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.

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.”

1 Peter 5 : 7

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

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.

The Flock of God

1 I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you 2 to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. 3 Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.

5 In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. 7 Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

8 Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings. 10 But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. 11 To him be the power forever! Amen.

Final Greetings

12 I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

13 Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love.

May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.

1 Pita 5