In these past days I have had strong mixed emotions. With Negash in town Stephen and I have traveled more miles than I care to count, and we shared about the ministry of IOI with hundreds of people. This is a direct answer to prayer, but it also brings a new set of challenges.
When we prayed for a multiplication of the ministry it was because we believe that what we are doing is truly a ministry from God. We want to raise up 300 new missionaries in Ethiopia, continue to support current ministers on a greater level and send out 70 Ethiopians to neighboring nations to share the Good News in places we often cannot go. For this to happen there will have to be an increase in resources and already we are seeing it begin to happen.
We have a great need now for help in these ripe fields.
I recently got a call, “Why don’t you guys answer your phone?!?” The simple answer is that we have not been in the office to answer it. As the work of sharing about the ministry has increased and the paperwork involved with growing the ministry has increased we simply do not have enough time to do it all. Granted, these past eight weeks have been unusually busy, but there seems to be a little light at the end of the tunnel as the annual Bible Conference is just around the corner and the Spring Speaking schedule begins in February.
In addition to teams to Ethiopia, we need help here at home as well. I believe God will raise up laborers and provision for all the dreams He has given us. Will you join us in praying that the Lord of the Harvest will send laborers?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fruitful Fall Visit
This fall has brought many blessings and many events that have helped to further the ministry of IOI.
We have been blessed to have Negash Gemeda (National Coordinator for IOI in Ethiopia) and his wife Becu with us for the past eight weeks. They traveled to ten states and spoke about the ministry of IOI in Ethiopia.
This was Negash’s third visit to the United States, and Becu’s first. In addition to speaking at church meetings and other gatherings, they had opportunity to visit with friends and extended family. They also visited with the leadership of two sister ministries (The Oromo Project and Mission ONE) that work alongside IOI in Ethiopia.
While in Fort Myers, Florida the Gemedas, Patrick, and Stephen were able to visit with the ministry of ECHO and a couple of former missionaries to Ethiopia. While at ECHO, the group learned some techniques that may be very useful in the future ministry of Sanctuary Village.
The Gemedas, Ecki and Nadine Breitenmoser (missionaries in Bremerhaven, Germany supported in part by IOI), and Dr. James Wilson (IOI Contact for the United Kingdom) joined with several board members and wives for a weekend meeting at Pickwick State Park to discuss the current work of IOI in Ethiopia and the possible expansion of the ministry. They were hosted in part by Patrick’s father Bobby Beard who took the group on a fishing excursion.
Dr Wilson has recently been in Ethiopia for the purpose of surveying the work of IOI, assess the Sanctuary Village proposal and investigate the possibility of youth teams from Northern Ireland serving as volunteers. Currently the ministry of Exodus 360 (a Northern Ireland ministry) is seeking leadership for a possible team to Ethiopia this summer.
In addition to speaking in churches and small gatherings Negash, Patrick and Stephen were invited to the campus of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia where they made many contacts with students.
As the holidays approach, it brings an end to our busy season of sowing. We pray for good fruit to come.
We have been blessed to have Negash Gemeda (National Coordinator for IOI in Ethiopia) and his wife Becu with us for the past eight weeks. They traveled to ten states and spoke about the ministry of IOI in Ethiopia.
This was Negash’s third visit to the United States, and Becu’s first. In addition to speaking at church meetings and other gatherings, they had opportunity to visit with friends and extended family. They also visited with the leadership of two sister ministries (The Oromo Project and Mission ONE) that work alongside IOI in Ethiopia.
While in Fort Myers, Florida the Gemedas, Patrick, and Stephen were able to visit with the ministry of ECHO and a couple of former missionaries to Ethiopia. While at ECHO, the group learned some techniques that may be very useful in the future ministry of Sanctuary Village.
The Gemedas, Ecki and Nadine Breitenmoser (missionaries in Bremerhaven, Germany supported in part by IOI), and Dr. James Wilson (IOI Contact for the United Kingdom) joined with several board members and wives for a weekend meeting at Pickwick State Park to discuss the current work of IOI in Ethiopia and the possible expansion of the ministry. They were hosted in part by Patrick’s father Bobby Beard who took the group on a fishing excursion.
Dr Wilson has recently been in Ethiopia for the purpose of surveying the work of IOI, assess the Sanctuary Village proposal and investigate the possibility of youth teams from Northern Ireland serving as volunteers. Currently the ministry of Exodus 360 (a Northern Ireland ministry) is seeking leadership for a possible team to Ethiopia this summer.
In addition to speaking in churches and small gatherings Negash, Patrick and Stephen were invited to the campus of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia where they made many contacts with students.
As the holidays approach, it brings an end to our busy season of sowing. We pray for good fruit to come.
100 for 200 for 300
Over the next 12 months we are searching for 100 churches, Sunday school classes, organizations and individuals who are willing to give $200 per month to help us raise up 300 missionaries in Ethiopia.
We have had a very encouraging beginning in the initial stages of our promotion of the Sanctuary Village project. In seven years we hope to have completed a village that is a place of ministry and a training center to send out missionaries across the Horn of Africa.
Already the Sanctuary project has been shared publicly at a banquet in Tennessee, and in meetings in Texas and Louisiana with some positive results. In addition to seeking larger one time gifts to help us meet the seven year budget for Sanctuary Village, we are simultaneously trying to increase the regular donations to the General Fund to help meet the growing needs as the ministry multiplies.
Our hope is that we will be doing ten times more ministry in seven years. For this to be possible we must increase regular monthly donations by four times current levels.
