Hope Spot 9 – Love you all

This may not be the Easter message you expect from your aid agency.

Last weekend, here in SA, we had the AFL Gather Round.

My wife Julie and I took the train into the Friday game. The train was packed with polite, smartly-dressed, well-spoken people – Collingwood supporters 😊

(Actually, we were a bit of a motley crew.)

As the train filled to overflowing, the driver came on the intercom, explaining we’d be running express. He finished by saying:

“Love you all.”

There was a moment of silence …

… then people burst into smiles, started laughing, saying to the people alongside them “That was nice!”

Only three words …

… but in a moment the whole train was transformed.

“Love you all.”

For me, as a Christian, those three words sum up Easter.

Jesus, with His actions saying to the world, through time and history to every last person in every last corner:

“Love you all.”

When I think about that, I think about you too.

Through ALWS, you bring love to life for people you don’t know.

People far away.

People from all kinds of religions and cultures and politics.

Young and old. Male and female. Able or challenged.

You are a kind and caring person. Your acts of generosity bring to life the words:

“Love you all.”

That’s why, just as the train driver did, you make me smile.

(Even more than when Collingwood wins!)

May you be blessed by Easter, not just this weekend – ALWayS.

PS: On Saturday, Julie and I head to Ethiopia to explore how your ALWS work can grow there. Did you know that Ethiopia has more Lutherans than any country on earth – 11 million people! What a joy to give thanks for Easter with them!