Monday's Outreach- Kimberly

God is so good. He is so faithful. Today we met a faithful pastor and his wife along with their son. They lead the small congregation in the rural Denkaka area outside of Debre zeit. They have been here for five years and the harvest has been hard.

As we packed our van Ethiopian style (picture a 10 passenger van with 18 of us), we traveled out on the highway to a small dirt road. As we drove through the rutted tiny roads with a little mud we found ourselves stuck! Not only stuck in mud but with two cactus walls on both sides of us that crowded the van - making it hard to even open the door! Finally with some efficient snipping off of cactus leaves we got out and walked the rest of the way. Yes we left the van and headed on.

We split into four teams and started to walk the fields talking with those who were willing. We shared the love of Christ and also invited them to come to the area church for a showing of the Jesus Film in their native tongue. We had about 20 people come to see the film and 3 people accepted Christ as their savior! Throughout the time of sharing we also saw 8 people come to know the Lord. So thankful for a faithful pastor and wife and small congregation to come alongside and disciple them. Praise the Lord!

One of the highlights was giving to the church a donation of a solar powered projector, speakers and a microphone to use at outreach churches. It has been fully loaded with the Jesus Film in two languages they speak commonly along with a children’s version of the film. They will be able to use this without needing electricity and bring it to the far rural areas! Pastor Kebede was so thankful and expressed how grateful they were as it will come into great use.

Each team member was given the opportunity to share and speak into the lives of others. Evangelism through a translator is a unique experience. And where we are weak, God is strong. He spoke through us and the translator for His glory and for His purposes.

As our team reflected on the time, one shared their highlight of doing ministry together with their spouse and their delight and joy in watching their spouse loving and praying over those they come in contact with. So thankful for God’s great work in bringing these people to Christ and thankful for His work in us – individually and as married couples.

Late afternoon we were able to share a meal with the project director, Wondimu along with Abenezer, a young man who has grown up in the Compassion Program and is now in the Leadership Development Program (LDP). He has 8 months until he graduates with his civil engineering degree. It was such a great time fellowshipping with them and having a more intimate one-on-one time of talking with them.

Our evening included a business training for married couples in the church who own their own businesses. It was a very special intimate gathering where we were able to encourage the business owner’s. We got a taste of Africa when mid-way through the meeting the lights went out. A few of us used our phones to light up the room a little, but that was seriously dark! Thankfully, there was a generator that kicked on and we were able to finish the meeting. We covered topics of integrity, financial and spiritual foundations of business, and developing a business plan. 

Pictures to come... internet and power are spotty in Africa! :)