Together we had started the fire and together we had to keep it burning ...

On January, 12th, of this year, twenty-two singles gathered around a bond fire for some fun and fellowship. Though not everyone brought a log for the fire, everyone drew near to enjoy the warmth of burning logs. When the fire began to die, I asked 12 singles - brothers and sisters- to rearrange the logs. This resulted in a living flame being rekindled. The darkness began to flee and there was light, again. There, before our eyes, visible smiling faces, were being defined by the fire's light. As singles, how will we be defined in the new year? The rearrangement of the burning logs brought about a new reality to all gathered around. Together we had started the fire and together we had to keep it burning, each one doing his share - brothers and sisters; all were called to do something to help keep the fires burning. The problem, however, was not the advancing darkness; it was the absence of the light.

The logs had been burning for a while and were now in need of being rekindled. which required a united action, driven by a common understanding that we did not want to be in the dark. The logs had burned about half way through, but the remaining part of each still had the substance in them with the potential to produce a living fire as at the start. And a living, burning flame they all together did produce.

The light was seen from far away, drawing others to our light as well. This bonfire, as simple as it was, is a beautiful lesson for us all. The light of the fire provided us with an opportunity to enjoy a time of praise and worship; and prompted us to make serious decisions to take our commitment of the cross to new levels. As a group, we acknowledged and confessed as one that we want to keep the fires burning and live in the light of Jesus and his word. Another lesson learned, is that darkness will grow in our midst as far as we allow it to, but darkness can never overcome the light. Let's work to keep the fires burning in our hearts, in our fellowship with one another and as a light to the world.

Jose Villalta Duarte - El Salvador