Zebra Truck in Christmas Parade

Photo by Aaron Hardin, Jackson Sun
The Zebra Truck made an appearance in the Christmas Parade last night in Jackson, Tennessee. The entry won third place in its division, beat out by an antique fire truck. With a sign that read "This Christmas Support a Child in Ethiopia" this vehicle is gaining a lot of attention for IOI and raising awareness about the ministry in Ethiopia.

Within a few weeks we hope to be finished with the modifications to the truck and ship it to Ethiopia to be used in the training program called Sanctuary Village.

Please Pray for Registration

Dear Readers,
I would like to ask you to pray for IOI's work in Ethiopia. For almost 12 years we have supported indigenous ministries and ministers. Until now we have worked through existing churches and organizations like Operation Rescue Ethiopia (the childcare project in Mekele).

The need to register IOI as an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) became apparent a couple of years ago. As an NGO we could own property and import materials to advance the ministry. Registering as an NGO would also provide some legal protection for those involved in the ministry. Also, if you know much about IOI you know we plan to build a model village in Ethiopia where we train students in theology, agriculture, health care and vocation.

After almost two years in process we have been told by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that our application will be rejected. This news has been disheartening, especially since we have funds, materials and volunteers committed to make this vision become a reality.

We have been told that we can be "religious" or "charitable", but not both. Ironically the word "charity" is a Christian idea. In Websters Dictionary the definition is "(Christian theology) ...love for one's fellow man". Many secular organizations have been involved in welfare projects and are even called "Charities" - in many minds charity has been divorced from Christianity. How bizarre that a government institution would try to separate Christianity from charity.

We know that when God closes one door He often opens another. We are confident that the training program will progress, most likely through the churches of Ethiopia rather than a campus. We are also exploring ways to invest in the people of Ethiopia in an effort to help the poorest of the poor work their way out of poverty.

Please pray that God will guide us through this process and that the end of the matter will be far better than the beginning has been.

Yours in Christ,
Patrick

Zebra Truck on the Loose!

Bought and paid for! PRAISE GOD!

Plans are for the IOI Zebra Truck to be driven around the mid-South for a few months, maybe coming to a Christmas Parade near you! Then it will be packed in a big crate along with other supplies to be shipped to Ethiopia in early 2011.

After its time as an "awareness raiser" we hope that this Land Cruiser will serve many years transporting people and supplies in Ethiopia.

Thank you to all who have donated so far!

There is a continuing need for funding for Sanctuary Village and transportation costs.

Ethiopia Mission Report from Heath Flynn

From left to right; Len Kennedy, Negash Gemeda, Heath Flynn, Shemsiya and Mohammed, Getachew Dmissie and Stephen Kennedy

It was a such a joy and a blessing to go to Ethiopia with Stephen and Len Kennedy. The trip was filled with so much to do, and went by way too fast, but I am thankful for the work the Lord is doing and will continue to do here . I am so thankful I was able to be a part of it if only for a short while.

The trip began at Agemba church where Negash had the three of us preach a word of encouragement. This was a little uncomfortable for me. I have never enjoyed public speaking, but the Lord is our strength and works in our weakness and he gave me the words to say and calmed my fear.

The next day we were able to visit four of the missionaries, two of which were newlyweds, one who had a newborn and the other a more difficult but good visit where tears were shed as we witnessed a son ask for the forgiveness of his family for some of the wrongs he had committed. It was encouraging to spend time with all of them. Part of the reason in visiting them was to be an encouragement to them, but I found the opposite to be true. Through the hearing of their testimonies, sacrifices, persecution and all of them sharing food and drink with us, I was probably more encouraged by them.
Tuesday we traveled to the countryside where we thought we were going to visit another missionary, similar to the day before. To our surprise, we arrived to a packed church where again we were asked to preach the Word. The Lord again proved himself faithful as he always does, and brought a passage to mind to share.