If our goal is met by August 2009, total regular giving will have doubled and we will be well on our way to seeing Sanctuary Village established and an expansion of the entire ministry in Ethiopia, Germany and Brazil.
We have had a very encouraging beginning in the initial stages of our promotion of the Sanctuary Village project. In seven years we hope to have completed a village that is a place of ministry and a training center to send out missionaries across the Horn of Africa.
Already the Sanctuary project has been shared publicly at a banquet in Tennessee, and in meetings in Texas and Louisiana with some positive results. In addition to seeking larger one time gifts to help us meet the seven year budget for Sanctuary Village, we are simultaneously trying to increase the regular donations to the General Fund to help meet the growing needs as the ministry multiplies.
Our hope is that we will be doing ten times more ministry in seven years. For this to be possible we must increase regular monthly donations by four times current levels.
If our goal is met by August 2009, total regular giving will have doubled and we will be well on our way to seeing Sanctuary Village established and an expansion of the entire ministry in Ethiopia, Germany and Brazil.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Update on Lauren
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Lauren!
I have not written much about her lately, but her recovery has been very slow and there has not been much to tell. However, in the past couple of weeks she has really seemed to be her old self, minus the hip displacement. She is eating well and I think maybe even gaining some weight. Her hips are still somewhat tender, or sensitive, but over all she is doing really well. She has returned to her therapy schedule (minus the horseback riding for now) and she is making marked improvement in many ways.
We remain hopeful that she will be able to walk, or at the very least have some level of mobility in the future.
Please continue to pray for Lauren and her complete healing. Praise God for so many answered prayers so far. Pray too for Lana as she continues to try to balance all of her responsibilities while she battles UC.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick
I have not written much about her lately, but her recovery has been very slow and there has not been much to tell. However, in the past couple of weeks she has really seemed to be her old self, minus the hip displacement. She is eating well and I think maybe even gaining some weight. Her hips are still somewhat tender, or sensitive, but over all she is doing really well. She has returned to her therapy schedule (minus the horseback riding for now) and she is making marked improvement in many ways.
We remain hopeful that she will be able to walk, or at the very least have some level of mobility in the future.
Please continue to pray for Lauren and her complete healing. Praise God for so many answered prayers so far. Pray too for Lana as she continues to try to balance all of her responsibilities while she battles UC.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mission to Ethiopia
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Christ.
Dr. James Wilson from Northern Ireland and I just returned from Ethiopia after having an encouraging and challenging visit with our brothers and sister there. Dr Wilson was there to observe the work “on the ground” as well as to see about the logistics of bringing teams from the UK to Ethiopia to work alongside our ministers. I was sent to meet with the missionaries and see how they are doing personally and with the ministry. I was also to chronicle our time there with photos and video footage.
First of all, there was a desire by the ministers to remind us that the ministry of IOI goes much deeper than financial support. The missionaries there have been meeting weekly for prayer and sharing of burdens, along with giving and receiving counsel. One minister said that the money seems insignificant compared to the fact that he has gained brothers and sisters to minister alongside of him. He no longer ministers alone, struggles alone, or carries the good news alone. He is part of a body; he has those who know the burden and uplift him as he walks.
Second, I heard the missionaries saying that they wanted to see the ministry expand and for many others to receive the love and support in the ministry that they receive. More ministers having the blessing of others bearing with them their financial burdens as well as the fellowship and accountability of being a part of the IOI group is a great desire.
Greetings in the name of Christ.
Dr. James Wilson from Northern Ireland and I just returned from Ethiopia after having an encouraging and challenging visit with our brothers and sister there. Dr Wilson was there to observe the work “on the ground” as well as to see about the logistics of bringing teams from the UK to Ethiopia to work alongside our ministers. I was sent to meet with the missionaries and see how they are doing personally and with the ministry. I was also to chronicle our time there with photos and video footage. Dr. Wilson and I thought we would do more observing than hands-on ministry, but the Lord had other plans. We went to watch the ministers, but ended up laying hands on them and praying for their needs. We went to hear of the work, but ended up speaking words that were given from the Lord for the building up of the saints. In short, we went with good plans, but the Lord had good works which He had foreordained that we should walk in them. I am glad that God had better plans for our days in Ethiopia because even though we accomplished many things we thought we needed to do, we also were able to be vessels used by our Lord for honorable uses that we could have never foreseen. As I think of all that we were able to see and do, I am reminded of the psalmist saying “bless the Lord, oh my soul, let all that is within me bless his holy name.”
There were many things that I heard while meeting with the missionaries which were of great encouragement, and I look forward to sharing them with their supporters in updates which will come soon. There were two things which I heard over and over as I sat and talked with each minister. These two were encouraging but also an exhortation or a challenge to continue boldly with the task the Lord has given and so I would like to share them with you.
First of all, there was a desire by the ministers to remind us that the ministry of IOI goes much deeper than financial support. The missionaries there have been meeting weekly for prayer and sharing of burdens, along with giving and receiving counsel. One minister said that the money seems insignificant compared to the fact that he has gained brothers and sisters to minister alongside of him. He no longer ministers alone, struggles alone, or carries the good news alone. He is part of a body; he has those who know the burden and uplift him as he walks. 
