2008 Bible Conference Funding Needed

We have planned a Bible conference for the indigenous missionary families in Ethiopia for January 2008. The expenses for this trip include renting a location for the conference, transportation to and from the location for all missionaries, food, materials, and medical supplies for family check ups. We are seeking funding for the conference and appreciate gifts of any size. For more information about what we will be doing or how you can help, call the IOI office or email Stephen.

Four Need Support

There are times when the Lord gives us the need for more supporters through bringing new missionaries. There are also times when new supporters are needed because some of those who have supported in the past discontinue their support. At this time we have both new missionaries and a couple who formerly had supporters.
Yerga Berta has been with IOI for almost seven years. He has a wife and two sons. He works in Addis Abeba doing evangelism and church planting. Kebebush Gudeta has been with IOI for almost four years and is a dear sister who is praying that God would give her a good husband. She works in Addis and in the countryside as an evangelist and has a wonderful prayer ministry. This brother and sister have been faithful ministers in Christ and are a true joy.
The other two who need support are new to IOI and working in regions that we have been praying that God would expand this work to.
The first is a Baptist congregation in the northern city of Mekele where the ORE childcare program is located. The pastor of this church is doing full time ministry but the congregation is not able to fully support him on their own.
The other church we would like to partner with is being planted in Debre Tisge which is about 40 kilometers northwest of Addis. This church was formerly opposed by many in the area. New laws in Ethiopia require local governments to give fair treatment to all religions. City officials were seeking to display their progressive thinking and gave the new congregation a plot of land approximately six acres in size which is a large lot in Ethiopia. The church planters involved have recently rented the house of a witchdoctor to use for a temporary meeting place. The church now needs support to be able to build on the land and have a full-time pastor.
You can support one of these missionary families for only $60.00 USD per month. If you are interested in supporting any of these ministries, please contact the IOI office. Please pray that God will provide supporters where there are needs for our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia.

Childcare Sponsorship

IOI has partnered with two childcare programs in Ethiopia: Operation Rescue in Mekele and the Repi Childcare Project in Addis. These two programs seek to take the poorest children and those who have lost their parents to a place where they and their families are able to have their basic needs provided for. The children in the programs are placed in school and receive weekly Bible lessons. Our hope is to care for the physical needs of the poor and orphaned as well as point them to Christ who alone can care for their spiritual needs.
Tom Spencer and Arlene Norton were at the recent IOI board meeting where they gave updates on the work in Ethiopia. Tom is the founder of Jabez Children’s Ministry, which is now the umbrella organization for the Repi Childcare project. Arlene is the new volunteer coordinator for IOI Child Sponsorship.
Recently we have learned that Habatamu, a child supported at Repi, and his whole family have received faith in Christ. They thank the Lord for this program where they heard the gospel and witnessed God’s love in action.
Thanks to the efforts of Arlene, forty new sponsors have recently joined with IOI to provide for children like Habatamu.
If you are interested in supporting a child at $20 per month, or if you would like more information, contact Arlene at (662)610-4056 or call the IOI office.

Missionary Profile - Fikadu

In 1970 Fikadu was born in a military compound. His parents divorced when he was only two. He was kidnapped by his father and taken to Addis. Life with his father and stepmother was very difficult.
At seven Fikadu began attending an Orthodox church and desired to enter the priesthood. Because of his stepmother he could not go to church. Seeking revenge against his stepmother, Fikadu began to learn witchcraft but it didn't work. Stopped twice from going down a path of his own choosing, he began to feel God’s leading.
When Fikadu was twelve he saw a vision of injera (Ethiopian bread) coming down from heaven for him to eat. Years later a cousin shared Christ with him, and he believed.
Fikadu was fifteen when his father died, and he began working as a laborer. After high-school he worked odd jobs for food. Soon Fikadu began serving the Lord full time although he did not receive any compensation. “Once all I had for an offering was a pencil, so I gave it to the Lord. I spent much time in prayer because of my needs and eventually IOI support became available,” Fikadu shared. Now Fikadu is physically and spiritually healthy. He praises the Lord for IOI’s support so that he has the food he needs. His extended family still does not support him but God has given him a family in the church and with the fellow ministers of IOI.
Fikadu has been working in children’s ministry for several years but recently he is spending the majority of his time church planting.
Fikadu works closely with Negash who has said, “He is my right hand man.” He has been very instrumental in starting at least half a dozen churches in the Oromo region and in Addis.
Fikadu finished Bible Theological School this summer and has proven to be an able teacher of Scripture. He said that he has been thankful for good teaching from IOI and has been using Dr. Padelford’s booklet “The Mystery of Christ” for teaching and discipleship.
Fikadu often works behind the scenes as a vital member of a church planting team. He has seen many come to Christ in the last two years. He is also thankful for the great peace that God has given him in the ministry.
Fikadu is 37 now and has been praying for a godly wife for many years. He asks that we join him in this prayer and also asks for prayer that he would do what God shows him to do with youth and in the countryside.
Fekadu is a member at Repi KHC, along with Negash and Matteous. He has been faithfully serving Christ for many years and has been with IOI since September 1999.

