“I am the resurrection and the life – he who believes in me will live…”

Jesus – John 11:25

Some day in heaven I want to meet and talk with Lazarus! What was he thinking after his resurrection? We know that people were astounded at the miracle (John 11). Lazarus was not only alive again but in good health – a second chance – a new beginning – a powerful testimony that he could share over and over again for the rest of his life. From death to life – Amazing!

I recently visited Samuel Cheserem near the Kerio Valley here in Kenya. There is life today that was not there before. After a life of rejecting God – his family rejected him – and his choice for alcohol was bringing death to his own life, his barren property, and his empty home and heart. Death had captured his soul and even his grown son declared that “This man is no longer my father!”

Through a miracle of connections and life changing choices – Samuel has come out and into a new chapter of living. He found that God still held a place in His heart for him and ELI had the privilege of being present when Samuel gave his dying heart to our resurrected Lord. Samuel stayed at our training center until he could stand on his own feet and be determined to live addicted to Christ alone. He began to learn new ways at the Skills for Life center and today not only is his life transformed but his property as well. Before reaching his simple house you will walk past a garden of Kale, two dairy cows, a plot of cabbage, strategic terraces to control soil erosion and he will proudly open the door of his greenhouse for you to enter into an Eden of growing tomatoes that he now sells to support his life, church, and family.

Life produces life – and Samuels life time friend and former drinking buddy has followed Samuel’s way out of the tomb. His name is Cheriut and he has also found new life in Christ and a new energy to work and apply ideas that he is learning now from Samuel. Praise God! Today Cheriut’s brother is also seeing the new life and has told them both – “Don’t leave me here in this darkness – I want this light and life you have found.” A chain of transformation – leading to new life.

In a world where media often highlights the dark side of life – I celebrate with you that our God is a giver of life. He offers a way out of the grip of darkness to bring us all hope for now and eternity. We thank God for your prayers – for your encouragement – and together we celebrate the life and empowerment that our resurrected Lord makes available to ALL who will believe.

“If you believe, you will see the glory of God.” John 11:40

May the light of His life fill you with His joy, peace, and purpose.

Believing and seeing,

Don and Amy

http:// empoweringlives.org