“But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.'” More than a handful of us have likely had those glowing, wonderful memories, either nestled in our childhood or perhaps when we first fell in love or achieved that first remarkable landmark in our lives that the experience caused us to say and think and even shout, “I don’t want this to end!” This paints and points to the marvelous richness of life that makes every problem, headache, and heartache seem so tiny that it may even cause us to forget the tears and only recognize the joy surrounding us. These, my friends, are “Easter moments,” They must be guarded and safely kept throughout our lives, no matter how long we have been on this planet. These help us remember the sun when it’s raining, the laughter when we are weeping, and our heart beating of love when we think it has stopped because it has been broken and shattered.
“Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.” You see, all of Lent showed us the path of self-denial and reflection, while Holy Week showed us how far the Lord Jesus would take His message and reveal the depths of His love. This causes wounded hearts to sing, crushed dreams to reanimate, and lost hope renewed into something never imagined.
“Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us.” What we ask diligently in this new installment of the newly gifted Easter Season is nothing short or long of a changed way of looking at life. If we accept the way things “just are,” we will have fallen for the temptation to cuddle up with mediocrity and meaningless moments, a destiny no one could possibly actually want! Jesus has done everything in His power to bring about newness and have our hearts burn with the desire to thrive and not just survive. Open the Scriptures today. Let the Lord speak to you openly and lovingly. We cannot let this end!
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” Helen Keller
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”