Orthodoxy & IOI

Over the past few years it has been a prayer that we could begin working more closely with Orthodox believers in Ethiopia. God has begun answering that prayer. On Patrick’s recent trip he and Negash met an Orthodox monk who is clearly a brother in Christ and knows the gospel proclaimed in scripture. Negash is meeting with this brother and encourages him to remain Orthodox. Our mission is to make disciples not to promote a particular denomination. Please pray that more doors open to work with Orthodox believers both in Ethiopia and here in the US.

Patrick's Paragraphs -- Making Progress

“Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
I John 5:5

A friend of mine recently said, “When we feel like we are making progress God will show us that we are not.”
On the surface this quote might seem a bit pessimistic, and imply that we cannot make progress as Christians. I have certainly witnessed this brother in Christ making progress for the better part of 20 years. He obviously does not feel like he has progressed much since his salvation, but his walk with Christ is identified by persistence despite his experience.
On the other hand, certainly there are those who feel that they have made progress in the faith. However, if they despise the Church, and have inflated thoughts of their own righteous deeds it might be evidence that they have not progressed as much as they think. In deed they may not know God at all.
One thing I see in common to most men that I admire is their humility and a almost constant feeling that they simply don’t measure up to God’s standards. Throughout history we read personal biographies of missionaries, ministers and saints who felt that they lacked much more than they had in the realm of spirituality. Indeed even Jesus tells a parable about a justified man who has humbled himself prostrate in prayer, while a pious Pharisee stands looking on in thankfulness that he is “not like” the sinful man on the floor.
As I turned 40 this past month, I have reflected on so much of my life that has been wasted, how little evidence that I see of the faith I proclaim. So much of experience seems to contradict the faith that I claim, yet I know that Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life. I believe by faith that Jesus is Lord and God has raised Him.
Watchman Nee said, “Faith follows truth and experience follows faith.” Our faith is based on what is not seen, otherwise it would not be called faith. Certainly we should see growing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in our lives. Good works should be our lifestyle. But, rather than looking to our experience, we look to Christ himself.
Do you love God? Do you love His Son? Do you love His Bride? If so, that is progress.

Mission to Ethiopia and Europe

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia with Noah and Shammah from Rose Creek Village.
I met Noah a couple of years ago when the Irish band from Rose Creek helped with the Robin Mark Fund Raiser for IOI. Over time we shared our visions for ministry and God knit our hearts together.
One project that I have longed to see come to fruition is Sanctuary Village. My hope is that it will be a place of discipleship and ministry, a model for Christian community in rural Ethiopia where believers share life together and reach out to the lost around them.
I met up with Noah and Shammah in Scotland, and we traveled by train to visit with a Christian community in Northern England.
In Ethiopia, we visited with many Churches that have partnered with IOI. We had a prayer meeting with many of the missionaries supported through IOI. We visited with some of the children and families that have benefited from the Child Sponsorship Program. We had an opportunity to visit an Orthodox monastery, where we met an evangelical monk. And we were able to see much of the beautiful countryside of Ethiopia along the way.
From Ethiopia I was able to visit with the Breitenmosers (missionaries in Germany supported through IOI), hold their newborn baby boy, Joshua, and attend a good board meeting.
It renews my zeal and encourages me to take supporters to Ethiopia. It also encourages the church in Ethiopia. We really can do a lot as we cooperate with local churches to benefit those in need and share the Gospel with those who have never heard. v

Church Aids In Lema’s Need

In the July newsletter the missionary profile was on a dear brother, Lema Kasaye who has been going through a very difficult time recently with the death of his wife and health problems of his own. After telling the story of Lema, we received a response from a Sunday School class in Jackson, TN asking how they could aid Lema in his time of need. The class took up an offering of $450 on the Sunday morning that Patrick left for Ethiopia and delivered the money to him just before his departure. We were not sure of all the needs that Lema had, but Patrick visited with him and, unbeknownst to Lema, left the money with Negash to be exchanged for birr (Ethiopian currency) . After giving Lema the gift, Negash learned that, at the death of his wife, Lema incurred a 2000 birr debt which weighed heavily on him. With this gift Lema was able to pay the debt off the next day and still have 2176 birr to help his family through this hard time. This was such a blessing to our brother and for us to watch unfold. Praise the Lord for His caring for His children even in the needs that no one but they and God know about. Please pray for Lema that he can have the peace of Christ in this time. He has struggled with worry about what would happen to his sons should he die. Patrick has offered assurance to him that they will be cared for, but still remember him when you come before our Lord.

Concert and Banquet

Robin Mark Concert
By Stephen Kennedy
Mission Coordinator
On August 16th Robin Mark presented a concert at First Baptist Church, Humboldt, TN for IOI.. The evening was a blessing in that we had many good conversations about the ministry and about life in Christ with brothers and sisters. We would like to thank again all those who helped make the evening what it was. We are looking forward to what the Lord may have for next year and the possibility of bringing Robin back. Pray that the Lord would give us wisdom in how we can best serve the body and encourage each other in worshiping our God.v

Mississippi Banquet
By Stephen Kennedy
Mission Coordinator
Thursday, September 6th, we had the IOI banquet in Tupelo, Mississippi at the campus of Itawamba Community College. Pastor Alex Lobo, an IOI board member, led the music with his wife accompanying him on the piano. Patrick was able to share about the ministry with the freshness of his recent trip and the give up-to-date reports on ministers and children supported through IOI. Arlene Norton is helping to raise supporters for children’s sponsorship in Ethiopia and was there with an information table. We had a good response and some at the banquet who did not know about IOI are looking into going to Ethiopia in January with the team. We praise the Lord for His blessing on the evening. Thank you to all of the table hosts and the volunteers who did so much work, particularly Tina Varughese and Faye Hollingsworth who coordinated the banquet.

