October 2012

At the end of his rope...

“I’ve got some problems,” he told me. Family, work and personal problems gave the face of Ayele a certain desperation about him. While he told me about his situation, he slowly unzipped part of his jacket to allow me to catch a glimpse of the rope he had placed around his neck. Not wanting anyone else to see, he zipped his jacket back up. As he spoke, details about the situation became hard to follow as he seemed to jester to the rope with his eyes. My mind wondered as I found myself thinking about the situation. “Was this guy serious?”, I thought. “Is he really considering hanging himself?” Either way, it didn’t matter. The yellow rope around his neck made it clear that Ayele was struggling. He was seeking something and he wanted others to know it.

I invited him to stay for the service. That day I spoke on the life of Joseph highlighting the fact that through the difficulties of life God works all things for His good. After the service, several people had already began talking to Ayele. As they talked with him, it wasn’t long before I saw him unzip his jacket and take off the rope that had been around his neck. The next week Ayela came back with his family. Please pray for Ayele and his family as we continue to offer them hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ and His Word!

Either way, God will provide!
When guests come to Ethiopia, one thing that often surprises them is how expensive vehicles are to purchase. One of the reasons for such high prices is the tax that is required by the government on top of the purchase price of the vehicle. A SUV that might cost around $35,000 can be over $80,000 after tax! Even older vehicles here in Ethiopia can be extremely expensive. It is not uncommon to be able to afford the vehicle, yet unable to pay for the tax. After moving to Ethiopia, God did allow us to purchase a used vehicle for around $23,000.

Over the last year, our family has considered the possibility of purchasing another vehicle. Primarily, this vehicle would give Amanda the ability to take the children to school, get around town, and do ministry work.  After talking with our sending pastor and having his approval, we are going to begin the process of raising these funds. The total amount to be raised is $25,000. Even as I look at the amount on paper, it can be intimidating. However, there are several reminders that set my heart at ease.

First, I’ve personally seen God do things, big and small, that remind me that ultimately, He can do as He pleases. Nothing is out of His reach or ability. He truly does have unlimited resources. No, it’s not the prosperity Gospel that we often see here in Ethiopia where we simply “name it, and claim it”. That would grossly misrepresent who God is and turn Him into our personal genie. It would make the Gospel about what I can get from God, instead of how I can love Him and the people around me. But I believe we can rest in the fact that all things are under His control. These are facts not because my experience tells me so, but because God’s Word proclaims them.

Second, I believe Scripture tells us that even when God answers in a way that might be different than what we expect or want, He provides the grace possible to respond Godly. In this situation, I believe that if God chooses to not allow us to purchase a second vehicle at this time, He will help us have patience, strength, and wisdom to make best use of what He has entrusted us with. Simply put, He will use the situation to grow us. What an amazing God. Either way, God will provide!

               

August 2012

Bethel Bible Baptist Church looks ahead...

It is rainy season right now in Ethiopia. That means that each day sees the same pattern of rain and sun over and over for the next few weeks. Mud is everywhere and streets that were once passable by car become a slip and slide. Last week, one of our church members had her car stuck at the end of the street. It was only a few minutes till a large crowd of people had gathered and had formulated a plan to free the car. It never ceases to amaze me what is able to be done even with a lack of resources. Somehow, they always figure out something!
With the weather slowing down everything, we scheduled this time to plan the next year of activities for our church. In July, our family and the Dysons were able to go out of town to accomplish this task. However, this was a time of not just planning out the church calendar. It was a time to look ahead and consider what God wants to do with the church He has planted. We know that having long term goals in mind for the church and ministry here in Ethiopia is essential. In a country where Islam is strong, the government is corrupt, and the money is constantly being devalued, we know planning is important. We invited one of our church members to join us for this important discussion.
So, in the near future, we will be sharing with our supporters the vision God has put on our hearts for the future of our church. We are excited about the amazing opportunities that lay ahead for Bethel. Please pray with us over the next few months as we desire to make an impact for Jesus Christ in Ethiopia.

