Dear
family and friends,
It is that time again where we are
gearing up and preparing for VBS in Ethiopia! Because of the expansion last
year that included children from the Anyuok tribe, this year we will host two
VBS classes. The morning VBS will be with the Nuer tribe in Gambella and the
afternoon VBS will be with the Anyuok tribe in a Gambella refugee camp. Because
of language differences we are not able to accommodate both tribes at one time.
We figure to have around 500 children total being taught. Some are repeats from
the last year or two while others will be introduced to the true and living God
for the first time. We are so excited for this new opportunity and cannot wait
to see what God has in store for all of us!
Our topic this year is Moses’ birth
to the plagues. After discussing things with the local preacher, Tyrone has
decided to bring VBS t-shirts for the kids like we did our first year. That has
been a great tool to let people know we (the church) are here. There will be classes for 4 days and then
Friday is graduation day. This is when we will present the children who participated
with a certificate. All classes, both Nuer and Anyuok, will be brought together
to celebrate. This is very important to acknowledge because these two tribes
hate each other to the point of killing. God’s truth is so far reaching, that
it is turning hate into love, and war into peace. Does the power of the Gospel never cease to
amaze you? It certainly gives me chills and a prick to the heart when I think
about it.
This year I will need donations to
help me to go, as well as to get supplies for the VBS. While we are cutting
back some on crafts to save cost and space, we are getting 500 shirts for the
kids and our helpers. I personally will need $3,500 to cover my individual
expenses. That includes hotel, food, ticket, and visa. Each teacher is also
trying to get extra donations in order to cover the cost of VBS supplies and
t-shirts. If you are interested in sending a monetary donation please send it
via online donation through my blog or send a check (made out to me) to my
parent’s address. I also ask that you pray for the work. Each year we have seen
the different ways the devil has worked to thwart it. We cannot do this without
God and His aid. Pray that through the children we are able to reach their
families, that they open their hearts
to accept His word, and that
through the continued efforts of local evangelists, that
people will hear, believe,
repent, be baptized into Christ, and live
faithfully.
Thank you so much for all of your love
and support the past two years. It is because of your generosity that an
entire nation can be transformed by God.
There are no words for how much each of you have encouraged me.
In
Christ’s love,
Karisa
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