Second, I heard the missionaries saying that they wanted to see the ministry expand and for many others to receive the love and support in the ministry that they receive. More ministers having the blessing of others bearing with them their financial burdens as well as the fellowship and accountability of being a part of the IOI group is a great desire.Hearing these things encouraged me that we should continue on with what has been given to us. This is a good work and the church is being built up, so we should desire to see more benefit as the missionaries do. So the question is how? I believe by striving for what has already been our burden to see Sanctuary Village built, and Lord willing, 300 ministers will be raised up alongside of those already in place. A place where fellowship and the bearing of one another’s burdens is part of life. We long to see what the ministers long to see. As we embark on this ambitious project, we believe that it can be done if God will give us 100 partners who give $200 per month to raise up these 300 over the next seven years. Please pray with us to this end that the Lord who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will give us what we need to do what He has called us to do. He has done this in the past and we believe He will continue to do so in the future. You all are an encouragement to us. May the blessings of our Lord be with you. The missionaries send their greetings in Jesus name.
Peace of Christ to you all.
By the grace of Christ,
Stephen A. Kennedy
Mission Coordinator
Peace of Christ to you all.By the grace of Christ,
Stephen A. Kennedy
Mission Coordinator
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Mayor's Reception - Coleraine, Northern Ireland
The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Barbour, hosted a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour for Aghadowey man, Doctor James Wilson, who is departing on Tuesday for Ethiopia. Doctor Wilson has been commissioned by Indigenous Outreach International, a Tennessee based missionary society to conduct an independent review of an ambitious project called Sanctuary Village.
‘Sanctuary Village is indeed an innovative project’, Doctor Wilson explained, ‘ It aims to create a missionary campus very much in tune with local village customs and culture, where students will not just be taught Reformed theology, but a wide range of agrarian and practical skills that will enhance the lives and survival of their fellow villagers at this time of drought and famine. One of my tasks will be to assess the potential for local agencies such as Exodus to provide teams to assist the project. More information can be gleaned at www.ioiusa.org
Mayor David Barbour wished Doctor Wilson journeying mercies ‘ It is a challenging task that James has been called to. We would indeed pray that his analytical skills are combined with a Holy Boldness, and that many young Christians from the Borough of Coleraine would follow in this mission to bring the Christian gospel and Christ inspired acts of kindness to the people of Ethiopia at this time of need.’
‘Sanctuary Village is indeed an innovative project’, Doctor Wilson explained, ‘ It aims to create a missionary campus very much in tune with local village customs and culture, where students will not just be taught Reformed theology, but a wide range of agrarian and practical skills that will enhance the lives and survival of their fellow villagers at this time of drought and famine. One of my tasks will be to assess the potential for local agencies such as Exodus to provide teams to assist the project. More information can be gleaned at www.ioiusa.org
Mayor David Barbour wished Doctor Wilson journeying mercies ‘ It is a challenging task that James has been called to. We would indeed pray that his analytical skills are combined with a Holy Boldness, and that many young Christians from the Borough of Coleraine would follow in this mission to bring the Christian gospel and Christ inspired acts of kindness to the people of Ethiopia at this time of need.’
Thursday, July 10, 2008
From the Mission Coordinator
How Great the Father’s Love
Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Christ.
Chapter three of First John begins by saying “how great the Father’s love for us that we should be called the sons of God”. This great love that God has poured out on us was made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, particularly in His death, burial, and bodily resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. As John continues this letter he says “in this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us we ought also to love one another” Surely the love of God causes us to glorify Him and will bring much joy as we grow in our intimacy with our Bridegroom for all of eternity, but there is an outworking that even now is made possible because of His loving us. We are to believe on the Son of God, love one another, and keep His commands (1 John 3:23-24). The work of Indigenous Outreach is a work of love. As Patrick and I seek to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to these brothers and sisters it is not just because they have less than we do. There are many in the world that have much less than anyone reading this letter, but why these people? Why is our work with them? Our hearts have been tied with these brothers and sisters by the hand of our Lord, and we have been given a passionate love that longs to see these dear ones succeed in Christ. God has poured out His love on us and our overflowing cups must be directed first to brothers and sisters in Christ both here and abroad. God loved us, so we love them. God has given Himself to us, so we give our days to loving them.
There are many amazing things that the Lord is giving us to do, but be sure as you learn of them that you know the motive of all our efforts is to work out the love that God has given us. I know that as supporters of the ministry you have been given a burden of love for these brothers and sisters as well. I would encourage you that your love is efficacious even as God’s love is. There are tangible benefits that our brothers and sisters are seeing through your tangible love. Do not grow weary in doing good; it is a blessing for us to see your love for our brothers, and it encourages us to continue. God bless you all and may His love for His bride continue to work out through us all toward the beloved.
News from the field
Negash sent word to us that recently ten teams of five blanketed the neighborhood surrounding Militar church. These teams did evangelism and handed out tracts. One story from this day came from Negash’s team. The team had three men and two women in it. The two women talked with two young ladies about salvation through faith in Christ. After their discussion, Negash handed the girls a tract entitled “No Greater Love Than This” The girls seemed very interested and said that they would try to meet with some one from the church later in the week. At the end of the day, all the teams met back at the church to close the day in prayer. As they finished praying, these same two girls came running up to them. The girls’ mother had seen the teams in the neighborhood and was very upset about them being there. When she entered the compound and saw her daughters reading these tracts the woman was outraged and told them that they must return the tracts and talk no more about Jesus or else they would be kicked out of the home. The girls then brought the tracts back to Negash and the others. One of them said, “Here is your tract; take it! We have the message in our hearts and minds, but we have to give you the paper back as our mother ordered” The believers were brought to tears and pray that God will give them more contact with these girls and that they might see them grow in the Lord Who burned the good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection into their hearts. Please pray for them.
