Sharing the Treasure: Bearers of Light

We are called to be bearers of light—a light that originates not from our own efforts or merit, but from the Light of the World Himself. In Christ, our hearts have been illuminated with the good news that is for all people. As John wrote in the opening of his Gospel, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. … The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:4,9 NIV)

This light is a good and gracious gift of God, bestowed upon us not so that others can see us, but so that they will be drawn to the treasure we have in Jesus. As Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount, it is given so that we can be beacons of His glory in the world:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

All believers are called to let the light of Christ shine through them, to share the blessings they have received from God with others (Psalm 67:1,2). For some, this involves going to communities that don’t yet have access to the gospel. For others, it entails sending these workers and helping to provide the resources they need to minister effectively. And, for all, it involves prayer that those who see this light will embrace it and experience the new life we have in Jesus.

I praise God for Christar workers and projects that are bringing this light to least-reached communities and for the many members of the Body of Christ who stand behind these ministries. By God’s grace, as the light of Christ shines through us, least-reached people will respond in faith and likewise become bearers of hope and experience the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b NIV)

Dr. Steve Coffey, Director of Christar U.S., began work with Christar in 1989. He and his wife, Beth, initially served among North African immigrants in France. In 2001, they returned to the U.S. for Steve to lead the Christar Church Planting Division. In 2005 he became Director of Christar. Before serving with Christar, the Coffeys worked for a year in a humanitarian project in the Red Sea hills of Sudan among the Beja people. Dr. Coffey’s education includes an undergraduate degree in history education from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Regent University. The Coffeys have three children and four grandchildren.

Each month Steve shares insights on how God is at work among the least-reached through Christar and its partners. Check out his Sharing the Treasure series.