GOSPEL OUTREACH TO ETHIOPIA WOODWARD PARK CHURCH OF CHRIST 7886 NORTH MILLBROOK FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93720 559 446-2550 www.wpcoc.com October 25, 2012 Dear Brethren and Friends of the Gospel Outreach to Ethiopia, It is with deep regret that we announce to you the death of our beloved brother and friend, Gujo Amedge. His exact age wasn’t known, but we believe he was 95 years old at the time of his passing. He had served the church as an elder, preacher, mentor, example and encourager for 45 years. Brother Moges preached his funeral and sent to us the following report: “Bro. Gujo was one of Christ’s solders who fought the good fight and finished the course. Whenever we think about the Sidamo area Churches we will never forget his contribution and great labor. Even in his old age, I remember his involvement to bring peace among preachers and his unwavering stand in the time of problems. He will be missed by all of us. Between 3000 and 4000 people attended his funeral. It was impossible to take a picture of all the people in one shot. I preached for one hour and Bro. Tesfaye translated. Most of the people came from different denominations and the rest were members of the Church. As you all know, the best time to get an opportunity to preach the gospel and about the New Testament Church to the denominational people is when some one has died. You can take more than one hour to preach on whatever subject you want and the people will give you their ear. So, I spoke some about Bro. Gujo’s faithfulness to Christ and to the Church; but for more than 50 minutes I challenged the audience to ask themselves about their salvation and to examine their faith using the word of God. After the sermon many people from different religious groups came to me and expressed their good feeling about what they heard. Brother Gujo had 8 children (4 male & 4 female) and 60 grand and great grand children.” He will be missed!
Transcript
GOSPEL OUTREACH TO ETHIOPIAWOODWARD PARK CHURCH OF CHRIST
7886 NORTH MILLBROOKFRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93720
559 446-2550www.wpcoc.com
October 25, 2012
Dear Brethren and Friends of the Gospel Outreach to Ethiopia,
It is with deep regret that we announce to you the death of our beloved brother and friend, Gujo Amedge. His exact age wasn’t known, but we believe he was 95 years old at the time of his passing. He had served the church as an elder, preacher, mentor, example and encourager for 45 years. Brother Moges preached his funeral and sent to us the following report:
“Bro. Gujo was one of Christ’s solders who fought the good fight and finished the course. Whenever we think about the Sidamo area Churches we will never forget his contribution and great labor. Even in his old age, I remember his involvement to bring peace among preachers and his unwavering stand in the time of problems. He will be missed by all of us. Between 3000 and 4000 people attended his funeral. It was impossible to take a picture of all the people in one shot. I preached for one hour and Bro. Tesfaye translated. Most of the people came from different denominations and the rest were members of the Church. As
you all know, the best time to get an opportunity to preach the gospel and about the New Testament Church to the denominational people is when some one has died. You can take more than one hour to preach on whatever subject you want and the people will give you their ear. So, I spoke some about Bro. Gujo’s faithfulness to Christ and to the Church; but for more than 50 minutes I challenged the audience to ask themselves about their salvation and to examine their faith using the word of God. After the sermon many people from different religious groups came to me and expressed their good feeling about what they heard. Brother Gujo had 8 children (4 male & 4 female) and 60 grand and great grand children.” He will be missed!
Fifteen ladies and one man graduated from the Awasa Computer School in September. The women were sent to the school after the Government Ladies Association made application for them to be accepted into the study program. These young women are mostly single mothers and were in need of skills that would enable them to find employment. Jobs were waiting for all of them after graduation. The young man was there to prepare himself for a promotion at his job.
This graduate made the decision to become a New Testament Christian. The students attend bible classes while they are enrolled in the courses. Students in every graduating class have made the decision of obey the gospel call. Brother Shimeles has returned as the director of the Awasa Computer School. He is very evangelistic and in the future we expect to see many more conversions in this wonderful, people building program.
DEAF BOY FROM JAJURA NOW ATTENDING SCHOOL IN ADDIS ABABA
When we visited Jajura in April, one of the children playing on the School of Preaching campus was a young boy named Kefyalew Getachew. He was a happy and very active child; but we noticed that even though he was playing the Frisbee game, he wasn’t speaking. He was deaf. There are no Schools for the Deaf in Jajura and his family had no hope
for him to be able to attend school because they were poor and had no hope of sending him to a boarding school in Hosana. We spoke with the church leaders at the preaching school and suggested that Kefyalew be taken to Addis Ababa and enrolled in our Christian School for the Deaf. After we left, they met with the Kafyalew’s family and his parents were very happy we were willing to do that. The new school year has started and he is attending school for the first time in his life. He moved into our orphanage where he will have lots of brothers to watch over and tutor him (group picture) and a house mother to make sure he is cared for in every way. He will be in our school for the next 10 years and then will be able to go on to high school. He will sit at the feet of some of the finest bible teachers anywhere. It will be a blessing to watch him grow and learn. He will be able to visit his family on holidays and school vacations.
All of us are aware of the turmoil and havoc happening in our world today. Some have asked if there are any problems in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is said to be a Christian nation (54%), having a Muslim population of more than 40%. The new Prime Minister has taken office and seems to have the backing of his people and the military. For this, we are thankful. Lord willing, Kevin and I will be in Ethiopia from late October to just before Thanksgiving. We are confident that the Ethiopian people want peace above all else. They live close to God and trust in Him and His Word. Your prayers and financial faithfulness have blessed members of the church in Ethiopia with the opportunity to express their faith and complete commitment. There are no words to describe how much your involvement has meant.
