Mississippi Banquet Planned 2007

We are currently planning a banquet to be held in Tupelo, Mississippi in late August or early September. If you would like to volunteer to help, or make reservations to attend please contact Patrick at (731) 664-9960 or pbeardtn@aol.com

Robin Mark Concert Set for August 16, 2007

This past summer we were blessed to host Robin Mark and his band from Ireland, along with Kula and WindDance for an awareness raising event.
Plans are underway for Robin Mark to return to the Jackson area on Thursday, August 16, 2007. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event please contact us.

Bible Conference -- 2007

Thanks to a generous gift from a local Baptist church the annual IOI Bible conference is on schedule for January 2007.
The conference is scheduled for January 19 which is the day after Timket, an Ethiopian Orthodox holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus.
This year’s theme refers to the cultural holiday and the invitation that Christ extends to those whom He calls: “‘Follow Me’ Buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life.” The theme scripture passage is Matthew 16:24: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Ecki Breitenmoser, SCFS Port Minister from Germany, will be the special guest speaker for the day long conference. Ecki, his wife and three sons live and minister in Bremerhaven, Germany. The Breitenmosers have been associated with IOI since July 2003. As well as serving as an evangelist and Bible teacher, Ecki has ministered to men who struggle with habitual sins. His testimony is one of hope and perseverance based on a Biblical presentation of the Gospel and Christ’s commands to obey.
The conference follows the Ethiopian celebration of Christmas (January 6) and each missionary supported through IOI will receive a gift box containing various useful items and a small monetary gift. There is still time to participate by sending personal greetings, Christmas cards and monetary gifts to the missionaries to be included in the gift boxes. Call Patrick for details at (731) 217-0750.

Patrick's Paragraphs - The Normal Christian Life

The Christian life is often portrayed as an event or an addition to a prosperous life, maybe even as a way to overcome addiction. In the West we see the importance of a relationship with Christ. However, many times we treat God as though He were one of many friends to whom we may go in times of need or a king that may be appeased with an act of service or the payment of a tax due.
The Church in the East has tended to see the Christian life as more of a journey. We hear the Gospel and receive faith. We “practice” the faith and have our wills conformed to the will of God. Our minds are in the process of change and our flesh is dying. Scripture agrees with this view and tells us that we must put to death the deeds of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit, and take up our cross to follow Jesus. We will be saved if we continue in the faith.
In my younger days I thought that “doing” something “big” for God was what God required of me. I am finding that the big thing that He requires is that I am to be holy as Christ is holy. This is not done through human promise. It is not an event or a vocational choice. It is the work of God as He conforms us to the image of His Son who is wholly submissive to the will of the Father. We cooperate with His Spirit to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices.
Watchman Nee put it this way: “Presenting myself to God implies a recognition that I am altogether His… This does not mean that I consecrate myself to be a preacher or a missionary. Alas, many people are missionaries not because they have truly consecrated themselves to God but because, in the sense which we are speaking, they have not consecrated themselves to Him. They have ‘consecrated’ something altogether different, namely, their own uncrucified natural faculties to the doing of His work; but that is not true consecration. Then to what are we to be consecrated? Not to Christian work, but the will of God, to be and to do whatever He requires.” (Normal Christian Life)
I am becoming increasingly convinced that true Christianity has much less to do with “working for God,” and much more to do with what God is doing in and through us. He is giving us faith, hope and love. He is loving others through us. He is conforming us to the image of Christ. He is saving and sanctifying those who believe His Gospel.

The IOI Video by Nic Pfost

Office Manager Needed in US Office

As the ministry of IOI has grown so too has the need for more permanent full-time assistance in the office. Various volunteers have helped to ease the burden, but the needs have now surpassed this provision.

The duties of an office manager for IOI would be to 20-30 hours per week and include accounting, public relations and media. The ideal candidate would be knowledgeable of various accounting and publishing computer programs.

As we are a ministry that operates by faith the new manager would need to raise his/her own support and see this position as a calling by which he/she can use God-given skills and talents in order to support indigenous ministers.

Office hours would be 8:30-12:30 Tuesday through Friday and 2:00-5:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you are interested in this ministry opportunity please contact Patrick at (731)664-9960 or indigenousoutreach@juno.com for more details.

Help Us Celebrate Christmas in January

Each year we try to give each of the Ethiopian missionaries and their families a small gift box with various useful items most of which can be purchased in Ethiopia (coffee, sugar, salt, paper, pens, crayons, flashlight, beans and candy). We also like to give each missionary an item of new clothing. These boxes contain about $15 worth of items.

This year in addition to the boxes for Ethiopia we are also collecting money for boxes that will be given to international sailors in Bremerhaven, Germany. In addition to various personal gift items, there will also be a personal letter and evangelical literature distributed in each box given to a sailor. These boxes will be distributed by Ecki Breitenmoser and his family as they visit and minister on ships from around the world.
To sponsor a box for a missionary family or an international seafarer, please write “Christmas Gift Boxes” as your designation.

Due to shipping costs and limited luggage space, we cannot accept items for shipping.

Ministry Update from Ethiopia

By John Benton Lane
As I think about this past year, I am amazed at God's grace that has been given to us through you. I know that many of the things that have happened to us and to those that we have come in contact with would have been impossible without your prayers. We thank you, in Christ, for your continued love, prayers, and support.
As our term in Ethiopia is coming to an end, we have been faced with a decision of what would please God for us to do next. We have prayed, meditated and sought counsel on this issue, and we believe that God would be pleased for us to return to the U.S. in December and to pursue theological training.
My burden has always been for the church in America. But God has been gracious to me by bringing me here to continue to conform me to the image of Christ. I have learned and experienced things here that would have been impossible in America. I would not trade this past year for anything.
It has been very hard at times as God has been breaking us of our idols, but the end result has been knowing Christ in a far deeper way than we would have if we had stayed in the comfort of home.
Megan and I look forward to fellowship with you more than you can understand. We have truly experienced the need of fellowship among the body of Christ as we have been away from you. And to be back at our home church at Woodland to fellowship and work will be a blessing.
It is hard to leave the Ethiopian saints that have ministered to us so much by the testimony of their own lives. I have been blessed beyond measure by many brothers and sisters here as I have seen them live in the reality of the person of Christ. I have been with them and witnessed their passion as well as their suffering and have met Christ through so many of them. For as long as God gives me life, I will be thankful for the time that I have had to live among them.

