Home is where the heart is…

In the mountains of Southern Ethiopia, past paved road and power lines, beyond the washed-out bridge, you’ll find yourself on the back of “a motor” (cycle) driving past brown soil of humble farms cut into lush, green mountains. Beautiful faces of smiling children wave as you roll past on your way to Katcha.

I had the privilege of returning recently with my friend, Zewudie Bachore. Zewudie was born here during the period when her father, Babo, planted the church more than 60 years ago (see Ruined for the Average II, Chapter 12 for more). After spending most of her adult life in Kansas City, Zewudie said “yes” to God’s tug on her heart and came home in 2007.

She came to serve the children from her hometown with Anbaye, a 90-year-old saint who knew her before she was born. Anbaye greeted us warmly and spent the morning sharing with me about how an American missionary (Lambe) faithfully led a spiritual revival in Ethiopia in the 1920’s and ‘30’s.

Zewudie is now building two homes in Katcha; one for herself and one for six orphaned children in the community. In the process, she says God has taught her how to pray. Her heart is full of faith. Her face radiates joy.

At GO, we’re honored to play a small part in the ministry by helping fund a water project. A simple basin and piping system will improve water quality and distribution to the benefit of the church and more than 200 people in the community. It will also help with construction process of the Father’s House they are building here, which will be located a short walk from Zewudie’s.

Thanks for coming home, Zewudie! God is using you in amazing ways to bless His church and His children, and we are grateful.