Good Friday and the final word

Kossie lives with a disability, and uses a wheelchair to get around her village in Ivory Coast. She had no way of making an income, and had to borrow money so she could eat. Some of her neighbours would laugh at her. ‘I felt ashamed,’ Kossie says, ‘because I couldn’t get the means to pay them back.’ However, Tearfund’s local church partner supported her to start up her own business selling cotton wool.

‘Formerly… I was painfully living on my own,’ she continues. ‘My situation has changed. I get money for my needs, and no longer call on people for loans.’

Kossie knows her true strength and worth, and has been able to lift herself out of poverty.

Lord Jesus; thank you that you take us from darkness to light. We pray for all those who have felt lonely and ashamed – may they find the embrace of your love and freedom to flourish. Amen.

Dry lands brought to life

Without access to water, there is little hope for the people of the semi-arid regions of Brazil. Antônio began working the land with his father when he was a child. After saving for years, he was able to buy his own land. But the lack of water made it difficult to produce enough food. ‘Life was very hard,’ Antônio tells us. ‘To make it even worse, my father was dominated by alcohol.’

One day he was at a meeting in the nearby town and met Pastor Robério, who offered to help him. Pastor Robério’s church worked with Tearfund’s local partner to install a new irrigation system on Antônio’s land. Now it is a fertile oasis, producing organic fruit and vegetables not only for the local markets, but also for local schools. ‘If we look back to see how life transformed… the water changed from water to wine,’ Antônio says.

Lord Jesus; thank you that you take us from darkness to light. We pray for all those who feel their situation is lifeless – may their lands burst into life. Amen.

From tragedy to peace

Rosida, 19, led a difficult life in Myanmar. As part of the Rohigya people, she and her family faced brutal oppression and violence. Eventually they decided to flee on foot to Bangladesh. It was a four day journey, and some of her family and neighbours were shot and killed. In Bangladesh, Rosida lived in a refugee camp: ‘We had nothing to survive ourselves,’ she says. ‘New country, new place, many problems. All of these things made me worry a lot.’

But then Rosida met some staff from our local partner. After sharing her story, Rosida was invited to join a sewing course that our partner had set up. She was also given mental health support. Now, for the first time in a long time, Rosida told our local partners that she finally feels at peace.

Lord Jesus; thank you that you take us from darkness to light. We pray for all those who have experienced tragedy in their lives – may they find peace and new beginnings. Amen.

The final word

Think of a situation in the world that has been weighing on your heart. It could be Ukraine, Yemen, the climate crisis – whatever you feel God prompting you. Allow yourself to acknowledge the darkness that is there.

Then, out loud if you can, say the following: Jesus is alive. Darkness is not the end. Redemption has the final word.

Now, think of a situation in your own life where there might be darkness. Again, allow yourself to feel the heaviness there. Then say again: Jesus is alive. Darkness is not the end. Redemption has the final word.

Happy Easter from everyone at Tearfund. To celebrate Easter, we’ve put together a short film for you, featuring a poem by poet and Tearfund writer Gideon Heugh and art by Sara Sherwood. Watch the video and take a moment to reflect on Jesus – the Light of the World.

As you listen to the words, may you know the reality of the risen Christ in your heart. May Christ’s love, peace and hope rest upon you and your loved ones, now and always.