Announcements
My wife, Shelley, and I are excited to announce the birth of our first child Addison Grace Kennedy. She was born on May 31st and weighed 6lbs 15oz. She is a beautiful gift from the Lord and has had a good first month of life on this earth. Her name means “descendant of Adam with grace”. We pray that as she has the blood of Adam in her veins, as we all do, that the Lord would pour His grace out on her and that she would walk with Him all of her days.
Continue to pray for and make plans to attend the upcoming Robin Mark concerts.
Friday, August 1st in Memphis, TN
Thursday, September 4th in Jackson, TN
More details can be found on our website www.ioiusa.org or by calling the IOI office (731) 664-9960
Peace of Christ to you all. By the grace of Christ,
Stephen A. Kennedy
Missions Coordinator
Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Christ.
Chapter three of First John begins by saying “how great the Father’s love for us that we should be called the sons of God”. This great love that God has poured out on us was made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, particularly in His death, burial, and bodily resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. As John continues this letter he says “in this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us we ought also to love one another” Surely the love of God causes us to glorify Him and will bring much joy as we grow in our intimacy with our Bridegroom for all of eternity, but there is an outworking that even now is made possible because of His loving us. We are to believe on the Son of God, love one another, and keep His commands (1 John 3:23-24). The work of Indigenous Outreach is a work of love. As Patrick and I seek to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to these brothers and sisters it is not just because they have less than we do. There are many in the world that have much less than anyone reading this letter, but why these people? Why is our work with them? Our hearts have been tied with these brothers and sisters by the hand of our Lord, and we have been given a passionate love that longs to see these dear ones succeed in Christ. God has poured out His love on us and our overflowing cups must be directed first to brothers and sisters in Christ both here and abroad. God loved us, so we love them. God has given Himself to us, so we give our days to loving them.
There are many amazing things that the Lord is giving us to do, but be sure as you learn of them that you know the motive of all our efforts is to work out the love that God has given us. I know that as supporters of the ministry you have been given a burden of love for these brothers and sisters as well. I would encourage you that your love is efficacious even as God’s love is. There are tangible benefits that our brothers and sisters are seeing through your tangible love. Do not grow weary in doing good; it is a blessing for us to see your love for our brothers, and it encourages us to continue. God bless you all and may His love for His bride continue to work out through us all toward the beloved.
News from the field
Negash sent word to us that recently ten teams of five blanketed the neighborhood surrounding Militar church. These teams did evangelism and handed out tracts. One story from this day came from Negash’s team. The team had three men and two women in it. The two women talked with two young ladies about salvation through faith in Christ. After their discussion, Negash handed the girls a tract entitled “No Greater Love Than This” The girls seemed very interested and said that they would try to meet with some one from the church later in the week. At the end of the day, all the teams met back at the church to close the day in prayer. As they finished praying, these same two girls came running up to them. The girls’ mother had seen the teams in the neighborhood and was very upset about them being there. When she entered the compound and saw her daughters reading these tracts the woman was outraged and told them that they must return the tracts and talk no more about Jesus or else they would be kicked out of the home. The girls then brought the tracts back to Negash and the others. One of them said, “Here is your tract; take it! We have the message in our hearts and minds, but we have to give you the paper back as our mother ordered” The believers were brought to tears and pray that God will give them more contact with these girls and that they might see them grow in the Lord Who burned the good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection into their hearts. Please pray for them.
AnnouncementsMy wife, Shelley, and I are excited to announce the birth of our first child Addison Grace Kennedy. She was born on May 31st and weighed 6lbs 15oz. She is a beautiful gift from the Lord and has had a good first month of life on this earth. Her name means “descendant of Adam with grace”. We pray that as she has the blood of Adam in her veins, as we all do, that the Lord would pour His grace out on her and that she would walk with Him all of her days.
Continue to pray for and make plans to attend the upcoming Robin Mark concerts.
Friday, August 1st in Memphis, TN
Thursday, September 4th in Jackson, TN
More details can be found on our website www.ioiusa.org or by calling the IOI office (731) 664-9960
Peace of Christ to you all. By the grace of Christ,
Stephen A. Kennedy
Missions Coordinator
IOI UK in Formative Stages
Dr. James Wilson at the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Formation of IOI UK
We are currently in the process of becoming a registered charity in the United Kingdom.
A multi-denominational group of Christian men are exploring and pursuing the vision of having a national office for Indigenous Outreach International located in Northern Ireland. Already support has been given by local Christian ministries for the formation phase of IOI UK. We need your prayers very much in this time of formation for the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom and the making of disciples.
Mission to Ethiopia
September 9- 19 - Dr James Wilson, from Drumreagh Presbyterian congregation, Northern Ireland will be in Ethiopia to conduct an independent review of Sanctuary Village, with particular focus on the scope for UK churches providing both human and fiscal resources towards the project. Overseas team service in a mission project is very much part of the discipleship making culture of the evangelical churches in the United Kingdom and the prospect of serving the Lord in creating something as vital as Sanctuary has already generated interest. James would value your prayers as he seeks to combine his analytical skills with a Holy boldness.
For more information concerning the process and our progress contact mailto:james@ioiuk.org?subject=from%20the%20website
Lauren in Recovery
The cast covers her from her chest to her toes, but she is tolerating it very well. Lauren continues to be joyful and seems not to be in pain at all. She has four weeks left in the cast, then months of therapy to follow. Thank you for your continued prayers!Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Mid-day of Prayer for Lauren
We have received email and messages from Cambodia, Ethiopia, England, Ireland, Brazil and across the USA as people have been lifting up prayers for Lauren for the past 13 hours.
