Easter at Gospel Village
At Gospel Village, everything we do is rooted in our four core values: God, Community, Dignity, and Permanence. And what better time to reflect on these values than Easter weekend, when we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!
Before I share more about our Easter plans, I want to tell you about something that happened this week.
After our Tuesday morning Bible study, a resident approached me to discuss what had been discussed. As he opened up, he reflected on how much his life had changed.
“There was a time when no one trusted me,” he said. “I had no friends, no family who wanted me around. Life was hard. But now? My family invites me over for the holidays—or just to hang out on a Saturday. People trust me enough to leave keys and money out when I work at their homes. It feels good to be trusted again.”
This is the power of restoration, community, and resurrection, from living on the streets and struggling with addiction, to now being a trusted, contributing member of the greater Lakeland and Gospel Village communities.
Homelessness and addiction carry a heavy weight of shame. However, through a relationship with Jesus, we witness healing, dignity, character, restoration, and love flourish in the lives of our residents.
Will you join us?
This Friday, we invite the public to walk the Stations of the Cross in our community garden on Main Street. Starting at 9 AM, our residents and guests will have the opportunity to read scripture and reflect on the power of the resurrection story in their own lives, expressing gratitude through prayer for the finished work Jesus performed through His submission.
Then on Easter Sunday at 7:30 AM, we’ll gather in our pavilion at the corner of E. Lemon St. and S. Lake Parker Ave. to take communion, witness resident baptisms, and share a hot breakfast together.
If you don’t have other plans, please consider joining us on Friday, Sunday, or both.
Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us in this mission. Because of you, transformation is possible.
