Another great day in Ethiopia!
After breakfast, we traveled to meet up with another village and a Talking Bibles listening group. Before all of us embarked in our vehicle, the general consensus was that the drive would be 1.5 hours. Nope. It took us much longer than that.
Ethiopia is in its rainy season. Practically every dirt road (of which there are many) is filled with potholes, deep grooves, and tricky terrain. Despite that, our driver has been a huge blessing. He’s done a great job navigating through the towns and villages, keeping us safe and as efficient as possible. But I’ve accumulated many more gray hairs than I had before, lol.
We were finally able to make it to our destination. And, wow, God is doing INCREDIBLE things there. We met with a church that had begun from the use of a Talking Bible. MANY are coming to know Jesus as a result. This is a huge deal because the area this church is in is practically 100% muslim. Yet, these men, women, and children have responded to the Gospel that saves, even amidst heavy persecution and spiritual warfare.
We were with this beautiful church family for most of the morning. I had the privilege of preaching to them, using the passage from John 17, where Jesus is earnestly praying, knowing that the cross was drawing near. First, Jesus prays for Himself, then He prays for his disciples. And lastly, He prays for all those who would one day believe.
John 17:24
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
I was able to share the Word of God and present an opportunity for others to be saved. Our pastor friend, who’s been traveling with us these past couple of days, prayed with me for people to respond to the Gospel.
6 people were saved, accepting God’s free gift of salvation!!
This means that in just two days, 11 people have responded to receive Jesus. Of course, MANY more throughout this region are being saved through the power of God’s Word, aided by their Talking Bibles.
If this doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what else would!
On our way back from the village, we stopped at another location nestled in the fields of Ethiopia and met with another listening group. We were able to encourage and pray over the patriarch of this family, encouraging him to share his Talking Bible with other families and communities that surround him.
Oh, and I also got to try this gentlemen’s livestock whip. No success, but I’m pretty sure I looked just like Indiana Jones (that is, if Indiana Jones hit himself in the face each time he tried it).
Please continue in your prayers. This morning we’ll be travelling to a nearby prison. The prison houses 3,000 inmates, but we’re not sure yet how many we will be able to interact with. Nonetheless, I will be preaching once again and sharing the salvation message. Pray for a huge response. Pray that the response is so big that our friends in Minnesota can hear the loud rejoicing coming from the heavenly realm.
God’s doing INCREDIBLE things here. We can’t wait to see what’s next!