A Glimpse – The Gambia

Easter, the cornerstone of the Christian faith, holds a profound significance for believers worldwide. Beyond its traditional observance, Easter offers a timeless message of hope, renewal, and redemption—a message that resonates deeply with every generation. In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the timeless truths of Easter provide a steadfast anchor for young hearts seeking meaning and purpose.

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital distractions abound and societal norms constantly evolve, people often grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Easter, with its celebration of Christ being raised from the dead, offers a totally cool story of how things change and get fresh again, a reminder of what really took place in Jerusalem that speaks directly to the challenges and aspirations of the current generation.

The Promise of a fresh start:

At the heart of Easter lies the promise of a fresh start, a promise fulfilled through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8 (ESV), “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The crucifixion of Jesus, foretold in the scriptures, serves as the ultimate expression of God’s boundless mercy and grace, offering you the gift of reconciliation and forgiveness. Easter’s message offers the promise of a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose.

Hope Amidst Uncertainty:

In a world plagued by uncertainty and unrest, Easter offers a signal of hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds you that even in the darkest of times, there is light and life beyond the shadows. As you navigate the difficulties of modern life, the promise of Easter serves as a source of comfort and assurance, guiding you through moments of doubt and despair.
1 Peter 1:3 (ESV) : “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

The Promise of Eternal Life:

Easter holds forth the promise of eternal life, a hope that surpasses the boundaries of time and space. Jesus declares in John 11:25-26 (ESV), “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?. Through His resurrection, Jesus offers the assurance of life beyond the grave, inviting you into a relationship marked by joy, peace, and everlasting fellowship with God.

The Call to Renewal:

Easter extends a timeless invitation to renewal, a call to embrace the life-changing power of Christ’s resurrection in your own life. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Just as Christ emerged from the tomb in glorious resurrection, you too are invited to cast off the shackles of sin and embrace the abundant life that comes through faith in Him.

Conclusion:

As you journey through the Easter season, may you pause to reflect on the profound truths found within the Word of God. May you embrace the promise of redemption, rejoice in the triumph of resurrection, and respond to the call to renewal with a heart full of faith and gratitude. And may the timeless message of Easter continue to inspire and uplift you, bringing you even closer to the love and grace of our Risen Savior.

Helping Christian Leaders

1 Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us.

2 Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. 3 Don't be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. 4 Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

5 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,

“God opposes proud people,

but he helps everyone

who is humble.”

1 Peter 5 : 7

1 Peter 5:7 "God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him."

6 Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.

Final Greetings

12 Silvanus helped me write this short letter, and I consider him a faithful follower of the Lord. I wanted to encourage you and tell you how kind God really is, so you will keep on having faith in him.

13 Greetings from the Lord's followers in Babylon. They are God's chosen ones.

Mark, who is like a son to me, sends his greetings too.

14 Give each other a warm greeting. I pray that God will give peace to everyone who belongs to Christ.

Yeesu la kafoo alifaalu niŋ fondinkewolu

1 Moolu mennu mu alifaalu ti ali kono, m be ì wakiilindi la, baawo nte fanaa mu alifaa le ti, aniŋ seedoo Kiristu* la tooroolu kono. Nte fanaa mu niisotolaa le ti kallankeeyaa* to, meŋ be lankenema la.

2 Ali Alla la saajii koorewo topatoo, a ye meŋ karafa ali ma. Ali kana a ke niŋ ŋunuŋunoo la, bari ali duña a kewo la. Ali kana a ke naafulu ñiniraŋo ti, bari ali a ke niŋ ŋaniya betoo la. 3 Ali kana ali la maramoolu mara niŋ maraliñaa koleŋo la, bari ali faŋolu si ke misaaloo ti ñiŋ koorewo ye. 4 Aduŋ niŋ Kantarilaa Kuntii Baa fintita naŋ, ali be kañeerinaafoo le soto la soorifeŋo ti, meŋ na kallankeeyaa nene te yeemaŋ na. 5 Wo ñaa kiliŋo la, alitolu fondinkewolu, ali soŋ alifaalu ma. Ali ye i fammajii ñoo ye. Ali bee si wo fammajiyo duŋ ali la feetoofatoo ti, kaatu “Alla ka balaŋ faŋ wara moolu ma le, bari moolu mennu ye i fammajii, a ka hiina wolu ma le.”

6 Ali ali fammajii Alla sembemaa baa ye, fo a si ali sikandi a waatoo la. 7 Ali ali la bataa dunoo bee landi ate kaŋ, kaatu ate le ka tu looriŋ ali topatoo la.

8 Ali tu ali ñaa la, ali ye koroosiroo ke. Ali jawoo Ibiliisa ka tu yaayi kaŋ ne ko jata konkoriŋo ka moo ñini, a be a daa faa la meŋ na. 9 Ali balaŋ a ma! Ali loo bambandinke ali la lannoo kaŋ, kaatu ali ye a loŋ ne ko, wo toora kiliŋo le be ali baadiŋolu* kaŋ, ñiŋ duniyaa bee kono.

10 Alitolu toorata le fo waatindiŋ, bari Alla be ali la kuwo seyindi la a ñaama le. Ate meŋ ka hiinoo bee dii, aduŋ a ye ali kumandi a la badaa-badaa kallankeeyaa to Kiristu kono, ate le be ali fatiyandi la, a ye ali sembentuŋyaa, aniŋ a ye ali londi fondamaŋ bambandiŋo kaŋ. 11 Semboo be ate le ye fo abadaa. Amiin.

Kontondiri labaŋolu

12 Ŋa ñiŋ leetari sutuŋo safee ali ye niŋ Silas buloo le la. Ŋa ate je le ko, a mu baadiŋ foroo le ti. M be ali wakiilindi la, aduŋ ŋa ñiŋ seedeyaa le ko, ŋa ñiŋ meŋ safee, a mu Alla la hiina tooñaa le ti. Ali loo bambandinke wo hiinoo kaŋ!

13 Yeesu la kafoo meŋ be Babiloni, ì fanaa mu moo tombondiŋolu le ti ko alitolu, ì bee be ali kontoŋ na. N dinkewo Maaka fanaa be ali kontoŋ na.

14 Ali ñoo kontoŋ sumburu senuŋo la, meŋ mu baadiŋyaa kanoo taamanseeroo ti. Alla la kayiroo ye tara ali bee fee, alitolu mennu mu Kiristu taa ti.