The founding of the Message church in Addis Ababa Ethiopia was a sovereign supernatural work from the very beginning.
When Brother Busobozi traveled to Ethiopia on his honeymoon in 2013, no one predicted this would be the beginning of a revival in Addis Ababa that would spread to various parts of Ethiopia. It would spawn translation works into the local languages, outreaches into the larger community, dramatic healings, and and entire villages coming under the Light of the Hour.
The salvation of several key individuals took place on that honeymoon, and the church has been steadily maturing since. As sudden as the start of the church, so also is the sudden eviction of Brother Busobozi from Ethiopia, due to new government regulations. Though unexpected, it has shown itself to be a furtherance of the move of God in the local church as believers who have fed on the Message of the Hour are now ready to fulfill the call of God to take the Message to the rest of the country and find the elect that are predestined to hear it.
When Brother Busobozi returned to Addis Ababa for a visit after a two month absence, he found the church thriving, growing, baptizing new Believers, and actively engaged in outreach efforts. Ministers, deacons, trustees were rising up and a healthy church is evident. Translation works continue. The new believers have evidently been in the Word, and without foreign help, they realize the the commission to reach their nation with the light of the Message now rests on them and them alone. They are taking up the task with zeal.
On the right side of the next photo is a Brother named Timothy, a Deacon. He was relocated by his work to a city four hours away, but continued to come to every service faithfully. He shared the Message to a man named Temezgen, who is standing to his right. When the word struck Temezgen’s heart he said, “I believe this to be the truth, all true, what must I do?” There is only one answer to that question; Acts 2:38. Christian baptism was arranged, and the man traveled to the church after working a 12 hour shift. After the service, he traveled four hours back, and started another 12 hour shift, missing a whole night of sleep, but God gave him strength to make the spiritual energy that had been poured into his soul.
On the left of the same photo is a young brother named Ephraim, who is very zealous for the Word. He arranges Bible studies for the young people in his local neighborhood. When Brother Busabosi returned, he was able to share with Brother Ephraim’s family, and both his mother and sister were baptized. You “and thy house,” shall be saved, saith the scripture. (Acts 16:31)
You may remember from a report last year how Brother Oqbai was out searching for water so he could be baptized. He found Brother Busobozi and the brothers with him also searching for water, and together they came upon a lake they did not know existed. Brother Oqbai was baptized there. Recently, his son was convicted by the Word as he picked up the books that his father was reading. He was baptized by Bro Busobozi during his visit.
We are amazed to observe how God in his sovereign wisdom pursues His work in ways fitted to different environments. On the day of Pentecost, 3000 were saved in one meeting. But when Paul traveled to Phillipi, the ministry to that area grew out of one convert he made among the women at the river. (Acts 16:14) We see a similar pattern today in the countries of Uganda and Ethiopia. In Uganda, large numbers are being baptized at a time, while in Ethiopia we see steady growth from a stable core. Both nations are experiencing sovereign works of God, but in different ways. Our part is to recognize what God is doing, and cooperate with His miraculous works in whatever way we can. We are supporting both works fully as the Lord leads and provides.
