eli international

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Two CCI Courses:
Building Stronger Marriages
In Uganda Jan 20 - Feb 5, 2022


Bought my airline ticket last week!   I'm finally leaving for Mbarara, Uganda to team teach Certified Course instructor Training on Biblical Marriage. I'm also truly excited about physically returning back to Uganda for the first time in over two years. Until recently, both Uganda and Rwanda had remained closed for group conferences.

As we gather with over 20 couples at each conference, I believe the impact will involve the transformation of marriages and families.  African concepts of marriage are a mixture of some biblical and traditional ideas that have created numerous challenges for young and mature believers.  Having taught this subject many times, I anticipate God's work will be fruitful.  I remember one occasion of unpacking Gen 1-4.  When we explained the man's responsibility in the first sin and the fact that Adam was by Eve's side during the temptation and disobedience, suddenly the women jumped to their feet and cheered, shouted and danced.  For the first time they had understood the proper role and responsibility of the husband and wife in sin and redemption. 

African women are often treated poorly in their marriages because of a false theology that teaches that Adam (the man) was somewhere else in the garden and thus was not responsible when Eve sinned. So women are treated poorly because they (women) are blamed for sin.  Suddenly, as I explained the Genesis passage, responsibility was placed back where Scripture located it.  Who knows what will happen in the two weeks we are teaching?  We need your prayers to see God unleash His answers.

Please pray for our team: Joel McCall,  Wendell and Priscilla Stoltzfus, and Andrew Hageman.  The enemy will not sit still, but neither will our Redeemer.  He is Lord of lords and He will restore and encourage many.

Pray also to the Lord to provide $3000.00 for the Conference expenses while in Uganda.  He has always proven Himself faithful in the details.

Also Pray for Possible Conferences in Rwanda in March!
 
Ethiopia: Urgent Situation for Our Translator
I have been in Zoom meetings with a unique young man for the purpose of beginning a new ministry to Ethiopian pastors.  These discussions have now included a Bible College President who researched our ELI strategies and he is excited about partnering with us.  This man knows thousands of pastors!  The Lord is up to something significant in a country that is in pain.

As we were in concluding discussions to proceed (which included my travel to Ethiopia), 15 minutes after the call I received notice that Ethiopia is now headed for a serious conflict.  Though the unfolding war has been off and on for a couple years, many rebels united from two regions as they are approaching the Capital city of Addis Ababa.  A National State of Emergency has been declared. 

Evacuations are already underway involving American and other national groups.  Olivier wrote me and requested urgent help in leaving Ethiopia until this situation begins to recede.  While observing the dangers, I began to pray and reach out to contacts and the Lord has graciously provided funding to evacuate my friend and his wife to travel to Rwanda.  America has given a recent warning to airlines about the danger of possible rocket attacks on commercial airplanes. Olivier is quickly attempting to organize ministry details and leave soon.  Pray for safety for him and his wife in these final days before departure.

Continuing to Teach Weekly to Rwanda and Israel
I have continued to Disciple an Israeli Pastor over the last 2 years who has faced numerous challenges.  It has proven to be a success.  The church has faced multiple cultural and government challenges as they worship together to the point that they must even leave cell phones at home in order to avoid tracking while worshiping the Lord.

I just recently celebrated with Pastor M. concerning a long-term evangelistic ministry that resulted in a Jewish man becoming a believer in Yeshua. As we talked for months about the questions and struggles of this Jewish man, the Lord had now brought him not only to faith, but to his baptism in the Lord!  What a joy!

Zooming to Rwanda  most Saturdays, along with Dave Forbes, we have continued teaching through the book of Ephesians to three pastors. For these brothers this study has been a deep dive into the significant matters involving God's glorious plan of redemption, trusting God and how to live out faith in conformity to the message of Christ.  Ephesians sessions are changing minds and hearts.

Thank you for your partnership and prayers in making all this possible.  I am anticipating a great year serving Jesus.  He will continue to expand what He has already begun.  The Father always finishes His Projects.  You are a significant part of this His Work.  Thank you much...

Please pray for:
-Team Preparations and protection from Covid travel complications
-Pastors to grasp the Marriage Courses
-Successful Weekly Sessions with Israel and Africa
-$3000 needed to cover Conference and Team Expenses