The Candle that Shines

Receiving the Light changes your life. Carrying the Light can change your world.

Samuel has received Jesus Christ. His life is different now. He knows he is loved, forgiven, and called to walk in the light. But as he sits beside his grandfather, watching a candle burn, a new question begins to stir in his heart: Is the Light meant to stop with me?

Through his grandfather's wisdom and the everyday experiences of school, friendship, social media, family, and community life, Samuel discovers that receiving Christ is the beginning of a greater journey. The light he has received is not meant to be hidden or kept to himself. It is meant to shine through his character, choices, relationships, service, and influence.

The Candle That Shines is the second volume in The Candle of Life illustrated story series for teens and young adults. Using engaging comic illustrations, relatable situations, and practical biblical lessons, D. C. Lawrence Chinaka explores what it means to carry the light of Christ into the world around us.

Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:14–16, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:29, and 1 Peter 4:10, this story brings the teachings of Jesus into the realities young people face every day. Samuel learns that shining as a light is not about being perfect, attracting attention, or appearing religious. It is about allowing Christ's life to become visible through truth, kindness, purity, integrity, courage, and faithful service.

Along the way, Samuel encounters practical opportunities to live out his faith:

• The Light in the Dark: Noticing someone who feels isolated and choosing compassion instead of indifference.
• You Are the Light: Understanding that representing Christ involves everyday words, attitudes, decisions, and actions.
• When Everyone Cheats: Choosing honesty and integrity even when compromise appears easier or more rewarding.
• The Light Online: Refusing to participate in cyberbullying and using digital platforms to encourage rather than harm.
• Character Is Light: Discovering how truth, purity, kindness, and integrity make faith visible.
• The Friend Who Needed Help: Learning that carrying the light includes listening, supporting others, and using personal gifts to serve.
• Don't Hide the Light: Finding the courage to live out Christian convictions without shame or fear.
• A Light That Multiplies: Discovering how one faithful example can inspire others to grow and make a difference.
• The World Needs Your Light: Recognising opportunities to represent Christ through future careers, business, relationships, leadership, and community service.
• Carry the Light: Making a personal commitment to shine wherever God places you.

The story reminds readers that they do not need to be flawless to make a difference. They need to keep growing in Christ and allow His life to shape how they treat people, respond to pressure, handle responsibility, and use their influence.

Designed especially for teenagers and young adults, this illustrated book is also a valuable resource for parents, teachers, mentors, Sunday school leaders, and Christian youth groups. Its comic format makes biblical truths accessible and memorable, while the accompanying Think About It, Talk About It, My Prayer, and My Stewardship Challenge sections encourage reflection, meaningful conversations, prayer, and practical action.

At its heart, The Candle That Shines carries a powerful message: your faith is not meant to remain invisible, your gifts are not meant to serve only yourself, and your influence is not meant to be wasted. You can shine at school, at home, among friends, online, in your future career, and wherever life takes you.

You do not have to change the whole world at once. Begin by letting Christ's light shine through you today.

THE CANDLE THAT SHINES — Receive the Light. Carry the Light. Live the Light. Let Your Light Shine!