Today has been our only day off. After a short scenic two hour drive, we have spent the day recovering from the torrid pace of the last six days. I used this afternoon to dig into the Word for our next Spiritual Warfare message and to reflect upon all the people in my life who make me look better than I really am.
If there is anything good about my life, it is because I have won the lottery more than once when it comes to healthy community. I am blessed with an unconditionally loving family, an incredible church family, a loyal and trustworthy staff and numerous friends, three men in particular who I know have my back 24/7. And then there is the team I have the privilege of serving with here in Ethiopia.
They are doing an incredible job for the Lord. You can be proud of how you are being represented in this land that is hungry to grow in Christ. Each of them are giving God their very best and the Holy Spirit is using their gifts to change lives. I am amazed at their high level commitment to God and the purpose he has placed before us.
Read on and enjoy some of their mission trip reflections.
“Ethiopian Women love chocolate! I know I have said this before…. God’s people are the same from Texas to Ethiopia. The Women’s Conference was an amazing Holy Spirit movement. We discussed topics such as discovering our Unique God personality, finding the God passion that burns in your very soul, and the importance of women and children programs in the local church. When we left Awassa, I grieved for the personal connections that were formed in just 3 days, but I am looking forward to loving the next group of women we will be training next week in Addis . Women were empowered to be who God made them to be and it was AWESOME!!” Claudia
‘To witness such a movement of God in the women in our conference was so humbling. I am so blessed to have been part of this conference.” Leigh Ann
“’Praise the Lord, O my soul,
I will praise the Lord all of my life
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live’
Psalm 146
I have not stopped praising God since we arrived in Ethiopia. The spirit has been moving in such powerful and unexpected ways. The women’s conference last week in Awassa was more than I can put into words. It was amazing to see to how the spirit was moving in the hearts of the women who attended. Listening to their personal stories of faith and boldness was moving and encouraging to all. It’s hard to really understand the sacrifices some of them have made to follow Jesus….I thank God for the freedoms that we have in our country.
God continues to move in powerful ways in Gunchire. Everyone is town is very excited about their new library. The teachers and students are especially happy….they now will have a better chance to pass their exams and attend the University. We hope construction will begin in mid February and will most likely be completed in July. Hamid, the mayor of Gunchire says thank you to everyone at St. Matthew for your continued support and also presented us with an award for Outstanding Achievement. This has never been presented to anyone from outside of their community. Looking forward to being home and sharing more stories about how God is moving in this beautiful place.”
Mimi
