Mission to Ethiopia

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings in the name of Christ.

Dr. James Wilson from Northern Ireland and I just returned from Ethiopia after having an encouraging and challenging visit with our brothers and sister there. Dr Wilson was there to observe the work “on the ground” as well as to see about the logistics of bringing teams from the UK to Ethiopia to work alongside our ministers. I was sent to meet with the missionaries and see how they are doing personally and with the ministry. I was also to chronicle our time there with photos and video footage.

Dr. Wilson and I thought we would do more observing than hands-on ministry, but the Lord had other plans. We went to watch the ministers, but ended up laying hands on them and praying for their needs. We went to hear of the work, but ended up speaking words that were given from the Lord for the building up of the saints. In short, we went with good plans, but the Lord had good works which He had foreordained that we should walk in them. I am glad that God had better plans for our days in Ethiopia because even though we accomplished many things we thought we needed to do, we also were able to be vessels used by our Lord for honorable uses that we could have never foreseen. As I think of all that we were able to see and do, I am reminded of the psalmist saying “bless the Lord, oh my soul, let all that is within me bless his holy name.”

There were many things that I heard while meeting with the missionaries which were of great encouragement, and I look forward to sharing them with their supporters in updates which will come soon. There were two things which I heard over and over as I sat and talked with each minister. These two were encouraging but also an exhortation or a challenge to continue boldly with the task the Lord has given and so I would like to share them with you.

First of all, there was a desire by the ministers to remind us that the ministry of IOI goes much deeper than financial support. The missionaries there have been meeting weekly for prayer and sharing of burdens, along with giving and receiving counsel. One minister said that the money seems insignificant compared to the fact that he has gained brothers and sisters to minister alongside of him. He no longer ministers alone, struggles alone, or carries the good news alone. He is part of a body; he has those who know the burden and uplift him as he walks.

Second, I heard the missionaries saying that they wanted to see the ministry expand and for many others to receive the love and support in the ministry that they receive. More ministers having the blessing of others bearing with them their financial burdens as well as the fellowship and accountability of being a part of the IOI group is a great desire.

Hearing these things encouraged me that we should continue on with what has been given to us. This is a good work and the church is being built up, so we should desire to see more benefit as the missionaries do. So the question is how? I believe by striving for what has already been our burden to see Sanctuary Village built, and Lord willing, 300 ministers will be raised up alongside of those already in place. A place where fellowship and the bearing of one another’s burdens is part of life. We long to see what the ministers long to see. As we embark on this ambitious project, we believe that it can be done if God will give us 100 partners who give $200 per month to raise up these 300 over the next seven years. Please pray with us to this end that the Lord who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will give us what we need to do what He has called us to do. He has done this in the past and we believe He will continue to do so in the future. You all are an encouragement to us. May the blessings of our Lord be with you. The missionaries send their greetings in Jesus name.

Peace of Christ to you all.

By the grace of Christ,

Stephen A. Kennedy
Mission Coordinator

Mayor's Reception - Coleraine, Northern Ireland

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Barbour, hosted a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour for Aghadowey man, Doctor James Wilson, who is departing on Tuesday for Ethiopia. Doctor Wilson has been commissioned by Indigenous Outreach International, a Tennessee based missionary society to conduct an independent review of an ambitious project called Sanctuary Village.

‘Sanctuary Village is indeed an innovative project’, Doctor Wilson explained, ‘ It aims to create a missionary campus very much in tune with local village customs and culture, where students will not just be taught Reformed theology, but a wide range of agrarian and practical skills that will enhance the lives and survival of their fellow villagers at this time of drought and famine. One of my tasks will be to assess the potential for local agencies such as Exodus to provide teams to assist the project. More information can be gleaned at www.ioiusa.org

Mayor David Barbour wished Doctor Wilson journeying mercies ‘ It is a challenging task that James has been called to. We would indeed pray that his analytical skills are combined with a Holy Boldness, and that many young Christians from the Borough of Coleraine would follow in this mission to bring the Christian gospel and Christ inspired acts of kindness to the people of Ethiopia at this time of need.’