2016 Easter Message from the International President

Published on April 25, 2016

Greetings to our worldwide family

‘Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.

The story of the first Easter day begins with the women folk on a mission! They had a conviction that their responsibility was to take spices to the tomb and felt called to anoint the body of their crucified Lord. Think about that mission:

• It couldn’t have been easy –  organising the spices in a strange city would have been a feat in itself
• It would have been costly – spices were not cheap!
• It would have been challenging –  getting up so early before anyone else was about
• It was possibly dangerous too – identifying with a condemned man.

And in addition to all this: They knew that the task they had set themselves was in reality almost impossible!

Scripture tells us that as they approached the tomb they asked each other ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”  Without the removal of this significant barrier their mission was doomed to failure. But, focused on their mission, responsive to their inner conviction of what they could do for their Lord they set about their task despite the ‘stone’ that blocked their way.

My challenge to you this Easter is simply this – do not let the perceived (or real) barriers in your path stop you from fulfilling your mission. The women set off for the tomb, went about their business and low and behold we read ‘the stone which was very large had been rolled away!’

Whatever challenge you face ‘BE COURAGEOUS’ and go for it,  know that whatever stones lay before you, large or small,  we have a God who has the power to move them. And one more thing…… when God responds and removes your stones, share your story and in so doing be an encouragement to others.

Have a blessed Easter!

Vivienne