September - October Update

“My faith is like shifting sand, changed by every wave. My faith is like shifting sand, so I stand on grace.” These words are from a favorite song of ours and I have thought about them so many times since we have moved to Ethiopia. Often times, through our failures, fears and selfishness we find our faith changed literally every day. Some days everything seems good then something happens and we forget that God’s grace has always been there. I was thinking a lot about that the other night as Jackson woke up in the middle of the night. Sleepily he stood by our bed and woke us up to look at his “boo boos” (aka mosquito bites). As I sat there putting boo boo cream on his bites I was reminded how weak we are. In a moment’s time life could change, for the good or the bad. It made me think about the question: If our faith is dependent on something that will crumble under pressure, then is it truly faith? God has taught us so much since we have been here, and He continually provides even when we find ourselves doubting. He is faithful even when often times we lack faith, something we are so grateful for and daily humbled by.

As we have mentioned in previous updates, Amanda and I have been working on obtaining our work permit and residency in order to stay long term in the country. I am very happy to announce that as of two weeks ago, we have been able to obtain both our work permits and residencies! We’re praising God!

Things here are going very well with the church plant as God continues to build His church. This is really one of the busiest times of the year and we are in full-swing mode. The last Friday of September we had our first ever “Friday Family Fun Night”, which was a wonderful success as many came to enjoy some time together. We have been blessed to see our neighbor Hanna saved recently, and we are excited about her desire to grow. This coming month we will be hosting The Shepherds Conference, which will be a time of training for national pastors. Also in October we will be starting a ladies’ Bible Study. Amanda Dyson and Amanda Shadle will be leading the study and are enthusiastic as many ladies are planning on being a part of it. We are excited about the future and are eager to see stateside churches send teams over to take part in the excitement.

Since our last update we have been able to launch our updated blog, which you can now follow. Each week we post new updates on the ministry here as well as pictures and videos. Sign up on the blog and receive updates through your email. Visit www.beyondthefruitstands.blogspot.com to stay connected!

“…I’ve made it a commitment to consistently put myself in situations that scare me and require God to come through. When I survey my life, I realize that those times have been the most meaningful and satisfying of my life. They were the times when I truly experienced life and God.” – Francis Chan

With this in mind, Amanda and I have made the prayerful decision to step into the world of international adoption. We have started the process here in Ethiopia and are anxiously waiting to see what God will do. To put it bluntly, God will have to come through, but we are confident that he has prepared a child for our family and he will provide the needed finances for this to become a reality. Please pray for our family as we start this new adventure. Check out our blog for updates and ways you can become involved with this exciting opportunity!

A time to celebrate...

This is Eric, myself and our friend Mewaei after church last week. Mewaei just finished nursing school and defended his thesis which Eric and I had the opportunity to be there for. Mewaei has been very faithful at church and has really been a big blessing to us. We are very excited for his graduation and what the Lord has in store.

መልካም አዲስ ዓመት!

Happy New Year 2004, Ethiopia!

Today is New Year's Day here in Ethiopia and the year is 2004...sounds strange, we know.

Ethiopia has its own ancient calendar - called the Ge'ez calendar. The Ethiopian Calendar has more in common with the Coptic Egyptian Calendar. The Ethiopic and Coptic calendars have 13 months, 12 of 30 days each and an intercalary month at the end of the year of 5 or 6 days depending whether the year is a leap year or not. The Ethiopian calendar is much more similar to the Egyptian Coptic calendar having a year of 13 months, 365 days and 366 days in a leap year (every fourth year) and it is heavily influenced by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which follows its ancient calendar rules and beliefs. The year starts on 11 September in the Gregorian Calendar or on the 12th in (Gregorian) Leap Years - like this year.

We had a great day celebrating the new year with friends and even dressed Jackson in Ethiopian traditional clothing for today...

This is the road going to the church building. As you can see, the first truck full of sand could not make it. the second truck was supposed to pull it out, but also got stuck. Chances are that tomorrow morning when we go to church they will still be there.

Rain, Rain on My Face...

We are hopefully heading toward the end of rainy season which will be a nice relief. Pretty much for the last month and a half it has been cold and rainy daily. We are grateful for the rain but can't wait to see consistent beautiful sunny days that will soon be here...

