Light is a metaphor that Jesus used for both himself (Jn 8:12) and those who follow him (Matt 5:14). Our light in this world, comes from the Light of Life.
Over the years, we’ve huddled around the nature of light as a family, naming our Cafe and mission space Lighthouse as we planted a welcoming, culture-shifting space in the center of our Ukrainian village. That was 10 years ago! Back then, the main street was littered with little bars, and an eery sense of despair.
We were ridiculed at first by local bar owners. Never, they said, would a non-alcoholic place survive. Yet, over time, the bars all closed and competing cafes followed our path. A dirty old nightclub remained a place where midnight fights broke out and bad things happened. One day, the club’s owner, a well-educated man, asked me for coffee. “I need to ask you something,” he said, as we sat in the corner of our cafe. “Do you think I should close my club?” A month later, he started a new business selling purified water.
Light isn’t just a message. It’s embodied hope and meaningful influence. Light directs the heart toward a world that should be, and in Christ, can be, “as it is in heaven.” Light isn’t just about instructing souls how to get to heaven, but introducing neighbors to the humanity of God in the suffering Jesus, who hurts with, and for his creation. Light looks beyond the present trials, and sees the resurrected Christ who is coming again.
Though we long for Christ’s final return. He is, through the Spirit, in a sense, returning already, through us. The kingdom doesn’t fall out of the sky. Jesus says it’s reality is already within each of us. The darker the hour, the stormier the sea, kingdom’s light gathers the attention of the hopeless. A lighthouse was made for the storm, not for sunny days.
This past month, we’ve been praying about pioneering another Lighthouse missional space in the heart of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. By God’s mercy, we already have close to 80% of the funding to lease out the property and launch! Yet, my heart is burdened for Lighthouse in Ukraine. We are in need of some financial support this year (about $800mo) to pay all our bills, and keep the cafe open. It doesn’t have the weekly ministries like it used to have before the war, but it continues to hold space for neighbors, friends, and provides a space for some gatherings (e.g. Soldier’s wives meeting for trauma care).
Would you pray for this place of light and love? A friend just returned from visiting her family in the town, and said she was shocked at the level of depression, and hopelessness since her last visit a year ago. The seeming unending war with Russia is taking its toll on the emotional, spiritual and mental health of our friends there. We believe this place was made for shining, especially in dark and stormy seas.
Bruce & Deb