Wednesday, we had the opportunity to visit the Tinsae library. This trip we took 116 books. These books include Bibles, commentaries, books about doctrine, and various other materials so people can grow, mature, and have a solid foundation in their faith.

The next day we went to Shalom church to visit all of TLC children. It was a joy to see all of their smiling faces. I am thankful for this program which provides all of these kids food, clothing, tuition and Bible school. Many of the children are from Muslim families. I am excited for the opportunity for these children to hear truth and take it home to their families. May the Gospel spread like wildfire! Later that morning, we visited a man from a Muslim background who was paralyzed from the waste down. He became paralyzed in a trucking accident. He praises God for the accident because through it, he was saved. Currently, he has a ministry where children visit him circled around his bed and he shares the Gospel with them. That afternoon, we had the amazing opportunity to meet with many of the ministers and pray together. Even though, many of them are from different denominations, they come together every week to praise God, pray for one another, and bear one anothers burdens. I am reminded that even with our differences we are united in Christ. What a sweet time it was to come together.

Friday, we spent the entire day visiting ministers from the churches at Busa, Tulobolo, Awash Bunni, and Tefki. Many traveled a couple of hours just to see us. It was a joy to be with them and share words of encouragement and hear their prayer requests so we know how to pray for these dear brothers.

The week went by in such a hurry. It is difficult to be back, but I know the Lord is in control of our situations and circumstances so I will trust him and where he has placed me. Upon returning, I have had some time to think and reflect on the trip and the Lord has taught me a few things. Here are just a few. First, I need to always be ready to give a defense for the Gospel and many other truths from His Word. I was asked on multiple occasions to share Scripture with families we visited or to get up in front of the church and share words of encouragement. It is only through time spent in the Word where we know His Word and know Him better to be able to share His Truth . I have tried to make it a point to be in Scripture daily so I will be ready. I also realized everything we did had a purpose to it. I have tried to examine my life and take out a lot of the "fluff" in my life and be purposeful in all that I am doing. May the Lord be pleased in all I do and may others see Him working in me daily. I was daily reminded by Negash whose ministry this is. In all we did, he was constantly reminding us to praise God for the work and give him the glory. We are to put no confidence in ourselves.

I had such an amazing time with all of these brothers. I pray for them often and will continue to for them in the ongoing work they do. I would also encourage others to go and be a part of this amazing work God is doing in Ethiopia.

-Heath

(Heath Flynn traveled to Ethiopia and Northern Ireland with Len Kennedy and Stephen July 30- August 14 of this year)

N. Ireland Mission Report from Heath Flynn

Heath sharing in the morning session for SPARK 2010

It was such a joy to serve in Northern Ireland. The trip was completely different than Ethiopia, but I am thankful for all we were able to do there. We stayed at the Wilson's home for the week. The Wilson's are such a great family and I am thankful for there hospitality and the friendships built with the whole family. It was also nice to have some homecooked meals as well. Liz is an amazing cook. I enjoyed getting to know James as well. He is a great source of information for just about anything and knows just about everyone in the city of Ballymoney. I am excited and praying for the city outreach to come in Coleraine.

For the week, we came alongside 35-40 students ranging from middle school to early college to serve the community through various projects. The days began with Stephen teaching from Romans 8 and how we are to conform to the image of Christ. It was such a refreshing start to the day. I was greatly encouraged by his teaching. The morning session was followed by lunch. We would all gather in the gym of Trinity Church and share meals together. After lunch, we would break up into teams and do community projects throughout the city. These projects consisted of gardening, painting sheds and fences, and other general cleanup of family's homes in Ballymoney. What a great opportunity to serve others and build relationships with these students. The students were such a joy to work with. They were such a welcoming bunch. I felt a connection with all of them instantly. They worked so hard and I never heard one complaint from them. I continue to keep in touch with some of them and I am excited to see the work the Lord will do in each one of their lives. Projects in the afternoon were followed by outreach in the evening. We encouraged the students to invite their friends to come and hang out with us at coffee shops and other local hangouts to share the Gospel.

