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.