This week we will be starting a new language school which we are excited about. It is nice having the Shadles back as well, we have been able to get some things planned for the upcoming months at Bethel. This last Sunday was a fantastic service with 50 people. We are already to the process of staring another kids class, which is exciting...

Right now it is Monday morning and cold and rainy with no power. The whole power outage issues here are something that can be frustrating but something you just have to get used to. We are thankful though for a generator!

Back Home!!

We are ever so thankful that the Shadle family has returned! They were in the States for furlough and I, for one, am beyond excited to have them back home in Addis!! Their kids start school this Tuesday so please pray that they will recoup from jet lag and all that goes along with it.

Amanda

Beyond the fruit stands?

Addis Ababa is a city filled with many countless fruit-stands. The variety of colorful fruits and vegetables makes each stand something quite beautiful and unique, a perfect example of the country of Ethiopia. As missionaries, sometimes we feel that we only show people the "fruit-stands" of our ministry. I guess with this blog, we will try to take you beyond that to show you what life is really like in Ethiopia. Everyday is a new adventure, one we feel very unqualified to go on. Someday's you wake up with the excitement that you are actually living in this amazing country, and other days you go to bed wishing you could buy a plane ticket and go "home". Life in a new culture has its frustrations and your faults and struggles are maximized because you have nothing to hide behind anymore. Thankfully, God is faithful each day and looks beyond our failures to use us for His greater purpose. Our hope and prayer is that through this blog you see Ethiopia, and God in a whole new way...

Craig

hApPy AnNiVeRsArY!

One year ago today we landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ready for the journey that God had been preparing us for for over 10 years! We are humbled to be instruments in our Redeemer's hands and are excited to see what the next year holds...

August 2011 Update

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.

May 2011 Update

On May 29^th, Bethel Baptist Church of Ayat will be having her first service and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Of course, this is happening because by God’s grace many of you have prayed and given toward this church plant, specifically by helping raise the rent on a small villa here in our area. Thankfully we have been able to pay two years up front for the house and were able to purchase some chairs, nursery and children’s items and also some Amharic Bibles. There is still a long list of things to do and more expenses that need to be taken care of, so we would appreciate your prayers regarding this. It can be a daunting task with any church plant, but even more so here in Ethiopia. Thank you so much for your willingness to help out and be a part of this! We can’t even begin to show our appreciation for your generosity and support of our ministry here. And for those who are considering helping us financially, we very much appreciate your willingness and consideration. We simply couldn’t be here without the support of so many churches and individuals who God has used.

In regards to long-term plans, in order for Amanda and me to stay in Ethiopia we ultimately must get a work permit and residency. This can be a time consuming experience that is filled with specific details and endless paper work. Amanda and I have sent off for the official documents needed in the United States and are praying that we can receive a work permit in the near future. Please join us in prayer for this situation, as it is the only way we can stay long term in Ethiopia.

It is hard to believe, but the tentative date of our first furlough will be in the Spring-Summer of 2012. Our desire is to visit and share our vision with churches that are supporting our ministry here as well as join with new churches that seek to see the gospel brought to Ethiopia. If you would like us to be with you during this time, please email me and we will work out a date!

As mentioned earlier, May 29^th at 10 a.m. (3 a.m. E.S.T) we will be having our first service at Bethel Baptist Church of Ayat. It will be a time of celebration as well as an opportunity to present the gospel and the desire that Team Ethiopia has for this church plant in Ayat. Please pray for those we have invited and for the Shadles and ourselves to live out the grace and love of Jesus Christ. We are very excited for what God is doing, and for what He is going to do in the future!

February 2011 Update

J. Hudson Taylor once said: “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.” This thought is something that continues to be in our minds as we look toward the future here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From the first day we arrived in Ethiopia, we, along with Eric & Amanda Shadle, have desired to establish a church in the area we live in, called Ayat. Although Ayat is a growing community just east of the heart of Addis Ababa, little work is being done here to reach people with the gospel.

Ayat I would say is a melting pot of sorts. It is made up of families with various religious, social and personal backgrounds. These families are hardworking, educated, and are proud of what they have accomplished. From various different places, people from France to Canada, America to Ethiopia call Ayat home. Giving the potential and growth here, it is a great location to establish a Gospel-focused church.

For the last few months our team has been meeting together for Bible Study and to strategize the best way to accomplish this church plant. After much prayer, God has presented an opportunity to do just that by renting a small house in our area. After meeting with the homeowner, seeking council and spending time in prayer, we collectively feel that this is an opportunity that the Lord had given us.

