Ethiopia Christian Ministries (ECM)
900 Ogden Avenue #368
Downers Grove, IL 60515
www.ecministries.org
January 13, 2006
"I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the
deeds for which He is to be praised"(Isaiah 63:7a)
It is a wonderful thing when our hearts are prompted
to "tell of the kindness of the Lord". He does do marvelous
things that are indeed worthy of praise!
I have spent several weeks ministering and meeting
together with key leaders who are doing great ministry throughout Ethiopia. Let me highlight
the details of several recent happenings; and I think you will agree
that these are truly examples of "kindness expressed in such an
impressive way; deeds for which He is to be praised"!
Establishing my ministry agency, Ethiopia Christian Ministry, has given me new hope and renewed
my energy and enthusiasm. It is such a good feeling. I have taken
my vision for Ethiopia to my ministry
leaders by asking, “What can we do for our people to change their lives
and bring them into a relationship with Jesus Christ?” From this question,
to the ministry leaders, we agreed to divide the ministry into three
strategic areas:
Church planting ministry
Women's ministry
Children's ministry
Each ministry team is fully engaged in the strategic
development process. What a thrill to listen to the members of the
church planting team talk about opening two more churches before the
end of 2006, using the divine contacts and connections that are already
being established for us. We have a keen awareness of God's favor
-"kindness expressed in such an impressive way; deeds for which
He is to be praised"!
I have been teaching on “allowing God to do new things
in our lives" for the last few weeks. After each teaching, I
had the privilege of praying for people and hearing how God is moving
into their lives - "kindness expressed in such an impressive way;
deeds for which He is to be praised"!
Over the years, I have heard stories about what God
is doing in Gonder, a city in Northern Ethiopia.
Five years ago, in a step of faith, I told the small congregation in Gonder we
will build a church, although none of us knew from where the money
would come. The foundation for the church was laid; even women worked
so hard to break stone and do any kind of work to complete the foundation.
Today, all the money needed to build the church came from American
friends and we will be opening the new church in a few weeks. This
57-member church grew each Sunday, and today they need 250 chairs to
accommodate the people. What joy it is to see this church having a
beautiful building and a great impact on the city. - "kindness
expressed in such an impressive way; deeds for which He is to be praised"!
In Debra Ziet, I met with our team who enthusiastically
shared the report of all that God is doing in the central church. The
church just began 25 months ago and, now they have for Sunday worship
over 500 people and for midweek services over 1000. Last year there
were three baptisms and this year there will be four, because the number
of people who are being saved is large. There is no doubt that this
community of faith is being blessed - "kindness expressed in such
an impressive way; deeds for
which He is to be praised"!
At the end of February 2006, we will open the second
Ethiopian Women's Center for 50 elderly women at Bhir Dar. I have
worked so many years in this city and last year I felt compelled to
open the Center to help homeless women who are no longer young enough
to work. A supporting church in San Diego, California, provided $10,000 to start the Center - "kindness
expressed in such an impressive way deeds for which He is to be
praised"!
We are blessed by God, and through His power the
ministry is going very well. Please pray for us; it is needed in
every way.
Your Servant in Christ,
Benyamen Yusuf
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