Turning the Page...

I'm not sure if you're like me, but I'm ready for the page to turn.

We need out this season ... this Covid chapter, we need things to open...  forward movement to be allowed... it's time!

We've been waiting. Holding our breath behind our masks. 

Will things open or stay closed? What will tomorrow be like? This fall season? The rest of this year? Travel? Next year?

We're ready to see ahead. We're ready for decisions to be made. We're tired of not knowing.  Let's move!

Here in Ethiopia...we're on the brink of change.. or so we hope. The rains should be ending in the next few weeks and the sun returning. 

The year (2012) just ended and a new year started yesterday...

Happy New Year 2013 Ethiopia! 

As I traveled in a mask for the holiday here- I reflected ....

What have the months behind taught me? Taught us?

We embraced- grateful for having passed through the time so far. We did celebrate life overall and the goodness of God... 

And we dared to hope that the worst is behind, that a new page is turning, and better days are just ahead... let it be God!

I loved my time with the Kennas and with Hidi's Family. 

Celebrations will continue into this weekend...

Here- in Ethiopia, I think we've done our best. To stay positive, hopeful. To put one foot in front of the other. 

I've tried my best... to keep my eyes on Jesus and to remind myself what the Bible says. 

I "know" ....I have living hope, an eternal home...I "know" my identity is in Jesus and I'm only passing through here. I "know" life is but a breath and I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. I "know" I need to number my days and walk with wisdom... making the most of my time and opportunities. I need to love, forgive, serve... and keep hopeful, joyful, worshipful, humble and thankful. I "know" to not be surprised at the trials that come. I "know" God is able to work all things together for our good, He is greater than anything in the world; nothing can separate me from Him....

I "know" all these things and even teach/preach them, yet the struggle is there.  To keep these things in mind and heart and live them like I really believe them.  

God has been reminding me in the quiet campuses and closed doors... of the journey already done.. 

of the deserts, mountains and valleys crossed... 

Of the times I fell hard and God picked me up and carried me...He made sure my shoes didn't wear out...He enabled me to stand on the heights... He parted seas, calmed storms, showed Himself great ... 

He humbled and surprised me and wooed me...  He made me laugh and dried my tears. I'm so grateful for the life I have lived.... 

I remember and see the evidence ... of Him all over my life. And so thankful!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDvD-O9xhg

I remember.... and yet I want MORE...   Another day. Another year. More chances. Is it your will God? For me? for us? 

If this page sticks... how will I make the most of it?

And if we get off this page... what will the next one look like? What will I do? How will I live better for God?

Have you been thinking and planning and praying, like me??? 

One of the things I've been thinking about is what I'm wearing. I think it's the time of year for that....

Usually when pages turn, things shift, seasons change ... you get new clothes.  

I remember growing up ... loving when it was school clothes shopping time. The big pencils, the lunch boxes, the new shoes and new backpacks and new clothes... I was a fan. 

Usually at this time....even here in Ethiopia, a new school year would be getting ready to start. I  would travel home before the new school year begins... and shop, restock on supplies, and definitely get NEW CLOTHES. 

OH THE JOY OF NEW CLOTHES!!!

Clothes here get ripped and stained. They shrink then stink... I can't explain it ...but new clothes never seem to last long here. 

Rainy season , when school is closed ... is easier, you can wear the same things almost everyday... or wrap in a different scarf or jacket....and you're good to go.  

But when the sun returns... the jackets come off ... you feel the need to shift your wardrobe. New clothes and clean clothes ... can help give confidence for a new page.

Clean clothes ... is a challenge in rainy season.  New clothes here are expensive.  (big sigh).  

But God has been reminding me that it's not about outward clothes, but kingdom clothes I need to consider.....the amazing clothes I already have access to...but often don't wrap in. These clothes are in my wardrobe and have already been paid for.  They are identity markers and don't fade, stain, or stink. They were bought at the highest price and they're offered to me, to you, to wear.  

The crazy thing is we often don't wear these clothes or even remember we have them.

