But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses [Beacons] in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria [and in Ipswich], and to the
ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

I know that all of us have been concerned about dear Liz’s ongoing battle
with her cancer and that we have been holding her and the family in our
daily thoughts and prayers. But despite her ongoing chemo treatment
and hospital visits, Liz continues to remain positive and cheerful and is a
great example to us all. If one word describes Liz well – it is a beacon
fuelled by the power of God’s Holy Spirit And being in Ipswich Hospital
certainly hasn’t stopped her from being a beacon or witness for Jesus. A
recent Sunday morning is a case in point when she was watching the
streamed morning service on her iPad when we sang the Butterfly Song
together and did the actions. Let’s picture the scene – Liz in her hospital
room singing along with us with gusto, doing the actions like the crocodile
thanking God for his big smile (arms out front going snap snap) and
being seen and heard by nurses who came in to see what was going on.
According to Debbie everyone was in hysterics. This is Liz all over isn’t it
and proves to us that being a beacon – a witness for Jesus in the world
(as He wants us to be) and sharing His light and love – doesn’t mean we
have to be serious all the time or share our faith in a deeply biblical way.
It’s about being ourselves how God has made us. It’s about sharing
Jesus (even in adversity) in our loving actions and big crocodile smiles
bringing spirit-filled joy to others who are finding life hard going. Let’s try
to do this especially as we begin Lent this month – a time of quiet
reflection and personal sacrifice as we look ahead to Easter when we
thank God for Jesus the Saviour and Light of the world.

Love, prayers, and blessings.

Robert