BY MICHAEL SANDSTROM
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
– Matthew 11:28-30
We all agree that we are facing many challenges here at home and around the world. In one-way or another, we are all affected by circumstances beyond our control. Many of us are tired, weary, heavily burdened, and even anxious about the future. In times like these, how should we respond as followers of Jesus? Jesus invites us to come to Him with the promise that He will give us rest. He also asks us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. Help us to learn from Him and not lean on our own understanding and strength as we interact with those around us that may not know the love and hope of Christ. In Matthew 24:4, Jesus was asked by His disciples, “What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?” Jesus’ answer predicts intense times of turmoil and challenges, warnings about not being deceived and not letting our love grow cold as sin abounds. In times like these, Jesus is also sending us out to be His witnesses:
“This gospel of the Kingdom will be preached (proclaimed) in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
– Matt. 24:14
Help us to fulfill His calling and commission to reach out as Kingdom people with a Kingdom perspective.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that you have
– 1 Peter 3:15
This is our calling and purpose as a CIAM broadcast and mission family. We pray that everyone who tunes in to CIAM will hear the Good News through Christ-centred music, teaching of God’s Word, will have opportunities to connect with 1&1 Mentors who care and listen, and hear testimonies from Storytellers whose lives have been impacted by God. CIAM will do everything possible to continue to reach the most remote, smallest communities as well as the larger cities in Canada—through broadcasting over FM radio, online, on mobile phones, and various other media platforms that CIAM provides both here at home and globally. Your faithful involvement, prayers, and on-going support make all the difference. We count it a blessing to serve the Lord together with you, and we look forward expectantly to what the Lord will do in and through each one of us in 2026.