And we often wear things we shouldn't. We wear identities that others give us or we give ourselves. We take off royal robes and exchange them for rags of guilt and shame. We exchange clean white clothes and put on old stained and ripped identities, even chains and handcuffs - because Satan says... that's who we are and who we always will be!  

Satan is a liar! He knows the amazing ability we have and choice we're given to wear the clothes of our King.  Satan doesn't want God's people to show the world kingdom clothes!

He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

When I say "kingdom clothes", what am I talking about? Is it "What would Jesus Do" T-shirts? Seminary or Bible College or Church sweatshirts? Is it Meskel (cross) necklaces? Are these kingdom clothes and attire?  

What did Jesus wear? He is our example!

I see the "religious" today- clothed literally in different things...

Some look exactly like everyone else. There's no difference. 

Others wrap in tradition and outward religion...but is this what Jesus wanted you to wear? To show? Where it's about outward appearance, but not inward allegiance? (if you think yes... if you think it's about long prayers, special seats, and pomp and circumstance... please check out Matthew 23 and Luke 18:9-14). 

Other "religious" people tout health and wealth - saying these markers mean the blessing of God is on them.  Really? If you think this is what we are to wear- please check out ...2 Corinthians 4:8-11; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10.

Others wear what I would call "fake gospel clothes"- it looks like humility, tolerance, inclusion, love- but it's missing the core truth of the gospel. True love speaks TRUTH. The world needs Jesus Christ and the truth of who He is and why you need Him. To follow Him, you deny yourself. You live holy- set apart for Him. You do what He says. You don't contextualize what He says so you can do what you want. This needs said in love so people change. If you really love people, you tell them the truth! Jesus loved people, they felt welcome and acceptance with Him. But, He challenged them with the truth, to change, to turn, to become all He made them to be! Come on Church! We need to follow Jesus' example!!!

Jesus is our model of kingdom clothes worn the right way. Jesus wore a robe, sandals ... he was dressed like his culture and the Bible says nothing about his outward appearance was special (Isaiah 53).  He had the dust and dirt of his community on him and his clothes. He didn't wear a "I am the Son of God T-shirt or a "Light of World is Me" wristband or hat. He was wrapped in human skin. He sweated, felt fatigue, all the things we feel, He subjected Himself too. He suffered and lived within His culture. 

Yet- He was different. His life was clothed in something so profound ...that this one solitary life changed the world. Jesus was light and truth - His words, actions, were anointed. He showed goodness, mercy, compassion, wisdom, holiness, justice, love, peace, hope ...so much.. in how He lived... that it moved people to respond. God's Spirit in Him was so powerful- and attractive... people came and were changed because they had been near him and with Him. Can the same be said of your clothes? of Mine? Because we are to "wrap in Him" and are able to wear that clothing!

You have been clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility)... (Colossians 3:12)

What "clothes" do people see on me? After time with me, do they feel like a member of God's family has visited? 

Not only do we have these clothes... but we also have ARMOR that we HAVE to put on.

Put on on the full armor of God so you can stand against Satan's schemes. (Ephesians 6: 11-17)

This world is under the effects of sin. We have an enemy... Satan.  But we have ARMOR to wear and victory is already with us.  

Do you know the different parts of the armor we have?

This armor is so important! Is your armor on?

When your armor is off or part of it is dislodged, you feel it and Satan hits there over and over. 

God has been challenging me to check my armor and keep it on!

Satan is prowling and attacking. He wants God's people discouraged, divided, and silent. 

I listened to a great sermon recently that challenged me on one part of the armor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO1172mbGMI&t=2968s

(If you can't connect via the link above... just copy and paste it into a google search...and you will get. It's so good!)

This sermon noted to take care of ... the breastplate...the armor piece that guards your heart. What guards your heart is righteousness (living right for God). If Satan can cause you to live unholy, this can knock your breastplate off,  and your heart is exposed. And he takes aim.  

May we keep our armor ON!

Maybe you're reading this and you're saying.... "uh oh".  My clothes are NOT right as a member of God's family. Or maybe you're thinking your armor might be OFF or part of it is OFF.  

Whatever the case is, BE ENCOURAGED!

