Why We are Going and why now?
Greg and I both feel that we live in a happy little American bubble. While this is a safe place to raise our children, it also cheats them out of the opportunity to see just how powerful God is. In the USA, we live a very sheltered existence. After watching the videos and talking to those who have previously gone to Ethiopia, we have felt somewhat jealous at the mighty way they have seen God move. We want to be a part of that. We actually considered going on the last trip but though we prayed for confirmation that this was what God wanted us to do, it was not forthcoming. In hindsight, God knew that Greg would be starting a new job after 25 years with the same company. Isn't that the way it always is? God knows the time and place. Our job is to listen and follow. Now we know that this is our time.
Greg and I each went on a short term mission trip when we were younger and were forever changed by it. We always figured that we would take the kids on a mission trip in their teen years, so why now when they are only ten and twelve? For two reasons: for their benefit and for the benefit of the Ethiopian people. American teenagers can be very self centered and entitled. We want our kids to meet the amazing Ethiopian people that we have heard about. We want them to meet people who have nothing but Christ, and that is enough. We also want them to see the culmination of the fundraising that they have both done to buy chickens for Ethiopian families. I genuinely thought that kids would not be very effective on the mission field. The opposite appears to be true. Jesus said,
“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me" The children who have gone before ours have been more effective than I could have imagined. Maybe it is because children are less threatening than adults, or maybe God has blessed those children whose protective parents are willing to let them work for Him. I don't know but, if God wants to use my children, who am I to stand in the way?
What Will We Be Doing?
Our mission is threefold:
1. E3 partners with the local government to have chickens delivered to each of the homes we will visit on our trip. The chickens provide a sustainable income for these poverty stricken families. Both kids have forgone birthday gifts in previous years to raise money to buy chickens. In fact, on this trip Jeremiah will get to see some of the chickens that he helped purchase. How fantastic for the kids to see that by giving up yet another toy, a family will be able to eat.
2.
As
poverty gives way to desperation, many rural families in Amhara have
been known to send their teenage children into neighboring countries and
large cities as domestic servants. The people offering to take their
children often promise income to the families in return.
In
reality, these children are often trafficked as sex slaves. With
identification papers in hand, the traffickers are able to make their
victims disappear from the public eye, never to be seen again.
Using the Priceless Cube we will educate the people we meet about human trafficking. It is common to send children away with someone who comes into the village promising children/teenagers/young adults a job that pays well. Families choose to send their children away believing they are giving their children a good opportunity. They don't realize the circumstances in which their children end up.
3. Most importantly, we will present the gospel of Christ using the EvangeCube.
The
Ethiopian Orthodox Church gripped this region in a strangle hold for
centuries, resulting in 83% claiming affiliation, followed by 17%
Muslim. The .2% who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior are often
subject to persecution from police and government officials.
How You Can Help
God is sending us but we are inviting you to partner with
us. Please commit to praying for the people we will meet and for us as well. (The
children have never left the country. They are understandably anxious about the
trip there even while they are excited to serve.) Please pray that Greg's new company is understanding about taking time off so soon.
You can also partner with us
financially to help cover the trip expenses. The cost for the four of us is
$14,000 plus another $1000 for necessary medical immunizations and the like. This seems like an astronomical sum but we are believing that He will
make a way. We would also appreciate prayers that funding is forthcoming. We could
use your financial support right now. Although September may seem to be a
summer away, our 1st funding goal of nearly $7000 is due
June 30th. The final $7000 is due in August.
You may give toward our trip online at https://www.purecharity.com/shue-crew-fundraiser-for-amhara-region-ethiopia
or by a check made out to e3 Partners
Fund at Pure Charity.
If you would prefer, you may send a check directly to us at 2923 Calle de Malibu, Escondido, CA 92029.
All gifts are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt from e3Partners.
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