After so many years of planning and preparation to become missionaries, we were thrilled on May 29th to be a part of the first service at Bethel Baptist Church here in Ayat. Our first service went extremely well as we had many visitors and had the opportunity to share our vision for the church and for the community. Eric and I spoke on the church’s purpose statement: “Loving God…Loving People” and afterwards we celebrated the day with a meal for those who attended. It is exciting to see God open doors here as we seek to glorify Him through this opportunity. It was also wonderful to see so many children attend the service as well. Because of so many gracious people who have given to this church plant, we are able to have both a room designated for a children’s class as well as a room for a nursery. Most churches here in Ethiopia don’t have this, so we are very excited that we can offer it.
As we have mentioned in previous updates, Amanda and I are working on obtaining our work permit and residency in order to stay long term in the country. Our paper work is here and is in the hands of the government right now. Please pray for this crucial step and that it will be completed soon. During the last week of May missionary Richard Konnerup and his daughter Jacque Burkholder were able to visit the country. Bro. Konnerup was a missionary here for many years until the government, at the time, forced him and his family to leave. It was a delight to visit with them and see the country through their eyes, especially since Jacque has not been back since she was in high school. Even now, the impact of the Konnerup’s ministry is still evident here in Ethiopia and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to glean from their knowledge of the country and the people. Toward the end of June, Kevin and Alicia May, dear friends from North Carolina, were able to visit. We had a wonderful time showing them the area as well as celebrating Jackson’s second birthday with them. We were also able to go with them to visit two children they sponsor through Compassion International, which was an amazing opportunity to see the Gospel in action!
So many of you faithfully give to our ministry financially and we are so humbled by that. We know that we could not be here if it was not for God working through you. Some churches in the last several months have had to cut back because of financial strains and we have appreciated you being honest with us about that and still supporting us when you are able. We know that finances are tight for many churches now and many people have felt the strains of recent economic problems. We as well have felt that here in Ethiopia. In the last few months we have seen a few churches have to drop us because of finances and in the meantime prices here have dramatically went up. Just over the last six months, the price of groceries has increased 40% and gas is hovering around $5 a gallon. Our support has taken a serious hit and we would ask that you would pray for us and for wisdom and confidence that God will continue to provide. Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to be here through your giving and your prayers. It is something we do not take for granted.
Next month we will mark one year since we have arrived. God has taught us so much more than we could ever have dreamed of. We are grateful for each day He gives us to glorify Him here in Ethiopia. Thank you for your continued prayers. God is doing so many wonderful things around the world and we are excited we can experience it firsthand.
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