You can get these clothes on and this armor on ... TODAY!

Don't let Satan steal your clothes or your armor. Or make you think you have to wear old clothes and that you have no protection.  

Jesus offers you new clothes and armor to wrap in. Embrace these and put them on and keep them on!

Put off the old, put on the new... (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

God can turn the page and you can walk forward in fresh, clean, new, white, wonderful clothes and armor you can trust! There's no other way to walk and live!

May we, the global church, wear the right clothes and armor...and leave a mark that won't be forgotten. 

Let it be God! Turn the page! Let us do our part!

Praying for you and please pray for me!

Prayer Requests

First- a huge thank you. Times have been hard, as I noted. I know what I should think and feel about life now ... but it's still hard. I appreciate and feel your prayers and I'm so grateful for each of you! May God bless you back 1000-fold!!!

Please pray for a new page in my life here. That I will wear the right clothes and the right armor and  not let Satan mess with me!

Please pray for this new year in Ethiopia, 2013, that began yesterday. May there be peace in this land, health, and mostly an understanding of Jesus. May people see Him and respond! It's an election year and Covid is still here- so pray for those... that the church will rise and God's love and peace and joy and Jesus will be shared.

Please pray for health for me and those I work with. Also for my family. That God will keep us healthy in every way- according to His plan

Please pray for my "work." Hope University staff return to work this coming week. Soon we should hear from the government on how we can finish the past school year, have graduation, and start the new school year. Pray for me as the Student Dean, that God will give me wisdom and favor beyond me to do the job well.

Please pray for ETC. Graduation  is next weekend. Only graduates can go. The new school year will start for most at the end of this month. I will have one class. Pray for wisdom as we start online or in person - that God will help.

Please keep my USA family in prayer. My Dad, Mom, Sister, Mike ... all are great and I give thanks for that. Continue to keep them in prayer. 

Please pray for the USA... my home country... for peace, protection, for the election, for so much. I love America- may God help the months ahead. Things seem to be going the wrong way.

How can I pray for you?

Thanks again for your support and prayers. No words for how much they mean. And I know I only sit here today because of your prayers and support! 

Happy New Year- Ethiopia- and Happy Fall - Season to Everyone.

May this be our greatest page and chapter for God!

And may our clothing and armor stay ON!

When It Rains .... It Pours

Well the rains have returned to Addis, rainy season having officially arrived.

I can hear the rains coming down the mountains or see them coming through the city before they get to me. And if I’m not paying attention, when crowds of people start running or street vendors start scrambling to pack up, I know I have seconds to get an umbrella up or to take cover before getting drenched to the bone.

For some reason, the rains seem longer and harder this year. There have been large chunks of ice mixed in.  Sometimes it sounds like my roof will cave in. The rains also change direction quickly and things start to flood. Taxis pull over. Traffic comes to a stop. Roads instantly become rivers.

Even the network and electricity seems tied to the downpours. When it rains, everything goes dark and things disconnect.  This is not new here, yet still remains a mystery to me.

When it rains here, it definitely pours.

For me, it seems, this is also what has been happening globally.  Torrents and torrents of problems have come crushing down on the world …one shoe drops… and then another… people are being crushed by storms and unexpected problems and heavy situations. It’s been shocking to observe.

If one thing hits, you hold your breath, waiting for the next thing. Not only are people masked, but they’re also holding their breath behind their masks.

The ability to breathe freely and easily, to relax, has seemed stolen. When will the next storm come? What bad thing will rain down next on families, communities, cities, countries, and the world?

Here in Ethiopia, we also have not been spared from the crush.

First of course… came coronavirus. What a crazy thing. Here in Ethiopia, it came slowly. But it did start to spread and is continuing to.

As numbers began increasing, things began closing. The storm came and rain fell. People hid in homes and behind masks. They shut schools and shops. Streets grew quiet. We waited and looked out the window. Would the germs reach into our compounds, into our bodies? There was worry and fear, as activity ground to a halt.  It seemed like a bad dream and still does.

