The cost of following Christ - Thursday update

On our last ministry day, our small team had the opportunity to encourage an incredible woman of faith. This woman a few years ago was married to a Muslim man when she heard the good news of Jesus and accepted Christ as her savior.  She was pregnant with their 10th child at the time but her Muslim husband still divorced her putting her in hardship.  As one of the only Christians in her whole village, she is suffering immensely for her faith while and caring for her many children. The hope and joy in the Lord she had shined brightly on her face as we shared scripture with her and encouraged her as best as we could. What a beautiful testament of faith. Needless to say, her strength challenged and inspired us more than anything we could say to her.  Story by Cory 

 

Psalm 40 says that the works of the Lord are so numerous that they’re impossible to count. Today (and this week more generally) was a reminder of this. Our team went to a village which has recently been marked by tension between the Christians and Muslims who live there. As we walked through town, on one side of the road was a group of Muslims and the other side was predominantly Christians.  We had the opportunity to talk with one of the Muslim men and tell him that Jesus loved him and died for his sins. As the conversation went on, a crowd started to form and became angry and yelling started to increase. This was a little intimidating at first, but the Christians in the village showed up and (loudly) encouraged us to keep sharing. Praise God for these Christians because, at the end of the conversation, the Muslim man put his faith in Jesus Christ, and we can’t help but think of the celebration in Heaven that resulted.  Story by Rowe

 

The North American team is feeling great physically.  Today we had our closing ceremony where we had a chance to celebrate all that God did this week.  There were lots of pictures taken & lots of tears as we had to say goodbye to our translators & disciple-makers.  It’s hard to believe you can get so close to someone in only 4 days.  Tomorrow (Friday) we take the long drive back to Addis Ababa (7 hours) & have a nice dinner.  Saturday will be our free day & also a chance to process all God did this week & also do our re-entry training as we prepare for the trip home. Please continue to pray for:

·      God would reveal what changes he wants us to make in our lives 

·      New believers will stand fast in the face of persecution 

·      Continued good health for the North Americans

·      Safety as we travel the Ethiopia roads dodging goats & donkeys 

·      Continued unity with our Ethiopian partners

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