A note from Russ Isom

Easter’s on its way! This year, resurrection Sunday is April 9th. I have many boyhood memories surrounding Easter. “Holy Week” included Maundy Thursday services, celebrating Jesus’ institution of communion at the Last Supper. Good Friday services, commemorated the crucifixion of Jesus. Sunrise Service on Easter morning revealed Christ’s resurrection. It was held at a park on the banks of the Santiam River in Lebanon, Oregon; breakfast at the church followed. Of course, Easter egg hunts with real eggs, dyed different colors or decorated with stickers, were highlights. Hope City, in previous years, dropped thousands of plastic eggs from a helicopter to bless the community. I remember some of those standard Easter songs — Christ Arose, He Lives, and Christ the Lord Is Risen Today?

All these traditions point to what I enjoy most about Easter—my reason for faith in Jesus. Those songs portray Christ’s suffering, His willingness to die for my sins, and His resurrection from the grave. My decision to follow Jesus is sealed.

Do you know that over 500 people saw the resurrected Jesus? (1 Corinthians 15:3-8.) We have a risen Savior who walks with us through all of life’s messiness. His Spirit reminds us of His guidance and protection. No matter where we are in life, or how broken we are, or how lonely we feel, or what fears we battle, we can experience joy and peace. Jesus says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest!” He will clean us up, hold us close and never leave us. This is Good News! He truly is the Son of God, the Redeemer, the One who loves us unconditionally, always! That is why I believe in Jesus.