As this storm pounded… and this trouble rained on us… then another came from a different direction that no one was expecting. Unrest came to our city.  A popular singer was murdered in Addis and it sparked days of unrest. Things were set on fire, mobs of people roamed the streets. Shocking.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53298845

Then the government blocked the internet to try to get control, disconnecting those of us who live here from easy communication from each other and from news. It was like the world went dark and silent.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/06/outrage-ethiopia-continuing-internet-blackout-190625105401629.html

Internet only now, weeks later, has slowly been turned back on.

And with it coming on, I’ve seen more shocking news from my home country, the USA. Racial unrest and covid cases increasing. So many problems!

And around the world, it seems ... no one has been spared from the pouring and blinding rains of sickness, insecurity, injustice and fear. Madness has arrived to our planet. No where seems unaffected.

What can we do? How can we survive? Even thrive, if that’s possible?

This madness…sickness, anger, racism, etc, has always been part of our planet. I think for many though, it was under cover. We medicate, isolate, insulate, so we don’t see it. But these things have always been part of the world. But these things have exploded now so we have a deep realization of the fragility and brevity of life and the sickness and madness here. We can't control it. And it's spreading. All of this can be overwhelming.

Yet, there's is hope and perspective and even peace and joy to be found!

God has continued to teach me during this time and remind me of so much. I’m so thankful that He’s not surprised by big crazy storms and no rain is too big or wind too strong to push us out of His arms. He has us and He has a plan. Life is about perspective and purpose. It about keeping our hands open.

NOTHING is ours to keep. We cling to things all the time…saying… it’s MINE! Job-MINE. Family- MINE. Health- MINE.  Relationship- MINE! My LIFE- MINE! But all we have is actually HIS. Our very lives are authored and sustained by God. We can’t cling to our lives or our stuff. We have to keep our hands open. He gives and takes away. We can praise Him whether those hands are full or not.

Psalm 100:3
Is is God who made us, we are His

Psalm 54:4
It is God who sustains our lives, He is our helper

Job 1:21
The Lord gives and take away, may the name of the Lord be praised

He’s been reminding me these days- that only with Him is there shelter. Storms come and rage, but He has a place, a rock, that is Him. He covers us. We might lose homes and jobs or other things, but the greatest thing we have, the salvation of our souls given to us in Jesus, can’t be shaken or taken! We guard that deposit in us, we nurture that relationship. Heaven is home. God is our shelter. Our work and purpose through all of our life here on earth is to worship Him and to know Him and to share to Him. We can do that... in masks or not. It’s our honor and our joy and privilege to make Him great!

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty… He will cover you with His wings

Psalm 9:9

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed; a stronghold in times of trouble…

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock and my fortress; my deliverer

Psalm 27:5

In the day of trouble, He will conceal me… In the secret place of His tent, He will hide me, He will set me up on a rock

It’s interesting that God has been teaching me more things through where I live. My little one bedroom apartment has felt like a little cave in our gated and guarded compound. I’ve felt safe here.

The funny thing is …for most of my life here- I haven’t been at home much. So…the past months ..of having to do more at home and even work from home- God has taught me much about keeping my house in order- as I wrote about in my last blog.

An interesting thing recently - is a few of my colleagues/neighbors saw my home. And they wanted to help me fix it up. So as I let them in- and I have watched drop jaw as they cleaned and upgraded and decorated my little cave. I've just watched in amazement. That though covid and even when unrest was still around- inside my home ... it was upgrading. 

God has reminded me- the same can happen in us, His people, in me, during this time.

The Holy Spirit lives in you, in me, if you are in Jesus. And if you allow Him free access into every corner of your heart and mind and life- He can clean it, change it, heal it, restore it, redecorate it, YES even now when these storms are still pouring and pounding through the planet. He can do His best work when we’re quiet and humble and willing...NOW!

Many people say to me ..."after coronavirus is gone or calms down, then I will... do this or that or change this or add this." Yet, I believe God wants to do His greatest work in you, in me, NOW.