It is so encouraging to hear from brothers and sisters around the world who are united in prayer for one little girl in Jackson, Tennessee.
"LORD, may you hear the prayers of your children. Although we speak in many languages we speak with one heart in one Body and pray that would would be glorified as your mercy flows from the Throne of Grace."
It is so encouraging to hear from brothers and sisters around the world who are united in prayer for one little girl in Jackson, Tennessee.
"LORD, may you hear the prayers of your children. Although we speak in many languages we speak with one heart in one Body and pray that would would be glorified as your mercy flows from the Throne of Grace."
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Day of Prayer for Lauren
Many of you know Lauren personally and you know of her struggles with CP. She is scheduled for major surgery on June 16 for double hip replacement and reformation of both femur bones.Our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia have set aside Thursday, May 29 as a special day of prayer and fasting for Lauren.
We invite you to join us in prayer.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Video is Finished!!!
Sanctuary Village from Patrick Beard on Vimeo.
Big thanks to Julian Williamson from Bluesland Films for all his hard work on this project!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Sanctuary Village Logo
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The Logo is Finished! Next comes the video -- keep watching the website and blog for it.
Now all we need is $1.5 million, a good piece of land and seven years... LORD willing.
Sanctuary Village is our vision to raise up 300 Ethiopian ministers over seven years in an agrarian community where theology, agriculture, basic health care and vocational trades are taught and practiced through a lifestyle of prayer, mercy ministry, study and labor.
The campus of Sanctuary Village will include homes for families, elderly, disabled and singles. Plans include a minor medical clinic, pharmacy, store, primary school, meeting hall, sports field and cafe that will be located in the public areas. Micro-farming, animal husbandry, well drilling and home building will be taught and practiced on the campus in the vocational/farming area. Both short and long term residents would live in the Village.
Theological training programs would be offered in residential and commuting programs. Classes will be taught in ten terms of two intensive weeks over three years. Residential students will have schedules that vary with the growing seasons, but will include daily prayers, vocation and mercy ministry.
During their time on campus residential students will be pared into teams of five in preparation for replication of the ministry on a small scale within existing villages. Ideally each team will have a preacher, educator, administrator, medical tech and an agriculture/vocation tech. These teams would serve as a group of elders for new churches.
Now all we need is $1.5 million, a good piece of land and seven years... LORD willing.
Sanctuary Village is our vision to raise up 300 Ethiopian ministers over seven years in an agrarian community where theology, agriculture, basic health care and vocational trades are taught and practiced through a lifestyle of prayer, mercy ministry, study and labor.
The campus of Sanctuary Village will include homes for families, elderly, disabled and singles. Plans include a minor medical clinic, pharmacy, store, primary school, meeting hall, sports field and cafe that will be located in the public areas. Micro-farming, animal husbandry, well drilling and home building will be taught and practiced on the campus in the vocational/farming area. Both short and long term residents would live in the Village.
Theological training programs would be offered in residential and commuting programs. Classes will be taught in ten terms of two intensive weeks over three years. Residential students will have schedules that vary with the growing seasons, but will include daily prayers, vocation and mercy ministry.
During their time on campus residential students will be pared into teams of five in preparation for replication of the ministry on a small scale within existing villages. Ideally each team will have a preacher, educator, administrator, medical tech and an agriculture/vocation tech. These teams would serve as a group of elders for new churches.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Maraki Merigold Hickey is born!
Ben and Pepo are parents!Negash is a grandfather!
Maraki Merigold Hickey was born on April 10 at 8:45am Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.
She was 3.5 kg and 52 cm long. She got a 9-10 on the "baby scale". She was delivered by C-section.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Elevate Ethiopia
A special blog has been established for our child sponsorship program that is being coordinated by Arlene Norton. She has posted videos of her recent visit with some of the families we help to support.
http://www.elevateethiopia.blogspot.com/
http://www.elevateethiopia.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Upcomming Events
IOI Jackson Awareness Banquet — May 1 & 2
Woodland Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
at 6:30 each evening — Choose the night that is best for you.
Space is limited! Call Tina Varughese (731)616-3589 for reservations
Robin Mark — August 1 at TLC Church Cordova, TN
More information at www.ioiusa.org or (731)664-9960
Robin Mark — September 4 in Jackson, TN at 7:00
More information at www.ioiusa.org or (731)664-9960
Woodland Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee
at 6:30 each evening — Choose the night that is best for you.
Space is limited! Call Tina Varughese (731)616-3589 for reservations
Robin Mark — August 1 at TLC Church Cordova, TN
More information at www.ioiusa.org or (731)664-9960
Robin Mark — September 4 in Jackson, TN at 7:00
More information at www.ioiusa.org or (731)664-9960
Tangible Ministry to Families
by Stephen Kennedy
Missions Coordinator
Eden Maseresha has been supported through the True Light Childcare Project (formerly Repi Childcare) for the past few months. Eden, like three of the other supported children, lived in a home that was recently bulldozed down by the government. The reason for this tragic occurrence was the severe poverty that these families live in. Buying land in Ethiopia is very difficult and takes a lot of time and money. If they do not have the money to rent or to buy land from the government, many will build what they call “moon houses”. These houses are built overnight in areas of land which are condemned by the government (such as by the garbage dump or by a river bed). Eden’s family lived in one of these moon houses. Since they were there illegally, their home was finally pushed over.