Patrick's Paragraphs - Prophet of the Poor

“He has told you what is good; and what the LORD requires of you to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8

I was reading from the book of Micah recently. Some scholars call Micah the “Prophet of the Poor” because of his emphasis on injustice, and God’s word to the downtrodden. It is fitting that we named our benevolent fund the Micah Fund, but it was named after a little boy who died from complications associated with malnutrition.
I heard an economist on the radio today. He said that poverty would virtually be a memory in about 50 years from now. He sited South Korea and other developed nations that were considered “Third World” countries just 50 years ago. “Industry and technology have made it possible to overcome poverty,” he said.
I hate to be the prophet of bad news, but Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you.” The sad fact is that the world is not getting better. It is true that there is more wealth and prosperity than any other time in history, and the wealth is being spread around to more people. But it is also true that greed is prevalent and sin is in the flesh of men.
We have seen in recent years that democracy nor wealth bring peace. The most miserable people on the planet are some of the most free and affluent. Granted, to be poor in America is considered rich in many nations, but every city in America has neighborhoods where people seem not to be able to afford what many have come to see as necessities.
The Good News is that there is a day of peace coming. There is a day when all suffering will cease. Until that day, we have been commanded to bind up the brokenhearted and set captives free. We have been told to practice true religion and care for widows and orphans. We have received the word from God to love our brothers and our enemies. In doing these things, we will see His kingdom come and His will being done. Those who have been faithful in these small things will see the day of resurrection with great joy.

Breitenmoser Baby Born

Dear friends
Yesterday (14. of August) Nadine gave birth to Joshua Breitenmoser. It was a good and fast birth. He is 20.87 in long (53 cm) and weight 3770 gram (8.31 pounds ?).
Nadine is doing fine, but Joshua’s heart rythym is not correct. For that reason both are now in a special children clinic for better watch care. The doctors say, that this can happen, but normally disappears within a short time. So we will see, please pray for him. For round about a week Nadine and Joshua will stay in that clinic.
We will keep you updated.

Yours in Christ
Ecki

ROBIN MARK CONCERT

An Evening of Worship with

ROBIN MARK

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 at 7:00 pm

First Baptist Church Humboldt, Tennessee

Robin Mark will be joining us again this year for a benefit concert. Robin is an internationally recognized worship leader from Belfast, Northern Ireland
and has produced many albums.

Admission is FREE -- space is limited Reservations are encouraged!

Although we are not selling tickets to this concert we do have a couple of options to guarantee a seat.
You can guarantee a seat in the Reserved General Seating Section
for a donation of $15 or more per person.
Groups of 7 or more are suggested $10 per person.
(Maximum of $40 per family, please indicate the number of adults and children).

The General Seating Section will be open seating, doors open at 6:30 PM.
The other option that we have is that you simply show up on the evening of the concert.
The number of open seats will be limited to availability. An offering will be taken at the door.

Make checks payable to "IOI", and send your donation

(along with the number of seats requested) to:

I.O.I.ROBIN MARK CONCERT
PO Box 10173
Jackson, TN 38308-0102

Click here for information.

An offering will be taken

For a sample of Robin’s music
log on to www.RobinMark.com
Review of Robin's latest album in Christianity Today

Wedding Pictures

Ben and Pepo joined by Caleb and the Groomsmen

New Website Address -- ioiusa.org

You can still access the IOI website at our old address, but we have added an easier URL (website address) at www.ioiusa.org. While you are there click on the link to our blog for the latest news from the field at www.ioiusa.blogspot.org Our new email address is info@ioiusa.org

Patrick's Paragraphs -- Coming Home

So much is going on these days that my head is spinning. I have just returned from a great trip to visit with the Teixeira family in Brazil and in the next three months I have two more international trips planned. In addition to all the great things going on with the ministry we are nearing completion of the renovations to our new home in Jackson.
There is such a great story of how we have come to possess our new home. God certainly provided everything that we felt we needed to care for our family and ministry of hospitality, and He has done so much more. We have so many people to thank, and there simply is no way that we could repay everyone who has helped us. I will try to update the blog at www.universal-design-home.blogspot.com once we have moved in.
As we prepare to move our family I am reminded of all the families that we serve in Ethiopia. I have been humbled to hear my Ethiopian brothers and sisters petition God with tears as they have asked Him to provide this home for us. Yet for all the joy we have about God’s provision we know that this is not really our home.
For all the joy we have about the blessing of a house I am sure that it pales in comparison to the joy that awaits us when we are all together with Jesus Himself. I believe we will really be home only then.