Will you let Him into every part of your life? Into your closets that you've hidden away? Let Him under your bed, behind your curtains, let Him take out the trash, clean out the cupboards. He can sweep things out, put other things in. Will you let Him? He is the ultimate interior designer. He can remake you from the inside out! NOW

Revelation 3:20
Behold I stand at the door and knock

1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know, God's Spirit lives in you?

Isaiah 43:18-19
Forget the former things...I am making all things new

Philippians 1:6
He who begin a good work in you is able to complete it...

When people look at you now, talk to you now, what do you reflect? Do you reflect and project the storm back at people? The stress, the fear? The uncertainty?

Or do you glow from the inside, with a deep humility and realization that your life is not your own, God’s Spirit lives in you?

Do you reflect trust that God indeed is able to work all things for your good and can do immeasurably more than all you can think or imagine?

Do you show others that quiet trust, that confidence in your God, that your life and all of our lives is in His hands?

You can reflect Him and that peace and truth NOW! 

2 Corinthians 3:18
you are being changed to be like Him; you reflect His glory

It’s funny- some people here- I don’t recognize behind the masks. I actually talked to one person one day- thinking it was the President of our school- it wasn’t. Another time, a graduate of our school began talking to me- I had no idea who she was until much later in the conversation, ha ha.  

If people only see your eyes - what do they see? Who do they see? Your eyes can say alot. Fear. Fatigue. Anger. Stress. Or do they see peace? 

If people were to remove your mask- would you rage? Shout? Cry out? Or would there be a smile on your face and praise on your lips because you have peace and joy and God with you?

While the storms rage, may they not rage in me!!!

As storms and rains pour around me and even on me, as the outside shakes, may the inside of me- the most important part- my spirit- be remade, renewed by the Spirit of God! And may others see Him in me! 

If you feel the rains are pounding against you… and it’s not just raining, but pouring. If you feel like you’re getting hit from every direction and you can’t take it anymore… I have good news for you!!!

God invites you deep into the shelter of who He is. There’s peace, joy, hope, love, perspective, all you need in Him.

During the storm, stay with God. Cling to Him, safe in His presence.

And watch- as you are changed for the better!

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him

Psalm 142:5

You are my shelter from the storm, my portion in the land of the living

2 Corinthians 4:16

So we do not lose heart...outwardly we are wasting away, but inwardly we are being renewed day by day...

And when the day comes, when you can go back out, people can be amazed at how different you have become. Stronger, sharper, more humble, grateful, holy, hopeful, trustful, bold, better and more like Jesus than when you went into “lockdown”.

You can become more beautiful WHILE the storm rages. God can upgrade you from the inside out. It’s shocking- His ability to do that. But He is willing to remake you, remake me! Are you willing?

I want this and need this!

Please pray this for me, as I pray this for you.

All things are possible with our God!

Praises/Prayer Requests

-Schools here need prayer and wisdom to finish. With the shutdown of internet and rioting, plus Covid, we're behind schedule.

-ETC is trying to finish. My class's new final deadline is this Wednesday. Pray we can finish.

 -Pray for ETC and wisdom as classes move online for the rainy season and fall season...and how to open that back up when the government gives permission.

-HUC is trying to finish. We are hoping to bring all students back to campus for a month or so of class, then an exam. We still have to have graduation as well, even it's it's virtual.  Pray for wisdom too as we try to get the 2000 plus students finished with their school year.

Some of our graduating class students... some of my best ever, may we help them finish ... 

-I did officially sign to be the Student Dean of HUC, what a huge honor! Please pray as I move my work permit back under HUC, that God will give grace and let the process be easy and also that I can figure out how to continue to help ETC as well.

-Please pray for peace for Ethiopia. It is an election time in the next one year or so and there is still big tension in the country. Pray wisdom for the government, fairness, justice, and wisdom for churches in helping things stay peaceful.

-Please pray health for all from Coronavirus. We're not sure actually how many here are infected. But numbers seem to be rising again. 

-Please pray for the USA- my family and prayer partners/supporters. Everything going on there troubles me deeply. May God help America! My Dad and Mom and Sister- Noel and her husband Mike... all are doing well, thanks to God!