Because of the lack of money, many families who go through losing their house in this way often go and build another moon house out of trash and wait for it to be demolished as well. Supporters in the States heard of these four families losing their homes and donated $75 USD for each family so that they can establish a more permanent home and not live is this cycle of fear. This money was sent to Ethiopia and Eden’s family, as well as the other three, will be getting aid from the church in a tangible demonstration of the love of Christ. This is what we do: demonstrate in deed and truth the love that our Lord has shown us.
Missionary Profile
Kifle Sheferawe
Evangelism/ Prayer
Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Member Yehiwot Birhan Church
Speaks Amharic
When Kifle was younger he suffered from a severe sickness. This affliction caused Kifle to be unable to walk or care for himself in the most basic ways. Doctors were unable to find a treatment, so for four years Kifle suffered in this way. One day a believer came by to see Kifle and shared the gospel with him and then prayed for his healing. That day Kifle not only received physical healing but also faith in Christ Jesus. After his conversion, some of Kifle’s family and neighbors came to faith in Christ as well, but his father still remains very opposed to the gospel. This healing bore great testimony because Kifle’s family had tried everything they could. A great deal of money was spent on doctors and witchcraft with no results. Kifle said that the worst part was that “they were waiting on my death every day”.
In spite of the obvious work of the Lord, Kifle’s father despised the change that he saw in those who had become believers. Kifle’s father threw him out of their home before Kifle regained his strength and told him that he had to find his own place to live. Kifle still prays for his father’s salvation to this day.
A Christian family took Kifle in, and for the next few years he was living with different Christian families and growing in his walk with Christ. During this time he saw his fathers hard heart become even harder and all of the family suffered.
Kifle began doing ministry and was recognized by his local church as doing good work. Because of the financial difficulties in Ethiopia, they were unable to help with his practical needs. In November of 2002 Kifle became part of IOI and receives support so that he can do the ministry that he is called to without having to worry about his daily bread. Out of his support Kifle also supports his mother and family because his father is away for now and does not take care of his wife and children.
We recently received a letter from Kifle which was very encouraging. He said that the work in the church is going well and that he is seeing much fruit. The main difficulty is that he is practically unable to have any real relationship with his birth family. In this letter Kifle said that the family he now has with the other IOI missionaries and with his supporters is far greater than the blood family that he has lost. Kifle has never seen his supporters, but he has seen their tangible display of love to him, so he sees them as dear family members in Christ. What a joy to see the words of our Lord fulfilled as those who have lost mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters for the sake of Christ are given more in return.
Please pray for the blessings of the Lord on our brother’s work and that he might see his blood family become spiritual family.
By Stephen Kennedy
Missions Coordinator
Daughter Born
On January 25th Fekadu Assefa and his wife Dagim welcomed their daughter Yamlak as a gift from the Lord. Yamlak is healthy and a beautiful little girl. Fekadu told us that Yamlak means “belongs to the Lord” and together with his name (as the family name) her full name will mean “through the will (or providence) of God”.
Fekadu and Dagim were married in January 2007. Fekadu has been a dear friend and fellow laborer in the ministry for several years. The hope of Fekadu and his family is that they can help establish Sanctuary Village so that the church can be built up in Christ through good teaching and discipleship
Pray for Plans
by Patrick Beard
Executive Director
Man makes his plans, but God orders our days. Often times it is an exercise in futility to make plans. However, we do have many things on the schedule, and only time will tell what is from God.
We have banquets, mission trips, presentations and fundraisers planned for the coming months. In the midst of all the ministry duties we also have some big family events planned for the near future.
Stephen and Shelley expect their baby to be born around May 30th. Stephen is still in the process of raising his support so that he can work with IOI full-time. His needs will be even greater as his wife leaves her full-time nursing position to be a full-time mommy.
My daughter Lauren is scheduled for surgery on June 16th. It is hoped that this surgery will correct the malformation in her hips. The recovery should take six weeks, and the whole family is anxious about the dangers involved.
With all these plans and responsibilities Stephen and I could use all the prayer you could offer. Thank you in advance for your prayer support!
Executive Director
Man makes his plans, but God orders our days. Often times it is an exercise in futility to make plans. However, we do have many things on the schedule, and only time will tell what is from God.
We have banquets, mission trips, presentations and fundraisers planned for the coming months. In the midst of all the ministry duties we also have some big family events planned for the near future.
Stephen and Shelley expect their baby to be born around May 30th. Stephen is still in the process of raising his support so that he can work with IOI full-time. His needs will be even greater as his wife leaves her full-time nursing position to be a full-time mommy.
My daughter Lauren is scheduled for surgery on June 16th. It is hoped that this surgery will correct the malformation in her hips. The recovery should take six weeks, and the whole family is anxious about the dangers involved.
With all these plans and responsibilities Stephen and I could use all the prayer you could offer. Thank you in advance for your prayer support!
Come See the Harvest
By Stephen Kennedy
Missions Coordinator
There are many things that you should know about as supporters, but the medium is limited. So much has been going on in Ethiopia over the past few months. The childcare sponsorships have rendered amazing testimonies. The church has been growing like wildfire. Wells are being dug. Widows are receiving housing. Orphans are placed into homes and schools. The gospel is being proclaimed in the highways and byways. Brothers and sisters have experienced great joy and some great sorrow. There is a dream of sanctuary village that may be coming to pass soon. This is only the beginning.
