Approximately 150 members attended this Easter Sunday worship and festivities, which initially commenced with a worship service led by Rev. Immanuel Christian with the choir leading in songs of worship. The message for the day was brought by Rev. John Root, Vicar of St. James Church, Wembley. This was later followed by GCFUK choir members leading the members- young and old into a joyous time of Garba (a traditional Gujarati dance) and a Fellowship dinner which was made possible by generous help of members volunteering to serve and manage the food tables and the kitchen at the same time.

The reading for the afternoon was Luke 24 portraying the account of Jesus’ rising from the dead and appearing to his beloved disciples and followers.

Rev. Root dwelling on the scenes as described in Luke 24 spoke about the disciples and followers of Jesus and the then Israelites having false expectations and perceptions about the Messiah who was to come to redeem Israel. They believed the coming Messiah or the Prophet to be someone who would free them from the rule of Roman empire, someone who would establish and restore Israel as a nation. But, God had His agenda clearly drawn out in His Word and Jesus spoke Himself about it, that the Son of Man would suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Luke 9:22) reflecting what was prophesied in the book of prophet Zechariah. Hence after Jesus’ death not heeding His words many of His followers were depressed with their hopes crushed, not willing to reflect on Jesus words what He had said that He would be raised up on the third day. It was only after that Jesus appeared to two of His followers of whom one was known by the name of Cleopas when they were on their way to Emmaus a place seven miles away from Jerusalem, they initially didn’t recognize this man who joined them on this road to Emmaus, but it was only after Jesus once again referring them back to the scriptures and at meal time breaking the bread giving thanks that these two men recognised Him to be Jesus! This was the moment their hope and confidence was restored believing the news they had previously received from Mary and Mary Magdalene visiting the tomb of Jesus and finding it empty and later this being once again confirmed by the visit of Simon Peter and John.

Jesus for example in his appearing to these two men didn’t right away tell them that ‘Hello men, I Jesus am back’ but Jesus seeking a development of a deeper vision about Him in the hearts of His followers, seeking a deeper change - walks and talks with them and convinces them not just in their minds but hearts as well. Jesus as seen here chose not to convince the two men by an argument or any straight talk but through a personal relationship making them share their hearts with Him. As we see here minds definitely needed to be changed but it was heart that needed a deeper change.

Drawing a parallel here with our day to day lives many times we believers have made God like a vending machine, seeking Him in our time of need and not committing ourselves to a deeper relationship with Him seeking His word and will in every area of our lives. This is possible only when we choose and make a conscious effort to feed and meditate regularly on God’s Word knowing Him not just in mind but in heart as well – eventually this reflecting in our behaviour in a way that when non-believers come in contact with us they come in contact with us recognising us as ambassadors of God. The challenge before us is - are we willing to hear and accept His voice? The way He sent His disciples to proclaim the good news He wants to send us to proclaim the Good News - are we willing?