Our team made it safely to Ethiopia last Saturday and the LIA team welcomed us with open arms. Right away, we noticed the city is a bit more developed and ‘Western’ than what we previously saw in Kenya. So, we eased into a new culture starting to learn common words and customs.
This past week we had a couple visionary and learning sessions at the LIA offices. It was interesting to see how the wholistic ministry model was put into action in a different city. Our team learned about the Credit and Savings Bank that LIA started to economically empower the community. We visited church where the bank has been very beneficial to its members as they start their own small business or save for their children’s education. We also got to visit and observe at Zoe’s Clinic which was established by LIA 7 years ago. The staff was amazing here and it was a highlight to see how LIA treats the physical and emotional needs of the community. Lastly we stopped by several sanitation sites that LIA created around the community which included clean bathrooms and showers. Among all of the stops we made, the underlying theme was to go in and encourage the community as they continue to do the Lord’s work.
Following a few days in Addis Ababa, our team traveled to Debre Zeit, just an hour outside the city. We got to enjoy the beautiful natural lakes and scenery as we took a brief break to catch our breath. Along the way we stopped by to meet and encourage a church who has a implemented the Credit and Savings Bank LIA established. Our team recently transitioned to Adama, where we got to experience church service in Amharic. This afternoon we are going to learn a little bit more about the city before we get to work tomorrow with a busy schedule!
Continued prayers for our health and safe travels in the coming weeks. Also, for our team, that we remain unified in Christ and the purpose He has called us to. I know these last two weeks are going to fly by so be praying that each of us can learn from each community we are in and to be present in empowering one another. In our team devotion we are going through 1 Peter which is making for really good spiritual conversations. One verse that particularly stood out to me was 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” God has chosen us to be holy and obedient to His truth. Throughout this past week, the Lord has been reminding me of this and preparing me to serve in His ministry.
Again, I want to tell you how grateful I am that you have allowed me to embark on this journey. I’m humbled by how much support you have given me and honored that you believe in me. Thank you!
Also enjoy some pictures from this week!
This past week we had a couple visionary and learning sessions at the LIA offices. It was interesting to see how the wholistic ministry model was put into action in a different city. Our team learned about the Credit and Savings Bank that LIA started to economically empower the community. We visited church where the bank has been very beneficial to its members as they start their own small business or save for their children’s education. We also got to visit and observe at Zoe’s Clinic which was established by LIA 7 years ago. The staff was amazing here and it was a highlight to see how LIA treats the physical and emotional needs of the community. Lastly we stopped by several sanitation sites that LIA created around the community which included clean bathrooms and showers. Among all of the stops we made, the underlying theme was to go in and encourage the community as they continue to do the Lord’s work.
Following a few days in Addis Ababa, our team traveled to Debre Zeit, just an hour outside the city. We got to enjoy the beautiful natural lakes and scenery as we took a brief break to catch our breath. Along the way we stopped by to meet and encourage a church who has a implemented the Credit and Savings Bank LIA established. Our team recently transitioned to Adama, where we got to experience church service in Amharic. This afternoon we are going to learn a little bit more about the city before we get to work tomorrow with a busy schedule!
Continued prayers for our health and safe travels in the coming weeks. Also, for our team, that we remain unified in Christ and the purpose He has called us to. I know these last two weeks are going to fly by so be praying that each of us can learn from each community we are in and to be present in empowering one another. In our team devotion we are going through 1 Peter which is making for really good spiritual conversations. One verse that particularly stood out to me was 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” God has chosen us to be holy and obedient to His truth. Throughout this past week, the Lord has been reminding me of this and preparing me to serve in His ministry.
Again, I want to tell you how grateful I am that you have allowed me to embark on this journey. I’m humbled by how much support you have given me and honored that you believe in me. Thank you!
Also enjoy some pictures from this week!