As I reflect on the cross and the empty tomb, I am reminded the light of Christ has overcome the darkness. Death has been defeated. And because He lives, we have hope.
On Good Friday, we remember the weight of the cross, the suffering, the silence, and the seeming victory of darkness. But then Sunday came. With it, resurrection power broke through. As Scripture declares, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
I have been deeply moved, time and again, to see this truth lived out through our ERDO family.
We are often called into places that feel overwhelmed by darkness, in regions impacted by conflict, hunger and displacement. And yet, in those very places, we see the light of Jesus shining. Through the faithful presence of our local partners, through acts of compassion and care, through the Church at work, we see the hope of Christ. We see lives restored. We see the light overcoming.
This is the power of the resurrection at work changing lives!
Easter reminds us of who we are. Because of Jesus, our identity is restored. We are no longer defined by brokenness, but we belong. “Yet to all who did receive him…he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
This truth is not just something we proclaim — it is something we witness. In every life touched through ERDO’s work, dignity is being restored. People are reminded that they are seen, valued and loved as image-bearers of God, with inherent dignity and worth.
Thank you for being a people who carry the light. Thank you for praying, for giving and for standing with us in our mission. You are part of what God is doing to push back the darkness and reveal His love to the world.
My prayer this Easter is that you would be freshly filled with the hope of the resurrection, the joy of His presence, and the power of His Spirit. May His light shine in you and through you in new and powerful ways.
He is risen!
Daniel Lepojarvi, CEO