June 1, 2011

ETHIOPIA

because

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

Revelation 5:12

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,                                                                                          

Nodja, is my helpmate and soul mate; she is my mission mate.  It was a blessing to celebrate Nodja's birthday on May 3rd.  What a joy is mine to serve the Lord with the most beautiful and sweetest person in the world - my dear wife.  Through the years she has truly been the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31.  For our wedding ceremony in 1990 we asked my brother, Brian, to sing a song entitled, "The Mission."  In this song there's this powerful statement, "Across the street or around the world the mission's still the same - proclaim and live the truth in Jesus' name."  THE MISSION was our heart's cry when we began our life together --- and it remains our heart's cry today!

We're all beggars. 

Although Ethiopia has made some recent strides economically, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world.  Almost half of the population bears the burden of living below the poverty line.  The agricultural sector suffers because of poor cultivation techniques and frequent drought.  Access to water supply and sanitation is among the lowest in the world.  Ethiopia has an estimated 5 million orphans and homeless children.  When we lived there it was not unusual to encounter dozens of beggars in any given day - how it broke our hearts.  But you know, when you get right down to the truth of the matter, even those of us who know the Lord Jesus as our Savior are nothing more than beggars who have been saved by God's amazing grace.  Now, we who are rich in Christ need to simply be one beggar sharing with another beggar where to find The Eternal Bread of Life.  We deeply appreciate your faithful partnership which helps enable us to bring Jesus Christ to the starving souls of Ethiopia.  Oh, what a jubilant celebration in Heaven one day to gather with the redeemed from every nation for the Marriage Supper of The Lamb!

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

Please Pray:

• For the annual BIO Missionary Training School - end of June
• For  our daughter, Elizabeth, as she graduates from HS & tries to earn money for Bible College this fall
• We need more supporting churches - even now as we finish deputation.

   

  

To see our video: http://lonnieblount.pointto.us

                 

Sent By: Lighthouse Baptist Church - Pastor Brian Blount

                 1950 N Jebavy Dr; Ludington, MI 49431

                 231-843-8532; www.lighthousebaptistludington.com

  

Serving With: Baptist International Outreach

                 PO Box 587; Jefferson City, TN 37760

                 865-262-0900; www.biomissions.org

  

Contact: 313-399-4661; 313-399-4126

                 lhblount@gmail.com

May 6, 2011

ETHIOPIA

because

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

Revelation 5:12

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

As the second most populated country in Africa, Ethiopia is home to 85 million people, most of whom are shrouded in the darkness of two primary false religions. Ethiopian Orthodox makes up about 50% of the population. This religion is a blend of ancient mysticism, strict Jewish ritualistic practices and pagan animistic beliefs. The Orthodox privately promote spirit worship of all sorts, including demons. Islam originally came to Ethiopia in the seventh century. In the last thirty years it has grown to more than 40% of the population. Voice Of The Martyrs reports that Muslims have started massive campaigns to Islamize Ethiopia by penetrating Christian areas with bribes and mosque building programs. Today Ethiopia is a primary battleground between the Orthodox and the Muslims. Ethiopians desperately need the light of the glorious Gospel of the precious Lamb of God. Our hearts are gripped by the somber words of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 

Praise God for these recent churches who have financially joined the team of reaching Ethiopia for Christ.

• Faith Baptist Church - Cadillac, MI
• Fellowship Baptist Church - Luther, MI
• Fenton Road Baptist Church - Flint, MI
• Henry Baptist Church - McDonough, GA
• Trussville Southside Baptist Church - Trussville, AL

“We’ll keep the home fires burning.” In the home we’re renting we’ve been blessed with a fine Christian couple who are both our neighbors and landlords. Because our family is on the road so much these kind folks have graciously offered to watch over things, including keeping our wood furnace burning during the cold months. As they’ve put it, “We’ll keep the home fires burning.”  Their helping hand exemplifies the sweet spirit of so many who have been an encouragement to us. Like the church who had a special prayer time and laying on of hands after the morning service. Or the Pastor who paid for my motel one night, even though I wasn’t scheduled to be at his Church. Many more stories could be told about such loving people. We’re deeply grateful for these and a host of others who are a vital part of this eternal mission of glorifying God. Thank you.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly

March 31, 2011

ETHIOPIA

because

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

Dear Pastor and Praying Friends,

69 Christian churches burned by rampaging Muslims in Ethiopia.

Persecution is not unusual in Ethiopia, which is classified by The Voice of the Martyrs magazine as a "hostile country." Christians who are not Orthodox have experienced persecution from the Orthodox Church, from Muslims, and from people who practice witchcraft. Baptist Press reported in March that Muslims had killed at least two Christians and wounded several others in anti-Christian violence in western Ethiopia. The Muslims also burned down 69 church buildings, 30 Christian homes, a Bible school, a Christian orphanage and a church office. The attacks started after Muslims accused Christians of desecrating the Quran. Violence continues to affect residents of the area. During the initial days of the attacks 3,000 Christians were displaced - those numbers now have climbed to 10,000. Please pray for our dear Ethiopian brothers and sisters in Christ. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body" - Heb. 13:3.

Without the power of God we are powerless!  We truly believe that prayer is a primary channel of God's power. We thank God for the team of dedicated prayer warriors who have joined us for the cause of Christ. We were recently encouraged to hear about one of our dear friends who is faithfully praying for us. For most of my life I've had the joy of knowing Mrs. Noe, the widow of Dr. Herbert Noe. I was privileged to graduate from Galilean Baptist School, a ministry of the church where Dr. Noe pastored for so many years. Though Mrs. Noe now has to limit her activities, she has committed herself to the mighty ministry of prayer. The value of such prayer warriors will only be measured by eternity. Just this past week God's power prevailed through the salvation decision of a man that responded during the invitation at a church where I was preaching. We're ever grateful for all your prayers and financial support.

Because He Is Worthy,

Lonnie, Nodja, Elizabeth, Josiah, Judson & Holly