Three ways to get involved!
Are you looking for a way to help spread the Gospel on a foreign field? If so, Bethel Bible Baptist Church in Ethiopia can use your help.
First, we are organizing a medical trip that will be coming to Ethiopia on May 31^st through June 10^th of next year. We are looking for doctors, nurses, dentists, and individuals with diagnostic skills, etc. The purpose of this trip is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a country where medical facilities and doctors are extremely lacking. This will be a unique way to minister to the people of Ethiopia and build relationships so that the Gospel can be presented.Second, our church will be holding a Vacation Bible School on July 2^nd - 14^th of next year. We are opening this time up for individuals that would like to come and help minister to the children of Ethiopia. If you have a desire to work with children and would like to participate, please let us know. 
Finally, we are beginning to make preparations for “Operation Christmas Child”. This is a special time for our church where we focus on meeting some of the needs of children in our surrounding areas. Last year, our church packed and delivered bags for children in a hospital and a local orphanage. The kids received notebooks, socks, pencils, blankets, soap, towels, and plates. These bags are a great way for your church to reach out to people who have almost nothing and at the same time open a door for us to share the Gospel. Youth groups or a whole church can get involved by sending a one time donation designated for “Operation Christmas Child”. Make a difference this Christmas and open up a door for the Gospel!

June 2012

One year later

One year later. It’s exciting to think about. A year from the beginning. Only 365 days since Bethel Bible Baptist Church opened its doors for the first time. What can happen in a year? A year can go by so quickly that we often wonder where the time went. Upon reflection, we often find ourselves trying to recall details of what was accomplished. However, the last year is nothing close to a vague reflection. It is a collection of vivid memories as we watched God do what only He could do. The last year was not ordinary but extraordinary.
Feven’s story is one of those extraordinary stories. Feven is around 10 years old and lives a few houses away from the church. After receiving a flyer advertising the church, she came. Not only did Feven come to church, she came alone. Getting herself ready every Sunday, she would come early and wait for services to start. Over the last year, we can only think of a few times Feven hasn’t been there. She is one of the most faithful 10 year old girls we have ever seen. Our family would often find ourselves talking about her, praying that God would do a work in her heart. Several weeks ago, Amanda had been teaching the children on the life of Christ. Making it a point to share the Gospel, she invited any of those wanting to know more about Christ to talk to her after class. Feven waited till after class and approached Amanda. As Feven talked with Amanda, she saw her personal need for a Savior. One year since Feven first came to Bethel, she accepted Christ.
Feven’s story is just one of many that describe the last year. Bethel has seen seven baptized and five families have joined the church. The ladies of the church have gone through two Bible studies. We have covered our core doctrinal beliefs as well as focused on the books of James and Colossians. Numerous activities and outreach events have brought many guests to our church. In the area around Ayat, where the church is located, four signs have gone up advertising the church and contact information.
What can God accomplish in a year? What can He do in such a short amount of time? One year later we have learned, anything He wants!
Children’s Schooling
We want to thank those individuals and churches that prayerfully gave to the financial need for Aaron and Kayla’s school tuition. The gifts have made an incredible difference for the next school year. It was humbling to see the response to this personal need for our children. Adding to the response was a new individual supporter who graciously committed to giving as well. Watching God work in this situation was nothing less than amazing! As always, all honor and praise belong to Him.
Upcoming 2013 Medical Trip
We are now beginning to organize a medical trip that will be coming to Ethiopia in May or June of 2013.  This trip could include anyone that has medical training or diagnostic skills, doctors, nurses, etc. The purpose of this trip is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a country where medical facilities and doctors are extremely lacking. Please contact us if you are interested in participating in this opportunity.

April 2012

Responding to God’s Word

Over the last few months, I have been preaching through the book of Colossians. It has had great application for our church here in Ethiopia. The Orthodox church emphasizes the importance of a priest, saint worship, and is full of rituals and works. Showing the people from the Bible that Christ is God and is able to save a person based on His work has been a major part of our teaching. Please continue to pray as we go verse by verse through this book with the people of Bethel. We know it is His word alone that can save those who are still in darkness.

On March 4th, we baptized two more individuals at our church! The first was an Ethiopian man that had received Christ and was being discipled by our missionaries before our family arrived. He followed in baptism as some of his orthodox family watched. We pray that God used Dawit’s act of obedience as a witness to his family who are not believers. Praise the Lord for our fourth family to join the membership of Bethel. I also baptized that day Kayla. She had received Christ and had been asking about following in believer’s baptism. It was my joy that day to baptize my daughter and a gracious gift of God to see it. God is doing a work here in Ethiopia and we ask for your continued prayers as people respond to His Word.

