(Submitted photos)
Luke 24:26 “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
Last week (March 29–April 5, 2026) was the most important week in the church year—Holy Week. Beginning on Palm Sunday, the church issued the call to “go to Him outside the camp,” and a season of fasting and prayer was set in motion. Each day we followed the events of Christ’s final week, engaging in Scripture meditation and prayer. A few brothers and sisters signed up to participate, keeping watch together and interceding for the church, for personal lives, for the proclamation of the gospel, and for the needs of God’s kingdom.
Throughout the week, we followed a clear spiritual trajectory: to die and live with Christ. We first entered into Christ’s suffering, then witnessed His resurrection; first walked the way of the cross with Him, and then entered into His glory.
Good Friday Candlelight Meditation: Light and Stillness at the Cross
On April 3, the Good Friday candlelight meditation was a particularly solemn and grace-filled gathering. Brothers and sisters sat around seats arranged in the shape of a cross, reflecting in dim light on the Lord’s suffering and love. This meditation focuses on the Passion narrative of our Lord Jesus Christ in Mark chapters 14–15. The entire passage is divided into ten sections, each consisting of Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer. Throughout the service, music, hymns, testimonies, intercessory prayer, and a video on the suffering of Jesus are interwoven, unfolding step by step and leading the congregation to enter into the sufferings of Christ together.
The service lasted about an hour and a half, proceeded smoothly, and was marked by a reverent atmosphere. Many were illumined and deeply moved before the Lord; it was evident that He Himself was present among us.
A total of 48 brothers and sisters participated in front-stage ministry—the largest number of participants in a single service this year. Children and youth read Scripture in Chinese and English, bearing witness to God’s work among the next generation. Music, hymns, and a Passion video were presented smoothly, leading us more deeply into the reality of Christ’s suffering. We also give thanks for those who quietly served behind the scenes by caring for the children.
While giving thanks, we also recognize areas for improvement: preparation and communication need to be more precise; wording should remain consistent; and key steps require careful double-checking. As Scripture reminds us, “Make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle at the far end” (cf. Exod. 26:23), teaching us that in ministry, especially where coordination and connection are involved, extra care is needed. Therefore, in our service, we must have not only zeal but also faithfulness.
Resurrection Sunday: Witnessing the Lord’s Presence in the Risen Life
On April 5, Resurrection Sunday, we held an outdoor worship service at Maumelle Park. We thank God for the clear weather He provided. Though the air still carried a chill, as the service progressed and reached its climax, the sun rose, and our hearts gradually warmed as well (Luke 24:32). About 75 people attended the worship service, and more than 100 joined the fellowship meal afterward, demonstrating the Lord’s abundant provision and grace.
During our preparation meetings, a coworker reminded us: “Easter celebrations should not become secularized but should return to what is sacred—the very center of the gospel: Christ is risen. We may invite people to a meal, but more importantly, we must present the new life that comes through His resurrection.”
In the worship service, we praised together, and several brothers and sisters presented Scripture through a drama, along with songs of praise. Nineteen youth and children sang “Because He Lives,” testifying to the life the Lord gives. The resurrection message, “The Lord Appeared at Emmaus” (Luke 24:13–35), reminded us again that the risen Christ did not reveal Himself in dramatic display, but in humility and gentleness—walking with His disciples, explaining the Scriptures, and being made known in the breaking of bread. This calls us to receive and proclaim the gospel with humble hearts—to accompany, to explain, and to tell others this good news. During the service, a 16-year-old brother assisted with English interpretation of the sermon, offering a glimpse of generational discipleship within God’s household. In the Lord’s Supper, we remembered His death, proclaimed His resurrection, and awaited His return.
Easter Egg Activity: Sharing Joy Through Truth
In the Easter egg activity, we adopted an “edutainment” approach, helping children root themselves more deeply in the faith through joyful participation. Unlike previous years, where children searched randomly, each child this year looked for four specific eggs. Inside were not candies, but stickers used to complete a story. As children ran and searched on the lawn, they collected stickers and then used them to reconstruct the story of Jesus—from His suffering to His resurrection—on a card. In this way, they not only enjoyed the fun of searching but also revisited the three days that changed human history.
More importantly, even if children were unable to collect all the stickers, they could receive the missing ones from volunteers—symbolizing that salvation is freely given. At the same time, they were asked to read aloud the key verse: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6), expressing that salvation begins with faith in the heart and is completed in the confession of the mouth.
“We learn in serving, and we grow in serving.” The success of this activity was made possible by the faithful dedication of our youth volunteers. They undertook extensive and detailed preparations behind the scenes: from hand-drawing promotional posters to placing stickers into hundreds of eggs; from early morning setup to carefully preparing each gift. This was not only teamwork but also a vivid experience of discipleship. Through hands-on service, the youth learned what it means to be “servants of all.” They were not merely preparing a game; as older brothers and sisters, they gently passed on the gospel of Christ’s resurrection to younger children. This legacy of service, like the life of the resurrection itself, continues from generation to generation, filled with glorious hope.
The fellowship meal was abundant, reflecting the Lord’s provision. Brothers and sisters served together joyfully, yet we also learned to improve in details, striving for greater order and edification.
From Suffering to Glory: Continuing to Live as Witnesses of the Resurrection
Holy Week is not an end, but a beginning. As Scripture says, “After His suffering, He presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).
God has brought new friends among us. Whether first-time visitors or brothers and sisters newly arrived in Little Rock, all are drawn by the Lord. One American father drove an hour with his adopted Chinese daughter after finding our church online, just to attend the Easter celebration. Another brother, on his very first visit, joined the food service team to serve. We are especially thankful that recently the Holy Spirit moved one brother to join the church and led two others to prepare for baptism. These are clear testimonies of the Lord’s work.
Today, the risen Lord continues to reveal Himself in His church—through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Therefore, we do not merely “celebrate” the resurrection on Easter; we are called to live it out daily, to bear witness to it, and to proclaim it. May we never cease in prayer or in sharing the gospel, so that more people may encounter this living Lord through us.
Finally, let us say with humble hearts:
“We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10).
To God be the glory. Amen.
Notes: Thanks to Vivian, He Honglan, and Wu Leihong for providing relevant information.
This article was contributed by Little Rock Immanuel Chinese Baptist Church.