Ministry Update from Europe

By Ecki Breitenmoser

We have been back in Germany for almost two years. Many things have happened, both good and bad. We learn from the mistakes and take joy in the successes. For Christ the number of salvations or Bibles distributed are not important, but how faithful we have been to Him in both word and actions.
It is always very special when we have the privilege of bringing one or more seafarers to our home. Nadine is very hospitable and provides delicious meals, but each time the seafarers have one request. Yes, they are hungry, but for the Word of God. We hosted such a seafarer from South Africa recently. When we had all taken our seats he immediately said, “Come on, tell me about God’s word.” Moments like that are humbling to me as I witness what zeal and hunger these men have for feasting at the Lord’s table.

In the past two weeks I have received a lot of encouragement from different seafarers from around the world. A Russian seafarer wrote, “Many have visited the ship, but no one brought God’s word to us before. Thank you so much!” An Indian brother said, “Thank you so much for coming and the message from God’s word.” Another from the Philippines said, “Through God’s word you gave us hope in this darkness.”

To stay better informed about the ministry here in Germany you can log on to our website. You can also find current prayer requests, news and photos at www.scfs-bremerhaven.de.

Patrick's Paragraphs -- Be Still and Know Him

The past couple of years have been both difficult and filled with blessings. Physically and emotionally, I am very tired most of the time.
I have not been able to travel much, which is a blessing in a way, as I have been able to spend more time with my family. When I have traveled, it has been mostly problem-solving rather than encouraging. Balancing many spinning plates is part of my job as director, and I actually enjoy having many irons in the fire. However, the task has simply become overwhelming.
There is something in me that likes working, maybe to a sinful degree. I think the term is “workaholic.” Things have been going so well with the ministry that I have certainly had plenty of work to do. Dr. Padelford is fond of saying, “The only thing we have to fear is success.” So, God is gracious and often sends storms our way and stops us in our tracks.
The past couple of months have been particularly blessed as we were able to sell our home at a profit; we have moved into a temporary home, and the health of the family has been much improved. I certainly believe that many of you have been praying for us, and God has answered your prayers.
It is during these times of great blessing that I seem most likely to forget God. Instead of being still and knowing Him, I would much rather busy my days with “important” things. I make my decisions and ask God to bless my plans. I really should know better by now.
When IOI started it was at an extreme low point of my life, and I see now how God has redeemed that suffering. I have had low points since, and I see how God has redeemed those times to further conform me to the image of His Son. It has become clear in all of this that God is not nearly so interested in us doing something for Him, rather His desire is that we should know Him.
As the holidays approach I am sure that we will all be tempted to busyness and activities. I would like to remind us all that our greatest purpose in life is to love God and our fellow man. Everything pales in comparison to our glorious God and the love that He has poured out on those who believe. May your holidays be a time of peace as you contemplate the goodness of God.

Church Planting in Ethiopia

The main purpose of Indigenous Outreach is to support indigenous ministers as they make disciples in their native land. Many of the missionaries are evangelists, some are pastors, some teachers and one is even an administrator. Like all believers worldwide, each of these ministers has been uniquely gifted by God to fulfill various roles within the greater body.
In Ethiopia there are still many villages with no congregation of believers. Indigenous Outreach is helping a group of local ministers from multiple denominations in Ethiopia to begin new congregations particularly in the Oromo region as the doors are wide open and many opportunities exist.
We understand that making disciples involves much more than evangelism. IOI has partnered with sister organizations and churches in an effort to provide a holistic approach to what many call “Church Planting”. One of our partners provides health care and sanitation training through local churches and has helped to make these churches a place of hope and healing. We also strive to strengthen existing congregations through theological training at an annual Bible conference, and a planned Missionary Training Center. IOI also provides hundreds of Bibles and theological books each year to believers to help them grow in the knowledge of Christ. In an effort to obey the commands of Christ and to display His love and mercy, we have also partnered with Operation Rescue and the Repi Children’s Fund to consistently care for 24 poor children.
Lives are being changed, the poor are being cared for and the Gospel is being preached. This is what we mean when we say church planting. v

Patrick's Paragraphs -- He is Holy, He is Love

Thursday night I despaired of life.

Lauren was suffering. She had injured her deformed legs in therapy. Her seizures were too many to count. She vomited her supper onto her pillow.

My eldest daughter was frustrated as she was helpless to stop the suffering. "I know life is not fair, but this isn't right."

As my wife and daughter cried over Lauren she said clearly, "Anna. No." and wiped the tears from Anna's face.

I went to the bathroom and screamed my prayers of frustration into a rolled up towel.

Did God count those tears?

There are many things we can know about God. Two specific things that scripture reveals about God's nature are that He is holy, holy, holy and He is love.

Because He is holy, He cannot sin and does no evil. Because He is perfectly holy, there is none like Him. Because He is holy, He must also be just. Because He is holy, evil will not prevail forever. Because He is holy, He is glorified. Because He is holy, He is to be feared. Because God is love, he must love.

Because God is love, He is full of mercy. Because God so loved the world, He gave us His only begotten Son Jesus. I am persuaded today that it is God's nature of love and holiness that motivate His actions toward us.

While He may have every right to glorify Himself, He does it in such a way that it is both holy and full of love. The world was made for Jesus. The world was made by Jesus. He was supreme in glory before the foundations of the universe, and His love was perfect before the world was formed. Yet, God created the universe so that His love would be manifest and His glory displayed. Christ's Bride was created by God for Him that He might have an object of His love. Such great love is amazing.

I am not saying that He created the universe for man, nor am I saying that man is the center of the universe. But our God is so great that He created man to love, and the universe as the setting for this divine and glorious love affair.

It is because of His great love that we who believe have been chosen, and given faith, hope and love. It is because of His great love that we are destined to be conformed to His image and share in His glory. It is because of His great love that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purposes. It is because of His great love that we are being conformed through sharing in His suffering to the image of His Son Jesus.

The world is not fair and it certainly is not right. Indeed, all of creation groans under sin. But I am convinced today that God is love and He is holy, holy, holy.

I believe, although I die, I will see my daughter walk and proclaim with all of creation that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God the Father. I have faith that by His great love I will see my Redeemer and Lauren will stand with Him on that day. "We will dance on streets that are golden; the glorious Bride and the great Son of Man. Every tribe and every nation will join in the song of the Lamb!"

Because of His Holy Love, He counts every tear, and they will be redeemed for joy!

