LifeDate Winter 2024 – Life Shines in Darkness
by Pastor Michael Salemink
Every year, our annual LFL State Federations Essay Contest renews my joy and hope. Hundreds of junior high and high school students across the country participate. They declare profound truth and love in giving voice to the sanctity of every human life. Their testimonies affirm that you’re raising and instructing them well. But you should hear it for yourself:
“In 2020, my family fostered two beautiful girls, Athena and Roseanne … We fostered for 3.5 months. As time went on, I realized God’s plan for these girls and why He placed them in my home. As my love for them grew, I realized what a blessing foster care is—not just for me but for these children as well. We provided a safe home and a chance for them to see Christ.” Ally, Illinois
“Last December, I coordinated a Christmas piano program for a local nursing home. As the facility doors swung open, I was slammed with the pungent smell of antiseptics, incessant beep of medical equipment, and overall presence of suffering in the room. A veil of pain, fatigue, and confusion seemed to shroud the residents. When the first notes of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ rang on the piano, that veil was lifted immediately. The residents’ faces brightened. Most of them started singing along. Through the gift of music, the assembly was bathed in Christ’s light of salvation. After the last hymn ended, they begged us to come again soon. The adults in that room may have lost the ability to walk and talk as they once could, but they will never lose the ability to enjoy God’s radiant blessings.” Emma, Texas
“When I walked into a dilapidated Dairy Queen to meet another possible child to foster, I met Wylynn. The whole time we talked to Wylynn. you could see the light of life inside her. Wylynn was one of our many missing pieces. I am so thankful her mother chose life instead of abortion because without her, I would not be who I am today. We were so glad that God gave us a chance to live out our faith by adopting Wylynn and supporting life. There is a light inside every single foster child out there, a light of hope!” Gracelynn, South Dakota
“One of my sisters has dyslexia and dysgraphia. Often, she says she is dumb because of what she has. She thinks that because of her dyslexia and dysgraphia, she will never be considered intelligent. Once she gets past that, however, she is as happy as ever; we just need to help comfort her. She is incredibly smart; things are just much more difficult for her than people realize. Everyone’s life shines in darkness.” Maria, Kansas
“God created every one of us to shine brightly in the world He made for us. Each person is a candle, sustaining His light to share with others. When a baby is aborted, his or her candle is extinguished. Clearly, that is not what God wants for us. None of us is unimportant to God; He cares about all of us, no matter our size, age, parents, gender, or disabilities. Every candle has a special purpose God designed.” Christina, Missouri