-For everyone globally…for shelter and growth, even renewal – in and through these pouring rains and storms.

Thank you for praying and please let me know how I can pray for you and your families.

Stay encouraged. God is bigger. These rains will end.

Blessings from Ethiopia 

Lockdown, Sheltering in Place, Masked ...

... all such weird words.

Though I've lived in Africa now for almost a decade and years ago lived in Haiti, which was always under a state of emergency, these days have been hard. I know for some parts of the world, these conditions and words are common. But for me, here in Ethiopia and having grown up in the USA, these times are NOT normal.



The world has changed so much in just a short time.

Here in Ethiopia, where coronavirus cases are still small, and only in the past few days has the number began to increase, to watch the news and then feel the effects of this virus spreading has been shocking.

Schools and businesses closing, then wearing a mask enforced... WHAT happened to the world as we knew it?

Huge lessons I've learned so far as I've tried my best to work from home, close my doors, and cover my face.

I don't know if many of you have felt the same as me. But for me, it has overall been shocking and disturbing, like a bad movie. And for me ... I've felt the full range of emotions.

In the beginning, I actually laughed to see people here in masks. It looked ridiculous and many didn't wear them correctly. Then I became irritated when asked to wash my hands or put a mask on, it seemed extreme. Then came worry. If I coughed or sneezed or didn't feel well, which is part of living here, was I infected? I would wash my hands singing "happy birthday to me" two times through (I'm not sure where I saw to do that). Everything became weird, or as my dad has said..it's "spooky." I also felt grief. I missed my students. I missed the gym. I missed the freedom of movement. Our school campuses sit empty. I've felt sadness. Again, it's just overall shocking and weird, this time in history. Will things ever go back to the way it was before?


Now I know for those in the family of God, He tells us He is a strong tower. He calls us to take shelter in the shadow of His wings and to fear not. Yet maybe at no other time in history has such a global crush ...been felt. Where security and freedom and movement have been stilled and sidelined. And I think for every person, it's had an impact. Why has God allowed this now? I know students have struggled with this question. Our graduating class students... were at their last lap... and now they're struggling.

I've been wanting to blog for some time now. But I struggled with what to say or think because I was so shocked.

But I do want to try to share from here now what I've learned and observed so far about myself and what I feel like God has been teaching me and trying to remind me of during this time. I think He still has alot to teach me and help me with.

First of all, God has been teaching me about perspective. I've been reminded- this world is actually sick already, and it has been for a long time. There's a virus called sin and it spreads. It's a killer that brings destruction and death and separation from God forever. But a free vaccine has been given by God. It's Jesus. If you don't have Him, you're dead in your sins, no cure. The vaccine is not going to church or doing good works. It's not fasting or being a good person. It's Jesus. Either He's with and in you- having paid for your sin, or not. It's life's most important vaccine to consider now. Jesus gives perspective in storms...peace, joy, hope, relationship. He's with us as a good Shepherd and doesn't leave us.I've been thankful He's with me- giving me hope and perspective. On good days, bad days, blah days ...He's been with me, seeing me through. I'm so grateful for Him. He's my Savior. My vaccine. My friend. My King. This gives perspective.

If you're with Jesus, He's told us...this world is not home, we're only passing through.Heaven is home. We will be with God forever, maybe sooner than we think. We can be excited for that. A new body with no aches and pains. No tears. Time to catch up with people who are already there. Heaven will be sweet. So we hope in that. It's the not the end, it's a door to the biggest part of our lives. That will be a blessing- whenever it comes.

But if we're given the chance to continue here, that's also a blessing. Why? Because some people still don't know about Jesus. And they need to. We can't take stuff with us out of this world, but we can take people. Who else might need to know the good news about Jesus? Who can you share Him with? And you might say Holly, how can we share Him when churches are closed and there's social distancing? The church isn't closed, buildings are. The church is not a building, but a people. A people who actually do best in these circumstances. There's more on that ... below.

Another thing God has talked to be about during this time... has been issues with my "house". I'm usually not there. So being there- I saw to a greater degree what needed cleaned. What got in that I didn't realize. What needed fixed.

