Haiti: Devastation Cannot Overcome Faith, Resilience

CHICAGO, IL (March 23, 2010) – “Just back from Haiti. It was truly life changing. I have never seen such widespread devastation and death. I have also never seen such magnificent resilience and deep faith among believers who suffer. I am humbled and in awe.”

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] Festa Pashila [/vc_column_text][/vc_column]
[vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Festa Pashila

bulletin cover

The phrase “Festa Pashila” is Latin for “Easter.” The etymology of Easter is derived from a combination of symbolism including the spring, dawn and new light emanating from the east. The three circles are a traditional Christian symbol for the Trinity. Interwoven, the circles remind us that God is one, even though He reveals Himself to us in three persons. In all of creation, light was the first to be created. Historically, light has come to represent the Word of God. The Psalmist refers to God’s word as a “lamp unto my feet.” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” In this sense, we see Christ’s resurrection as the light of victory over death, thus spreading forth from the bonds of His earthly tomb. As Christians, we look forward with joy and hope to the day when we are in the presence of our Lord. The author of Revelations states, “there will be nor more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light.”

Eric Palmquist is an ordained Covenant minister and the director of ministry operations for Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue, Washington. He also edits the Expressions column for the Covenant Companion.[/vc_column_text] [/vc_column][/vc_row]

Picture of The Covenant Companion

The Covenant Companion

The Covenant Companion brings together stories and voices that connect, inform, and inspire. Subscribe to our print edition.
CONTINUE READING

Explore More Stories & News

Features

The Conference That Came First

Eight churches met in a Minnesota town before there was a Covenant to belong to. What became the Northwest Conference is still going, 142 years later.

News

After the Spokane Fires

The evacuation orders have been lifted. In Spokane, two congregations are settling in for the long work of rebuilding with their neighbors.

Commentary

Beyond Clenched Fists

Righteous anger, witnessed through injustice on the ground, becomes a spiritual invitation to act rather than remain with clenched fists.

Posts

Women Who Stayed: Covenant Witness in Solidarity

Three generations of Covenant women — Florence Towne, Carolyn Cedarleaf, and Jeannine Cedarleaf Nordlund — reveal how solidarity with neighbors facing injustice is caught, not taught.