God’s mission through IM has been envisioned as being “on earth as it is in heaven.” This phrase isn’t original to us or our strategic plan, but our IM family keeps quoting Jesus’ instructions to long and work for God’s already-not-yet kingdom as a reminder for our raison d’être, the reason for our existence.

Yet, it has been very disheartening to hear of human atrocities in Ukraine, lack of safety and basic human needs going unmet in Haiti and Myanmar, and the exhaustion in the global aid community. For our global servants and the IM family, the proclamation that Christ is risen! is a two-fold reminder.

It is a reminder of the hope that we have and the calling to God’s mission that we pursue with every breath. This resurrection truth is at the core of our being, defining our identities and giving us a reason to participate in God’s mission with all our heart, mind and soul.

Yet it is also a reminder that God’s work on earth is not yet done. Globally, many still live realities that are nothing like what it is in heaven.

So, as we proclaim Jesus’ resurrection, we cling to the very truth that compels us, and we labor against death, war, injustice and oppression. Simply put, we serve a God who cannot and was not defeated by death. It is his life that gives us hope, joy, faith and love.

Together, it is in this power that we—and please read this as an intentional use of the word we—proclaim that God’s abundant life is for all.

My prayer this Easter weekend is that each person in the IM family—friends, supporters, donors, global servants, home office staff, board, international partners—would be strengthened to persevere as we follow Christ and do the unique work God has called us to do. There is much work to be done.

I pray that this Easter morning you might experience an overflow of hope and a renewal of resurrection identity in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Together with you in God’s mission,

Rev. Sharon Koh

Executive Director / CEO