Dear Friend,
Christmas greetings to you.
In this CEO letter I had intended to recap all the amazing things that, together, we have achieved this year. However, as I started writing I had a very real sense that I didn’t want this letter to be about us. I want this letter to be about Jesus. About the God who took on human flesh.
One of my small pleasures in life is attending the Auckland Choral Society’s performance of the Messiah every year (my wonderful wife sings in it). It is a truly beautiful piece of music. I marvel at the majesty of the music and power of the words.
While the Hallelujah chorus will forever remain my favourite part, I am also enthralled by Isaiah 9:6 ....For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
“…. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” What amazing words. That’s the Jesus that changes lives and the same Jesus we proclaim through media, health care, and community development.
In a world increasingly confused about many things and in a world where people are looking for meaning and hope, Jesus exists. Jesus is our hope and Jesus is the only thing that can make an eternal difference in a person’s life.
Just this last Sunday, at church, we baptised a young man. His testimony was that he was at his wit’s end, desperate and despondent. Fortunately, one of his university friends was a Christian and told him about Jesus and invited him to church. He was radically saved and his life changed forever. It was such a joy to hear his testimony on Sunday of how Jesus had changed his life. Jesus really is the answer.
John 17:3 puts it beautifully; “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Amen!
On behalf of everyone here at Reach Beyond New Zealand, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas as, together, we celebrate the wonderful truth of the incarnation. Some of us have had a wonderful 2024, while others of us have suffered loss and grief. However, no matter what, the reality is, God took on human flesh so that we may have life eternal. And this is not through our efforts or being, but through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.
Be blessed this Christmas as you spend time with family and friends and celebrate Emmanuel. Have a safe and Joyous New Year.
If you would like to chat with me, please contact me on 021985810 or rgrainger@reachbeyond.org.
Blessings
Russell Grainger
NZ Office CEO
Reach Beyond is an international mission organisation with specialised skills in media, healthcare and community development. We’re passionate about reaching the unreached with the Gospel.
© Reach Beyond NZ, 2022
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