December 2013 Newsletter

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Out Of Darkness, Into Light

“The darkest darkness was not dark enough for me,” Jennifer said. She was intrigued, captivated, charmed by darkness. She had a very difficult time in this interview remembering or even wanting to admit to the bondage. Its just as well that such details not be sensationalized. Human nature is such that it could respond, “I had no idea that I could sin like that,” then be enticed to try it. Jennifer was tempted by it and fell victim. She had addictions and a real interest in the occult.

Rarely do we hear stories of real darkness and demons; its not a common topic in news stories. Movies and television dramatize such things. People play board and computer games, toying with the dark side. Its played with at Halloween as if it were innocent and entertaining. And we read about it in the Bible of a time long ago and a place far away. Yet Scripture was written, not as figurative to explain evil, but as literal events. Jesus spoke to demons, commanding them to leave people. They are deceptive and destructive. They are fallen angels held in darkness for Judgment Day, Matthew 25:41. In the Bible, darkness is used as a symbol of ignorance and spiritual blindness. Its a place or state of sorrow, distress, evil, death.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jennifer accepted the Lord and walked into the light while at the Mission’s Samaritan Inn. She joined our New Life Program. She said, “I’ve been aware of the fight between good and evil my whole life. But, I could never get on the right track. Everything here has been positive for me, the structure, the resources, everything I learned about God. If it wasn’t for this place and the opportunities here, I would be under a bridge. This is a safe place; it helps restore people.”

So amazing is the transformation, that Jennifer wants to bring others out of the darkness too. She said, “By being here and going to church, I will be able to go out and help people having that dark time. I want wisdom, and I can’t get it without the Bible Studies. I have grown so much; I can’t get enough. I feel like many times, He wants me to be a teacher. There are so many souls that need to be saved. I see homeless people by the bridge and I want to go over there and save their souls, but I don’t know enough yet.”

This Mission began as the Lighthouse of God Mission. Since 1980, we have been doing business as (dba) Roseburg Rescue Mission. The lighthouse is still our logo, with the idea of shining God’s light of truth into a lost world. There is a destructive darkness in the world that can push people to despair, even cause homelessness. Such darkness feeds on hopeless conditions. And if it is left unchecked, it grows and spreads in the community. But, here God’s Word is spoken boldly, dispelling darkness, bringing new life.