Dear Friends,

Greetings in Christ’s name! As you receive this newsletter, we are almost at the end of our Lenten journey and very soon it will be Easter! I’ve heard a number of people say, “I can’t wait till spring” and finally the long-awaited spring has arrived (even though it still feels like winter). The Flower Show really sets the mood for the dawn of spring. We hear the beautiful chirping of the birds all around us.

Everyday as I drive by Couchville Pike and Weakley Lane, I am amazed at watching many of God’s creatures – a variety of birds and animals. I’ve seen geese flying in clusters and I’ve learned some great truths about them. If you watch the geese, they fly in a “V” formation, and I understand the main reason for flying together in that pattern is because it takes 71% less energy compared to flying solo. Also, if you notice, the lead goose has the difficult job of breaking the wind barrier, and so they rotate leadership. In addition, you will find that the geese honk as they fly. If one goose drops out and breaks the efficiency equation, the other geese honk encouragement. And the most interesting truth about the geese is that if a goose is hurt in flight, two other geese accompany the wounded one to the ground and offer help.

I want to admit that I am not a bird watcher. However, I simply admire the beauty and the serenity of the rural setting where I see God’s handiwork. Watching these geese has certainly challenged my spiritual life and has given me a whole new perspective to ponder on my call to ministry. What a joy it would be if we as a community of believers were truly connected with each other in all aspects of our ministry! How wonderful it would be if we were genuinely responsible as faithful stewards of God’s Kingdom! Indeed, it would be such an awesome experience if we encouraged and uplifted each other in our low moments of our lives. What a beautiful testimony it would be if we took care of each other like the geese!

Certainly, Easter changes everything. In order to experience that transformation, we must journey through the days of Lent to proclaim ourselves as Easter people. Easter is certainly the celebration of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross of Calvary. Easter is a way of thinking and living each moment of each day. Because the tomb is empty, we are filled with power for the present, confidence for today, as well as hope for tomorrow. Even though we may face trials and hardships, there is a conviction that the dawn will reveal light and life. The cross is the focal point that connects Lent and Easter because Christ paid a price for our healing and wholeness granting us salvation to serve a Riser Savior. Irrespective of what we go through in our lives, God provides us with new possibilities giving us new life and hope in all that we experience. That’s God’s amazing grace that leads us more deeply into divine life, particularly, in those moments where we feel totally unworthy of God’s abundant mercy. As we journey through the remainder of the solemn days of Lent and move through the Holy Week into Easter, may we experience the awesome love and saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. May we whole-heartedly involve ourselves in the Holy Week observances and join the sisters and brothers around the world on Easter morning to triumphantly shout, “The Lord is Risen; He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!!” Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, so that we could be called the children of God” (I John 3:1). May we all experience a most blessed Easter!

Grace & Peace,

Felicia Kumar