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