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