September 2006 Issue of Outreach Update

Bonhoeffer Retreat - October 14

It is time once again for the annual Bonhoeffer Retreat! We will be having the retreat on Saturday, October 14 at a location still to be determined (within an hour of Jackson and depending on who signs up). We meet for breakfast at Christ Community Church at 7:00am. We will try to be on the road by 8:00. The study should start at about 9:00am, we will have lunch together at the cabin and the study will end at about 3 or 4pm. (For those interested in staying later we will have a time of fellowship and prayer that could last into the evening).
This year we will be studying Christ the Center, so if you do not have a book let me know and I will order one for you.
We usually carpool to the retreat so transportation should not be an issue. We do need to know who is planning to go and who plans to take their car/van.
Please RSVP ASAP (NO LATER THAN FRIDAY PLEASE), and also let me know if you need a book (about $10). Also, feel free to invite male friends (this is a men's retreat) that you think would benefit from our time together in this theological study.

Sanctuary Village

Praise God! We finally have the "green light" and resources to begin Sanctuary Village. The idea is that we would provide a place that resembles a monastery where the countryside ministers (or future ministers) could come to learn scripture, learn to grow their own food, practice acts of mercy, practice hospitality and develop their prayer life.

It will, LORD willing, be located in the countryside about an hour (by bus) outside of the capital. Ethiopia's population is still about 80%+ rural and communication is slow.

The hope is that this form of "seminary" will provide holistic and practical training in conjunction with theological development in a familiar and culturally sensitive setting.

The Sanctuary ministry in Addis is in the process of being closed. While the home in Addis served us well as a guest house it failed to become the training center that we had hoped for.

A campus is being planned that should include a main house for the director (or Shamagelle "Elder"), a chapel, a vegetable garden and cottages for students (or Wondem "brother"). We hope to have the first cottage in place by January 2007.

Ababa has Surgery

Ethiopian missionary Ababa was injured a couple of years ago when he was attacked while ministering in the countryside. His jaw was broken and he suffered other minor injuries. Until now surgery had not been an option because of limited resources and as it was considered too risky. Today we received news that Ababa has had surgery performed by American doctors at a Kallie Hawot Church Hospital in the south of Ethiopia. His prognosis is good and he expects a two month recovery period.

Lanes Arrive Safely in Ethiopia

JB and Megan Lane have arrived safely in Ethiopia for their three month long assignment. In addition to their regular duties they plan to visit Operation Rescue of Ethiopia (a sister ministry that works with over 200 orphans in Mekele, Ethiopia), perform some administrative tasks in preparation for the annual Bible conference and they hope to be involved with the founding of the Sanctuary ministry (a community for discipleship) in the countryside. They are joined by Megan sister Christina.

They came hurting. They left healed!

Kalkidan was all smiles as she strapped in for her flight home!








Gashawoy and Kalkidan safely arrived back in Addis Ababa at 6:30 p.m. on September 3rd. They were greeted by Kalkidan's teary-eyed mother, Emmebate, and many of their friends. Gashawoy's friend Tatek sent us an email to let us know they made it home and that there was a celebration upon their return.

The whole group spent the night at a friend's home in Addis Ababa and sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving. Tatek included the lyrics of one of the praise choruses: (Amharic) Becemayu sifra bekibir yalhew, egzabhere lenae liyu nehithat. (English) God who is in heaven, you are special to me.

After singing, they read Psalm 113:5-8. "Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people." (NIV)

So, it is with both sadness and joy in our hearts that we make this final entry in our journal regarding the miracle of Kalkidan. Gashawoy and Kalkidan touched our hearts in a way that will never leave us, so the sadness is not one of gloom or despair, but an emptiness that occurs when a loved one goes away.

The overwhelming joy is in knowing that God has performed a miracle and we were able to be a small part of it. It took many people many hours of hard work, both in the US and Ethiopia, to arrange for passports, visas, transportation, housing, medical care, the website, fundraising, and so many other things that it is difficult to remember them all. Yet none of this would have been possible without God, the sustainer of life itself. For those of us who were closest to this whole project, we can state with certainty that we would have failed without the intervention of our Lord and His response to our prayers. Throughout this endeavor we have received letters and emails from people all over the country that have prayed for Kalkidan, and those intercessory prayers were answered in a mighty way.

It is somewhat ironic that we even use the term "miracle". We sometimes look at things through the prism of our own abilities and we stand dumbstruck when something we pray for actually happens. We worry and toil over the little details and wonder what we can do to make things happen, and we forget that the sovereign God is in control of his creation. All it really takes is faith that the One who spoke the universe into existence can heal a sick little girl. So we praise God for his abundant mercies and his everlasting love.

What about Gashawoy's faith. He could have given up. He could have believed the doctors and the naysayers from his own country that told him to prepare for his daughter's death. He could have seen the obstacles to going to America as insurmountable and given up. He could have cursed God for the tragedy of losing his only child. But none of those things happened. By faith, Gashawoy left his family and traveled thousands of miles to bring his daughter, Kalkidan, to the USA. He had to come alone, because his wife could not accompany him on the trip. He faced and overcame a language barrier and a significant cultural barrier, because he believed God would answer his prayers regarding Kalkidan - and he was right! So, is it really over? No, it's just the beginning.

Now that the surgery was successful and Gashawoy and Kalkidan are home again, let us not forget to remember this family in prayer. Time and distance have a way of pushing today into the forgotten past and the things that seem important now can be buried in our daily routine. We believe that God is not through with Gashawoy and Kalkidan and we sense His purpose will have a far reaching impact on the people of Ethiopia. What better testimony of the power of God than a living, breathing "miracle" child. Our responsibility is to continue to pray that God will lead and direct Gashawoy, his family, and his friends as they continue to faithfully serve Him.

With much gratitude and appreciation we want to thank everyone who contributed their time, prayers, and financial support to save the life of Kalkidan Gashawoy Asfaw, and we close out this chapter with the words of the Apostle Paul, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14 - NIV).

Grace Wilson

Gashawoy and Kalkidan to Depart for Ethiopia

Now, it's time to say Good-bye.

Gashawoy and KalKidan are READY TO RETURN TO ETHIOPIA ON THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2.

Their leaving is a reminder of all the awesome things that God has done; but, they are such loving people...their leaving is Bittersweet.I KNOW that God has great things for them to accomplish in Ethiopia. Ethiopia needs wise,future thinking, Godly people to encourage and teach the people so the country can prosper.

Who....Gashawoy and KalKidan
What...SUCCESS OF THE OPERATION & NOW, BACK TO ETHIOPIA....Open House celebration!
Where...West Covington Baptist Church at 1003 Highway Ave., Covington, Ky. 41011
http://www.westcovingtonkybaptist.com/
When...Friday, Sept 1, 2006 from 5:00-7:00
Why....Stop in for 1 minute or 2 hours, get some cake, finger foods & snacks, and say Good-Bye and just show your love and support!

