As we approach Holy Week two readings made me think about the contrast in the ways that Jesus was treated and viewed during his ministry (and often now as well), which also reflect the journey through Holy Week of darkness into light, death into life:

Isaiah 53: 3 – 5 (NIV)

He was despised and rejected by mankind,
   a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
   he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain
   and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
   stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.

Luke 19: 37 - 40 (NIV)

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[a]
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
 
Jesus took on the suffering that was ours and suffered for our transgressions. He knows what suffering is like in this world and took it upon Himself so that we may be free. This is a great message that we can take to our clients; that they are not alone and that there is someone who suffers with them and suffers for them. We should not keep our knowledge of God’s love to ourselves, but joyfully praise Him for the miracles we have seen in our lives and share that praise and love with everyone we meet this Easter and always.

If you are passionate about sharing the Good News, why not consider becoming a member of the Befriending Team! With the increasing volume of clients it would be great to have some new visit team members to support John and Pat and help our clients both with their CAP journeys and with love and care in other aspects of their lives. If you would like to know more email us at elycap@stmarysely.org or please do share the website with friends you know who may be interested:
https://www.elycap.org/get-involved
 
Another way that you can help is through prayer:
The next Prayer Meeting is Wednesday 5th April 7pm at the Countess Church. This is a great opportunity to meet together, share CAP news, catch up and pray for the work of Ely and District CAP, our clients, debt coaches and support team. Please do invite along any friends who may be interested in finding out more about Ely and District CAP.