By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Buoyed by the success of their inaugural effort, Yukon Ministerial Alliance congregations have launched the second “Light Up the Darkness” drive.
Coordinated by Resurrection Lutheran Church, this multi-church program helps poor people stay warm and bright as participants show “God’s light” to others.
The Yukon effort began last year after a church member expressed a desire to help families struggling to pay utility bills.
“If it was a problem last year, it’s going to be more of a problem this year,” said Pastor Mark Borseth of Resurrection Lutheran Church.
“This is the darkest and coldest time of the year. It’s also to help pay to keep people’s lights on and to keep their homes warm.”
The Light Up the Darkness drive has two primary purposes.
The first is to raise funds that directly support Yukon-area residents who need help paying their electric and gas bills – which are higher this time of year.
This collection will be given to the Salvation Army of Canadian County, Compassionate Hands and Yukon Sharing.
“All three of those social service agencies have mechanisms to help with utilities,” Borseth noted.
The other purpose is to collect donations of blankets, gloves, mittens, socks, hats, hand and feet warmers, flashlights and batteries for anyone in need – including the homeless.
These cold-weather supplies also are being distributed at various local church pantries.
Yukon’s second annual Light Up the Darkness drive kicked off Jan. 6 with the start of the Epiphany season, a time when churches focus on the light of Jesus shining into the darkness of the world.
This year’s outreach program will continue beyond Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and culminate with a community worship service in mid-March.
“The service is open to anybody as a way to create unity in our city,” Pastor Borseth added.
BEGAN WITH FIVE CHURCHES
In 2022, Yukon’s first Light Up the Darkness drive kicked off with five churches:
Resurrection Lutheran Church, alongside Yukon First United Methodist Church, Yukon First Church of the Nazarene, Canadian Hills Church of the Nazarene, and Chisholm Trail Presbyterian Church.
Several more congregations later joined in the effort – West Point Christian Church, LifeChurch and Freedom Fellowship.
Yukon’s First United Methodist Church hosted last year’s joint workshop service.
More participation is welcome in the 2023 Light Up the Darkness program – from other churches, businesses and individuals who want to collect or contribute.
For more information, call (405) 354-3322 or visit rlcok.org and click on the Light Up the Darkness link under “Activities.”
