Greetings from ACTS,

You may remember from our previous newsletters, there has been quite a bit of unrest in Ethiopia over the past several months. The largest tribe, the Oromo, along with several other tribes, has had no representation in the government since the overthrow of communism a few decades ago. This eventually lead to unrest, protests, and rioting which lead to the U.S. State Department warning against traveling outside of Addis Ababa, the capital. Since our work takes place in rural villages we heeded the warnings and canceled our plans to visit the schools.

About two months ago, the Prime Minister resigned and a leader of the Oromo tribe was selected to fill the position. He has pledged to move the country towards a more inclusive democracy. This promise seems to have diffused much of the unrest. There were times when even Woudineh, our in-country director, could not travel freely to the schools and internet communications were sometimes restricted. While there is still some violence occurring between some of the tribes over borders, much of the country is at peace.

As a result, Woudineh has been able to make frequent visits to the schools. Here is the report that we just received from him in his words:

It has been a couple of weeks now since the roads to our school became safer to drive on. The election of the new prime minister seems to have given break to the ongoing boycott in Oromia. We have been going there to drop food items and also supervise, anyway. Our visit this week was different in two ways: First, it is after things started to settle down and with more feeling of safe to go there. Second, it was more than a regular visit. We invited the “Mareko Wereda officials” for a formal ‘monitoring and evaluation’ which is part of the project plan. We killed a goat for a meal for them and they saw the distribution of uniforms, the children learning and eating, getting new uniforms, the new building we put up, the green compound, etc. They were very much happy in what they saw and our effort to improve the school. Including small things like putting the flag pole, finishing the toilet, putting the hand wash by the toilet, the planting of vegetables, and the trees which beautified the compound were big changes they observed. Had it not been for the national security problems, we would have improved more. They have been watching the progress and took our school as a model for the Wereda. They are going to work closer with us in helping with chicken, etc.

To clarify a few things, let us explain some of the references made in his report. A Wereda is similar to a county here in the United States. Its officials have quite a bit of power so receiving their blessings is important. This report is focused on our school in Woja, the school we are developing as our model school. Part of ACTS’ vision is to make the property a green oasis in the middle of an otherwise barren landscape. Apparently, the officials recognized the positive environmental changes.

The building referred to is the one seen in the background of the picture below. It is being constructed so that we can house interns who will be teaching after school and adult learning classes in an effort more widely serve the community and to start a Bible study program.

The children have gathered at the flagpole for the morning’s worship.

The reference to vegetables refers to the now thriving garden in which ACTS is growing ingredients to improve the nutrition value of the meals we are serving the children. The chicken reference is encouraging as we have been exploring having chickens so that we can incorporate eggs as part of the diet as well. If the Wereda officials follow through in helping make this idea a reality, it will be the most help that they have ever provided the project and is a very encouraging sign of their support of the school.

Going forward, ACTS has much work ahead. The Cornells are planning a trip back this fall when the schools have reopened after the break for the monsoon season. As Woudineh has told us, the young Christian community is encouraged when they see representatives of ACTS return to pray and worship with them. Evangelical Christians continue to be persecuted in Ethiopia and standing beside them in their struggles is important especially as they boldly work to grow God’s Kingdom.

Also, while in Ethiopia, ACTS will reopen its search for its next school site. There are several opportunities to reach the unreached and the model of doing so through the children and schools has proven to be effective. And, as we like to do, after the visit, new photos will be provided to each children’s sponsors. Our absence has precluded us from keeping everyone updated with pictures and we apologize as we appreciate the value of the smiling faces on your refrigerators! As always, we continue to welcome new sponsors as the need continues so that ACTS can maintain and grow the numbers served.

A few years ago, ACTS was able to provide a new pair of shoes for each child in the program. For many, even the seven year olds, this was the first pair of shoes they had ever had. The shoes are $15 per pair, so ACTS is trying to raise $6000 so that each of the 400 kids can get a new pair. As some of the little ones are walking over two miles cross country to school, shoes are much more than just a luxury. If you are interested in contributing to this effort, please send your check to ACTS and note “shoes” in the memo section so that we can track our progress. If instead of going out to eat one time during the coming month, would you consider fasting and praying for the souls of the lost in Ethiopia and making a donation instead?

ACTS would like to recognize the accomplishments of one of its own. Zacharg Curtis, a previous team member on a trip to Ethiopia, who along with his father Chris, handles the accounting and financial tracking for the ministry, graduates from Clovis North High School. later this month. He will be attending Fresno State next year on a Lyles scholarship. Congratulations Zack and thank you for your faithfulness in serving this ministry.

Blessings to you from all of us at ACTS Ministry.