He makes everything beautiful in it's time... Happy Easter!
What’s been happening on the Horn?!
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:18-20
Eden’s water baptism!
Ahh! This is what it’s all about: lives being transformed by the power of the Gospel! I still cry when I look at the photos of this day. But I didn’t cry when it happened – Eden and I were too busy laughing! This young woman has such a beautiful heart and I just see her grow and glow more each day. She is bringing 2 of her friends – both recently saved in the house church – with her to our Saturday program for girls. This will forever remain one of the best days of my time here in Ethiopia! Read more about Eden’s courageous baptism here.
Newborn Baby!
On Monday morning April 11, after a long labor through the night, Pastor Mohammed’s beautiful wife Sinabwa gave birth to her second son: Zabilon Mohammed (English translation: Zebulun, see Genesis 30:20). He is just beautiful!
Mom is always joyful and doing great; they have waited a long time for this little one and God is faithful! A baby really is a miracle and I am just fascinated by this little guy – and the family culture that surrounds him. He is a picture of new beginnings and hope and joy – God is bringing all of these things to the Church of Joy!
Kids’ Church!
Tshay continues to do an incredible job leading the kids program on Saturdays. She is confident and loving with the children and God is giving her great ideas to teach with drama and interactive games. I am so proud of her! I am her backup now and I love being able to support and watch her as she spreads her wings in the calling God’s given her!
Two weeks ago, Tshay and I were able to establish a group of kid leaders from our group of “regulars.” They are helping with leading worship songs, cleaning up, praying in front of the group, as well as other things! Last week each leader carried out his/her task eagerly without being asked – amazing kids! The roles we’ve established will rotate every month so that more children can be challenged and engaged with a responsibility. God is helping us in everything!
Prayer Points
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too […] so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…” – Colossians 4:2-3
New Church Compound
We are still looking for a new location for Harar Church of Joy. We have a few options now, so please pray for wisdom for Pastors Ashagre and Mohammed as they make decisions about a building. Pray for favor with the landlords and that God will provide everything needed to relocate!
Girls bein' girls - painting our nails at House Church :)
Girls’ House Church
Continue to pray for these incredible disciples! We have about 5 steady attendees, and they continue to grow in the knowledge of God. It’s so exciting to be a part of what the Holy Spirit is doing! This month, Tshay and I will be teaching them about the Holy Spirit and Evangelism – pray that the Spirit baptizes them in fire and that they continue to share the Gospel with their friends and families. They are changing this city!
Our most recent Bible School graduates with Pastor Ashagre!
Leader School
Starting Saturday, April 16, Church of Joy is beginning an intensive leadership training course for our former Bible School graduates. This course will last for three Saturday mornings, teaching the graduates how to lead, take responsibilities in the church and will seek to appoint leaders over various areas in the church. This is really great news! As the local people are given responsibility and ownership of the work in preaching the Gospel, more and more people will come to Christ! Pray for the Leader Team to be guided by the Holy Spirit and filled with boldness and vision.
From this training, it is our goal also to appoint a team to work with Tshay as she oversees the children’s ministry! Pray for God to give a Father’s/Mother’s heart to these men and women and that they will hear they cry of the children of Harar!
Transition for Me
It’s so hard to believe that I am coming to the end of this adventure in Ethiopia. I have stood in amazement of God from beginning to the present, and I know that He will carry me through this as well. My heart, as you all know, is deeply rooted here, yet I know there are more adventures around the corner. Please, please keep me in prayer through this difficult process of pulling up anchor and transitioning to America. This update comes to you through much prayer and tears, and I am so thankful for your unfathomable love and encouragement to me in these past months! I long to see you, yet my heart is still breaking – this is truly what they mean by bittersweet. Your prayers will be what carry me.
I will leave Ethiopia on May 6 and arrive in the States on May 7.
I love every one of you and look forward to all the coffee and catching-up that will happen this summer! I am sending lots of hugs in the meantime!
Thank you for praying!!!
Sarah ~ as I read this beautful update, tears streaming down my face, I wanted so much to be there for u in person, not only in spirit! You have shown such love for these people that I already feel as if I know them. I share that love for them so deeply because of u. I know how much they have all loved and cared for u in return and I will be forever grateful to the Lord for placing u in their care, as u also cared for them. So please give them many hugs from your “Mom”. Someday I WILL REJOICE WITH THEM!!!