Lighthouse

February 2026

Vicar's Message

Dearly beloved in Christ,

This February 15th (Sunday) is the beginning of the Great Lent. It’s one of the great opportunities we get to discipline our personalities and come closer to God. Throughout the life of Jesus, we learn a great lesson: that loving and suffering can go together for our spiritual growth. Jesus is showing us His love. The immense love leads to suffering for others’ salvation, through his own words, life, and mission. By observing the fullness of the Sabbath, we are acquiring the fullness required about creation. Fullness is not a one-time process, but a continuous cleansing process, a process of purification, and a process of sanctification, too. Then only will we be eligible for glorification at the end of the days.

For we Marthomites, it’s the month of the Maramon convention, reviewing the reformation and confirming accordingly to the date and time.

We are so proud of our 136th Maramon convention. What a great heritage and tradition, thank God for all our achievements through these many years. As we go through the process of conviction and commitment, progressively we need to understand that we are forgiven to forgive, automatically it will lead us to reconciliation, which means let it be a month of reconciliation. As a result, the great mission aspect of compassion can occur in our everyday lives.

Let’s have a great legacy for the generations. Let the generation build up their life; that’s one of the assets that we can give them.

So dearly beloved in Christ, let it be a month of renewal and rededication

God be with us and bless us,

Our prayers and blessings for all Horebians

With much love and prayers,

Geevarghese Achen

Faith Journey

By: Saji Abraham

What's helped you grow spiritually?

Pain. I do know that God by stripping away the busyness in my life and forcing me to confront my dependence on Him has helped me get to know God deeper. Whether if it was emotional or physical, pain has forced me to talk with God. Although I do not miss the pain or hurt, I really do miss the clarity of God's voice and the intensity of His presence during those moments. When I was miserable and felt alone, I could feel His warmth and hear His voice so clearly when He told me - 'I am your father and am with you.' When I was scared and I couldn't see the path ahead, He asked me to look back and see clearly the path He had carried me through all these years.

What are you currently learning or feeling challenged by in your faith?

I really do ask God, "Why do some people go through so much suffering? What's the use of praying for others when they don't seem to get better, but worse?" I don't know God's will or His timing, but I do know others praying for me has brought me peace and healing in unexpected moments, in the moments when all seemed lost or impossible by human efforts. Breakthroughs for me personally have come when I surrendered my will and control to Him. When I try not to force the timing or direction of my plan but WAIT on the Lord. Also, when I was literally on my knees during times of crisis, by just shifting my focus from myself and praying for others in need has brought me relief and purpose. Another part I am still growing at is to have a sense of gratitude and learn not to grumble. I feel like I'm just getting to know God.

Any Bible characters you can relate to?

I can identify with the prophet Jonah best. I realize I had put tasks ahead of having a true relationship with God. It's easy to rationalize our actions and ignore His voice by keeping busy and thinking I'm not doing anything bad or I'm doing "important" stuff. If you ignore God, He will interrupt your life, and you might find yourself in a quiet, dark place where you will have to acknowledge Him. Second and this is the hard part for me (disclaimer: talking about people I see on the news) - learning that God loves everyone, even people who act cruelly. I question myself sometimes, "Why do these people act so "bad" and still seem to be blessed?" It is hard not to be judgmental.

Recycling Program at Horeb Updates

By: Nikhil Abraham

Have you noticed the blue recycling bin at Church lately? Launched five months ago, the recycling program at Horeb has turned the biblical call of stewardship into an initiative that honors and respects God’s creation. Genesis 2:15 says, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Recycling is one way to honor God's desire for our stewardship.

The Results: Between September 14th, 2025 and January 18th, 2026, our collective effort has recycled 1,241 containers. This includes a family who donated a year's supply of recycling, and a few families who donated bottles weekly. A dedicated bin has allowed us to address the past issue of mixed trash, turning waste into a resource.

How can you help?

If you have recyclables sitting at home, feel free to reach out to me.

Continue to dispose of empty bottles in the bin.

Youth and Sunday School Kids: We need your help to keep this going! If you’re interested in helping out or joining the program, please reach out to me. My number is (562) 475-9006, and my email is nikhilabraham2022@gmail.com.