It’s “mati lampu” again—which means the power is out … again. (Can you hear the collective sigh from every home in our neighborhood?) We’ve been having regular power outages every night this week that last for several hours. It interrupts dinner, showers, and bedtimes, because not only do the lights go out, but also our water pump and fans. No water pump = no water. And no fans = no sleep.

Thankfully, we have a generator for occasions such as this. But our neighbors do not. Whenever we’re ready to, we can turn on the generator and carry on about our evening. But our neighbors cannot. They must sit in darkness until the power returns.

In light of God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself,” this doesn’t seem right. Just five feet from our well-lit home, sit our neighbors in pitch black. This ought not to be. Not when we can do something about it.

So, we walked over to our neighbors’ homes and offered for them to plug into our generator. They were thrilled! Eventually the power came back on, and they thanked us. We assured them that every time they hear our generator start up, that it is an invitation for them to have light too.

Now, each time the lights go out, and the cranking of our generator is heard, we see two extension cords being tossed over our fence on either side of our yard—and it makes our hearts glad. Both of our neighbors receiving blessing from the Lord through the blessing that He has provided for us.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14-16