Standing by Me

Who is standing by you?

Most of us feel better when we have someone standing beside us. There are tough times in life. We can run out of energy. We can run low on hope. We can run out of the ability to pray.  We can feel alone.

That's why God made us for community.  He made us to stay in relationship with Him, and with each other. Together, we can help each other keep going. We can encourage each other. We can carry each other's burdens.  

This past week, I went through the dreaded and never easy process here in Ethiopia to get my work permit and residence ID renewed.  This usually involves waiting in long lines and a high amount of stress builds.  It's a humbling process.  You're not permitted to present your own paperwork. An officer or agent of your organization or your top general manager or leader, has to stand by you and speak for you.  And usually, argue a bit, to pass you through.  

At the first office we had to pass through, the Labor Office, I watched Tewedaj, our EvaSUE officer, climb the stairs time and again, continuing to knock on doors and sit in lines to make sure my paperwork was moving the right way.  We had to make a scramble for more copies at one point and then make a bank run for a new charge at another point. When we thought we were through, time and again, we heard...No pass. No pass. No pass. Finally, at the end of the day last Friday, I saw Tewedaj come down from the Labor Office upstairs area with my paperwork in hand and a smile on his face.  He said, it's done.  I felt like laughing in relief and at the same time crying.  I think I was in shock.  God had done it again, the Labor Office was now finished!

The Labor Office in Addis

Our new EvaSUE General Secretary, Eyosyas, was up next to stand by me and represent me in the next step. It was time for the Immigration office yesterday.  This place in years past has always been challenging. We breezed through maybe five offices in about 35 minutes.  I sat behind Eyosyas as he represented me and we shockingly heard pass, pass, pass.  

Sitting behind Eyosyas, as he represented me

It was the fastest and easiest time I've ever had there.  I sat a bit dazed on the way home yesterday. 

Another year here in Ethiopia was given! How humbling!  I felt full of gratitude to be holding another one of these in hand....

It was amazing and a relief to have these brothers fighting for me and defending me.  They stood for me when I couldn't stand for myself. And many of my other teammates here had helped with the process as well. My one document that had been stuck for over a month pushed through right when the EvaSUE staff was praying for it.  

We can do this in the lives of each other.  Pray and stand for each other.  It's what we need to do for each other!

Also in my mind as I sat in office these past weeks, were the many times here when I didn't have anyone with me. I went in by myself. I remember the fear I had and the stress. 

I also remembered the seasons here when I also felt alone. 

Yet, what God has been reminding me of through these weeks is that I never actually stood alone here. God Himself was there the whole time, standing by me! He was in my corner, opening the doors at the right time, and giving me places to stand.  He was always standing by me, and still is!

God is for us and with us!  

Do not fear for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. (Isaiah 43)

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you  (Joshua 1:5)

Fear not for I am with you, I will uphold you with my right hand (Isaiah 41:10)

What are you facing in life now? Maybe no sees what you're struggling with.  Maybe you feel like you are alone. But God sees you. He's standing by you. You are not alone! He's there and He says to not be afraid!  He will see you through!  He doesn't leave us! He stays! 

As God stands for us, may we also stand by others in their times of sorrow or fear. When doors aren't opening, when illnesses are not leaving, when confusion is overwhelming, may we stand for each other and with each other.

There's no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friend (John 15:13)

May we represent God's love to people!  And keep standing when others don't!  

Praises and Prayer Requests 

-Praise God for the many successful regional events done by EvaSUE in February into March. Our staff hosted events all over the country and students were challenged and equipped to "Follow the King." The reports coming in from our staff are amazing! We're so thankful for all that God did and for all that He is doing in all regions! May the seeds of these events be watered! (there are pictures from all regions... too many to share... here are just a few....)

the East

Hawassa

Bahir Dar

Addis

 -Praise God that I was able to teach and train in two regions this past month. One of the regions, a northern area, involved a four-day stay. What a great opportunity to see a different part of the country and  God moving and working through our team and through students there!  

Loved my time in Dessie!

-I'm praising God again and giving thanks for my amazing parents, Jim and Rosie, celebrating another wedding anniversary on March 26th. They love God and each other so well!  Please wish them a Happy Anniversary with me on that day! They are so loved!

-Please be in prayer for a few more regional events to happen the last weekend in March here.

-Please also pray for our EvaSUE team as we gather to share about the regional events and begin planning for the national summer events this week into the time ahead.

-Also, please keep Ethiopia in prayer, some regions are not stable and a national election is soon.

-And let's all be in prayer for the Easter (Fasika) season as we countdown to remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to save us from sin!  The road He traveled for us, may we also be willing to travel for Him!

Thank you so much for your partnership and prayers! 

Let's keep following Jesus and standing in Him and for Him and for others!

Blessed Spring Season and Easter countdown to you all!