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April 2000
Dear Friends,
As we try to work within God’s will we recognize that anything
we accomplish is indeed a work of the Lord. We do many things
and God shows his kindness in helping us. The new library at Gidada
Bible School was completed in the late summer. In October, we
had a wonderful time celebrating this gift from God, and now we
see its value as many people utilize the space. The students find
the quiet study space helpful, though the books that have come
still need to be organized and shelved. The opening of the library
freed the room previously being used for that purpose for use
as a dormitory morn. This enabled us to host courses for a larger
number of people than before. In the first semester we hosted
elder training courses, youth leadership training, financial management,
and nutrition and hygiene
courses, as well as a discussion on the ordination of women. (The
first woman in the Mekane Yesus church is scheduled for ordination
next month in a nearby synod.)
These courses were able to take place without interrupting the
primary program of training evangelists and pastors in our certificate-level
residential program. This year we have 15 students, including
two women. Each of them comes highly recommended from their respective
congregations and presbyteries. They have proven their commitment
to learning by successfully completing the first semester courses.
This busy term at Gidada Bible School was very exhausting but
at the same time greatly fulfilling
God, in his goodness, provided food for a small group of people
near Dembi Dollo. Last year when the Meshangir people—who
live 35 kilometers from Dembi Dollo—were in the midst of
a particularly difficult time of hunger, we received money to
be used for that purpose. We were able to buy corn to grind and
to pay for the use of a tractor to plow a new field. Since then
Michael has begun working with the evangelism department integrating
spiritual and community development. Obbo (Mr.) Mitiku Zewde was
hired to help
the community understand the Christian faith as well as teach
them ways that they can improve their living situation in the
community. He is holding a communicants class that will add to
the 35-member church already there. A spring has been protected,
a school established with help from the government, and agriculture
and small gardening training has been done. A subsequent gift
(originating in Abingdon Presbytery) from the Presbyterian Hunger
Program will allow for digging two new wells and for plowing additional
hectares. There are plans to teach improved beekeeping methods,
to plant fruit trees, and to irrigate land for off-season crop
production.
This Sunday, the Bethel Dhanqa congregation with whom we usually
worship will celebrate God’s kindness as they bring their
"first fruits" to the church. As with many churches,
the congregation long ago outgrew its walls. Presently, a couple
hundred people sit outside under a temporary shelter during worship
while the rest (perhaps a thousand) crowd inside. (Fire laws are
indeed a luxury.) The donations from this celebration will help
fund the building of a new facility.
Though the difficulties of this country are many, God’s
kindnesses are abundantly evident.We have not told them all here.
We rely on your prayers to support us and to bring hope to the
hopelessness around us. Continue to pray for the peace that is
needed in Ethiopia so desperately. Rejoice with us in the many
blessings we receive from our loving Sustainer.
In Christ’s service,
Michael and Rachel Weller
Please note our new address
Box 118
Dembi Dollo
Ethiopia
The 2000 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 34
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