SELALE AREA MISSION REPORT
The Iron Gate … opened (Acts 12:10)

January 10, 2007
Melisachew Mesfin

Selale is a sub-regional area north of Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa. The area has a population of 1.2 million (2003 est.) of which Evangelical Christians constitute only some 0.56%.

Christianity in the area has a long history, and most people associate themselves with the Christian faith. But in actuality it is shocking to witness that Biblical faith is hardly preached and most people idolize "saints". As a result the area is exceedingly "polluted" with witch doctors and spiritualists. In one of the towns, it was observed that there were as many as 10 "celebrated" witch doctors. Consequently the people are resistant to biblical Christianity and to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

African Enterprise in partnership with the evangelical church fellowships carried out a city wide mission from Dec 14-17, 2006. The 14 evangelists and gospel singers were drawn from 6 evangelical denominations. The mission was held at Fiche town (Capital of Selale zone) and Muke Turi and Gebre Guracha. Prior to the mission a 2 day leadership training was given in the 3 cities for 140 church leaders and ministers.

Opening the gates for the Gospel seemed a colossal task. Nevertheless, because the gospel of Jesus Christ is ever liberating and empowering, many were delivered from demon possession and some 87 persons committed their lives to the Lord. The mission was an effort at disarming the iron-grip of the evil-one, rescuing people from the kingdom of darkness and translating them to the Kingdom of God. Now the Iron Gate is opened, praise the Lord.

The conversion of 87 persons is phenomenal. The 87 first time commitments are only a precursor to what will follow after the mission week. We believe that some of those who attended the evangelistic preaching will also make commitments in subsequent weeks as we continue follow-up and work closely with the churches.

The cities were evangelized both in word and deed. AE collaborated with the area churches in addressing some of the needs of the people as identified by the churches, addressing the needs of HIV/AIDS patients and repairing age-old houses.

A church leader in Gebre Gurcha town expressed his delight by saying that it is the first time for him to see the city/area churches coming together for city wide evangelism and also to witness so many souls accepting the Lord. He feels AE has done an enormous work and would like to see its endeavor flourishing in the country. Praise the Lord for all that has been done and achieved. Thank you all for your prayers, support and guidance. The power of the Gospel has opened the iron gate.

In His service
Melisachew Mesfin
Team Leader