DO NOT BRING GIFTS BECAUSE WE DO NOT WANT TO WORRY ABOUT HOW TO SHIP "STUFF" BACK! JUSTSTOP IN-THAT IS YOUR GIFT.PRAY FOR THESE FLIGHTS...Delta Airlines Flight 5225Departs Cincinnati (CVG) on Saturday Sept 2 @ 12:10 p.m. (12:10)Arrives Washington, D.C. (IAD) on 9/2 @ 1:38 p.m. (13:38)Ethiopian Airlines Flight 501Departs Washington, D.C. (IAD) on Saturday Sept 2 @ 7:30 p.m. (19:30)Arrives Addis Ababa (ADD) on 9/3 @ 6:06 p.m. (18:05)

Lanes plan return to Ethiopia

John and Megan plan to return to Ethiopia at the end of rainy season in early September. Their plans are to investigate possible ministry opportunities in the North of Ethiopia, helping prepare for the 2007 Bible Conference and assisting with changes in Addis. Megan's sister Christina plans to accompany the couple for this three month long assignment.

Kennedys cancel mission to Ethiopia

The Kennedy family was forced to cancel their planned trip to Ethiopia due to health issues. The issues have since been resolved and the family is enjoying their time together (that was planned for Ethiopia) here in the States.

Gashawoy and Kalkidan visit Tennessee

It was a particular blessing to have Gashawoy and Kalkidan visiting in Tennessee and Georgia over the past week.

Kalkidan's doctor was so pleased with her progress since surgery that he allowed them to travel for a visit which began with a visit to the Mathenia's home in Memphis. They also visited Christ Community Church in New Albany, Mississippi while they stayed with the Mathenias.

In Jackson they were able to meet their supporting family and past supporters at Woodland Baptist Church. They attended Christ Community Church in Jackson where Gashawoy shared his testimony.

On Saturday they spent the day at Pickwick on the Tennessee River with the Beard family (with Papaw & Mamaw) and had their first boating experience on the "sea".

As Gashawoy shared about their three year ordeal and suffering he wept as she praised God for providing this miracle for Kalkidan. "For three years of terror I have not heard Kalkidan laugh since her birth. Her mother and I only heard her cries and we only dreamed of laughter," he said. "No she cannot stop smiling and laughing."

Kalkidan's surgery seems to have been a huge success and her digestive system is working as normally as could be hoped. Gashawoy said that he is excited about going home and sharing this miracle with others. "I have a fire in me for sharing the Gospel like never before."

Kennedys plan mission to Ethiopia

Len, Gaye, Stephen and Shelly are planning to visit Ethiopia from August 17-24. They plan to visit and encourage many of the churches and missionaries supported through IOI in Addis Abeba and the Oromo Region. Len is on the church staff at Woodland Baptist Church, the founding church of IOI.

Goshewye and Kalkidan to Visit Tennessee

Depending on the doctor's advise plans are being made for Kalkidan and Goshewye to visit their supporters, the Beards and the IOI office in Jackson, Tennessee from August 10-14. Plans should be confirmed on Friday August 4. For more details contact Patrick.

Missionary Lemma loses wife

Ato Lemma with his wife Ferihiowt and their two sons pose with Ababa (bottom far left), Negash (bottom far right) Jon (top left) and JB (top right) in January 2006.

Ferihiowt, Ato Lemma's wife, died this morning in the hospital in Addis Abeba. She was expecting a baby and complications developed that eventually led to their deaths.

In January Ferihiowt was healthy and excited about a vision to start medical clinics in the countryside for poverty stricken villagers. Her health declined rapidly in recent days.

Please pray for Lemma and his two boys as they deal with the loss of wife and mother.

Kalkidan released from hospital!

Praise the Lord!! Kalkidan was released from the hospital yesterday and she and Gosheway are back over at the Ronald McDonald House.

Kalkidan had some x-rays yesterday morning that showed everything was looking good. Also, her incisions are healing well. Kalkidan was very,very happy to be out of the hospital! There is some follow-up care necessary. Kalkidan will have another x-ray on Wednesday to make sure her stools are moving through her bowel correctly. Since constipation is not allowed during recovery, she will need a mild laxative and have some irrigation (enema) once a week for several weeks tomake sure the good colon has a chance to function properly. Gosheway was given special solution, catheters, and large syringes for this task. Gosheway will also be working with Kalkidan on exercises to help her control her bowel movements. The doctor wants Kalkidan to stay in the USA for another six to eight weeks, just in case he needs to see her again. He wants to make sure she is fully healed and functioning before returning to Ethiopia. So, we will be working on getting their tickets changed to a later date.Thanks for all the prayers.

Have a blessed day!
Jeff

PLEASE PRAY for complete healing, no complications, and a properlyfunctioning colon.
PRAY for Gosheway as he cares for Kal Kidan.
PLEASE PRAY they will be able to obtain extended visas and easily be able tochange their airline tickets.

Update on Kal Kidan

I met with Gosheway, the doctor, a nurse, a social worker, and the interpreter this afternoon to discuss Kalkidan's condition. Gosheway was very concerned about Kalkidan, based on the vomiting and fever she developed last night. He was upset because it seemed to him that this surgery was heading in the same direction of the previous five - failure. However, after talking with the doctor his spirits were lifted considerably.

So, here's the latest: Last night Kalkidan experienced a burning sensation and a lot of pain in her abdomen and she vomited multiple times. To relieve that, a tube was inserted through her nose into her stomach to release any gas that has collected andto drain the bile. She is slightly dehydrated and is continuing to get IV fluids, and they are monitoring her urine output. The doctor explained that general anesthesia not only puts a person to sleep for the surgery, it also puts all your organs to sleep as well. So, he is now waiting for her colon to "wake up", and they are doing irrigations to stimulate her intestinal tract. To comfort Gosheway, I asked if this kind of a reaction is common following a major surgery and we were assured that it is. The doctor also suggested that Kalkidan remain in the States for another eight weeks. The purpose of the extension is to ensure Kalkidan has plenty of recovery time and the opportunity for multiple follow-up visits after her release from the hospital. Gosheway needs to learn a few bowl management techniques and that cannot begin until her surgery scars are well on the way to healing. So prayer is needed for our application to extend their visas.

I think knowing this will also help Gosheway find some peace as he diligently watches over little Kalkidan. He very rarely leaves the hospital room for fear something might happen while he is gone. He and Kalkidan havebeen down a long road over the past three and a half years and he is going to be with her no matter what.