Expanding Ministry in Brazil

by Patrick Beard

As I arrived at the airport in Memphis I felt unprepared and anxious about my return to Brazil after 18 years. I had plenty of reasons to go, but the timing seemed off.

I was scheduled to meet Joe Spell, my traveling companion, in Houston, Texas. Bad weather at some other airport had delayed my flight and it looked as though Joe might be traveling alone. I certainly did not want to go if it were not God’s will, and missing my flight would have been fine.

I walked up to the gate to see a very relieved Joe and heard the final call for boarding our flight to Sao Paulo. The whole episode served as a confirmation to me, and I was put at ease about the trip.

After a nine hour flight we arrived in Brazil in plenty of time to catch our three hour flight to Joao Pessoa, Brazil. Following a stroll along the beach and a good night’s sleep we met Marciano who drove us another five hours into the interior of Brazil in a region that is known as the Sertáo.

The Sertáo is a mostly arid, poor region in Northeastern Brazil. The people are a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, African decent and native peoples. The Portuguese is spoken slowly with a thick accent, and at times sounds more like Spanish. The foods vary slightly from Brazilian cuisine in the south, but beans and rice can be found at almost every meal. The traditional music of the region sounds more like Arcadian, than Samba. It is a unique part of the world, and easy to enjoy despite the harshness of the climate.

Another aspect of the Sertáo is the utter spiritual poverty of many towns and villages. Certainly there are churches, and many have adherents attending on a daily basis. However, a short conversation with most people will reveal a religion of tradition over substance, and more superstition than truth.

Marciano had a full schedule for Joe and myself. Just a couple of hours after our arrival at the Teixeira home in Patos we were on the road again about an hour or so to the village of Mato Grosso where we participated in a church planting week-end.

The week-end was sponsored by three or four Baptist churches in and near Patos. The team canvassed the area with a survey during the day and slept on the concrete floor of the local primary school in the evenings.

As we visited with many of the village’s inhabitants, we heard common complaints. We don’t know the priest, and we don’t understand very much of what he says. The same was said of a local protestant pastor. It became obvious that the people of this village were hungry for truth, and starved for love. So often religious leaders in this part of the world seemed to be more concerned about building an empire, than binding up the broken and setting captives free.

“Our pastor told us we would go to Hell for shaving our legs,” said one lady. “And I could not come to worship unless I was wearing a dress. I don’t even own a dress.”

It was painfully obvious that the few ministers who would brave the harsh rural life of these small towns and villages need good theological training. It was also just as obvious that any true success in ministry would be carried out by love in action.

About ten miles down another dirt road another village enjoys the presence of the Church. A small pink stucco home is now a meeting place for a church. As we got out of the truck a lady came to us and asked, “Are you going to preach today? I want to follow Jesus!”

This village was much poorer than Mato Grosso, and the people had a much more positive impression of the Church.

The growing congregation was begun by two young Brazilians who ride their bikes up the rugged dirt road to both preach and spend time with the people. These young men want to help the entire village by providing a water pumping station.

“The government does nothing for us,” one villager said. “The Church is the only one who helps us.”

The question still remains, “Who will go for us?” Another question adds, “Who will train the ones who will go?” Marciano and his wife Christina answered the first question when they left their native lands to start the ministry of ORE in Ethiopia. Today they plan to answer the second question as they establish a missionary training center in Marciano’s home country of Brazil.

God has already provided a farm for a training center that is located on 150 acres in rural Sertáo. Plans are to begin training the first 12 Brazilian missionaries this coming January. In addition to formal classroom style training, students will be paired with experienced missionaries and mentored into ministry. The farm is large enough to house groups of people for seminars and camps. Marciano hopes that the farm will eventually be self-sustaining from the agricultural pursuits on the acreage.

On our return to the States Joe and I visited with a missionary friend in the modern city of Campinis, Brazil. Ministers there are working on training videos to be distributed all over Brazil.

It was good to see just a small part of what God is doing in a dark world, and to investigate what greater part we may have in building God’s kingdom.

Jesus said that we are the light of the world, and salt of the earth. He also said that we would be known by our love. It is our hope that God will continue to use IOI as an instrument of His love as we support the work of missionaries like these in Brazil.

An Update from Ben

I got an email from Ben tonight and it seems that he and Caleb are doing well.

Ben reported that Negash's home is full of people. They are preparing for Aster's (Negash's daughter) wedding to Ayele (the director of the Compassion International Repi Project). Seems that Caleb and Ben passed on the chunks of raw oxen that were passed around at the feast.

Even though Ben's main purpose of going to Ethiopia is his upcoming marriage to Pepo (Negash's other daughter) he has been involved in some ministry along with Caleb.

"Earlier tonight Negash and Caleb and I went to visit a little boy who probably has HIV" he said. "He was alone at his house tonight because his foster mother was a work tonight. We prayed for him and gave him some of the puzzles that were sent in the IOI tub that Caleb brought. After we prayed for him he said that his heart was filled with joy. The whole experience really made me think about God's work in the world and what is really important to the Lord. I was very thankful for the opportunity to be there and be a small part of that ministry."

Continue to pray for Ben and Caleb as their summer progresses. Pray for good health and safety. Pray that God will do many good works through them both. Pray for Ben and Pepo as they prepare to begin life together as husband and wife (and one of them has to deal with the culture shock of their new home).

