What is the very best news you have ever heard in your lifetime? I usually think of a family member or friend’s success or something exciting that has been a long time in the making, such as finding their person, getting a promotion, or receiving a clean bill of health. Do you ever notice that as time goes by and life gets busy those things that seemed so exciting and life changing start to fade? But, it never seems to fail that when I reminisce on memories, the excitement of those moments come back to life for me.

During Holy Week this year I was challenged by that very thought, and I realized that sometimes I forget that I hold the best news that the world could ever hear. I have known for most of my life that the month of Easter is one of the most amazing times for us as believers to celebrate! This is one of my favorite times of the year as I look back and remember the cross and how Jesus, my King, defeated death. Jesus' death has proven the depth of God’s promises to me; given me access to new life, forgiveness, freedom, and mercy. When we look back to the cross and the resurrection we celebrate the work that Jesus did for us that we could never earn and did not deserve. This Easter has been a special time for me to celebrate my own salvation that is a gift that I do not deserve. I know that I can walk in freedom every day because of the gift of God’s son. We have a King that saves and reigns on earth and in heaven, and we have the privilege of sharing Eternity with Him. Are you fired up now, because I am!

One of the people that I have always been inspired by is my friend Madame Roselaure. She helps lead Women’s Empowerment and Girls’ Empowerment in Haiti. Since the day I met Roselaure as a student in our school she has always been dynamic and excited to share about Jesus everywhere she goes. It doesn’t matter how busy life gets for her, or what season she is in, she speaks of Jesus often.

Two young girls, Michaela and Darline (names changed for privacy), recently experienced the power of Jesus in a profound way. Both of the girls were encountering significant spiritual oppression resulting in self-harm, and they refused to talk to anyone except one person, Madame Roselaure. The girls knew that Roselaure was not going to turn them away or judge them. They also knew other young women like them had experienced freedom and healing. Roselaure listened to the girls, asked questions, and had the opportunity to pray with them. They were heard, accepted, and they were told of their incredible value. They were so valuable, that Jesus loved them and chose to die for them. They had the opportunity to experience true freedom and hope. Both of the girls made the decision to accept Christ after hearing these incredible truths from Roselaure! Her willingness to meet them in the midst of the darkness they were experiencing brought them to freedom. Roselaure helped shine a light on both of these young women who are now experiencing the peace of Christ Jesus—a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that triumphs over the darkest of days, a peace that will never leave or forsake them. These girls have eternal hope secured. Praise God for the ministry of Girls' Empowerment and for opportunities like this to impact and empower the next generation. For these girls, the chains have literally been broken and generational change will happen because of their decision to follow Jesus. I praise God for Roselaure’s faithfulness to always be willing to share her story and the story of Jesus so that others can experience freedom from bondage! What an inspiration and challenge she gives us all to always share the best news the world could ever hear! With Love, Vanessa Johnson Director of Women's Empowerment