Fall Update

It's been over three months since our last update.  There's much to share, and unless you had a good hour, I would barely be scratching the surface of the things God has done in our lives.  That said, please know that the brevity of some of the things said below doesn't signify the value/impact/importance these have had on our lives.  Here are a few happenings since our last update:

Missed Ones.

We said goodbye to some of our new friends from Gospel Community (Fort Wayne, IN).  During that time, there were many relationships built by this summer-long outreach team.  In turn, we were able to connect further with some of those people (see PERSONAL section below for more info)...

Yeremias (aka Benaias) went to be with Jesus.  He was a little guy--less than a few months old.  And the Lord brought Him home.  It feels like that was ages ago… but I'm still reminded.

our welcome party

Hamer Time.

Argaw and I headed to Hamer the very next day.  Typically, it is a 15-hour drive each way.  However, through God's provision we were able to go via helicopter.  This reduced the trip to an hour and half each way.  During the trip we brought four of the kids with us (Marta, Goiti, Chrisitan, and Yesozer) to  spend some time with their families.  For some it had been months and even years since they had seen their relatives (Keep in mind these children were all considered cursed for various reasons).  Our hope is once they are of age to eventually see them reintegrated into their culture.  Furthermore, we want to see them impact their culture for Christ. Before our return trip, Argaw was able to share with tribal and local leaders--using the children as a testimony of a blessing rather than a curse.  He also shared the Gospel. :)

The girls were amazing.  When they returned a week later they brought two additional friends.  These two siblings, whose father was disabled, requested that they move to Ebenezer, as he was no longer able to care for them.  Their names are Keri (age 6) and Guyto (age 3).  We also brought back with us two new babies--Teklemikael and Bergi.  Both of these babies--just months old--were considered cursed.  All pretty surreal.

Celebrate Good Times.

Sonya Marie celebrated her first birthday.  We are SO thankful for the privilege and pleasure of raising this--now--one-year old.  She's nearly walking.  We're convinced she would be doing so already, if her brother didn't always try and help her. :)

My personal labor of love… a new ministry website: www.ebenezergrace.org.  If you haven't already done so, check it out.  There are different pictures, stories, and ways to get involved with the ministry here.

Happy Ethiopian New Year!  The Ethiopian calendar differs, so the new year here is in September.  It's now 2006.  We celebrated by having a big cookout/hangout at the Ayele's home.  This group included the staff, kids, and many other friends.  You can view pictures here.

We moved into our new house.  It's been great getting settled in and making it "home".  So now we have a place for people to visit us. :)  We love the homeowners/landlord, and look forward to many occasions surrounded by shared food and conversation(s).

Personal.

Since our family has moved we've been adjusting our schedules.  Also, we have had to navigate on our own more, which has forced us to use our limited Amharic more often.  Megan has been having the preschool-aged boys over to play and learn with Jude.  She also has been going to the orphanage to teach art to the kids.  It's been great for me to see her connect with some of the ladies for prayer and fellowship times.  The kids are growing way too fast.  Jude is talking like crazy.  Sonya does (or thinks she can do) everything her brother can.  

Back in July, God was stirring in me a heart to get the Word of God into more minds and hearts.  I spoke with Argaw about it, and he felt similarly.  That said, we are having a weekly Bible study going through the book of Galatians.  We hope to see a church planted down the road, and see this city transformed.  God has opened some other doors for teaching.  Along the way I've spent some time with a few pretty amazing people.  1 Thessalonians 5:24 has been a refuge verse for me.  Without going into detail, there are many burdensome things that have lead me to pray more than I can ever remember.  In doing so, I'm re-learning dependance on God.  Please join me in co-laboring through prayer.  Pray for the Church as whole in this city and nation.  

Prayer.

Please pray... 

• for God's hand upon our marriage, family, ministry, and relationships
• for growth in language acquisition
• for the kids at Ebenezer Grace Children's Home

Thanks for your continued love, prayers, and support as we co-labor to bring glory to our King.

All the best in Jesus.

Shaun... Megan, Jude, and Sonya