It is with great joy that I write this letter and am able to share with you what God has laid on my heart.
I am going back to Ethiopia!
After my two-week stay in that beloved country in 2011, I knew I had to go back. I suppose it was never really a question to me whether I would return to Ethiopia or not. From the moment I stepped foot on that dusty, African soil, the question never was, 'will I return?' but, 'when will I return?’ It's never been an option not to go back. How could I not return to the nation God has so lovingly called me to?
When I returned to America last year, I often referred to the idea that I left part of my heart in Africa. I fully expected that feeling to wear off over time. But, it never quite did. Sometimes, it even seemed to grow stronger. Some part of me - something now ingrained deep within my being - longs desperately for that dirty, smelly, torn-down, blessed country.
After much prayer and petition, I am elated that God has allowed me the opportunity to return to the place where part of my heart will forever be.
In May of 2013 I will be travelling back to Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. There, I will spend six weeks serving as a short-term missionary. With Blessing the Children International (BCI), the same organization I worked through last year, I will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with Ethiopian social workers, spending my days ministering to children who are in the BCI child sponsorship program. Some of the areas I will get to be involved in are organizing children's activity days, serving in local churches, ministering to orphans at BCI's foster home, daily home visits to provide donations and prayer to impoverished families, and building relationships with fellow believers halfway across the world.
My prayer is that I would willingly serve God with reckless abandonment throughout the entire duration of this trip. It is my desire that His will be done through my life and the lives of those I will come in contact with in Ethiopia. Would you please consider joining me in prayer for my adventure that is to come? Pray for my heart to be prepared for all that God has for me in Ethiopia. Also, keep Blessing the Children and all of those whom they are ministering to in your prayers. Pray that I may be used as an instrument to share God's love in a foreign land. "For the intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful." --James 5:16.
I also ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting my trip financially. My total funds needed for this six-week stay is $4,500, which will cover airfare, room and board, transportation to ministry sites, and project funds. While this number may seem like a giant during these economic times, I am confident that God will provide what is needed to allow me to follow His call to Ethiopia. I ask that you would consider a monetary donation toward this trip if the Lord lays it upon your heart. If you are interested in supporting me financially, please use the information below.
I thank you immensely for your support and encouragement as I embark upon this journey. With great joy and anticipation, I look forward to sharing this experience with you. May we all come together to see the will of the Lord be done.With Love in Christ,
MaryBeth Hornbaker
To Support Ethiopia 2013:
Donations can be made payable to MaryBeth Hornbaker and sent to me at 623 North Crafford Street, Bushnell IL, 61422. To make a tax-deductable donation, please make checks payable to Blessing the Children International and send to the same address. Donations can also be made online at www.followyou2013.blogspot.com. Thank you!
Nice Article! Thanks for sharing with us.
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