Our next plan of action is to raise the money needed for a two-year rental contract, which is required to be paid in full upfront. Originally the rental was a little over $600 per month, but the homeowner was willing to go down to around $480 per month.

The total amount of rent for two years that needs to be raised is roughly $11,500. When you break it down to a per monthly basis, that is $480. Our prayer is that various families, individuals or churches will have a desire to help us toward this goal by supporting a month or more of rent. As of the date of this letter, nine months has been promised, which is a constant reminder of God’s provision through the faithfulness of His people. We are so grateful for those who have given and those who are considering investing in this wonderful opportunity.

Our dreams and visions are big as we look to the future here in Ayat, and we appreciate your support of our ministry through financial giving and most importantly through your prayers. We are confident that God will show His power and grace, despite our limits and liabilities. It is our prayer that God does something amazing here in this community, for many years to come, even long after we are gone. Whatever happens here will have everything to do with God and by His grace nothing to do with us. After all, would we want it any other way?

Happy Mother's Day

We hope all you wonderful gals had a "berry" blessed Mother's Day!!

Keeping the Lights On...

Amanda and I were recently able to purchase a generator in Ethiopia for use once we arrive on the field this summer . Because of the frequent and lengthy power outages, it is very important to have a generator and recently the prices have dropped drastically. Our missionary friends in Ethiopia felt that the prices would not stay at this low rate for too long so we went ahead and purchased one. Blake Fortner, whose family recently arrived in Ethiopia, just purchased one and he went ahead and picked up ours as well. The total cost of this purchase was $2500, which is several thousand less than we thought it would be. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
We went ahead and wired the money over because we felt we could not miss this opportunity. We do have money set aside for our move although not specifically for the generator. If you or your Church would be willing to help us toward this purchase we would be most grateful! You can send any donations into the BBFI missions office, PO Box 191, Springfield MO 65801

Special thanks to Blake Fortner and Eric Shadle for their help in taking care of the generator for us as we are in still in the states.

And here it is...isn't it a beauty?!

March & April 2010

Due to the finalization process of Jackson’s adoption we have had to wait a little longer before our departure for the field. On December 30^th we were able to be in Illinois as the adoption was finalized! It was such a sweet and wonderful moment for Amanda and I as we sat before the judge and made our son “officially” our son! Jackson sat quietly by, with the occasional sm

ile and chuckle, not realizing the significance of the day. While everything is now legally official we are still waiting to receive his birth certificate so that we can in turn apply for his passport and visa. We have included a few pictures of Jackson with the judge, Jackson wearing his “big boy” hat and his first time to see snow at Poppa and Pammaw’s farm. There are absolutely no words to describe the joy of that day!

As we have mentioned in previous letters the initial move to Ethiopia is extremely expensive. We have known this all along and have diligently set aside funds for the move but even in the last several months as the prices have gone up, our moving expenses are doing the same. Many of you have graciously given which has been a huge blessing! However, we still have much that needs to be raised.

As we finish this letter we are so grateful for all that God has done for our family this last year. This last Christmas was so special as we celebrated it with Jackson. Even as I write this letter I can’t help but think how God did such amazing things to orchestrate Jackson being with us. He now has two teeth and he just started crawling in the last week. We are soaking up all the moments with him as we praise God for His graciousness. We hope that everyone had a wonderful winter as we look forward to spring and the newness soon upon us. Fire up the grill and take an allergy pill because we have a busy road ahead!

2009, Our Year in Review

In a way we were looking forward to 2009 after a difficult 2008, but in the same sense we knew we were coming up on one year since Ava went home, and we knew it would be a difficult time. One of our supporting churches in Illinois knew how hard the past Christmas had been so the pastor’s wife, Kimberly Shirley, along with the ladies of the church sent a nice gift box to my wife. Inside among other things were some personal cards that the ladies had written to Amanda. One of those cards caught Amanda’s eye and after I had read through them I knew right away which one it was. A single woman, relatively new to the church, was pregnant and felt that the best thing she could do for her baby was to put the child up for adoption. Amanda and I discussed it and prayed about it. Certainly we thought how exciting it would be to adopt this baby, but we also knew that heartache could easily happen. It was a scary thought, not knowing how it would turn out. It would have been easy to ignore the card, but what if we miss an opportunity that God had given us? We didn’t want to look back in ten years and wonder what would have happened if we had stepped out by faith. So we decided that January day that we would see what God would do with this, and for us 2009 would never be the same.