A SNAKE came in twice to my house while I was trying to "work from home." Yep.



Good gosh. Maybe for the past nine years...snakes came through my house every day and I just didn't know it. Not anymore. I closed its entry point. And it hasn't returned. Thank God!

Maybe like me- you've seen issues with "your house." That could be ...what's in your mind, your body, what's in your own personal space. Maybe you've seen what's in your home..with your family. Maybe you've seen things that have gotten in your house that shouldn't be there or things that need fixed. God can use these days to help us get our houses in order. To clean them. To fix them. To make them well. These can be blessed times if we allow God to help us see what we need to see and what do what needs done.

I've also learned that time matters. Even now... I think some have given up. They've stopped living or working or reaching out. I think God can use these days for Him. Otherwise- He'd already take us out if there was nothing else to do. If these are our last days and corona takes us all out- then there's work to do until that point. Jesus to share. Who can you call? Who can you share Him with? Who can you forgive? Who can you make peace with? Who can you love? What more can you learn about God and how you can bless Him? You can make Him smile by your creativity, your devotion, how you love and serve.

I've noticed also it's a time to get done what I should have done already and to try new things. Budget. Book Writing. Language learning. Cooking. I've found new favorites like running outside. I always liked running on the treadmills here in Addis in gyms because outside kills the lungs and clogs them- bugs can fly in your eyes and down your throat, people see you sweat. Not a fan. But I've learned to love morning runs... Addis is so very pretty at these times and God paints AMAZING colors - reminding me He's here.














I've also been reminded... life still has good here. Even in masks, there's love, there's life. One of my best girls had her first baby. Very big congratulations to Hilina Hailu and Peniel Yohannes on the birth of their first child, an adorable little guy named Noah! Another one of my favorite sisters here got married. Congratulations to Redi and Kb! Life is still good and God is still doing miracles.














And I've taken time to reflect. This has been good. Sometimes we're so busy, we don't reflect. What have I done with my life? What more is there to do?

And I've remembered my God and the family I'm part of. I've remembered what happened to people in the Bible when they were in prisons or dungeons. When they were up against the wall, it looked like the other shoe was going to drop on their heads, it looked over, finished....but what happened in those darkest nights ... amazing songs were sung, chains loosed, books written. Seas parted, tombs opened, bodies healed. In shut in places, the people of God can know God deeper. And come out- .... better, stronger, sharper, and more humble. They can have testimonies and ministries born from the darkest of nights and the hardest of times. That's our legacy, that's our heritage. What will be said of us when and if this time passes?

Every day during this pandemic is a battle. A battle of trust. Do I trust what the news says or trust what God says?

God says to trust Him. Darkness lasts for a night, joy comes in the morning.

May we do our best to honor our God by making His name great during these days!
This is my prayer.

Let me know how I can pray for you!

Prayer Requests from here

- Cases have been increasing daily this past week. Pray God's protection and peace and for His church here to shine
-ETC is finishing online, pray we can finale with students the best we can
-HUC is continuing online, please pray for wisdom as we try our best to help as many students as possible finish the semester
-Pray for my family in Ohio- my Dad and Mom, Noel and Mike. All are well and I thank God for that
-Pray for Ethiopia and the world, that Jesus is shared.

Praying for you from here,

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support for me, the work here, and my family!

I'm grateful for you...so much,

Holly

Not a "Good Friday"

I'm not sure if anyone in the world now would say this Friday is "good" or that in a few more days ... we should prepare ourselves for a celebration.

In most places in the world... doors are closed...faces are covered...streets are empty.

Coronavirus has effected almost every country- drastically altering lives.

There is a heaviness and dread in many places... as "positive" cases and death rates increase.

A blanket of uncertainty and fear can be felt.

Will humanity come out of this alive? Will my family? My community? My country? Will I?

Will jobs be there?

Will life ever be like it was before? When there was freedom to move? Freedom to greet others and share meals? Freedom to travel? Or has those shifted forever into history?

All of those are big questions for this Friday that will still be there on Sunday.

