Hello everyone.  I wanted to share an important mission trip opportunity that I will be a part of next year.  In March 2015 I will be joining e3 Partners on a short term mission trip to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.  e3 Partners is a Christian organization that helps to equip God's people, to evangelize His world, and establish His Church.  

Most of the 3e trips go something like this....(this is the quick version) you go into a village...go house to house...share the gospel...people are converted....churches are established, and then they have people that will follow up with the new churches and train up new leaders.  

It is amazing to see what God has done through this ministry...over 30 years, and serving in 40 countries around the world, with hundreds of trips each year.  They have seen over 2 million new believers!  Those are crazy numbers. 

If you know me, then you know flying in an airplane can be a traumatic event for me, much less flying across the world! I also have a very weak stomach and I get altitude sickness! (Quick Fact: Dallas has an elevation of 450 ft. and Bahir Dar has an elevation of 5,900 ft.) So, when you hear that some are made to go and some are made to support, then it is an easy guess which camp I fall into. I had no plans to face all my fears at one time. 

Well, apparently God has other plans.... 

In the areas around Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, less than .01% are believers in Christ, and they have never heard the gospel.  The main religion is Ethiopian Orthodox where basically they are full of religion...but not a gracious, by-faith salvation.  Much like the Pharisees of the New Testament.  There is also open opposition to the Word, so the trip might be difficult.  What God has shown me, though, over the last few weeks is that His people are already there.  He died for them and already purchased their lives through His blood.  He does not need me to go, but He lets me participate.  All the while building my affections for Him.  It does not matter if I feel inadequate and insecure about sharing the Gospel because it's not in my comfort zone.  He will work through my group and I know that the divine appointments have already been set. 

Also, because of the tragically poor living conditions of the people, living on less than $400 a year, human trafficking is a huge problem.  This breaks my heart.  I can't imagine the desperation that one must feel to give up their child, or to go with someone because they believe in the promise of a better life and money.  These traffickers pose as successful business men, or religious leaders.  The victims then find themselves in a life of hard labor, forced prostitution, and physical abuse.  

These are the main goals of the trip.  Visiting the remote villages near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia sharing the gospel, establishing churches, as well as teaching about the dangers of human trafficking.  This trip is very different then what I have been used to, but I am so excited about the desire that He has placed in my heart. 

This is where you come in.  Would you please pray for this trip?  Please pray for the hearts of the people that we will be ministering to that they will be receptive to the Word.  That we will meet with the right people to help establish churches.  Pray that if we meet any opposition, that it would be peaceful opposition.  Pray for travel.  I don't know all of the details yet, but it is like 5 different plane flights and 20 hours in the air to get to where we are going.  Pray for me as I get ready for this trip and to prepare my heart.  There will be a lot of preparation and training involved. I am confident that our Lord will equip me to fulfill the great commission.  

Would you also please consider giving financially to this mission trip?  I will be in Ethiopia for 10 days and will need to raise $3900 for this trip.  That cost takes care of my travel, accommodations, meals, translators, and everything else involved in an expedition like this.  50% of the funds need to be in by 12/1/2014, and all remaining funds need to be in by 2/1/2015.  

Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support.  I will be providing more information as it becomes available to me over the next several months.  

In Christ, 

Bobby Stump