The current economic recession 
							has brought about a great loss of hope for many 
							Americans. The word is, more and more people are 
							giving up. We have more and more job loss, failed 
							mortgages, and accumulation of debt that is out of 
							control.
							At the same time, it’s also 
							given us an opportunity, especially at Easter, to 
							remind the faithful that there is more to life than 
							material goods.
							What is it that makes for a good life? 401(k)? Money 
							in the bank? We know better than that. Money has 
							never brought true happiness, satisfaction, or 
							peace. 
							The hope of the Easter may 
							provide some of us weary-recession gripped 
							churchgoers an opportunity to have hope again.
							What Easter says is that no 
							matter how difficult circumstances are, God has the 
							last word. Resurrection eclipsed the dark Friday 
							crucifixion.
							Easter Sunday gives proof that 
							there’s something more than all this pain and hurt 
							around us.
							People are looking for answers; 
							for help; for hope. This is a great time for 
							believers to spring into action and extend our 
							optimism to others. 
							God has always wanted to bring 
							mankind hope. The essence of the Bible story — the 
							Israelites’ journey from captivity to exodus — the 
							coming of a Messiah – and the return of a Savior, 
							are all meant to bring hope. 
							The story of Lazarus’ rising is 
							a great reminder there is hope for humans’ greatest 
							fear: death.