Within the steep hills, deep valleys, and the branches, streams, and hollows in western North Carolina, there is a light shining: God’s Light! And this light shines through Christ followers, through His church.

I believe that God’s children have within them the strongest light in the universe, if they will let it shine. This is our purpose, to let the light of Jesus Christ shine. (“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16)

There is a desire in each of us for our lives to matter, to have meaning or purpose. Having a sense of purpose has been shown to be critical to our well-being: physically, emotionally and spiritually.

As Christians, we know the truth. Nothing on earth can fully satisfy our longing for meaning; that is nothing but Jesus Christ, our Lord. There is an emptiness within us, a longing for something more. Something greater. God made us this way. (“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10)

A few months ago, Pastor Cannon and his wife, Windy, of Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine asked North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM) to partner with their church to strengthen their senior adult ministry within their church and in the community. They were intentional and committed. I love the title they chose for their ministry, “Shining the Light.”

Their ministry focuses on three outreaches: a DME closet (durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers), a senior day celebration, and smoke alarm installations.

DME loan closets are much needed in almost every community. NCBAM provided assistance in the startup of their loan closet by helping to develop the written procedures for operation and by providing startup DME.