Day 6

Dear Friends and Family,

Christabel's team was able to strengthen the relationship they have built over the past few days. They taught the VBS they have shared with the children to some of the students. They spent time sharing their testimonies with the Ethiopians students and some of the Ethiopians were able to share with them as well. They spent some time laying hands on their new Ethiopian friends...praying for those who want to go into the ministry and for the girls to be able to stay pure. Some of the staff that was with them said what a wonderful experience it was and it was such an intimate way to experience the presence of God.

They meet a single mom, she and her husband were divorced, after their eldest child had died. Their second child, a daughter, was being sponsored by Compassion. They lived next door to each other, but the father was very distant from the family and children. Christabel commented that our students were being influenced by this godly woman who was living in such poverty but with lots of happiness for what God has done in her life. They meet another mother who was seeking to put her daughter up for adoption because she made so little she was unable to feed her and did not want to see her suffer.

Christabel also wanted me to know that she had gotten some clarification about the single mom they meet a few days ago, the woman who washes clothes. Christabel thought that she made the a dollar per day but in actuality she makes about $1.50 per month...making her situation all the more difficult.

Pastor Mike's team was also able to teach their VBS to the students, who are mostly 16-19 years old, so that they will be able to teach the program to the younger students. The friendships they developed with these students will be something that our students will carry with them forever, he commented that it was difficult for them to say good-bye (they will be going to a new Compassion site tomorrow).

They went to dinner with some of the elders from the church there. They told them the amazing things God was doing in the church. They have about 30 church plants, with anywhere from 50-200 people attending each church. So despite the poverty of the area, God is moving among the people and teaching them about Him. The elders discussed with our team the difference between wisdom and zeal and how that is affecting the generations in their churches.

They will be going to new sites tomorrow. Keep praying for their strength and health as they continue being the hands and feet of God.

Blessings, Heather