Wilmington, NC
by The Most Rev. Prakash M. Yuhanna Bishop
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Advent is the season when we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but it is also when we prepare ourselves for his second coming. He is the Alpha and the Omega, and he is the Omega and the Alpha. He was there in the beginning and will be till the end of all time, and it was his death that gave us all new beginnings.
As we are passing through this season, it brings to my mind the new beginnings my family and I have had in our lives. I recall how last year in this season we were living daily in despair and yet hopeful of God’s protection. My memories are of bombings, rockets flying from both directions over my home, fear of my loved ones being kidnapped by terrorists, and other terrorist activities around us. Our lives were on-the-line daily. During the season we traveled to the border area with Afghanistan to celebrate Christmas with my brother and his family. This is a very dangerous area and we felt, afterwards, that we had passed through the valley of death. But God’s hand is mightier than anything else. We remember his greatness as the psalmist says “The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
By His grace we are in the States and even though we are going through some challenges, He has provided for us a home and our basic needs. We are humble and content. My family is growing in Him and also with the local church, the Charismatic Episcopal Church of St Peter the Fisherman. This parish has been very helpful to us and we are experiencing through them Jesus’ great commandment to love God and to love your neighbor. We are learning and, by the grace of God, growing with Him more in our daily spiritual journey.
There have been many new experiences for us here and we are growing and changing through them. Mariam is becoming more of an intercessor as she prays and fasts. Shafaq Maria, my oldest daughter, age 15, has completed her first exams and made the honor roll; she is very active in other school activities. Alan, my oldest son, age 14, and Deborah, age 12, have also passed their exams with A/B honor roll. Noel, age 6, began kindergarten in the last month and is enjoying having his first school experiences.
Please remember us in your prayers as we remember you in ours.
Sincerely,
Bishop Prakash Yuhanna
“Where we Listen to God’s Word and Respond in Obedience”