As I watched them this afternoon I could see a parallel with the way God looks after His children. God is always there. He is there when we wake inthe morning and He is there when we lay down at night. He is there when times are good and He is there when times are rotten. He is there when weare faithful and He is there when we sin. He is there when we are at home and He is there when we are thousands of miles from home. When you see Gosheway tenderly stroking Kalkidan's forehead, speaking ever so gently, and witness the special bond between them, you can picture God's love in action.

Jeff

Comments from the Concert

"Those guys are real musicians! We have to follow them?!?" -- Robin in reference to Kula

"This was the best night of my life!" -- Joy

"The Irish dance troupe was fantastic." -- Robin (who is from Ireland)

"How mightily God moved! The anointing of God's Spirit was snuggled so close on that beautiful hillside, nestled in such lush green beauty, with the stars glinting down upon us. Robin Mark and his group were just incredible. I am very reluctant to call such a glorious presence of God a concert. It truly was more of a worship service. There are few things that will cause love to swell in a wife's heart like the sight of her husband standing under the stars, his face turned heavenward, his hands lifted to his King in worship, focused solely on Him. One gentleman came up to us, asking how the recovery was going post-Katrina. I was born and raised in New Orleans and my brother lived three houses down from the 17th Street Canal levee breech. He lost everything, as did many of my cousins. Needless to say, this is a subject very dear to my heart. My beautiful city is still very wounded, in some areas mortally. It was so heartwarming to hear this man tell of the efforts he and his church made to come and give of their time and energy and dollars. He was so genuinely interested and concerned. Here we are, ten months after the storm, and the unfathomable grief over what was lost and the overwhelming joy and humility over the selfless, tireless giving of so many still does me in to the point of tears." -- Bill & Missy from New Orleans

"One kilo of Ethiopian Sidamo coffee goes to the person who traveled the longest distance to come to this concert..." -- Patrick, just before giving the coffee to a grandmother who drove from Allentown, PA with her family from New Orleans for the concert.

Robin Mark Concert a Success

Almost 500 people attended Thursday night's concert at the Casey Jones Village in Jackson, Tennessee.

Kula and WindDance (www.kulaband.com) performed 75 minutes of great Irish music and dance. The new IOI video, made by Nic Pfost, was shown and Patrick spoke briefly about the ministry of IOI. A kilo of Ethiopian Sidamo coffee was given to the person who had traveled the longest distance for the concert (a fan from Allentown, PA). The last 90 minutes of the concert was performed by Robin Mark (www.robinmark.com) and his band from Belfast. It was a time of good music, joy and worship.

A special thanks to all who volunteered to make this concert possible and to those who attended on one of the hottest days of the year! Thank you to Kula, WindDance and Rose Creek Village for bringing your excellent talents (and over 100 of your community) to make this event extra special. Kudos to my "staff" Jon, Stephen and Tyler -- your eagerness to serve is a true blessing. Thank you to Hap Folwer with WAMP who helped promote the concert and taught me how to do a concert without losing money. Speaking of money -- God bless Christ Community Church (www.CCCJacksonTN.com) and Craig a thousand times over! Thank you to the Denkers and the Varughese clan for filling in the gaps. God bless Katy for filling in for me at the doctor's office. Hats off to David (a professional director who is humble enough to wear any hat so that the show will go on) and Will Burke. Andy, it is always a pleasure to work with you. Thanks to Northbrook Church, Toni and Chris for the instrument set up. Allegra Print and Imaging for the posters, tickets and programs; you guys always come through (even when I only give you 24 hours to do something that should take twice as long). The Hoovers for bringing the banners -- what a blessing it was to see the children dance and wave banners to the music. A very special thanks to Julian Williamson who coordinated all the technical aspects of the event and gave days of labor to make this concert a success (it would not have been possible without him, and he knows I am not just saying that).

Surgery Report

The report last night is that Kal Kidan's surgery went well and the doctors expect a good recovery. She will be in the hospital for a few days and the coming weeks she will be recovering. Please continue to pray for healing and that the procedures performed in the surgery will be successful.

Doctors were able to repair the large scar from previous surgeries performed in Ethiopia, but they did report some potential problems as a result of those surgeries.

Update on Kal Kidan

For those of you who have been keeping up with and praying for Kal Kidan this is the latest update. Kal Kidan (which means "promise") was born with severe intestinal problems. Her father is a countryside evangelist in Ethiopia. God has opened the door for Kal Kidan to come to the USA for surgery.

Dear Friends,
THANK YOU for your prayers for Kal Kidan! She is now in the states!

I am so full of joy that I can hardly write! Gosheway and Kal Kidan will arrive in Cincinnati at 3:30. I will have an Interpreter and we will pick them up, take them to Ronald McDonald House and get them settled for the night. I will get some pictures tomorrow and update the website with pictures and details by Saturday at noon!

Here are important dates to remember in prayer:

Friday July 7 - Initial Consultation @ 2:00 with Dr. Levitz @ CincinnatiChildren's Hospital (Peds Surg Cener/C2)
Monday July 10 - Enema and testing
Wednesday July 12 - Pic Line. Radiology, Admin
Thursday July 13 - Five hour surgery - Pull Thru Colon, create a new rectum NOTHING TO EAT for 7-10 days
Friday July 28 - Post Op check-up; determine return date to Ethiopia

Sincerely,
Grace
www.TheAdWeb.com/child

Patrick's Paragraphs -- Ask, Seek and Knock (June 2006)

Seven years ago when IOI was in its infancy, I had an old friend advise me, “Ask, seek and knock.” His advice offended me because I knew he was not talking about prayer. He had built a ministry by writing letters and actively seeking out opportunities for fundraising and speaking.
I read an account of George Mueller’s life and had been impressed that IOI should be an organization like Mueller’s orphanage that operated by “faith.” Mueller never publicized the needs of the orphanage, and yet their needs were always met. One famous account that I remember in particular was the day that prayers produced a milk wagon that had broken down on the street outside the orphanage just after prayers had been offered for milk. It was a ministry that operated by faith.
IOI had a glorious beginning, and we did see God supply our every need, many times in miraculous ways. We never missed a payment, we never missed a meal. However, our Board became concerned about my lack of disposable income and I was required to send out a letter asking for support. I had asked for support for others, but not for myself. My commitment to authority was tested to its limits that day, and I even thought that directly asking for support just might be a sin.
The immediate and direct result of my letter was small. The lasting effect it had was that I can no longer say that we “have never asked for support.” Writing that letter made me an honest man. Dr. Padelford has said, “If you send out a newsletter, talk about your ministry and enclose a reply card, you are asking for support.”
Always looking for balance in all matters I have come to the conclusion that there are times that our requests should only be made to God and times when we are free to share our requests with others. We are eager to share our health needs with others and sometimes we should be just as eager to share other needs that humans can help meet. This gives others an opportunity to be blessed as God uses them to bless us in words and deeds of encouragement.
A few months ago I was looking at Robin Mark’s website and noticed that he was planning to spend his summer in the United States. Robin is a worship leader from Belfast, Northern Ireland and he has produced a couple of famous worship albums with songs like Shout to the North. His email address was listed on the sight and I simply sent an email telling him about IOI and asking if he would be willing to perform a benefit concert for us.
Robin’s reply was gracious and encouraging. He agreed to come to Jackson on July 13 and his only request was that we pay his expenses and provide some snacks before the concert. I had already appreciated his music, now I appreciated him as a person.
Because of the Irish influence in Robin’s music I thought that Kúla, a local Irish band, would be a great opening for Robin. When I asked them about coming they agreed to come at their own expense.
It is my hope that we will have a large number of people who attend the concert. Not only because we are trying to raise funds, but it should be a wonderful opportunity for the Gospel to be presented and the LORD to be glorified.

