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Allister’s News “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 ‘The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light’ (Mt 4:15–16.) With these words, Matthew’s Gospel introduces Jesus’ public ministry - light breaking into darkness, hope overcoming despair. Although the world remains wounded by the darkness of sin, Christ offers us a new way to live within it. Jesus says to his followers, ‘You are the light of the world.’ Like a flashlight meant for the night, our faith is needed most where life feels darkest – in loneliness, illness, addiction, grief, despair, and, yes, persecution too. Rather than complain about the darkness, we are called to shine Christ’s light through simple acts of faith: a visit, a call, a listening ear, a caring presence, prayer. Wherever we see darkness, let us not fear. ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. (John 1:5) Previously It has been a good start to 2026. I have had the opportunity to speak in several churches across the region. On January 11, I preached at a new church in Birmingham, Hope Church in Nechells, for the first time; in early February, I stood in for a colleague at All Souls Langham Place mission fayre in central London; and later that month I had the pleasure of preaching at Penylan Baptist Church in Newport, Wales. Coming up Supporter Events I am excited to let you know about two supporter events this spring. First at Dewsbury Revival Centre on Saturday April 25 (9:30am - 12:30pm) where our International Partnerships Manager Andrew Chard will present a report from a recent trip to East Africa. And second at Oasis Church Redditch on Saturday May 9 (10:00am - 12:45pm) where our partner Pavel will share about his ministry of supporting church workers in Central Asia. Both events will begin with refreshments and conclude with a light lunch. There will also be a book stall and other resources available. These events are an excellent opportunity to hear more about our work and meet other Release International supporters. Check out our events page for more information coming soon, and please do RSVP by email if you would like to come. I’d love to see you there. RSVP Light in the Darkest Places Our ministry theme in 2026 is Light in the darkest places, and over the past few months we have been working to develop some engagement activities around the idea. As part of this our CEO Paul Robinson, together with a team of supporters, will be taking part in our Light Walk Challenge. They will carry a large wooden cross to the top of Scafell Pike in the middle of the night and raise it at the top as the sun rises – a powerful reminder that the light of the gospel overcomes the darkness. There are also opportunities for local churches to get involved. You could organise your own local Light Walk through your town to raise awareness or get together for a Prayers in the Dark event to identify with the experience of persecuted Christians. You can find out more, including how to sponsor Paul, below. LEARN MORE Engagements Mar 18-20 – Exhibiting at the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) conference Sunday Apr 19 – Wylde Green URC in Sutton Coldfield Saturday April 25 – Regional supporter event, Dewsbury Revival Centre Sunday May 3 – Bethany Baptist Church, Six Bells, Wales Saturday May 9 – Regional supporter event, Oasis Church Redditch May 15-17 – Exhibiting at the Baptist Union Assembly in Harrogate Sunday May 31– Mount Zion Methodist Church, Wigan Pray Praise God that the light of Jesus continues to shine, even in the darkest places. Thank God for all the opportunities I have had to speak in churches already this year. Pray that the Lord will use our Light in the darkest places theme this year to raise more awareness and to prompt people to pray for those who suffer for Christ and the gospel. Pray for the forthcoming regional supporter events: that many people will attend and that those who do so will be inspired as they hear the voice of persecuted Christians. Thank you so much for your ongoing prayers and support.