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
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