Here in Ethiopia, Covid 19 has arrived. But we really don't know for sure it's reach. Testing is minimal. But it's influence has still been felt. Schools are closed. Gyms are closed. Many churches are closed. Many businesses and places where I like to study and work are closed.  For me- it's felt like a major disruption.

I think in Ethiopia the effects overall compared to other places have been minimal. Our supermarkets are still open. . Supplies still seem largely in stock. You have to wash your hands before entering places and you're spread out on taxis and in lines- but not everywhere. But people know its here.

There's not a feeling of celebration- as usually is the case now. As the Easter (Fasika) holiday approaches- there is usually anticipation and excitement mounting. This Sunday is Palm Sunday called Hosanna, usually such a colorful holiday. And next week is Easter, which will end a long time of fasting for many.

But again, the mood doesn't seem right. Faces seem downcast. There is fear in peoples' eyes.

This Friday and next Friday... doesn't feel good and probably won't feel good. There is stress and fear about so much.

Yet even if we don't feel like it's a "Good Friday" ... the fact remains though...that there was one.

Over 2000 years ago, a Friday happened that led to a Sunday that would change everything for all of us. That is why we can EVEN YET.. CELEBRATE!

God's Son Jesus came and in his final three days..on a Friday to a Sunday....He finished what He came to do. In an incredibly humble life marked with love and grace and power and truth, He finished it...dying a death that was supposed to mine and yours and then He ROSE. WHAT? He got up! And because He lives, so can we! Because He got up, so can we! Because He conquered Satan and death, so can we! We can rise!

Jesus paid for our sin and offers us forgiveness and a new life. Accepting that gift changes everything! Your identity and perspective and foundation shifts. Your eternity shifts. Our hope and our life becomes not about us but about Him. Our security and our purpose is not found in a relationship or in a job, but in God and with God. And nothing can separate us from Him.

We realize.. to live is Christ, to die is gain.

So when storms come, when plagues come.. and they will... it doesn't change the fact He's with us. We can endure. Sickness will come. Betrayal. Pain. It's part of life on the planet. But we can pass through and even rise because in us a risen Savior lives. We can overcome and be better from what we passed through!

So what will you do with you life now, your time?  In this weird period of history, during an epidemic, what will you do? How will you live?

You might say... I know what I will do after Covid 19 finishes. Well, maybe it won't finish... so what will you do NOW? Now is what we're given.

God wants us to love Him and love others NOW. How can you do that from your home? Even under "lockdown" or with social distancing?

As an American, we struggle with "down time." We think being still is often a waste. But God wants us to be with Him. Sit before Him. Study Him. Learn Him. Talk to Him. Worship Him. He's there. He's in your home. In your closet. Get in there with Him and shut the door. Be with Him!  This time can be treasured.

He also wants to love others. Check on them. Call them. It's time. Forgive. Why? You can. Maybe tomorrow... that will be even more difficult.  Love your family. Enjoy the time with them if you're with them. It's a gift.  I've loved seeing pictures of families together... having dinner, making funny videos, doing crafts, parents homeschooling kids... you won't forget these days.

If you have talent or a skill- use it for God during this time. Write. Draw. Paint. Plant. Sing. And share God's love and His message with others. This is still in your hand to do.

I've been trying to write the book I tried to write years ago. It's time to finish!

Some day soon I hope, when the "plague" has passed by, we...like the Israelites coming out of Egypt... will leave our homes with songs of gratitude and joy as we march out and shout we made it!

But even if we don't, we do have freedom to celebrate in Jesus Christ and we can march into forever with Him!

Be encouraged. For even if it's not a good Friday, we have a "Good Friday" to celebrate...when Jesus finished what He came to do.

And then came Sunday... He rose up and walked out in victory...so we can as well!

 Let's celebrate that Good Friday and that Resurrection Sunday because it changed everything!

Because He lives.. I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives...all fear is gone
Because I know, He holds the future.
My life is worth living just because I know He lives.

Victory in Jesus, My Savior Forever.

Celebrating that Good Friday with you and That Resurrection Sunday!

Praying for you and us All,
With Love from Ethiopia,
Holly