Ben and Caleb Arrive in Ethiopia

Ben Hickey and Caleb Burke arrived safely in Addis Abeba yesterday. Both Ben and Caleb plan to spend about three months in Ethiopia.

Ben will be marrying Pepo Negash, Negash Gemeda's daughter. The wedding is set for July 8.

Caleb will be working alongside Negash and other indigenous ministers.

Concert and Banquet

Plans are being made for this year’s Robin Mark concert to be held in Tennessee, and an awareness banquet to be held in Mississippi. The concert is set for August 16 and the date for the banquet is September 6. To volunteer or for more information, please call Patrick at (731)664-9960.

Speakers Available
If your church or organization would be interested in having Patrick or another speaker present the work of IOI please contact us today. Call (731)664-9960.

Coffee & Conversation - May 22

You are invited to have coffee and dessert with us on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30pm at Union University Coburn Dining Room in Jackson, Tennessee. This informal meeting will be an opportunity to get an update about IOI and introduce the ministry to others.
Space is limited and reservations are encouraged! An offering will be taken. Call Tina Varughese for more information (731)616-3589

Proposed Support Increase

The Board of Directors recently decided to increase the support given to missionaries in Ethiopia from $50 US to $60 per month. This is the first increase since the founding of IOI over eight years ago.
The increase is necessary due to inflation and a desire on our part to be a greater blessing to our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia. It is hoped that the increase will ease some financial pressure.
The price of teff, the staple of Ethiopian diet that is consumed at most every meal, has increased over 100% in the past eight years. This increase has had a trickle down effect on the cost of other goods. Housing costs have also risen dramatically.
Donors are being asked to consider an increase in giving from $50 to $60 per month. We are also seeking additional supporters who can help to make up the difference for those who are unable to increase their monthly giving. Donors will now have the option to provide “half-support” of $30 per month and share their missionary with another supporter.
This change is scheduled to be fully implemented by the end of the year. v

Sponsor Visits Child in Ethiopia

by Arlene Norton

A little over four years ago I decided to help support an orphan in Mekele, Ethiopia at an orphanage called Operation Rescue. The amount was only $15 dollars a month.

Patrick told me that he would personally pick me a girl to sponsor while he was there on a visit. I really didn’t know much more than a name, age and small photo at the time.

Her name was Emebet and she was twelve and had never been to school. We exchanged letters and I sent her packages of candy, clothes and books. I was amazed at how well she was doing in school and hoped to see her one day. In Ethiopia you have to pay to go to a government school. The cost is out of reach for most. The average Ethiopian makes only a dollar a day. With this in mind you can see how the cycle of poverty keeps repeating. If you’re an orphan, because of AIDS, war, sickness, death, or abandonment - then you have to survive by living in the streets and begging or worse.

Emebet’s father left when Emebet’s mother died of tuberculosis. Her grandmother took her and her sister in when they were just small children. The grandmother could not afford to send them to school and she prayed and cried about it often.

The grandmother cannot physically work, but she does rent out two small rooms about the size of a walk-in closet. With her windfall of $40 a month she has to feed, clothe, and take care of two granddaughters and an aging mother.

I decided to go to ORE in January of this year and meet Emebet. It took a precise series of miracles to get me there. My husband would have to get 10 days off in a row, and they had to be a certain 10 days. I would have get out of the U.S. before my flight was cancelled by a storm. I had an impossible 5-minute connection in Detroit. Patrick and I would have to get the last two tickets to Mekele on the major Ethiopian holiday weekend. We would also have to secure the last two rooms in the last hotel in town. I would not suggest to travel like this unless God is your “Plan A” and “Plan B.” Everything went eerily smoothly.

Meeting Emebet and her extended family was the highlight of my trip. She and her sister live in a two-room stucco tin-roof hut. They have no running water, sporadic electricity, and no kitchen. The two living rooms convert into bedrooms at night where Emebet, her sister, her grandmother and great-grandmother sleep.

I have never felt so welcomed as I did that day. I met her uncles, an aunt and nephews and friends. We had coffee, popcorn and a lot to talk about. The great-grandmother told me she had prayed that she would live long enough to see me. She was frail and almost blind, she walked with a cane over many boulders to meet me at the front gate because she wanted to be the first to see me. I don’t think that the Queen of England could compete with that.

I didn’t realize that going to ORE had helped so many people. ORE helped Emebet’s older sister start a small roadside business with her aunt. ORE gives the children an education, and a hot meal everyday, in addition to a family to live with. All grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers or sisters who are willing to take in an orphan are given a part of the $15 a month and free business classes, job skills and financial advice.

Emebet went from being a 12-year-old uneducated street child to an educated young lady heading for pharmacy school this fall. She completed all her classes at ORE and took computer classes at the Nile college in Mekele.

Emebet hopes to be a pharmacist in three years. Pharmacy school will cost about $3,000 total for books and everything! I told her we could pay for it and her whole family cried. I would suggest that you get involved with ORE on a personal level. Do write them and encourage them.