Good news from a distant land does bring joy to the heart, but I cannot tell you how that joy pales in comparison to embracing these dear ones in person. As the church we rejoice to learn of Christ, but what we long for is to touch Him and to see Him face to face. We at IOI have seen how good it is to tell you about the work going on in Ethiopia, but when we see supporters observe the work first-hand, there is something deeper that takes place which pictures and stories cannot tell. I am a testimony of this. I went to Ethiopia over four years ago simply wanting to see what foreign missions looked like on the ground. There was no thought in my mind that such a love and passion for this work and these brothers and sisters would be born in my breast.
Truly not all are called to go and some are hindered, but for those who can and long to, this call goes out. Come and see the harvest. Their faces are beautiful. Their voices are many.
Over the next few months and years there will be more and more opportunities to go and see, so consider this possibility. Come for a short trip to embrace our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Prayer for Ten-Time Multiplication
We have entered our tenth year as a ministry. Stephen Kennedy (IOI’s Mission Coordinator) and I have begun to pray a radical prayer and ask God to multiply the ministry of IOI ten times.
We really believe in what we are doing.
Asking God to increase the ministry by ten will not cost ten times as much.
Our budget last year was $161,260.31 which supported 25 children, 36 missionaries, mission trips and the administration Stateside. For just over three times as much financial support we could be doing ten times more ministry! This is possible because our costs Stateside would not increase very much.
We could be supporting 320 Ethiopian missionaries, 250 children, 30 Brazilian missionaries, build a discipleship training center in Ethiopia and administrate the mission for just over $500,000.00 per year. That is over 600 families for less than $830 per family per year!
Sanctuary Village Discipleship Training Center
The Church is growing quickly in Ethiopia and we see an urgent need for good training in the countryside churches. Many of the new churches that have been established in the past three years have leadership with little or no training in theology or Bible. I do not want my zeal to overshadow wisdom. There is no quick fix, but we do have a plan.
Our hope is to establish a training center called Sanctuary Village. The idea is to bring people from the countryside to live in a village much like their own village while they learn to grow their own food, learn a trade, study scripture, pray and practice ministry among the poor. In time we believe this ministry will be self-supporting, and need little assistance from us. It truly is an opportunity to invest in the future as we both give our brother a fish, and teach him how to fish.
I have begun to pray for partners in this task that will be willing to invest seven years of sowing to see a harvest that could last for many years to come. I am asking for help to raise an army of missionaries in Ethiopia who will be equipped for the days ahead.
I would love nothing more than to have invested the next seven years into hundreds of Ethiopians who are committed locally-supported disciplemakers. I believe this could happen.
Already we have witnessed ministers who no longer need our support and have directed their sponsorship to others. Over 50% of the churches we work with have begun to support their ministers. The support that has come from America has been a catalyst for change, and an encouragement to our poverty stricken brothers and sisters in Christ.
We really believe in what we are doing.
Asking God to increase the ministry by ten will not cost ten times as much.
Our budget last year was $161,260.31 which supported 25 children, 36 missionaries, mission trips and the administration Stateside. For just over three times as much financial support we could be doing ten times more ministry! This is possible because our costs Stateside would not increase very much.
We could be supporting 320 Ethiopian missionaries, 250 children, 30 Brazilian missionaries, build a discipleship training center in Ethiopia and administrate the mission for just over $500,000.00 per year. That is over 600 families for less than $830 per family per year!
Sanctuary Village Discipleship Training Center
The Church is growing quickly in Ethiopia and we see an urgent need for good training in the countryside churches. Many of the new churches that have been established in the past three years have leadership with little or no training in theology or Bible. I do not want my zeal to overshadow wisdom. There is no quick fix, but we do have a plan.
Our hope is to establish a training center called Sanctuary Village. The idea is to bring people from the countryside to live in a village much like their own village while they learn to grow their own food, learn a trade, study scripture, pray and practice ministry among the poor. In time we believe this ministry will be self-supporting, and need little assistance from us. It truly is an opportunity to invest in the future as we both give our brother a fish, and teach him how to fish.
I have begun to pray for partners in this task that will be willing to invest seven years of sowing to see a harvest that could last for many years to come. I am asking for help to raise an army of missionaries in Ethiopia who will be equipped for the days ahead.
I would love nothing more than to have invested the next seven years into hundreds of Ethiopians who are committed locally-supported disciplemakers. I believe this could happen.
Already we have witnessed ministers who no longer need our support and have directed their sponsorship to others. Over 50% of the churches we work with have begun to support their ministers. The support that has come from America has been a catalyst for change, and an encouragement to our poverty stricken brothers and sisters in Christ.
Beard Family Update
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for and encourage my family! The past year has been filled with many changes and blessings.
We were blessed with a home that is handicapped accessible and it has made caring for Lauren easier in many ways.
Alice Calvery moved in with our family a few months ago after serving in Germany with the Brietenmoser family. Alice helps with Lauren in the mornings and often helps to tutor the other children in their studies.
Lana continues to struggle with health issues related to colitis, but she has also seen some improvement. Mornings tend to be the worst time of day for Lana, but having Alice around has been a real blessing. Even with her illness Lana continues to homeschool the kids and keep a warm home. On many Sunday evenings the house is filled with young people from the church.
Anna-Margaret is 16 now and working on getting her driver’s license. It seems like just yesterday that she was a toddler, and now she is looking at colleges. Anna is very interested in music and drama, and she has been working some as a teacher’s assistant.
