In our latest ACTS newsletter, the Cornells reported that their planned trip to Ethiopia had been put on hold because of tribal violence that had reached the area of the Woja school. ACTS’ in country director, Woudy, reported that he had snuck into the Woja village after nightfall to see how things were going. He reported back that school was in session with the largest enrollment ever. He also sent pictures, some of which we are sharing here. Beyond the smiling faces of the children, one thing that we noted that brings a smile to our faces is the presence of maturing trees. One of ACTS goals was to transform the barren school yard into an inviting environment for the children. Shade trees are part of this transformation.

Unfortunately, this evening, we received some very troubling news. Over the weekend, 19 deaths and 42 critical woundings have been reported as the result of fighting between the Meskan tribe around Butajira (where we have stayed before) along with Inseno (the people from the book Bill authored), and the Mareko tribe which includes our friends from Woja and Koshe.

We have no other details at this time, but please join us in praying that:

1. The school children and our employees remain safe and that the infrastructure and supplies remain untouched.
2. The conflict which has been dormant for many years, be resolved without any further bloodshed.
3. God would use His small Christian community to demonstrate peace and love to help diffuse the strife.
4. That the country would embrace the goal of the new government to establish a true democracy where all tribes would come together as one nation.

As we get additional news, we will try to keep you posted.

Early in the morning, the children gather as school begins. They are in school each day and being fed a hot meal. The parents are grateful that some sense of normalcy occurs for them during school time.