Emebet is well on her way out of poverty and of course I looked around for a new orphan to sponsor while I was there. I have a new girl, Blean. She is six and completely charming. Her father died of AIDS and her mother is very sick and is expected to die. She is being raised by a grandmother. Blean gave me a small bead bracelet while I was there and I will wear it as a prayer for her. I hope each day that these children can grow into their full potential .

Praise God.

Engagement

My change in relationship status...by Ben Hickey

Most of you know that I went on a mission trip to Ethiopia almost four years ago. I went To be a part of a ministry called Indigenous Outreach International.

The director of the ministry, Patrick Beard, goes to my church. As the name of the ministry suggests IOI supports Ethiopian pastors who are struggling to preach and also make a living. IOI provides funds so that the pastors can devote themselves to preaching and ministry without having to have multiple jobs.

One Ethiopian pastor in particular has been central to the success of IOI. His name is Negash Gemeda and he is the main overseer for IOI. Negash meets regularly with the other pastors, helps them send in reports, and does a lot of preaching and teaching himself. During my month in Ethiopia I stayed with Negash and his family.This was a great time for me.

In some respects living in Ethiopia is much harder for an American. You don’t have western style toilets, you have to filter your water, you have a greater possibility of getting sick, and so on and so on. I was all prepared for the difficulties, but what surprised me was the benefits! In particular the Ethiopian culture is much more people centered than America. Hospitality plays a bigger part of life. For example, if you go to a restaurant that is packed you don’t necessarily wait in line but you can go and sit at someone else’s table. They welcome you and you usually leave having made a new friend.

Living in Negash’s house I got to know his family. He has a daughter who is a few years younger than me. Her name is Abeba. She is a very beautiful person on the inside and out and I developed a friendship with her. When I returned to America we continued to correspond through email and our friendship developed even more. For many years I didn’t really think anything more than a friendship was possible. I could only think about the distance between us, the cultural differences, and the difficulties. Recently though, I have thought a lot about how special she is and how I want to move our relationship past being friends and onward to a deeper level. I talked to Patrick about this and he called Negash to see if she felt the same way towards me. I was very happy to hear that she had the same feelings!! Since then I have talked to the elders at my church as well as my family and many friends for counsel. The overwhelming response is very positive! Also many blessings this year have made it financially possible for me to visit.

Considering my feelings, intentions, and all of the pieces falling into place I bought a plane ticket to visit her in March (over my spring break). I have also been able to call her twice and develop our relationship over the phone instead of email. I know that this might seem sudden to many of you, but it hasn’t felt that way to me. It has been a long process to strip my doubt away and exchange it for faith and even love! (even though here at the end it seems to be happening quickly).

I would appreciate all of your prayers for safe travel and wisdom.

2008 Mission Bible Conference in Addis Abeba

The dates for the January mission to Ethiopia are January 17-27, 2008 - LORD willing.

The main purpose for this team will be to host the 2008 Mission Bible Conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. We also hope to take a small medical team on this journey.

The cost should be no more than $2400 per person (or less depending on the number traveling generally about $2200 pp). The team will be housed at a conference center in (or near) Ethiopia's capital city Addis Abeba. All meals, transportation and lodging from Memphis departure and return are included in the trip cost (up to 2 nights and 6 meals in Europe included --additional nights in Europe not included).

The needs are for: VBS (missionary children), women's ministry, medical personnel, seminar instructors (for missionaries and family members), etc.

The team plans to depart from Memphis on January 17 (one night in Europe in route) and arrive in Ethiopia on the evening of Saturday, January 19. Sunday, January 20 the team will go to various churches associated with IOI and spend the afternoon preparing for the conference. The conference begins Monday afternoon, January 21 and concludes on Friday morning January 25. Many team members will depart on Friday to host a clinic in the countryside. Saturday will be a sight-seeing/shopping day with a late evening departure for home with a Sunday afternoon/evening arrival in Memphis on January 27. (There is an option to spend a night in Europe on the return with a January 28 return). The stopover will most likely be Amsterdam, Holland or London, England. Team members may also choose to extend their stay in Ethiopia where they can go on safari or take a "historic tour" which includes many castles (Gondor) and famous rock-hewn churches (Lalebella). Additional expense.

An information packet is available for those interested in joining with this multi-denominational team. Those interested in going should request this packet by September 28, 2007. A deposit of $1,200.00 will be due October 31, 2007.

Stateside Ministry News

Electronic Funds Transfer
Regular donors now have the option of having their monthly, quarterly or annual giving deducted directly from their checking or savings account electronically through our EFT service.
Simply fill out and sign a simple form, attach a void check and mail it to IOI. The donation will be deducted from the specified account as designated and instructed on the form until given notice to discontinue the service.
If you are interested in this new form of giving download the form from the www.IndigenousOureach.net website. We can also mail or fax the form to you. For more information contact Patrick at (731) 217-0750. v

Tax Receipts Change
In the past IOI has mailed receipts for giving on a quarterly basis. In an effort to reduce paperwork and be good stewards we will now only mail receipts twice per year (January and July). Donors may receive receipts on a more regular basis, or at anytime by simply contacting the IOI office at (731)664-9960. v

Concert and Banquet
Plans are being made for this year’s Robin Mark concert to be held in Tennessee on August 16. There is also an awareness banquet to be held in Mississippi on Thursday, September 6 (Corrected Date from date first published in newsletter). To volunteer or for more information please call Patrick at (731)217-0750. v

Building Up the Church

by Patrick Beard

Often in America we talk about “building” a church. More often than not our conversations involve brick and mortar, rather than the edification of individuals within the church. Our terminology reveals our error in that we call building a “church” rather than the congregation that has covenanted to follow Christ together.

