Dreams unfolded:

Our outreach trip is sooner than I realise and this year, our class has the privilege to go to Ethiopia. Ethiopia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopia)
is the oldest independent country in Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa)
, with one of the longest recorded histories in the world. Ethiopia is also the second oldest Christian nation having maintained its Christian character since the 4th century AD. The Bible isn’t silent in regards to Ethiopia and in fact, in a number of places links Ethiopia directly with God’s plan for Israel. Also, God has given a forerunning anointing that was imparted to Ethiopia through Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:30). I desire to help fan into flame that anointing that will carry the Gospel throughout East Africa and the Middle East.

Growing up, I remember praying for the work that a missionary friend Maureen Dolan was involved with in Addis Ababa (the capital city). Stories of people, children and families living with nothing, using any scrap to build shelters to live in, remain in my memory from childhood. In September 1968, my uncle Ian went to Ethiopia on an SAS exhibition to map out a section of the Nile River that had not been successfully mapped out yet. An adventure, packed with excitement. During the expedition, my uncle’s life was taken and his body was never recovered. Today, a memorial stands near the place where he drowned. Although this is not the reason for my trip to Ethiopia, it has been a life-long desire to be in this nation and I count it such a privilege to have such an opportunity to serve in this nation.

Gateways Beyond (www.gatewaysbeyond.org) has a long history of travelling to Ethiopia and has led teams there since 1991. Through their many relationships, our team will have the opportunity to serve the poorest of the poor in feeding centers for the homeless, orphanages, and prisons. We will also be breaking into smaller teams to share the gospel to the unreached. Another exciting opportunity we will have is to minister to the Jewish people who are still waiting to make Aliyah to Israel and who live in dire circumstances as they wait. The Bible is so clear about God’s heart for the poor and I am humbled that I am able to go minister to the Ethiopian people. I want to be the arms of God stretched out to these precious people and I want to show them Jesus through my love for them.

To be able to go on this outreach trip, I need to raise €1500 Euros by 30th April. Would you also please pray about taking part in sending me to Ethiopia? Any financial donation would be a huge blessing to me. You can securely donate on-line at http://www.gatewaysbeyond.org/donate.php . Just be sure to designate the donation is to go towards Gwen Paget’s Ethiopia outreach trip. Or you can send a cheque.

On Sunday our class flies to Israel for 4 weeks of serving in the Land. This is exciting time for all of us as we will spend time ministering in the land where Jesus walked. Please remember us in your prayers as we seek to bless this nation that God holds so dear to His heart.

With love,

Gwen

PS Going to Ethiopia is one of my greatest joys and an answer to all the prayers of my childhood. Take time to remember some of the prayers from your younger years (perhaps spiritual) God is faithful to complete the work that He has started in you if you do not give up.