Tuesday, April 16
Ethiopia, continued
Three thousand gather at a tent meeting in Metu for the commissioning of pastors.
Photo by: Doug Sensabaugh
Even if we have only one birr, we will send someone,” said the Rev. Yonas Yigezu, director, Department of Mission and Theology, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), a partner of the PC(USA).
When Rev. Yonas said this, the Ethiopian birr was equal to about 17 cents. But he was referring not to funding but to the church’s commitment to mission. The EECMY’s focus moved from being a mission-receiving to a mission-sending church. A new entity was formed, the International Mission Society, to carry out this mandate. Its formation awakened a passion for sharing the gospel in response to the Great Commission.
This is no small commitment in a nation where deep poverty challenges development at all levels. But their struggles with poverty have directed the church to focus on ministries that show concern for not just the spiritual but also the physical and social issues affecting their people.
At the time of printing, the International Mission Society of the EECMY had six missionaries working in partnership in three countries, with other missionary candidates preparing for service.
They do that with what God has given them. With no concern for cost, the EECMY has resolved to go, to send, and to answer the call, asking only of themselves, “What, Lord, do we have to give?” They have heard the command of Jesus: “You give them something to eat.”
—Elder Doug Sensabaugh, member, Ethiopian Mission Network
Let us join in prayer for:
Partners/Ministries
Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY): Rev. Dr. Wakeseyoum Idossa, president, Rev. Dereje Jemberu, vice president, Rev. Dr. Brehanu Ofgaa, general secretary, Mr. Girma Borsha, director of finance/administration • Bethel Synod Coordination Office: Rev. Teferi Berkessa, coordinator, Mr. Petros Tsanu, project coordinator • East Gambella Bethel Synod: Mr. Kiru Omod, executive secretary and acting president • Illubabor Bethel Synod: Rev. Tariku Tadessa, president • Southwest Bethel Synod: Rev. Johannes Sherab, president • West Gambella Bethel Synod: Rev. Ding Gach Gor, president • Western Wollega Bethel Synod: Rev. Chali Yoseph, president • Berhane Yesus Elementary School: Mr. Amanuel Tesfaye, director • Bethel Evangelical Secondary School: Mr. Gemechu Zekarias, director • Bethel Mekane Yesus School: Samuel Taddesse, director • Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology: Dr. Desta Heliso, president
Presbytery Partnerships: Presbytery of Shenandoah, Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley, and Washington Presbytery, with the EECMY
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Kevin Garvey, BOP
Karen Gasaway, PMA
Let us pray
O God, we pray for eyes to see the gifts you have given us, we pray for hearts to hear your call, and we pray for courage to go where you send us. Bless the work of the EECMY International Mission Society as they go out to share the gospel wherever you lead them. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 98; 146
First Reading Daniel 4:28-37
Second Reading 1 John 4:7-21
Gospel Reading Luke 4:31-37
Evening Psalms 66; 116