As Christ ascended from the earth He promised to stay with us by sending His Holy Spirit. His Spirit now lives in the heart of those whom He gives faith in His gospel. He resides within both to comfort and empower all believers as we anticipate the return of Christ, make disciples and edify each other. Our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia are certainly no exception to this promise.
Each week in Ethiopia minister from eleven denominations gather to pray at the IOI prayer meeting. These meetings have led to many deep relationships. Often the diverse ministers gather around a common table to share meals and exchange their joys and sorrows. Each minister, and indeed each believer, has been specially gifted by God to fulfill a unique role in the Kingdom of God. Frequently the ministers will call on one another as they have become interdependent within the greater Body of Christ. This fellowship is just one way that God has used IOI to build His Church.

Our Bible conference this year focused on Following Christ. This following is done as individual parts within a greater body. It is our ambition as an organization to build up the Church as God gives us the resources and ability. Please consider joining with us in 2007 in the way that God directs. v

Ministry of Administration

Addis Abeba, Ethiopia - Amsale has been serving with IOI since the very beginning. For all those years she has struggled with health issues, but she has also had a growing ministry of administration.
Nine years ago Amsale worked as an editor in the publishing department of the Baptist Mission of Ethiopia. Both she and Negash Gemeda (IOI’s National Coordinator for Ethiopia) worked with Patrick, who was Media Center Manager for the mission.
When the mission began to dissolve, due to a change of strategy, and a new businesslike structure was being formed Amsale and most of her colleges were laid off. At the same time IOI was being formed in the USA, and the need for a trustworthy Ethiopian administrator became evident.
When IOI was in the formative stages some opposition was expressed concerning dependency, and poor management of money. Some concluded that sending “American” money to African ministers was a mistake, and simply could not be done in a good way. While the concerns were real and important, our scriptural mandate to care for our poor brothers and sisters took precedent.
The organization of IOI was created with a simple goal of supporting poor ministers in Ethiopia and a simple means of distributing the support. The funds are collected in the US, wired to Amsale in Ethiopia and paid directly to the missionaries, who sign for the receipt of the funds. It all sounds simple enough, but it was a novel idea in Ethiopia where burocracy was the order of the day in in both the national and international organizations that most ministers were familiar with. After eight years we still receive comments from many of the ministers that applaud, “I have received my support on time, every time!”
Amsale fulfills a vital role for IOI as she distributes the funds and keeps meticulous records. Furthermore she performs this same administrative ministry for no less than two other Christian organizations in Ethiopia. She also helps to lead Bible studies for ladies.
Amsale is married to her husband Mitiku, and they have four children. A grow daughter and son, and twin preteen sons. They live and minister in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia’s capital city. They are members of Mulu Wongel Church. v

Ministry Among the Poor

Thanks to a generous gift from a Jackson church the Bible conference in Ethiopia held a special blessing for the ministers supported through IOI. In addition to each minister receiving gifts of special shirts and medicine the ministers also received a Christmas gift of 500 Birr (about $60 US). The missionaries also received the same amount to give away to neighbors or church members who are in desperate need.
The monetary gift was especially timely as food in Ethiopia has increased in cost almost 100% over the past two years. The inflation has been particularly hard on the poorest Ethiopians who were already strapped financially and often go days without eating.
“I have never seen God’s people begging for bread, but I have seen them go hungry,” Patrick said. At the last board meeting of IOI the Board was unanimous in their resolve to increase giving as much funding as possible to help alleviate the suffering of church members of associated churches, as well as using the Micah and Agemba Funds to minister mercy to the surrounding neighbors. “We want to reach people with the love of God by preaching the Gospel of grace and ministering God’s mercy through tangible benevolence. v

Patrick's Paragraphs - Eight Years Blessed

This January we quietly celebrated the eighth birthday of IOI. As a Board we agreed that this year we desire a renewed focus on our primary ministry of supporting indigenous ministers through prayer, financial, educational and technical support.
Eight years ago the list of ministers supported contained eight names. It was a new beginning and everything was new. We developed a simple system of support that has enabled the missionaries to receive their full support each month on time (which is still apparently a novelty in Ethiopia). Over time we added ministers, began supporting ORE (the ministry to orphans in Mekele, Ethiopia), began working with the Breitenmosers in Germany, started building community development projects, sent American volunteers to assist the work in Ethiopia and expanded to Brazil as the Teixeira family moved from Ethiopia to Brazil. Certainly most of these changes proved to be positive as the ministry grew and continued to mature.
This year I hope to see an increase in the level of giving to human needs in Ethiopia, while at the same time being very intentional in our effort to make disciples through theological instruction, mercy ministry and incarnational living. It is my hope that giving will increase both to Missionary Support and the General Fund to enable us to minister more generously. We hope to see the establishment of the new Sanctuary Village as a model for discipleship ministry. I also hope that we can begin supporting indigenous ministers who are working with the Teixeiras in Northern Brazil.
Many events are planned over the next 12 months that I hope will be a benefit to all who participate. Robin Mark will once again be joining us from Belfast, Northern Ireland to present a benefit concert for IOI in Tennessee on Thursday, August 16. An awareness banquet is being planned for the Tupelo, Mississippi area on Friday, September 7. Through these events and a series of Coffee and Conversation meetings we hope to raise enough funds over 2007 to host the largest IOI Bible conference ever on January 22-25, 2008 with VBS for the children, preaching and a variety if seminars to benefit the indigenous ministers we work with.
For all of this to happen we will need more donors and volunteers. It is my prayer that God will give us everything we need to accomplish these plans.v