Joy (age 12) is almost as tall as Anna-Margaret. She is becoming a good student, likes astronomy and her dramatic side is flourishing. Although she can be our most emotional child I am seeing God develop a sense of compassion for others through it as she responds to the suffering of others. She and Emma both look forward to soccer season.
Lauren (age 9) still suffers the effects of her disability, and she also continues to have seizures. However, she also continues to have a very joyful countenance, and is the first one to greeting the new day each morning. She is a blessing to our entire family. Lauren is scheduled for surgery in May. Her hips have not formed properly and it is necessary to form hip sockets to avoid future problems.
Kristin (age 9) is really into crafts and making things with her hands. She is a budding artist, and loves one-on-one conversations. Every day there is a new painting, picture or project that she is working on with precision. She also loves nothing more at bed time than to have her back scratched and talk about her day or her next art project.
Emma (age 8 in April) is not a baby anymore, which she reminds us of often. She is creative like her sisters and loves to tell jokes and stories. She observes the world around her and puts what she sees into words. She is very inquisitive and keeps us all on our toes and laughing.
Please do continue to pray for us as a family and for the ministry that we believe God has called us to.
We were blessed with a home that is handicapped accessible and it has made caring for Lauren easier in many ways.
Alice Calvery moved in with our family a few months ago after serving in Germany with the Brietenmoser family. Alice helps with Lauren in the mornings and often helps to tutor the other children in their studies.
Lana continues to struggle with health issues related to colitis, but she has also seen some improvement. Mornings tend to be the worst time of day for Lana, but having Alice around has been a real blessing. Even with her illness Lana continues to homeschool the kids and keep a warm home. On many Sunday evenings the house is filled with young people from the church.
Anna-Margaret is 16 now and working on getting her driver’s license. It seems like just yesterday that she was a toddler, and now she is looking at colleges. Anna is very interested in music and drama, and she has been working some as a teacher’s assistant.
Joy (age 12) is almost as tall as Anna-Margaret. She is becoming a good student, likes astronomy and her dramatic side is flourishing. Although she can be our most emotional child I am seeing God develop a sense of compassion for others through it as she responds to the suffering of others. She and Emma both look forward to soccer season.
Lauren (age 9) still suffers the effects of her disability, and she also continues to have seizures. However, she also continues to have a very joyful countenance, and is the first one to greeting the new day each morning. She is a blessing to our entire family. Lauren is scheduled for surgery in May. Her hips have not formed properly and it is necessary to form hip sockets to avoid future problems.
Kristin (age 9) is really into crafts and making things with her hands. She is a budding artist, and loves one-on-one conversations. Every day there is a new painting, picture or project that she is working on with precision. She also loves nothing more at bed time than to have her back scratched and talk about her day or her next art project.
Emma (age 8 in April) is not a baby anymore, which she reminds us of often. She is creative like her sisters and loves to tell jokes and stories. She observes the world around her and puts what she sees into words. She is very inquisitive and keeps us all on our toes and laughing.
Please do continue to pray for us as a family and for the ministry that we believe God has called us to.
Janaury Mission to Ethiopia
Each year it is our privilege to host a Bible conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. This year the teaching was done by both Ethiopian and Western teachers. Ecki Breitenmoser (SCFS missionary from Germany) and I were joined with Anthony Mathenia (a missionary from Christ Community Church of New Albany, Mississippi) and Douglas Merrick (an American missionary with Last Call Ministries of Shreveport). Mellese, Getachew, Getu, Kaleb and Negash were the Ethiopians who taught.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Holiness—the Fruit of the Spirit.” The topics covered were love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I honestly believe this was our best conference yet, and it was attended by most of the missionaries and spouses supported through IOI.
We also had the privilege of hosting a medical team, that was organized by John McNally (director of a partner ministry that works with local churches to meet needs), that visited with all the missionaries and families at the end of the conference.
My sister, Arlene Norton, also joined the team in Addis after spending a week in Mekele working with the Operation Rescue childcare program. She is making a video about her trip and the child sponsorship programs that are offered through IOI. She has a goal of gaining 100 sponsors for the orphans and at risk children in Ethiopia. If you would like a free copy of the video email info@ioiusa.org or call (731)664-9960.
It was a fruitful trip that ended sadly with the news of Amber Mathenia’s (wife of Anthony) death. Anthony and Amber had been volunteers with IOI before moving to Ethiopia as career missionaries sent by their local church. Amber was killed in an automobile accident just hours before Anthony returned from a trip to Ethiopia where he taught at two Bible conferences.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Holiness—the Fruit of the Spirit.” The topics covered were love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I honestly believe this was our best conference yet, and it was attended by most of the missionaries and spouses supported through IOI.
We also had the privilege of hosting a medical team, that was organized by John McNally (director of a partner ministry that works with local churches to meet needs), that visited with all the missionaries and families at the end of the conference.
My sister, Arlene Norton, also joined the team in Addis after spending a week in Mekele working with the Operation Rescue childcare program. She is making a video about her trip and the child sponsorship programs that are offered through IOI. She has a goal of gaining 100 sponsors for the orphans and at risk children in Ethiopia. If you would like a free copy of the video email info@ioiusa.org or call (731)664-9960.
It was a fruitful trip that ended sadly with the news of Amber Mathenia’s (wife of Anthony) death. Anthony and Amber had been volunteers with IOI before moving to Ethiopia as career missionaries sent by their local church. Amber was killed in an automobile accident just hours before Anthony returned from a trip to Ethiopia where he taught at two Bible conferences.
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