President John F. Kennedy, echoing John Winthrop's vision from over 300 years prior, declared that we are God's witnesses, with the eyes of the world upon us. Every day, we are called to testify of His character and the glory of His way of life through our conduct. If we live in this manner, our lives will be eternally successful, shining as a light before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Three hundred and eighty-nine years ago, John Winthrop and his fellow Puritans felt chosen by God to establish an exemplary Christian community in the New World. While sailing across the Atlantic, Winthrop, the future governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, preached a ship-board sermon reflecting on Matthew 5:14-16, exhorting his shipmates with the words, We must consider that we shall be as a city on a hill. The eyes of all people will be upon us. He emphasized that the eyes of the world are on those who seek to be His servants, declaring that we are His witnesses. In this spirit, the inspiring examples of individuals who serve as witnesses to the character of God are considered, embodying the call to be a visible light in the world.