Light and Good Tidings

By Gil Hanke

This week I have seen the intersection of two scriptures: Matthew 5:16 and Isaiah 40:9. These verses tell me to be a light and to declare good tidings. In some of my recent travels, I have driven on dark and rainy roads that kind of misty rain that makes seeing difficult and distorts perceptions. What was needed was more light.              
In some of my travels I have been in meetings where participants wanted to center our work and attention on things that were wrong, broken, and dysfunctional. What these meetings needed was good tidings.              
This is a season of both light and good tidings.              

Advent and Christmas mark their passing by degrees of light. Each week there are more candles lit on the Advent wreath. Some in our neighborhood had lights up the Friday after  Thanksgiving, and as Christmas draws closer the lights are being added to nearly every house.              
In my job, I get to bring light to local congregations, districts and conferences about our ministries within GCUMM and the many ministries where we partner with other agencies and other entities inside and outside the UMC. In so many cases, folks comment, "I never knew the church was involved in that," or "I didn't know those resources were available," or "I can get that training just by going to your website?" I have also been able to share some light about how Jesus has transformed mission teams and men's small groups, and have been able to lift up His words of  action which we are to do with intention.              
In the midst of decline in many areas, there are also good tidings:              
Stories of growth and new ministriesof healing and wholenessand new ministries that bring men and their families to a closer walk with Jesus, the Christ.                
Men who have lost their jobs, but found a new life.                
Young adults who are creating a new entrepreneurial ministry which will form leaders within all aspects of the church.              
Within this agency we have seen new life, healing, and growth in unexpected areas. With a year of a troubled economy and some unexpected expenses we are finishing in the black.
God is so good!
I will not let the news of the world or of Washington diminish the light or the good news of our work together. I will look to next year with excitement and anticipationnot fear and worry. When we are obedient to His call, there is always light, and always good news!
Stay in touch; let me know how we can accelerate you in your ministry.
Striving to be His servant              
Gilbert C. Hanke, general secretary
General Commission on UM Men
ghanke@gcumm.org