Mission to Ethiopia and Europe

I recently had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia with Noah and Shammah from Rose Creek Village.
I met Noah a couple of years ago when the Irish band from Rose Creek helped with the Robin Mark Fund Raiser for IOI. Over time we shared our visions for ministry and God knit our hearts together.
One project that I have longed to see come to fruition is Sanctuary Village. My hope is that it will be a place of discipleship and ministry, a model for Christian community in rural Ethiopia where believers share life together and reach out to the lost around them.
I met up with Noah and Shammah in Scotland, and we traveled by train to visit with a Christian community in Northern England.
In Ethiopia, we visited with many Churches that have partnered with IOI. We had a prayer meeting with many of the missionaries supported through IOI. We visited with some of the children and families that have benefited from the Child Sponsorship Program. We had an opportunity to visit an Orthodox monastery, where we met an evangelical monk. And we were able to see much of the beautiful countryside of Ethiopia along the way.
From Ethiopia I was able to visit with the Breitenmosers (missionaries in Germany supported through IOI), hold their newborn baby boy, Joshua, and attend a good board meeting.
It renews my zeal and encourages me to take supporters to Ethiopia. It also encourages the church in Ethiopia. We really can do a lot as we cooperate with local churches to benefit those in need and share the Gospel with those who have never heard. v

Breitenmoser Baby Born

Dear friends
Yesterday (14. of August) Nadine gave birth to Joshua Breitenmoser. It was a good and fast birth. He is 20.87 in long (53 cm) and weight 3770 gram (8.31 pounds ?).
Nadine is doing fine, but Joshua’s heart rythym is not correct. For that reason both are now in a special children clinic for better watch care. The doctors say, that this can happen, but normally disappears within a short time. So we will see, please pray for him. For round about a week Nadine and Joshua will stay in that clinic.
We will keep you updated.

Yours in Christ
Ecki

Ecki's Trip to Ethiopia

German Port Minister Ecki Breitenmoser visited Ethiopia this January. He met with the family of an Ethiopian seafarer, preached at the IOI Bible conference, visited churches in the countryside and met with many of the Ethiopian missionaries supported through IOI.

Ministry Update from Europe

By Ecki Breitenmoser

We have been back in Germany for almost two years. Many things have happened, both good and bad. We learn from the mistakes and take joy in the successes. For Christ the number of salvations or Bibles distributed are not important, but how faithful we have been to Him in both word and actions.
It is always very special when we have the privilege of bringing one or more seafarers to our home. Nadine is very hospitable and provides delicious meals, but each time the seafarers have one request. Yes, they are hungry, but for the Word of God. We hosted such a seafarer from South Africa recently. When we had all taken our seats he immediately said, “Come on, tell me about God’s word.” Moments like that are humbling to me as I witness what zeal and hunger these men have for feasting at the Lord’s table.

In the past two weeks I have received a lot of encouragement from different seafarers from around the world. A Russian seafarer wrote, “Many have visited the ship, but no one brought God’s word to us before. Thank you so much!” An Indian brother said, “Thank you so much for coming and the message from God’s word.” Another from the Philippines said, “Through God’s word you gave us hope in this darkness.”

To stay better informed about the ministry here in Germany you can log on to our website. You can also find current prayer requests, news and photos at www.scfs-bremerhaven.de.

Ministries Update (June 2006)

The rains came early and heavy this year in Ethiopia and with the rain the work in the countryside slows dramatically. Some of the villages where we minister are practically unreachable because of the mud and danger in travel. Yet the work goes on.
Reports from Ethiopia have been encouraging. There has been a heavy emphasis on the Oromo region which has witnessed a time of growth through church planting. At last count thirty boxes of Bibles had been delivered to the ten churches in the Oromo region, and teachers are being assigned to the region for the purpose of discipleship. The church has grown so rapidly that we are in great need of qualified teachers to help the fledgling churches develop a sound foundation. Negash reported that the congregations in Alemgena and Senkele have acquired land and begun to build meeting halls, sanitary facilities and housing for ministers (this is currently being done with mostly local resources and donors).
Operation Rescue in Mekele, Ethiopia continues to minister to over 200 orphans at their new campus that includes an eight-room school building. The construction of other buildings that will house a clinic, offices, a cafeteria and hygiene facilities is currently underway. The goal for the new campus is to increase the number of children ministered to by 100.
The Mathenias have returned to the States from Ethiopia for a time of physical healing and plan to return to Ethiopia by January 2007. The Lanes have returned to the States for the duration of the rainy season for the purpose of raising additional support. They plan to return to Ethiopia in September.
The Breitenmosers report that the ministry in Bremerhaven, Germany has been well-established and fruit is beginning to be seen. Not only has Ecki had the opportunity to witness on the ships, but he has also had groups of sailors in his home for worship, fellowship and Bible study. They are currently searching for a home that can facilitate the growing needs of their family and ministry.
Praise God for good news from distant lands!

2005 in Review

Our organizational goal for 2005 was to “speak the Gospel fervently by the grace of God.” God graciously allowed us to share His love in word and in deeds.

The number of missionaries supported in Ethiopia grew to more than 30. New churches have been started in the Oromo region of Ethiopia. Multiple families with special needs children have been assisted. Two American families moved to Ethiopia to minister through assisting with theological training, construction and children’s ministry. Volunteers help in the ministry and were themselves discipled. Two Union students served as interns in Ethiopia. “Mama” Mae Mitchamore completed her service in Ethiopia ministering to Women and Children. Operation Rescue completed a building that will house classes for over 200 orphans and former street children that they minister to. The evangelistic ministry in Germany was officially established. The office was expanded in Jackson and volunteers have helped to fill staffing needs. Our second semi-annual banquet was held in Jackson with guest speakers Negash from Ethiopia and Marciano from Brazil. Ethiopia Evangelists supported through IOI began regular support of two additional Ethiopian evangelists.
It has indeed been a blessing to watch the work expand and witness the faithfulness of God in His provision and love.

Once again, for this new year we make it our ambition to glorify God in all that we do and ask for His grace to share His love in deed, word and truth. Our goal remains the glory of God and our mission is to make disciples.