Children’s Schooling

When we arrived to Ethiopia in 2009, we had not yet been exposed to the fact of how needy this country is in the area of education. Schools in Ethiopia struggle with high numbers and often inadequate facilities. We had prayed from the beginning that God would provide a school for Kayla and Aaron. Remarkably, He allowed us to arrive at the right time so that they could be enrolled in Bingham Academy. Bingham is a missionary school that has been around since the 50’s and is known for a Christian education. Today, many are not able to get into this school as it is at maximum capacity. Amanda and I believe that this school is the best option right now for our family. Not only have our kids enjoyed a good education, but they have experienced Godly influences and had the blessing of making many friends.

With schools being few here in Ethiopia, the price of Bingham has also continued to rise. When we first enrolled the children in Bingham we had a “sister mission” status. That meant we received a 25% discount on our school bill. We were notified last year that this status would be phased out fully in the near future. Adding to this, the school is requiring a special fee for next year alone.
After discussing this issue with our sending Pastor, we asked his permission to share this need with our prayer partners and churches. We are asking you first of all to pray that God would give us wisdom and patience for this situation. This is an important issue to our family that also effects our ministry. We are also asking you to pray about financially considering a one time gift to this need. This gift would be used for the 2012/13 school year for Kayla and Aaron and can be marked “Shadle’s School”. Your specific prayers are appreciated as we trust the Lord in all of these matters.

February 2012

Bethel celebrations...

Hanah and her children have been attending our church from the day it opened. She came to know Christ as her personal Savior last year. Since that time, it has been a joy to watch her grow in her faith and to be faithful at the church. We talked to Hanah about baptism and what it pictured in her life. On January 1st, our church had a special day of celebration as Hanah was baptized. This was the first baptism for our church and it was a day of excitement as we rejoiced in what God had done. Adding to the praise of the day was another event. Seble also has been attending our church from the beginning. She has been an amazing encouragement as our church has taken its first steps. One day after church, Seble sat in our office expressing the fact she wanted to join our church. She gave an amazing testimony of what God had been doing in her life and the growth she had experienced in certain areas. Seble went through our membership interview process along with Hanah. It was great to welcome them both officially into the church as our first members!

Just over the last few weeks God has been working as we had several meetings with people desiring membership and baptism. Please continue to pray that God will add to His church and people will continue to respond to the preaching and teaching of His word.

Personal celebrations...

This week the government once again approved the paperwork that allows us to live in Ethiopia. The finalizing of these documents means our family can live in Ethiopia for another year! God truly does have all things in His hands and is able to make the path smooth. It is amazing to know that no obstacle, situation, or government is outside of His control.

Lastly, our family had the blessing of enjoying my mom and dad for Christmas this year. This is the third time they have come to Ethiopia. I think they like it! It is always a blessing to have family and friends come to visit. In April of this year, we are looking forward to having our Pastor, Richard Edwards, come to visit along with others. What a blessing to have the encouragement of so many people face to face.

December 2011

Adding to the Church ...
We reported last month that our church had been given funds to put up new signs in our community. These signs would help advertise our presence in the area and also give direction to our location. Recently, several of these signs went up in the area. We are so thankful for the Lord providing the funds for this project from a family that has been attending the church. The signs have already made an impact and we are looking forward to the people that will hear of the church through this advertising.

We recently finished a series of messages at the church called “The Path Series”. These messages focused on the Biblical beliefs of our church. One of the messages was on the topic of “the local church”. As we taught on the church, we also emphasized the importance of church membership.

We have been praying for those who are believers to see the importance of being part of a local church. Last month, we had several individuals that desired to go through our membership class. This was a great time for us to hear testimonies and emphasize the doctrine of the church. This group of individuals will be the first members of our new church plant. God is adding to His church and we are thankful. On January 1st, we have a baptism service scheduled. This will also be a time of rejoicing and celebration for our people.

Merry Christmas ...
We would like to wish all of our family, friends, and churches back home a Merry Christmas. The birth of Christ truly is something worth celebrating. Our family appreciates your faithfulness in prayer and financial support. We are looking forward to telling the good news here in Ethiopia in the coming year.

Happy Thanksgiving from Team Ethiopia