Rachel and I are both going back to Ethiopia!!!

The backstory.
I am not a missionary. That’s what I keep telling myself. I’m just trying to be obedient. But here we are again, going back to Ethiopia. This will be my third time to go to Ethiopia in fourteen months. When I went the first time, I returned with no thought whatsoever of returning soon, and possibly not again. Quickly God moved to put on my heart to go a second time. And it took some convincing. I’ve told a number of people how it took 3 days for me to be convinced that God truly was calling me back to Ethiopia.
I confess that after that trip, I was very open to going back again, but I didn’t want to go just because I “enjoyed” going. And it was with great excitement I felt God calling me in recent weeks to go on this next trip in April. And very recently God spoke to Rachel as well to go. So we are happy to let you all know that we are preparing ourselves for this next trip.
Why am I going? The answer is two-fold. What is the reason I’m going? That is because I believe God has called me to go. What is the purpose for which I’m going? That is also easy. I find that it seems that more happens for God’s kingdom in 10 days there, than in a year here at home. I am certain that some of the reason for this lack at home is mine. So, I go hoping to store up eternal treasures.
How can you help?
• Prayer – as often as you think of us.
• Financially – as always, we need support to be able to go.
• Others – feel free to ask me any questions you might want to know or find out (if I don’t know, I can plan to get an answer when in Ethiopia)

February 2015 Trip
• Blog – https://e3iopia2015.wordpress.com
• My Powerpoint trip report – email me
• Other stuff – https://www.purecharity.com/davidh2ethiopia

September 2015 Trip
• Blog – https://et15q.wordpress.com
• My Powerpoint trip report – email me
• Other stuff – https://www.purecharity.com/davidandrachel

-Dave

Below is the standard info for the trip.

Amhara is home to the beautiful Semien Mountains, the thundering Blue Nile Falls, and Lake Tana with its teeming aquatic life. The birds that fly over these national treasures also see a vast region of significant poverty in the midst of the 18 million people who live there. The beauty of the surroundings contrasts dramatically with the spiritual darkness that envelopes all but a tiny fraction the population.

A Price to Pay

As poverty gives way to desperation, many rural families in Amhara have been known to send their teenage children into neighboring countries and large cities as domestic servants. The people offering to take their children often promise income to the families in return.

In reality, these children are often trafficked as sex slaves. With identification papers in hand, the traffickers are able to make their victims disappear from the public eye, never to be seen again.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church gripped this region in a strangle hold for centuries, resulting in 83% claiming affiliation, followed by 17% Muslim. The .2% who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior are often subject to persecution from police and government officials.

What We’re Doing

On this expedition, we will address the community’s poverty while sharing the Gospel with those we meet. Using the PricelessCube, we will reveal the truth about what is happening to the children they send away. Meanwhile, we will offer Rhode Island Red Hens to each household we visit. Their superior egg-laying capacity offers sustainability to these families and acts as a deterrent to human trafficking.

Working hand-in-hand with our local partners, we will have the opportunity to share the Gospel each day and leave behind new small groups and churches. In just ten days, you can save a child’s life, share the story of Jesus with dozens of people, and leave behind a Gospel movement that outlives your time on this Earth.

Take a look at our Sept 2015 trip. Love to have you in this picture.

Are you ready for the adventure to begin?