Ecki's Trip to Ethiopia

German Port Minister Ecki Breitenmoser visited Ethiopia this January. He met with the family of an Ethiopian seafarer, preached at the IOI Bible conference, visited churches in the countryside and met with many of the Ethiopian missionaries supported through IOI.

Fikadu's Wedding

Fikadu and his wife Dagmit had a lovely service. The wedding started in the morning at Negash's home, moved to the Mekane Yesus Seminary and ended at a resort on the Debre Zeit road. It was a joyful day filled with praises to God, dancing and celebration.

Bible Conference 2007 - Addis Abeba

Over 50 missionaries and church leaders attended this year's Bible Conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. This year's theme was the command of Christ to, "Follow Me". A banquet was held for the noon meal at Sami's Resturant. This year's guest speakers were Ecki Breitenmoser (SCFS Port Minister in Bremerhaven, Germany), Patrick Beard (IOI Executive Director) and Douglas Merreck (Missionary to Mekele, Ethiopia)

Website Updated

It is long overdue, but it has finally happened -- The IOI Website has been updated! Check it out at www.indigenousoutreach.net and let me know what you think.

Electronic Funds Transfers

(Jackson, TN) Regular donors to IOI now have the opportunity to give on a regular basis through EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfers). This new way of giving reduces paperwork, postage costs and occational ommissions due to a busy life.

Donors simply request a copy of the form (sample below, which you may print from the internet) to be issued by fax or post, fill out the information, sign the form, attach a void check and mail the information to IOI. Within six weeks regular monthly withdrawls are transfered directly from the donor's savings or checking account into IOI's account. When circumstances make it necissary to cancel the service the donor simply gives notice to IOI and the transfer stop within six weeks.

Donors have the opportunity to specify on the forms the designation of their gifts, the amount to be given and the frequency of the withdrawals.

Missionaries to Receive Increase in Support

(Jackson, TN) Inflation has been a problem in Ethiopia and food prices have risen as much as 100% in the past couple of years. Ethiopian missionaries supported through IOI have been receiving $50 per month, but it no longer goes as far as it did in 1999. The Board of Directors has agreed to ask supporters to prayerfully consider increasing missionary support to $60 per month. This change is to be implemented by the end of 2007.
Thanks to support for the General Fund IOI has been able to send 100% of all designated money directly to the missionaries. The General Fund is also in need and regular donations are needed very much.
There are currently 34 indigenous missionaries receiving support in Ethiopia through IOI.

Receipts for 2007

(Jackson, TN) In an effort to be good stewards of time and resources we will no longer send quarterly receipts for donations, unless requested by the donor. We will continue to send out semi-annual receipts in July (January-June giving) and Janaury (yearly total).

2008 Bible Conference Plans

Each year IOI has hosted a Bible conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia for the indigenous missionaries that we work with.

This year's conference ('07) is a one day conference, but next year ('08) we would like to have a four day conference that involves all the family members of the missionaries. We would like to have Bible teaching and preaching, VBS for the children and various seminars for families and individuals. For this to be possible we have started planning now.

The departure from Memphis is planned for January 17, 2008. There is a planned stopover in Europe (most likely Amsterdam) for rest and some brief sight seeing (such as the Corrie Ten Boom House and Museum).

Arrival in Addis will be on Saturday evening, January 19 (Ethiopian Epiphany). The next morning the team will split-up and attend various church services around the city of Addis. Some team members will depart in the afternoon for the countryside for one-day Bible seminars in village churches.

Monday, January 21 would be a day of rest for many of the team members that remain in Addis. Those who have gone out-country will be engaged in one-day Bible conferences. The Ethiopian missionaries would begin arriving in the evening for the conference.

Tuesday, January 22 the Bible conference begins after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS begins after worship time)

Wednesday, January 23 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Thursday, January 24 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Friday, January 25 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The Closing sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would depart for home. (VBS concludes at lunch)

Saturday, January 26 - Sight seeing in Addis Abeba and late evening departure for home.

Arrive in Memphis at about 6:00 PM on Sunday evening, January 27. (There is an option of spending an extra night in Europe in route).

Approximate cost for the trip would be $2,600.00 (depending on airfare and other variables, not including passport, visa and immunizations)

Supporters interested in traveling with us and helping present this conference are encouraged to contact Patrick before September 1, 2007.

Additional funds for this event would be greatly appreciated!