Easter Celebration

With Easter being a huge celebration for my family and church, I was a little sad when I first came here knowing I would miss celebrating it back home.  Easter is the day we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.  I believe that Jesus is God incarnate, who lived a perfect and holy life, and who was wrongfully murdered on the cross.  However, everything was done in order to fulfill Scripture.  By Jesus being sacrificed, his pure blood cleanses us, allowing us to be in union with our Heavenly Father.  His omnipotence is truly demonstrated in that the grave could not hold him and he resurrected on the third day.

Back at home, the night before, we would decorate eggs and my mom would prepare a delicious meal for the next day.  Usually she made lamb, and on Easter Sunday we would go to church together.  The church would be beautifully decorated with flowers and the program would be filled with singing and preaching. Watching the children's program would always be a blessing because the children are so adorable and excited to go on an Easter Egg Hunt after the service.

Although I did miss this, celebrating Easter on Mercy Ships was completely amazing to participate in.  On Thursday, different stations/rooms were decorated to resemble different portions of the crucifixion narrative.  For example, I actually helped decorate a room that mimicked the Upper Room, where Jesus had the first communion with his disciples.  

Helping set up the "Upper Room"

More decor for the "Upper Room".

Sunday was definitely my favorite day during the Easter Celebration.  At 5:30 a.m., we had a service on Deck 7 where we watched the sunrise and sang songs together.   Watching the beautiful colors in the sky as the sun came up created such a peaceful atmosphere.  Afterward, we went to the café and had a few snacks and coffee.  At 10a.m., we had another service in the international lounge, where we read Acts 2:22-32 and Matthew 28:1-8, watched a liturgical dance, and listed to a Children’s Choirs, Adult Bell Choir, and a vocal solo.  During the service, people of all different nations when up to the front to state “Christ has risen” in their native language.  Of course I went up to say “Cristos a-nviat”.  I believe that in our service there were over 20 languages in which it was stated!  Then, we had a huge Easter brunch. YUM!  The team did an amazing job decorating our dining hall with fresh flower from the local market and making a cheese and fruit stand.  The brunch included the most delicious food such as mashed potatoes, stuffed eggs, ham, and a wide range of desserts! 

Such a gorgeous sight.

Children's Choir

Simply beautiful.

Easter decorations.

Preparing the fruit and cheese stand.

Yum :)

I am very grateful to have spent this very unique Easter with Mercy Ships.  What a joy to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with so many people from different cultures, customs, and denominations.

On Deck 7.

Be Blessed!

Mark 16:6

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!  He is not here.  See the place where they laid him.”