This week I’ll be in Ethiopia, and I will soon meet up with my friend and fellow author, Max Lucado. It’s his first trip there, and he’s gearing up to write a book scheduled for publication in 2010. He tells me that year will mark his 25th in book publishing, and to celebrate, he plans to partner in an even bigger way with World Vision. While we’re in Ethiopia, we will visit children and families assisted by World Vision.
God has powerfully used the moments I’ve spent with people in their humble homes around the globe, listening to their stories. My heart was broken the first time I met one of the real “poorest of the poor” (read about my encounter with Richard in the prologue, pages 7-11). My prayer for Max in the days ahead is that he will experience a similar life-changing encounter.
I’m told that connectivity in Ethiopia is not dependable, but when or if possible, I will try to post entries, so that you can be among the first to hear what Max and I are up to.
In the meantime, would you please pray for me, Max, our wives, family members, and the others traveling with us, as well as our Ethiopian hosts? Pray for our health and safety. Most of all, pray that our hearts remain wide open to God’s leading-even when we’re hot, jet-lagged, or intestinally uncomfortable.
Wow! Ethiopia! My husband has spent 2-four week periods in Addis Ababa, teaching in a school to train ministers. My prayer is that God will change something in that nation, so that they can step out of their poverty. May God continue to use you and World Vision in that way. Blessings!
What wonderful news that Max Lucado is going to become involved in World Vision in an even bigger way.
I hope that you take videos of your trip to Ethiopia. I have 3 sponsored children in that country, and would love to see videos of the projects and work being done. If you can do this, please let us know where they are posted.
Thank you and God bless you always.
May I ask where you will be in Ethiopia. I have very dear friends who are missionaries in Awassa. The government has given them 10 acres of land to build an orphanage there, but the government is threatening to take back the land if they do not begin building the orphanage soon. Please pray that if it is the Lord’s will, he will provide the money to build. I will be praying for you also. I love Ethiopia – I was there a year ago and fell in love with the people. I will be back and my guess is that you will too!
God Bless,
Ellen
Rich,
I’ve been to Ethiopia several times. I have a sponsored child there thru World Vision whom I have visited with your staff.
I have an amazing friend there who faithfully serves the poorest of the poor. He has dedicated his life to this mission for years and has been a huge inspiration to me. He’s the most “like Jesus” of anyone I’ve met. His name is Tekle Selassie. He can be reached via email at tekselassie@cs.com. He has previously worked for many years with World Vision. If you have not met him, I strongly suggest you attempt to reach him.
I’m almost finished with your book and it is transforming my life and vision. Thank you for writing it. It is the most timely book I’ve ever read. May God richly bless you, Max and your families during your travels.
Blessings,
Bob Naegele