One of my favorite days came in the middle of the week. We assembled a small group of individuals and set out for the streets of Ballymoney where we interviewed some of the locals to hear what they believe about the Gospel. After each interview, we had the amazing opportunity to share the Gospel. Many heard the good news that day. It was such a joy to take part in the spreading of the Gospel. I felt this was an eye opening experience for the students as well. A few students after we were done stated they had no idea how lost some people really are. It also goes to show these students there is a world to be reached right in their own backyard. You don't have to go very far.

The last morning session, Len and I were able to share about our trip to Ethiopia and encourage the students to take a trip there. I pray that many will take hold of this opportunity. A trip there would truly be an eye opening experience and good for there spiritual walk.
I am very thankful the Lord opened the door for me to go here. I have always wanted to go to Ireland. It is very hard to be back in a lot of ways. I desire to come back and I hope the Lord will allow me to soon, but I will be patient seeking Him and the authority he has place over me in my church. His will be done.

-Heath

(Heath Flynn traveled with Len Kennedy and Stephen to Ethiopia and Northern Ireland July 30-August 14 of this year)

Land Cruiser Purchased for Sanctuary Village

Just a few weeks after sharing with IOI supporters the need for an SUV to be used at Sanctuary Village we have purchased a 1995 Toyota Land Crusier! Supporters responded with gifts of cash and a used Jeep.

In the coming weeks we plan to have the truck detailed, make some cosmetic repairs and have the Sanctuary Village logo applied. We also plan to put a zebra skin graphic on the truck to call attention to it as we use the SUV like a moving billboard here in the USA over the next 6 to 8 months*. Plans are to put lettering on the back window - "Do Something Good... Send this truck to Ethiopia!"

We estimate a need for an additional $12,000 US to ship the truck to Ethiopia. Donors can give money or used cars that we can sell for this project (donors receive a receipt for the full used retail value of the used car donated).

It is our hope that this project will raise enough funds to provide two SUVs for use in Ethiopia and gain more sponsors for the Sanctuary Village project.

*Funds gained from this project may be used to purchase an SUV in Ethiopia rather than shipping this particular truck there if it proves to be more ecconomical.

Tinsae Library Opens in Lafto

by Mary Evans
March Mission Team Volunteer
I struggled with how to describe my trip in a brief and edifying manner. But I will say that I saw the Lord’s hand in this trip- how it came about, the make up of the team that went, and the unity we had as a team. To describe the trip in a few ways, it was enriching, eye-opening, heart softening, and humbling.
I shared with the indigenous missionaries that I felt at home in Ethiopia, not because I had lived in Africa most of my life, but because they were indeed my brothers in Christ. I had been praying for an opportunity to see the Body of Christ in a new and refreshing way in Ethiopia. He was faithful in doing that.
On the first day in Ethiopia our attempt to visit a church out in the countryside hit several obstacles. Oceans of deep mud ended up turning us back while Negash, Nadine and Bobby walked 3 hours to make it for the end of the baptism of more than 30 believers.
Our goal of setting up a library (organize and catalog over 400 books) was met; it just took 2 days longer than expected, but I saw how the Lord was sovereign in the fact that I work in a library and was able to help in coming up with a cataloging system that would work in Addis.
Our team was able to witness the baptism of an Ethiopian lady who lives and works in Lebanon. Pray for her to live out her faith as she returns to Lebanon.
I was humbled by the poverty and beggars. I mentioned previously that this trip was heart softening. I think I saw so much poverty growing up in different ways but I was able to see it in a new light and process it too.
Thursday we fellowshipped with the missionaries who were fasting and praying for their ministry and families.
Friday was the grand opening of the Tinsae (Resurrection) Library and we were able to dedicate it to the Lord. Our prayer is that through this Christian literature, people would come to know the written Word and Jesus Christ the Word.
We were able to visit the children’s’ ministry that IOI supports, and give out the gifts to about 102 kids. These kids are being supported on $25 dollars a month, and their education, school uniforms and other physical needs are taken care of. We had the opportunity to visit Buruk’s home – a tent in the middle of a dump. What was a humbling experience for us was an honoring time for them.
I’m still not sure what the Lord had in store with the trip except to Glorify Himself, and I pray that was indeed what took place. There was evidence after evidence of His faithful work and creative handiwork.
Please join me in prayer for the evangelist Kasau, Amsala one of the few women IOI supports, Fikadu as he helps set up a new ministry within IOI, for Fikere as he and his wife run the café/library area. And for the other missionaries that are selflessly serving the Lord in their homeland, Ethiopia.