The next few months were filled with busyness as we emailed back and forth with the mother, prepared paper work, and started to learn more about the adoption process. Right in the middle of all this, Amanda and I flew up to Illinois to nervously meet the birth mom for the first time. Everything went very well, and she said without hesitation that she wanted Amanda and me to adopt her baby. We were humbled by this, but knew that God had orchestrated the whole event and it was only by His hand that this could happen.

As June started we were both very excited and extremely nervous. As the second week of June came around we packed up the truck and headed to Illinois. The nursery was finished and we were anxious to see a little baby boy sleeping in there! Finally, on June 22, Jackson Zane Dyson was born. As we sat there in the hospital the whole thing was sort of surreal. Within six months of reading a card we were in a hospital watching our son come into the world. Only God could make this happen. Only God could use a difficult 2008 to bring a beautiful baby boy into our family. Since Jackson’s birth we have been enjoying all the new things that we get to experience with a new baby. Not a day goes by that we don’t look at him and realize how blessed we are and how much we love him. His birth was truly a miracle, in more ways than one.

On the deputation front, we had the great opportunity to present our ministry in Ethiopia to several churches with many taking us on for financial support. Unfortunately, because of economic times we have seen some unable to continue support for the time being. Of course, this is all in God’s hands, as we know His timing is best. We look forward to 2010 with great anticipation as we walk in faith and trust that God will guide and direct. On December 30 we will be in Illinois to finalize Jackson’s adoption, and after that we continue with the process for our departure to Ethiopia in the early part of the new year. Please pray for us, as much needs to be completed in the coming months.

We hope that as you look back on 2009 you can do so with joy in your hearts knowing you lived it to the fullest in your passion for Jesus Christ. We hope you experienced His unwavering grace, always knowing He is faithful both through the pain and joys of life. As we celebrate a wonderful time of year, be grateful for what He has done. Take the time to thank Him for the abundant blessings He has brought in your life, and most importantly for the birth of Jesus so many years ago. We pray and hope that you have a joyous Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful 2010 striving to be like our Lord.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Blessed New Year!

Craig, Amanda & Jackson Dyson

September & October 2009

Looking Back…

Those of you, who have had your share of hot summer days, can breathe a sigh of relief as September is here and soon the cool autumn days will take flight. It is hard to believe that summer has gone by so fast, yet here we are just three months away from Christmas. This summer has been a memorable one for Amanda and me. On June 22, Jackson Zane Dyson was born and on July 31, we celebrated ten years of marriage. The Lord has been faithful to our family over these ten wonderful years and we are truly blessed. Jackson is almost twelve weeks old and is growing so fast! Most of that growth has been in length, as his once long sleeve pj’s are becoming short sleeve! He is smiling a whole lot as well, which is so awesome to experience. Even if Jackson decides to wake up at 4 a.m. to tell us something he usually gives a great big grin. We are enjoying every second of this wonderful gift that the Lord has brought into our lives.

First Trip to Texas

During the third weekend of August I had the opportunity to present our ministry to a church in Texas that we had previously been scheduled to visit but unable to attend. Amanda and Jackson stayed at home as I went for the short weekend, which believe it or not, was our very first church in Texas! This month we will be presenting here in North Carolina before heading down to Florida in October

Shadles’ Arrive

As many of you know our teammates Eric & Amanda Shadle arrived safely in Ethiopia during the end of July. We have talked with them several times and they are doing well as they adjust to a new culture. The kids are in school, and they have been able to move into their house as well. Eric has mentioned that the prices continue to rise there, which can be an area of concern. Amanda and I have diligently been saving for our move, however we still need a great deal more when you add up all the numerous expenses. We have appreciated those that have given toward our moving expenses, and also appreciate all those who are considering giving in the future.

Enjoy the Season!

Amanda and I hope you have a wonderful fall as I am sure most are very busy during this time of year. Hopefully though you will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty and wonder that God has created. Enjoy the crispness that is in the air and find that family recipe for chili that you have wanted to make since March. Enjoy what God has graciously given you, soak it in, and as you do I hope and pray that you daily strive to live for Him.

Shadles in Addis!

