Mission Ethiopia - Why I am going

Below is Loretta Sassmannhausen's original reason for going on this mission trip to Ethiopia:

Why I’m Going…

By Loretta Sassmannshausen

Why am I going? I don’t have the slightest idea! The best answer that I have is that God is leading me to this mission. I have tried and tried to talk myself out of it; I keep asking God to lead me elsewhere. But to no avail. For His reasons, he wants me there.

Why shouldn’t I go? There seem to be SO many reasons:

• I have 3 very busy children, and it’s generally my responsibility to be their chauffeur and tutor.
• I have a husband who is a physician and is very busy taking care of his many patients.
• I manage his medical practice which is a full-time (and then some) job in itself.
• We are in the process of designing a new 22,000 square foot building that will house our new office and 2nd/3rd businesses which we are also in the process of starting.
• I am on the School Board, Personnel Committee, Board of Directors, and the Outreach Project Team at Concordia.
• Small issue to some; HUGE to me: I have this completely and totally, irrational fear of spiders. Oh, how wonderful the internet is—it brought me up close and personal with the lovely creature called a baboon spider, native to Ethiopia. The black, hairy monsters can grow as large as14 inches, with up to 8 millimeter fangs—yes, I said FANGS. I am hyperventilating just typing the description.
• I use 4-letter words often
• I don’t really have any skills to speak of that would be beneficial to the team.
• I am not at all comfortable sharing my faith.
• Because I am scared to death!!!

So, why AM I going? Maybe I am losing sight of what is most important in my life. Maybe I need to learn to follow, rather than take control and lead. Maybe it’s time for me to learn that it’s OK to not be in control. Maybe I want to start giving back more of what God has entrusted me. Maybe it’s time for me to stop being a big, fat chicken when it comes to talking about my faith with other people. Maybe I just need to find some new 4-letter words to use. Whatever the reasons, the only one that really matters is this: Because God wants me to go. I can’t ignore Him. I don’t know what to expect, I am still terrified. But it’s time to get out of my “comfort zone” and let God use me in whatever way He sees fit.

Mission Ethiopia: Post Trip #1

It's hard to believe that a month ago we were thousands of miles from home in one of the most ancient nations in the world - Ethiopia. Just this past Monday our team met for our first trip debriefing. So many mixed emotions through the memories were expressed. One person on the team shared that prior to returning from the trip she felt that coming home meant the experience was over. But she had to admit that she was wrong. The impact of this trip and where the Lord leads each of us from it will continue to unfold throughout the rest of our lifetimes.

We did preview the post trip Ministy Moment video on Monday which will be shown during upcoming worship services. You can view it clicking on the link Mission Ethiopia Video on the left sidebar. We pray it will be a blessing to you!

For me personally, I left on this trip filled with hopes and prayers that the Lord would reveal His future path for me in the mission field. My expectations of a clear answer did not come to me...or so I thought. Our team came back with many requests by the Ethiopian people. But the one that tugs on my heart is for the future of the Gefersa Rehabilitation Center for the mentally handicapped. Finding ways that I can help the center from here and working with the refugees that have come to Fort Wayne are becoming an extension of this mission trip for me and part of His answer.

As team members have blogged in early postings, Gefersa is the only outpatient mental facility in all of Ethiopia, a country where it is estimated that 1.3 million people have mental health issues. While Gefersa is called a "rehab" center, the residents there will probably never leave. Many have been there 10-15 years already with little or no contact from the outside world. Most of the 150 residents have been "put" there because of their schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Most have no families or, if they do, they have been castout due to the stigma of mental illness.

The conditions at Gefersa are extremely minimal. They have basic shelter, food and medication but that's about it. Until recently, there was no medical personnel on daily staff. The residents who are able are allowed to work in the center's "factories" making yarn, running the looms to make shawls and milking cows, all of which are sold to help subsidize the center. The rest of the residents sit or lay around with no other mental stimulation. Sadly many of these residents are brilliant people. It is heartbreaking!

But now they have an angel by the name of Mrs. Merat Kedebe who has taken over management of the center. She is actively working to improve conditions there and is one of the founding members of the new mental health awareness society in Ethiopia. We have just learned this week that the investors that accompanied the prime minister's wife one of our days at Gefersa are providing site plans for additional dorms and other needed buildings. They are also working up plans to level out the grounds taking out the cattle paths that run through the center for easier walking and mud control. Praise God! And Merat is working on a proposal to Orphan Grain Train, a non-for-profit Lutheran outreach organization, to supply the center with much needed bedding, clothes, and living supplies.

Mission trips like these bring a well-needed awareness of how good we have things here in the US and how thankful we should be. But they also give us an increased urgency to do more for those who have so little here at home and afar - not just on a physical level but, more critically, on a spiritual level. Every day in the US and around the world, people are dying who have not heard the Word that can save them eternally. We pray that God continues to keep us mindful of His call to us to engage others with Christ and provides us with the strength and courage to step out of our comfort zone to be the living witnesses of His love.

To God be the Glory and Praise! Selam!

Ellen Mann

Mission Ethiopia: On the Field Report #2

Peace to all in America from Anne and Loretta.

Yesterday, we spent the day at Gefersa Rehabilitation Center. It was a 45-minute ride to the country on very bumpy roads, seeing many donkeys and goats along the way. Gefersa houses over 150 mentally ill patients. Someof the patients are former doctors, Air Force pilots, teachers, electrical engineers, and family members of some very prominant public figures. It was very sad to find out that there are only 17 psychiatrists in the entire country of Ethiopia, and there is a great deal of mental illness that is untreated (over 30 million mentally ill people in this country). In fact, there are only 2 facilities that care for them--1 hospital herein Addis Ababa and Gefersa.