The Tinsae Library was established in part by donations from the USA and the UK. Special thanks to donors of financial resources and to Union University for the donation of over 400 books!

Financial News

by Russ Cooper
Financial Director
In the midst of a national recession in 2009, God proved His faithfulness to IOI with our best year ever financially. For the first time in our eleven-year history, we finished the year with over $200,000 in donations - to God be the glory! That was enough to support 38 ministers in Ethiopia, 2 in Brazil, 1 in Germany, 3 in our US office, and over 100 children in the TLC program. We also added three new ministers in Ethiopia and saw the number of children sponsored through TLC grow significantly. (For more financial details go to ioiusa.org and download our 2009 financial statement.)
So far 2010 is looking to be a good year for us as well, with two amazing trips to Ethiopia already taken and many other ministry opportunities still to come. In addition, we have had some great meetings in churches and homes, and have made a lot of new friends as we have had opportunities to share about this amazing ministry. We would love the opportunity to share with your church or small group about what God is doing. See our calendar on the opposite page and call us to set up a date.
Of course, there are always needs and our greatest needs financially right now are two-fold:

1. We need more sponsors for the TLC project! Ayele is supporting over 100 children on the support received for 85.
2. We need donors to support the CORE fund so that we can continue to pay the bills here and move into an adequate office.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. It is truly a pleasure to serve with you.

Ethiopia: A Fresh Perspective

by Russ Cooper, Financial Director

After 7 months of hearing about our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia and only knowing them by reputation and a few emails, it was so good to be with them last month. Though this was not my first trip out of the country, it was my first time to go that far from home. So for those of you who have never had the pleasure, let me give you just a taste of what it was like going to Ethiopia for the first time.

As with any trip, there are always going to be things that do not go as planned. Lodging arrangements that don’t pan out, lost luggage, demon-possessed people in the church services – you know, your basic travel woes. But jetlag and lost luggage became just minor annoyances compared to the joy we experienced during our eight days in Ethiopia.

Three of us were able to go into the “countryside” around Addis to meet up with some of our ministers and see the new churches that have been planted since last year (and also meet some new brothers we are supporting). The people were so gracious, and we saw the power of God save a 76-year old man who followed us simply because he thought we were doctors. (Not to mention the casting out of the afore-mentioned demon.)

We came back into Addis to take part in a special program with the children sponsored by the TLC project, and all 102 of them stole our hearts. They clapped and cheered for us, gave us flowers, and one of them read a thank-you letter he had written in English. I was amazed by the fact that they all sat so still and quiet while we called them up, one by one, to give them a small gift that had been provided by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Fulton, Mississippi.

The Bible conference with the ministers we support was such a blessing, and they are an amazing group of men and women. I was privileged to help Stephen with the interviews, and it was truly a joy to hear these ministers of the gospel share with me the stories of how they see God working in Ethiopia. How awesome is our God, that He would allow us to partner with such amazing servants! What a great opportunity we have to get in on what He is doing on the other side of the globe.

Ethiopia truly is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people. But my heart was broken to see how much money the Muslims are pouring into the country. There are beautiful mosques going up everywhere and they are actually bribing people to convert to Islam. One of our ministers shared with me that they had offered him a brand new car if he would convert – praise God that he has remained faithful!

Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters over there, and THANK YOU for your support of this ministry so that we can have the joy of partnering with them to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I must say….I can’t wait to go back. v