Ministries Update (June 2006)

The rains came early and heavy this year in Ethiopia and with the rain the work in the countryside slows dramatically. Some of the villages where we minister are practically unreachable because of the mud and danger in travel. Yet the work goes on.
Reports from Ethiopia have been encouraging. There has been a heavy emphasis on the Oromo region which has witnessed a time of growth through church planting. At last count thirty boxes of Bibles had been delivered to the ten churches in the Oromo region, and teachers are being assigned to the region for the purpose of discipleship. The church has grown so rapidly that we are in great need of qualified teachers to help the fledgling churches develop a sound foundation. Negash reported that the congregations in Alemgena and Senkele have acquired land and begun to build meeting halls, sanitary facilities and housing for ministers (this is currently being done with mostly local resources and donors).
Operation Rescue in Mekele, Ethiopia continues to minister to over 200 orphans at their new campus that includes an eight-room school building. The construction of other buildings that will house a clinic, offices, a cafeteria and hygiene facilities is currently underway. The goal for the new campus is to increase the number of children ministered to by 100.
The Mathenias have returned to the States from Ethiopia for a time of physical healing and plan to return to Ethiopia by January 2007. The Lanes have returned to the States for the duration of the rainy season for the purpose of raising additional support. They plan to return to Ethiopia in September.
The Breitenmosers report that the ministry in Bremerhaven, Germany has been well-established and fruit is beginning to be seen. Not only has Ecki had the opportunity to witness on the ships, but he has also had groups of sailors in his home for worship, fellowship and Bible study. They are currently searching for a home that can facilitate the growing needs of their family and ministry.
Praise God for good news from distant lands!

Patrick's Paragraphs - The Law of the Harvest (April 2006)

We will reap what we sow. It is the Law of the Harvest. If you plant corn, you will get corn.

While enroute to Ethiopia, Anna-Margaret and I had the opportunity to visit the home of Corrie Ten Boom in Haarlem, Holland. Corrie became famous as a Christian speaker after being the only surviving member of her family that was imprisoned by the Nazis for providing a safe house for Jews. Her story is one of forgiveness, but her words were tested when she came face-to-face with a former guard from the prison camp where her sister had died. She recognized the guard at an evangelical meeting in Germany, and she shared how anger and hate welled in her at the sight of this recently converted brother. The love of God overwhelmed her as she forgave this former murderer verbally and took his hand. “With all my heart I forgive you brother!”

I have mixed emotions today as I sit in Ethiopia. In the same day that my heart was made glad by news from a distant land,, I was saddened by rumors that plague the Church. It seems that a local minister was supposedly caught in some sin, and the rumor mill has been working over-time. Some reports were true, some exaggerated and most conflicting.

Serving in a ministry role it seems that I hear so many things. So many things that I wish I did not know.
However, I am amazed to see how quickly a rumor dies when you ask a few simple questions of the accuser. Did you see this? Did you hear him say this? Do you have proof? Have you gone to him as scripture commands? Most often this line of questions will produce a red face and answers like, “Well, the people who told me are trustworthy…” or “I didn’t think it was my place to actually confront him…”

When the talk is about me, I must admit that I often negate the words of Christ, and I long to demand justice if I have been misrepresented or mercy if I am in error. When the words are about someone else, I find that I am all too eager to hear more, and share “in love” or “Christian concern” the despicable things I have heard. The Word of God proclaims this “sharing” is wicked. “It is wicked to even speak of what the disobedient do in secret.” (LOOK UP) While we should be very careful not to condone sin, we should be even more careful not to expose the sins of others and pass judgment on them. We speak the truth in love to whom it should be spoken only for reconciliation.

How hard the words of Christ are. Jesus tells us not to resist the evil one, but rather to speak of lovely things and to bless those who curse you. If He were not God His words would seem to be those of a madman. Yet our Creator demands that we follow Him in word and deed.

What is the deed that He has done? By His great love, He who knew no sin became accursed for us. His love covers a multitude of sin. While He has every right to demand justice, He exercises mercy. When His cross tells the truth about us, He is our advocate with the Father. He calls us friends, even though we act as His enemies.

The law of the harvest is in effect, and we will reap what we sow. But what bothers me more than the fact that I will suffer the consequences of my actions and “get what I deserve” is the fact that I have passed up an opportunity to be Christlike. If I do not plant corn I will not reap corn. I weep to think of how much blessing I have passed up when given the opportunity to exercise mercy. So many times I have been my brother’s accuser rather than his keeper. What blessings have I lost? What mercy will not be extended my way?
How life-giving the words of Christ are. When I extend love and mercy it will be extended to me from the throne of Heaven. Let us be busy sowing love, exercising mercy. When our brothers or sisters are in error, let us encourage repentance, cover their sins and rescue them with the same love that has been extended to us. For in due time we will receive reward!

