October often brings shorter days, longer nights, and of course, Halloween. This holiday, which was once a religious observance, has become increasingly secular over the centuries, and now in our day, it’s almost as though all religious ties are all but non-existent. For many, this holiday is lightheartedly filled with fun, costumes, and candy. But for others, this can represent something darker and an impending doom. Either way, we are given an opportunity this month to reflect something far deeper than a cultural tradition—this month, we reflect on the reality of darkness and the greater call to shine the light of Christ.

 

At TRM, we see the effects of darkness every day. We witness our community growing tired. Tired of wrestling with addiction, broken relationships, trauma, and the weight of struggles that never seem to end. What’s important is when they are tired and weary, that’s when we need to step in as intercessors. The truth is, it can feel easier to embrace the struggles than to fight back with the hope that Jesus offers. But that’s why being a light in the darkness matters so much. It means stepping into the gap for others, carrying the light of Christ when they cannot see it for themselves.

Whether darkness is figurative or literal, Jesus calls His followers the light of the world. A city on a hill, not hidden, but visible. That’s what happens every day through our work at TRM—staff, volunteers, and our supporters like you step into the dark moments that our people face and shine the hope of Christ.

 

Sometimes, bringing light into the darkness is as simple as showing up when no one expects it. A word, a meal, a quiet prayer—those seemingly small moments can shine hope into even the darkest and more discouraged heart.

 

This past month, one of our employees had the privilege of being a light to someone in the community when they were in their darkest moment. They were a light in the darkness simply by being present at the right time for a woman who was in crisis. She felt lost, unseen, and overwhelmed, but because our coworker stopped, listened, and cared, she was able to receive real help and options. While this woman has been in Topeka for quite some time, she still had no idea about TRM Ministries or the many support systems and partnerships available to help people find a way out of their darkness and move forward.

 

Through this encounter, the options were given to her as baby steps so she could see the hope that can come even from the most hopeless of situations, so what could have been a breaking point became a turning point for her. That is what light does—it pierces the darkness and offers hope to those who cannot yet see it.

 

For TRM CEO, La Manda Cunningham, this month is not one to shy away from. Where some see only darkness, she sees opportunity—an invitation to “fall” for the Lord even more deeply. Halloween, with all its emphasis on darkness and fear, becomes a chance to do the opposite: to lean into the light of Christ with even greater boldness.

 

Instead of retreating or avoiding, she believes that this is a time to advance with hope because darkness shouldn’t be intimidating—it should be motivating. La Manda leads the charge for TRM to view darkness as the perfect backdrop for followers of Christ to shine even brighter. Just as Jesus said that we are to be a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, our light was never meant to be tucked away. It was meant to stand in contrast, visible and unshakable, pointing back to the Source of the Light.

 

We should not fear because we have faith in Jesus. We need to believe in Him to show up in the places others might pull away from, and declare that God’s love is stronger than the darkness. This is why we find it so important to have our sign in on top of the Main Shelter at 600 N Kansas Ave to shine brightly at night—Jesus Saves.

 

Jesus Saves. That’s the heart behind what we do every single day at TRM. We do not shy away from hard places or dark situations. We step into them by showing up with compassion, with courage, and with the message that hope is here and God’s grace is sufficient, and as we move into the final stretch of 2025, this becomes even more important. The holidays are approaching. And with them comes a time of joy for many, but also a time of loneliness, grief, and struggle for so many others. Through the months of October, November, and December, we are standing in the gap for families, children, and individuals who will come to TRM needing shelter, food, encouragement, and love.

 

Just as the night makes the stars shine more brightly, we see this holiday season as an opportunity to carry the light of Christ into some of the most difficult times of the year. Together, as a community, we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus to bring light to people who might otherwise be swallowed up in the darkness. And we get to declare—by the way we serve, give, and love—that the Light of the World has come, and He is still changing lives today. †