AN ETERNAL GLORY

It is an incredible joy to look back over the past 20 years of ministry at Lahash and celebrate the eternal impact accomplished in the lives of hundreds of kids across East Africa. 

Jesus Christ led a revolutionary ministry over 2000 years ago. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, defied the corrupt leaders of his day, welcomed children, had compassion on the oppressed, and even raised the dead to life! The people of his day often remarked about how this rabbi spoke with authority and truth and how he was a miracle worker. 

 Jesus regularly spoke of a mysterious other dimension, a spiritual reality, a life that stretched beyond our current physical life. He taught his followers to seek the deeper spiritual realities of eternity rather than to be obsessed with this life’s present comforts, selfish pursuits, and troubles. 

 He once told a gathered crowd, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” 

The Apostle Paul later built on this concept and wrote that “we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” And then he continued, “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” These temporary troubles of life are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Followers of Jesus base their lives on the promises and hope of an eternal life that continues beyond our few short years on earth. All the things of this life are fleeting. Our focus should be on the people and pursuits that will last into eternity. The missionary CT Studd concluded that “only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” Mr. Studd had a life of fame, fortune, and comfort in the United Kingdom when he was born 165 years ago. Jesus transformed Studd’s life. CT Studd gave away his vast fortune and went on to share the good news and hope of Jesus with people in China, India, Sudan, and Congo. He later died in Congo, serving the people of that region.

As we celebrate 20 years of ministry at Lahash, we are celebrating the eternal impact that God has brought about in our midst. Through the power of God, the dedication of the local church in East Africa, and the service and generosity of a worldwide community, thousands of lives have been transformed for eternity. Over 300 kids received the gift of salvation. Children are baptized. The hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the sick healed, and good news is preached to the poor. Now we see many young men and women in early adulthood who have graduated from Lahash programs and are blessing their communities, carrying this vision and hope to the next generation! To God be all the glory! Friends, “let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Thank you for joining us for a new year of ministry!

Here is to the next 20 years of eternal impact for Christ.

Happy New Year!