I wanted to tell you a bit of what’s going on, that I’ve decided to go on a missions trip to Ethiopia in February 2015. I’ll tell you how this came about, what we expect that we’ll do there, and how you can help.
Going on a mission trip has been on my heart, off and on, for many years – probably twenty or more. At various times I’ve heard and felt God speaking to me, off and on, about going to this place or that place. It never seemed to be the right time, for any number of reasons. Like Moses, I had plenty of excuses. (I guess I’m happy that I didn’t see a burning bush in the process.) My excuses ranged from not a good time, to, “I don’t feel called right now”, to not having sufficient vacation time or having too many commitments at work.
Finally this June, during a missions debrief dinner meeting, I clearly heard the Lord speaking, and I knew I was going on a mission trip soon. I just didn’t know when. It wasn’t too much longer that it became clear to me that Ethiopia was the trip. The time was just right, and I have run out of excuses. In fact, I’m no longer searching for them. Instead, I’m reminded Luke 12:48: … From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
So what will we do there? The plans aren’t fully set, but the basics are in place. First, my church has partnered with E3 Ministries on a number of trips. Our church has participated in multiple events to Ethiopia (see the 2014 trip video). The trip is scheduled for Feb 10-21, 2015. Some details are located here. My mission trip web page is here. We plan to go to Debre Birhan area.
Once there, we will have three primary purposes. Two of these are humanitarian in nature. We will provide chickens for each household. You can read more about the Rhode Island Red hens here. The chickens provide a continuing source of income for the families, many of them deeply impoverished. This ties in directly with another purpose, providing information about, and a deterrent to, human (sex) trafficking. We’ll use the Priceless Cube. Families offer their children as servants, with the hope and expectation that those who take them will send back income for the servitude. The reality is often far different, and much, much worse. Traffickers sell the children; the children are never heard from again. The Scripture on my heart here is 1 John 3:17: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? And, James 2:16: If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Our third purpose is spiritual, which we will do home-to-home evangelism. We’ll travel door to door, in groups of four. There will be two Westerners, one interpreter, and one local Christian leader. Our intent is to evangelize, and be sure that new converts have a church family that can help with follow-up and continued growth.
And finally, I reach the part how you can help. One obvious way is financially. I am in process of raising about $3800 for the cost to go. That includes travel, the cost for the chickens, as well as necessities while in-country. The easiest way to contribute is here. If you strongly prefer to contribute by check, you can do so by contacting me directly.
Prayer is another critical support I need. Closer to the time of the trip, I suspect I’ll be able to provide a fairly detailed itinerary, with specific items to pray for. Currently, all I know to ask for is prayer for spiritual sensitivity, obedience, and wisdom. I suppose prayer for safety is always a good thing.
I appreciate your interest in supporting this mission trip. If you’re interested to keep in contact with the trip itself, send me a note and/or follow the pure charity Ethiopia page.
130M
Debre Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia
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