Lighthouse
May 2026
Vicar's Message
Pentecost
For most Christians, Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in the upper room and transformed them. They were given the ability to speak the Gospel to all those who were present for the festival. People from different areas were able to understand the gospel in their own language. Today many people associate the Holy Spirit and Pentecost only with ‘speaking in tongues.’ But the truth is that the Holy Spirit does so much more.
John 16:7-13 is part of the passage where Jesus is speaking to his disciples the night before he was to be crucified. Christ tells them what is to happen, but he also tells them not to be afraid, sad, and not to stumble. Jesus tells his disciples that it is to their advantage that he goes away, because the Holy Spirit will come to them. Some bibles use words like Comforter, Helper, Advocate, or Intercessor to describe the Holy Spirit (16:7). This is to stress the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us grow in faith and commitment to the God. It also stresses the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling us to move forward in our walk of faith, even when we are faced with trials and tribulations.
Verse 13 refers to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth. Many of us fear the truth for one reason or another. But Jesus told his disciples that ‘the truth will make you free’ (John 8:32). In John 14:6, Jesus also states, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life…’ So the Holy Spirit will lead us to the truth of the Gospel which liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears. The Holy Spirit will lead us to the truth which enables us to live the life that God intended us to live, in Jesus.
In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was constantly leading the Christians to new mission activities. It was leading them to new places or understandings that they did not have before. For example it leads some of them to preach to the very same people who crucified Christ just 50 days earlier. It leads others to preach to Samaritans, a eunuch, and Gentiles. It led the Christians to having a loving relationship with those who were their enemies.
This is transforming power of the Holy Spirit. To lead us to God and to see all those around us as our brothers and sisters. People who Christ lived and died for, and people, who we should live and die for.
On Pentecost, when the disciples spoke in tongues, it was so that others could understand the Gospel message. More than a display of power, it was a display of love. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, more than prophecies or speaking in tongues, it is important to have love. The Holy Spirit transforms the individual, so the individual can transform society.
Rev. Shibi Abraham
MY FAITH JOURNEY
Ancy Jonas
What is one thing that you like to share with others to encourage them in their faith journey?
God has a beautiful unique plan for each one of us and He loves us so dearly that we need to humbly listen to His voice that says “Be still and know that I am God” We have to surrender and let God be God and let Him guide us through every moment of our lives.
So often, we rely on our limited understanding or follow the direction of current culture, when what we really need is to be led by our Creator. As David writes in Psalm 23:1–3, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” It took me years to understand what it means to truly rest—to trust in His care instead of constantly striving. We are called to live for God and put Him first in our lives—not to please those around us or put our career or school first, but to honor the one true God to whom we owe our life.
One thing I’ve come to understand and want to share is that our influence in this world—at home, at work, or in church—is not measured by our position, but by our devotion; not by how visible we are, but by our faithfulness to Him.
Are there any Bible passages and characters that influenced you recently?
God has been speaking to me through Ezra, Nehemiah and Daniel, each of them exiles in a foreign land. It was a valuable lesson to see that even in exile, they remained devoted to God and stood strong in their faith among people who were distant from Him. God watched over their lives and used them for His glory. It is a wonderful reminder that I don’t need to conform to the standards of this world but to stay devoted to God and live my life for Him. Their lives show a beautiful balance of strong leadership and genuine humility, all rooted in their trust in God. The way they lived their lives has been a great encouragement in this season of my life.
Are there any spiritual disciplines that have helped you?
I spend time reading and studying the Bible. God has revealed who He is to me through the Bible which has built my relationship with Him. I love praying and I love interceding for other people. I enjoy being in his presence and love attending church services whether Malayalam or English. I enjoy reading Christian books, listening to sermons and listening to Christian songs. I find peace when I am just sitting in His presence whether in church or home or prayer meeting.
Upcoming Events
Welcome Shibi Achen & Sheeba Kochamma !
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Easter
EasterFest
Farewell Kochummen AcheN & Kochamma
Parsonage Move
A Huge Thank You to The Sevika Sanghom Setup Team led by Riya George & Ancy Thomas, comprised of Julie Mathew, Susan Thomas, Sheeba George, Sinee Abraham who setup the temporary parsonage rental. Thank you to those who helped provide meals to Shibi Achen and Kochamma for the first few days including Ancy Thomas, Sherly Saji, Giti Varghese, Susan Abraham, Ann George, Julie Mathew, Mani Rajan, Naomi Abraham, Sherly John, Sheeba George, Riya George. And to Merry Thomas and those who contributed to Achen and Kochamma's welcome dinner thursday night.
Another shoutout of gratitude to the Moving Team led by Ashby Mathews, Binu Jacob, and Thomas Mammen, with help from Jonas Chacko. And facilitated by our facilities coordinator, Manoj Mathew. And Thank You to Aby Samuel who handled setting up the internet connections and computers at the rental. And to our trustees for managing all the leases and contracts. This parsonage move was a huge endeavor, which took place in the small window of time between one vicar leaving and the other vicar arriving. Horeb is blessed by the generosity of time by its members.
Lighthouse Team: Debby Abraham [Lighthouse Editor],
webpage updates by Naina Abraham, Jocelyn Mathew
