Easter Reflections

For most of my life I have celebrated Easter by getting all dressed up, attending church, saying "he is risen indeed" after the leader said "He is risen".  It has been about me and my church and my faith, and my fellow Christians.

This year, my wife and I celebrated Easter differently.  We will got dressed up (a little), went to church, sang Easter songs, etc...  But for us this year it wasn't about going to church or singing songs, or claiming that Jesus is risen.  This year, we decided to invite a family in our community who lost their jobs because of the economy and now live in a motel room.

Here is their story.  Read it in its entirety.  They represent so many who are hit hard by this economy.

Luis and Lubja lived in NYC where both of them had excellent jobs. Luis actually held the same job for 25 years as a doorman/porter for a very wealthy community. Lubja has excellent skills and worked as a billing clerk/receptionist.  They decided at the end of 2007 to sell everything and move to the Poconos where they wanted a better environment to raise their three kids.  They quickly got jobs at local resorts in the Poconos.  Luis has worked 25 years and was able to retire and would receive his pension when we was 65.  He thought it would be great to start over and work at another job for 25 years and get another pension, while living in a better place to raise their children.

Things were going well until both of them lost their jobs due to the economy.  After not being able to secure a new job in the area, they moved to Lancaster and came to the motel where they often stayed at on vacations.  They were told Lancaster had jobs.  Their unemployment money ran out in February 2009 and they still have not found a job.  They have signed up for every temp agency, have gone on job fairs, and have applied to every place I could think of.  The only money they get now is $500 in food stamps.  Lubja has family in Florida who have helped a bit.  Luis's family is in central America.

Recently, they had to send their 2 older kids to a friends to stay in NYC since the one room/one bed motel room is not big enough for 4 of them.  They are there now with their 2 year old.  Their motel room is smaller than my dining room.  We had a delightful afternoon with them and spent time encouraging them.  They are not losing hope and know that things have to turn around sooner or later.

This year, we enjoyed sharing the victory that is ours because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.  However, we also enjoyed living out that life and helping another family find held and hope.

They need employment.  They need a place to live.  They need hope that things will be better.  For me and my family, our faith in action causes us to walk this journey together.

Perhaps you want to help this family?  You can call me at 610-223-2008.  Perhaps there is a family in your community you can reach out to.

Changing lives together!

Chuck Holt