner in our communal and urgent mission of love, across the street and around the world.
In this time of renewal, we appreciate your continued support. We are not alone, for God is always with us, and we are with each other on this journey. May you deeply experience the love of Christ this Easter season.
Mike Sherrill
Executive Director