Journey to Asgori (April 2006)

by Patrick Beard
About midmorning I walked the half mile from the guesthouse to the main road with Negash and Fekadu, we were on our way to Asgori which is 66km outside of Addis Abeba. The distance is not too great, but it is still far enough from the city that a white face draws a crowd.
We were finally successful in hailing a bus headed Southwest, that had an unusually light load due to the national Victory Day holiday. I was shocked to get a whole seat to myself. As the bus made its way down the highway we would swerve to the left and right dodging people, animals and the occasional broken-down vehicle.
The scenery outside of Addis is beautiful. After passing a series of mountains the road breaks out onto a wide savanna that has mile after mile of farmland. Typically this time of the year the land would be dry and farmers would be weeding their cropland, but this year the rains have come early and heavy. It is just as harmful to have too much rain as to have a drought. The potential harvest of tomatoes laid low to the ground in a rotting wet mess. Just two days earlier a downpour with hail had devastated the region.
After about an hour we arrived at our first destination for the day. Teji is the equivalent to a wild west town. A collection of mud houses and stores spring out of the fields and crowd the highway.
We visited with the first convert in the village. He is an elderly man who has recently suffered from a severe TB infection. Tuberculosis is a serious problem in Ethiopia and many die each year from this disease. As we visited his small two-room mud house, chickens ran in and out of the doorway and a young girl sorted through dried beans that would become tonight’s meal. The girl’s eyes were bright and wide as Negash pulled a used sweater from a bag of donated clothing. She immediately took off her rags and put the new garment on. Then he gave the girl a small stuffed animal, the first toy she had ever owned. She smiled twice as big when Negash pressed the toy and it began to play a song.
A visit with the sick means praying with the sick. The average church member considers prayer for the sick to be part of the typical Christian daily life. The thing that impressed me is that these brothers and sisters actually visit the sick to pray for them. As Fekadu prayed for the sick church member I thought about the words of Jesus, “I was sick and you visited me…”
We walked on into the countryside a bit further across a stream that was forded by a stick bridge that was partially submerged. I was indeed thankful that my boots were waterproof as the dark brown water flowed over the toes. In the distance people were running and calling the church members to come to the church because, “Negash is coming.”
When we arrived at the church a small crowd had gathered to greet us at a moment’s notice at midmorning on a holiday. After proper greetings Negash pulled his Bible from his shoulder bag and said, “OK, brother, let us say a few words.” I have learned to be prepared with a sermon, as this is the meaning of “a few words.” The Ethiopian believers had just celebrated Easter, or “Fasica” the Sunday before and my sermon was concerning the bodily resurrection of Jesus. I know the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons will discover this enclave of the Gospel soon enough and the Gospel must be proclaimed again and again to the Church, lest we be deceived.
After the service the growing crowd took me to inspect the new well that had been dug and the new toilet that had been constructed on church property. “You know,” said Negash, “This is the first sanitary toilet ever constructed in this village.” I was amazed at the joy and gratitude that was expressed over such a simple thing. The cost of such a project had only been a few dollars, but it made the church property a destination for the locals who come and get clean water. I imagine life before the well when locals would collect the dark brown water from the stream that animals bathe in, and I can see why this simple inexpensive project is so huge in this rural area.
After our tour, the eldest member of the church invited us to her home. Negash again pulled toys and clothing from his bag much to the delight of the family. Laughter and praises to God mixed into a beautiful chorus and ended in a prayer of thanksgiving. When the family learned that we planned to continue on to Asgori they insisted that we save some of the items for the congregation there.
As we departed, the sister’s eldest son appeared from the hedgerow. He had come to greet the foreigner that was in his mother’s house. “Please pray for him,” she asked. “He is my only child who does not believe.” I was shocked when this gentleman took off his hat, agreed that I should pray for him and immediately bowed his head. This man knew the Gospel; he simply had no faith. Might this be the day that God breaks his heart of stone and gives him faith? How can a man believe unless God gives him faith? “Father, only you through the power of the Holy Spirit can overcome this man’s unbelief and create a new heart in him. Please, give him faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.” At the conclusion of the prayer he kissed my hand and blessed me.
I find myself amazed that I am walking these country lanes, stumbling, as it were, across divine appointments. I wonder that it could be possible for a man like me to speak the Gospel, with an interpreter, although I am not an evangelist. Thinking about my sinfulness and list of failures makes me all the more confounded that today I find myself in the presence of God and His work of redemption on the Earth.
The morning was completed and another village was just down the road where more brothers and sisters awaited our visit. They would be shocked to learn that the money for their church building’s roof would soon be in hand and the answer to their prayers was coming Negash’s hand through donations from brothers and sisters in Christ who live over 7,000 miles away. This gift added to the sacrificial giving of the church members would mean that they could gather and worship under one roof as the rainy season begins.
A late lunch was to be found in the back of a butcher shop where you can pick your cut of meat from the carcass hanging on the rack and the staff will cook it or leave it raw, according to your desire. Our lunch was lightly cooked in a round grass roof hut over an open fire in large flat skillet. The only seasoning was a piece of fat and some salt. We gathered around a small table and a common platter to consume our meal which was eaten in the traditional way by hand with injera (an Ethiopian flat bread). At the conclusion of the meal, I divided a candy bar among us and gorshaed (fed) my brothers. This custom was shocking to me when I first saw it, but now I know of no other eating practice that is as intimate and as much a display of brotherly love than to feed someone like you would a small child.
The return to Addis was much as it had begun, although the bus was now crowded with people and livestock. Chickens bound together at the feet were scattered throughout the bus in a half-dozen clusters of three or four awaiting their preparation as a holiday meal. A heavy rain began to fall and the rotten wiper blades provided little assistance against the torrent of rain. I began to doze between impromptu stops where people would get on and off the bus, and the occasional Customs checkpoint were police search for contraband. “Just another day in Ethiopia,” I thought as I reflected on the day’s events. Soon this land will be flooded with monsoon rains. Might it also be flooded with the Gospel. The fields are certainly ripe unto harvest in the rural areas of the Oromo region of Ethiopia. I can only hope and pray that God will continue to raise up laborers and that we can have the joy of helping to send them to preach the Gospel to the poor and bind up the brokenhearted.

Patrick's Paragrpahs - The Numbers Game (Feb 2006)

