It has seemed
to be dark days in Ethiopia in recent weeks. The rain and clouds and
heavy downpours- common for this time of year- seem to have picked up
their intensity.
Then came the
deaths of two prominent Ethiopian leaders. One, the leader of the
Orthodox Church. The other, the Prime Minister. The ground felt
shaky. There was much wailing and weeping on the streets. Taxis
were quiet as news reports and updates were given. Memorials were
set up in various places. Candles were lit. There seemed to be a
sense of sorrow in the air. A blanket of heaviness was felt.
Yet through the
past two weeks, surprisingly- the sun has broken through. Promising
the rains would soon be over and a new season of light and warmth was
ahead. It's been shocking to see it back in its full splendor.
To me, it was
almost like God was giving a preview, a glimpse, of coming times. I
felt God saying a new dawn was breaking over this land and people. I
felt a stirring of hope every time I felt the rays of sun. The kids
here deserve a bright future so much- a new future- where they don't
have to beg on the streets for bread or cry at night because they're
cold.
My students and
all those those working hard deserve a future where they can get a
good education and find good work. Where they can provide for their
families and be proud and responsible for the lives they've been
given.
It's always
darkest before the dawn. I felt God saying to me and to Ethiopia the
past few weeks- hold on- dawn is breaking, this is the beginning. I
was encouraged by these scriptures:
...weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 126: 5-6
Those who
sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves
with them.
Psalm 46
God
is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and
foam and the mountains quake with their surging.There
is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place
where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God
will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty
is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the
Lord has done,....He has brought on the
earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks
the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire. He
says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among
the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord
Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Isaiah 9:2
The
people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living
in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget
the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new
thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way
in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Psalm 18:28
You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my
God turns my darkness into light.
1 Peter 2:9
...you are a
chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you
out of darkness into his wonderful light.
If you're in a dark place- maybe it's isolation or loneliness. Maybe
it's fatigue or discouragement. Maybe it's disappointment or
confusion. Maybe it's weariness looking for work or for the next
thing to open...God says...hold on...you're dawn is breaking. It's
right there. Just hold on.
Praying for you as you pray for me! May we not lose hope!!!
-It's been
peaceful here as the Prime Minister was buried yesterday and the
national time of mourning ended. So grateful for peace and for God's
glimpses of a coming dawn!
(some of
these are repeats)
-Please pray
for Ethiopia in the days ahead, as new leadership is put in place.
That God's "dawn will break."
-Please pray
for our students and staff- that our break will be a good one and
that new staff needed will be recruited. Three new departments are
opening up next semester- almost tripling our student numbers.
-Continue to
pray for many globally waiting for their next job assignment to open
up. May they stay encouraged and their dawn break!
-I'm still
trying to catch my breath, work on my book, catch on emails, and pray
for all that is ahead. Pray that I can do all those things- while
also resting.
-Our school
plans to open early, in one month. I need prayer for what my role
will be in the time ahead. While also making good use of this "down
time."
-I'd like to
get a draft of my book completely written, please pray for that.
-Ethiopia is
getting ready to end its year, 2004. A new year, 2005, begins on
September 11. Please pray as one year ends and a new year begins,
that hope is felt.
And for all
those celebrating Labor Day today with a long weekend- I hope it's
one of rest and reflection. Also of preparation for the new fall
season ahead. As high school and college football kicks off,
temperatures cool, school and ministries start fall programming- may
this be your greatest season yet for our God. So honored to be on
the journey with each of you.
Praying for
you as you pray for me!
Onward With
You in the Fields,
Holly
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