We'd like to thank everyone on behalf of the Shadle's for your prayers! They have arrived safely in Ethiopia and are beginning the process of settling in. We have been able to talk to them on the phone a few times and were so encouraged to hear their voices! Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they are making an exciting but difficult transition. Please pray specifically for their kids, Kayla and Aaron, as they adjust to life in Ethiopia. We'll keep you posted...

We'd like you to meet our bundle of joy...

Introducing...

On June 15, Amanda and I left our home in Raleigh, NC and headed toward the Midwest knowing that when we returned our lives would never be the same again. At one time I imagined writing those words only in reference to us leaving for Ethiopia, and not the life-changing event that has quickly come before us. Our Ethiopia departure will be here soon enough, but for now I am trying to find time to catch my breath. What has specifically taken place in the last six months could only be orchestrated by God and for that I am in complete awe! The way this chapter of our lives is being written is not how I would have imagined it. Considering my lack of faith at times, I would have written it differently because often we think we know how our lives will unfold only to see God change the story line. Six months ago we were praying for God to show us a glimpse of His plan and now we are sitting here looking at a beautiful baby boy whom we would have never known if God hadn’t taken our precious Ava home. On June 22, 7 pound 12 ounce Jackson Zane Dyson was delivered by c-section, and by God’s grace we have the awesome opportunity to adopt him into our family. I pray every day that we will be parents who point Jackson to the Savior and help him see that God has a unique plan for his life. Six months ago I would have never dreamed of this experience and now I spend my days thinking about countless things in regards to Jackson and the faithfulness of God.

Some of those things I think about are temporal while others are of more eternal significance. Often I think about how our lives are going to be different as we drive home in a few weeks with a little guy in the back seat and how I long for that moment and will soak up every second I can. I think about Amanda being the wonderful mother that I know she will be and how excited I am to see her hold him close to her and rock him gently back and forth. I think about what it will be like for Jackson to grow up knowing that his birth mother loved him enough to find a family that would be able to raise him and provide for him. I also think about Jackson growing up in Ethiopia and the amazing opportunities he will have to learn about the world and just how big it is. There are so many things I have pondered in the last several weeks, most of which I never would have thought would be a part of this chapter in our lives. If you asked me a couple of years ago, this wouldn’t have been how I would have written this portion of our story. Thankfully though, I am not the one writing it, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Focusing On Him

It can be very overwhelming if one focuses on a future of questions and unknowns. True, if your chief desire is to love and please Christ, then you ultimately know that everything works together for good. However…it can be easy to look at what is ahead and forget that there is One who is in control! Plus, I am pretty sure that if we all were able to look ahead at the next ten years or so and could see the mountains and valleys the Lord will take us over and through it would cause us to breath a little heavier. Why? Well, I suppose since we are fallen men we tend to often forget that the God who created this entire, amazing universe can also handle our lives. That is much easier said than done - but it's all a process of growth. If I would have known ten years ago what roads He was going to take us on to mold Amanda and I, I would have been scared out of my “young” twenty-one year old mind. Thankfully, His faithfulness makes up for my lack of faith as He has taught us countless times to trust Him for what lies ahead.

On That Note…
After spending most of last year pleading with the Lord to show us a glimpse of what He is doing in our lives, Amanda received a gift box from one of our supporting churches in early January. Included in this box was a card from a young lady who was pregnant and felt that the best thing for her child was to find a Christian family to adopt her baby. After exchanging emails with her for several weeks, we went in March to meet her for the first time. Although we were more nervous than we have ever been, it was a wonderful trip and God gave us a sweet time together as we embark on this new relationship. We were very grateful to meet her and are humbled that she desires for us to adopt her baby. We are so excited to see what is in store! The baby is due this summer and I would ask that you would please pray for God’s perfect plan in this. Once again, He amazes us! Although we miss Ava greatly, there is no doubt that we would not have this opportunity before us if He had not taken her home.

The Future
As we mentioned in our last update, we are very close to our 100% support level, which is very exciting. As of right now we are planning on leaving in January 2010 as we have to stay a few extra months because of the adoption process. The extra time will help us finish our full support as well as raise funds for the many expenses it will take to move and settle in once we arrive in Ethiopia. If you would like more information on how you can give toward projects, please let us know. We are anxious to arrive on the field, but know that it is all in God’s timing, which is much greater than our timing! We hope that you have a wonderful spring as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, and as always may we strive to be more like Him every day.