We made it a rule some years ago never to report statistics. I firmly believe that we are too quick to judge a work of God based on numerical results, and I am too quick to be prideful if the numbers are in my favor.
With a growing number of missionaries supported through IOI in a growing number of countries, we have a growing number of statistics. In addition to the growing numbers there are growing needs. It was easy to keep my ban on numbers when the numbers were small, but now I feel an ever-growing temptation to report numbers. I hear myself thinking things like, “IOI is a good investment,” and “Look at the bang for the buck.” That is balanced with the fear that the numbers may not add up or that some other organization can do it cheaper.
What matters most to me in the end is not the numbers. Large or small, it really is of no consequence. Obedience to the revealed will of God should be my ambition. What is the revealed will of God for IOI? To make disciples, to love God and to love our fellow man.
IOI is in reality nothing more than a ministry extension of the individuals and local churches that support us. As Marciano Teixeira, missionary to Ethiopia and Brazil, put it, “(Ethiopia) is just another room of the church back home. You go from one room into another; same Church, one big family.”
In addition to being an administrator, I am a storyteller. In reporting news from Ethiopia, I have had a desire to share stories and not statistics.
Jon Jones recently returned from a visit to Ethiopia, and soon I hope to share with you some of the stories he collected. They are true stories of success and failure. Not all of the news out of Ethiopia is “good,” but any realistic appraisal of the Christian life proves that we fall down and we are raised up.
I would love for each person who received this newsletter to see with your own eyes the mighty works of God in the destitute villages of the Ethiopian countryside. For you to take a drink of clean water and hear a village elder proclaim that you are visiting a “paradise” that was created with the completion of a water well. I want you to walk the streets of Addis Abeba with an evangelist supported through IOI and witness the miracle of faith as a hearer becomes a believer. I want you to hear the praises to God that come from the congregations we work with. I want you to hold the orphans that are now living with families in Mekele. I long for you to take the hand of a little boy as he takes his first steps with used leg braces that were provided by IOI. What I would give to have you sit in the mud home of Micah’s mother as she serves you coffee and recounts to you the mercy, love and blessings of God toward the mother of a dying child (for whom the Micah Fund is named). How much I desire for you to visit the simple home that Geremew can now afford to rent after serving as a minister for years despite being homeless and sleeping on the floors of fellow church members. I want you to visit ships in Bremerhaven, Germany alongside Ecki Breitenmoser as he encourages fellow believers from around the world and preaches the Gospel boldly in the mess halls. What a joy it would be for me to take you along on this journey.
Until you can go with me, LORD willing, I will continue to share the stories of God, good news from a distant land that makes the heart glad.

Holistic Approach to Ministry (Feb 2006)

In an effort to follow the example of Christ and in obedience to Scripture we as an organization believe that our mission of making disciples is accomplished on a variety of levels. Evangelism, church planting, theological education, financial support and humanitarian aid work together to provide what we call a holistic approach to ministry.

A church planting movement has begun recently in an Oromo region of Ethiopia. Many missionaries supported through IOI are working in the area and have requested assistance in aiding the fledgling congregations. Recently John and Megan Lane answered the call to go to Ethiopia to help facilitate the many human needs projects that IOI is involved with. In addition to meeting human needs, many projects provide a springboard for teaching and preaching the Gospel.

Latrines, wells and four church buildings have been completed in the villages of Teji, Asegori, Kule and Senkele with local funding matched by IOI and other partner organizations. “The believers are getting stronger and their numbers are growing,” said Negash Gemeda, IOI National Coordinator.
Anthony Mathenia, who moved to Ethiopia to assist with theological education, has been trained in new well digging techniques. In some cases an entire village can have clean drinking water for less than $300US. As a theologian he sees the potential each project has to evangelize and disciple an entire village.

The primary purpose of all men is to bring glory to God, love Him and love our fellow man. Our means are basic—preaching, teaching and helping. We witnessing miracles of faith as the Word is preached and good deeds are done.

Patrick's Paragraphs - Freedom in Christ (Jan 2006)

We work with twelve denominations in Ethiopia, one in Germany, another in Brazil and at least a dozen in the United States. Our statement of faith is so broad that we can work alongside Christians as diverse as Molu Wengel, which can best be described as “modern hyper-charismatic” and believers from the Ethiopian Orthodox church, which is “ancient traditional.” The common thread among the believers we work with and support is that they are committed to the teaching of sound doctrine and proclaim Christ as Lord.
When Lana and I were living in Ethiopia there were difficult times. Daily life can be a struggle when you are immersed in a foreign culture and you tend to gravitate toward people who share your cultural background. As often as possible we would meet with a English language prayer group that was made up of people from a variety of Christian denominations. We shared three things in common — we were all foreigners, we all spoke English and we all proclaimed Jesus as Lord. We found that when we were hurting and lonely we could pray and eat pizza with anyone who loves Jesus.
I have witnessed a disturbing trend of isolationism among some fundamentalist Christians, and an equally disturbing trend of libertinism among some others. Balance seems so illusive. Where should we draw the lines?
As an organization we have “drawn the lines” with reference to historical Christian orthodoxy. In other words, the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, which can be found in creeds such as the Nicene and Apostle’s creeds. These statements of faith describe for us what it means to be a Christian. Within these proclamations the doctrine of the Trinity is expounded and the Gospel is summarized.
When it comes to our methods and practice we refer to the directions given for the Church in Scripture. It seems that this is the area where so much trouble is found. One man uses scripture to justify his sin, another uses the same passage to condemn. There is a temptation to create a huge rule book and make everyone look and act the same.
I am convinced that “sameness” is from Hell. For example contrast the wondrous variety of nature with the Soviet cement apartment buildings that crushed the beauty of eastern Europe so that everyone could have and be the same. Our rule must not be sameness, but rather be love.
Scripture makes it plain to us what sin is. We refuse to condone sin and prefer simple obedience to the Word of God. Beyond the obvious we as a multi-denominational organization must practice the rule of love by exercising wisdom and discernment concerning disputable matters. Our goal is not to make the churches in Ethiopia American, rather our goal is to edify the Church through the teaching of right doctrine and the practice of faith in love. Our doctrine comes from the Apostles through the preservation of Scripture and teaching from men like Augustine, Luther, C.H. Spurgeon and other men through the years who built their faith on the firm foundations of Christ.
Jesus Himself told us that we, and the world, would know that we belong to Him as we have love for one another. This love is not to be found only in words, but in deed and in truth. Our freedom in Christ is found in love for our brothers and sisters, and practiced through obedience to God’s Word.

2005 in Review

Our organizational goal for 2005 was to “speak the Gospel fervently by the grace of God.” God graciously allowed us to share His love in word and in deeds.

The number of missionaries supported in Ethiopia grew to more than 30. New churches have been started in the Oromo region of Ethiopia. Multiple families with special needs children have been assisted. Two American families moved to Ethiopia to minister through assisting with theological training, construction and children’s ministry. Volunteers help in the ministry and were themselves discipled. Two Union students served as interns in Ethiopia. “Mama” Mae Mitchamore completed her service in Ethiopia ministering to Women and Children. Operation Rescue completed a building that will house classes for over 200 orphans and former street children that they minister to. The evangelistic ministry in Germany was officially established. The office was expanded in Jackson and volunteers have helped to fill staffing needs. Our second semi-annual banquet was held in Jackson with guest speakers Negash from Ethiopia and Marciano from Brazil. Ethiopia Evangelists supported through IOI began regular support of two additional Ethiopian evangelists.
It has indeed been a blessing to watch the work expand and witness the faithfulness of God in His provision and love.

Once again, for this new year we make it our ambition to glorify God in all that we do and ask for His grace to share His love in deed, word and truth. Our goal remains the glory of God and our mission is to make disciples.