The first day here, Gefersa planned a special lunch-time meal for us--a great honor. In fact, when we arrived, the slaughtered sheep was hanging from the tree while they gutted it and drained its blood. That was quite a shock for our citified American eyes! We were just counting down the moments until lunchtime. It was really very good (Anne and Julie took 5 "no-thank you bites" and then barfed behind the barn--not really, but they didn't dig it much). We spent our work time at Gefersa painting 4 newly constructed shelters (covered gazebo-like areas that allow the residents to get outside but not in the sun). Ellen and Katie painted a beautiful mural on the wall inside the building where the residents eat; it was a nice addition to a relatively dark area.

We all spent a lot of our time talking with the people there. It was surprising that quite a few of the residents spoke some English. We were fortunate to have a couple of people there with us who could translate so that we could learn about the lives of some of the people and how they got there. We made many friends in just the 3 days we were there. We were still able to communicate with them with smiles and hand gestures. They enjoyed having us there; they were very grateful for the work that we did there. We are very sad that this was our last day there; we won't forget them and hope that some day we may be able to return for a visit.

Today, we had a special treat. The Prime Minister's wife (they call her The First Lady) came to Gefersa to tour and share a "coffee ceremony" with us. She was a very beautiful and gracious woman who was very appreciative that we traveled so far to help her people. She asked if we could have lunch with her later in the week; we don't have it scheduled as of yet, but we are hoping to have that opportunity.

Our time here has been very rewarding. It is hard to believe that we only have 2 more days left. We are happy to be going home to see our families and friends again, but are very sad to leave this country that has SO much physical and spiritual need. Our team has shared some very tough experiences and prayed together for God to help us. We also ask that God can help to to carry these intense feelings home with us as we use this amazing experience as a springboard for sharing God's love and grace with others in our day-to-day lives. Some of us do this very well already and will grow more after this trip. Others of us, however, have never been comfortable sharing our faith and "engaging people with Jesus" and perhaps this experience will help us to develop those skills.

Mission Ethiopia: On the Field Report #1

Hello friends, family, and supporters from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!

We are arrived and safe, but haven't been able to update this site until now, due to very poor internet connection. I'll get right into things. It has been amazing! We arrived on Sunday night after roughly 30 hours (I think?!) of travel, and were picked up with a very warm welcome by Lutheran Hour Staff and volunteers at the airport. They had flowers and even video taped the whole thing. We felt like movie stars or something, very flattered. They took us to a nice hotel, where we have been staying, and we relaxed, preparing for the next day, which was set up to be very busy.

We rose early in the morning, and went to meet the Lutheran Hour staff at their base here. They briefed us, and gave a little Ethiopian history, sang songs for us, and seemed very excited to have us. After a short time we went to the oldest Lutheran church in Ethiopia, to meet with AIDS patients who were being ministered to there. This was the beginning of many emotional experiences of the day. We got to hand out food, soap, and supplies to each of the people who were registed with the church, all of whom were SO grateful. The church helps them but is only able to give an equivalent of about 5-10 dollars a month, which for most of them is all they receive. It was so amazing to see the joy in their faces though as they praised the Lord together with us during a short worship service we had there.

After this we ate lunch with them, and then headed out to a school where we had donated money to bring a water line in for the kids to have drinking water. Can you imagine a school without drinking water, or water for toilets? Well this school doesn't even have more than five working classrooms for 1900 students. Needless to say, they were very happy to have water now, but the need their is unimaginably great. We got to give some gifts to kids, and they sang for us, but then we had to go, to much else to do that day.

We went next to another church and were able to give food, soap, and supplies to AIDS patients. They had the same program as the first church. But what was different here is that we asked to hear some of the life stories of the people. This was my personal favorite part so far. We heard from person after person who was praising God for His grace in their life, and for all He'd done. They have AIDS, yet they are so thankful. Many of them had been strengthened by God during their sickness, and shared testimony after testimony of how God had provided miraculously, healed, and even brought their families to Christ through this. There are is so much to tell about this, which our team can hopefully share with you when we get back. But, let's just say that these people have more hope than most Americans. They are free on the inside, with a freedom that could only be called supernatural.

Wow, what could I share? I must come to a close, but I'll tell you a little about today too. This is our second day in Addis, and we've just begun work at the Gefersa Mental Health Home. This is the ONLY mental health home in all of Ethiopia, and they can only hold 150 people! This was heartbreaking to see, and the conditions of the facilities are, well poor at best. Thankfully, this place was just recently taken over by a new manager who is a very spunky lady who is relentlessly pursuing help from the government and other places. She lived in the US for 30 years and has a knowledge of what these people might need in order to help them to even particpate in society. Ahhh, I have no more time to write. We are busy and are paying by the minute to write at an internet cafe.

Let me just end by saying this. Everyone's prayers and support are really making an impact. We have already encouraged and blessed hundreds of people, and have many, many stories to tell when we come home. And, it's only been two days of actual time here in the Addis! Keep up the prayers, and consider what God might be speking to you about being His witnesses in places like this. There is soooo much need for the light of Christ, and so much opportunity for blessing and impact into the lives of people whom Jesus died for.

Blessings,

Matt Spinks

Mission Ethiopia - Pretrip 2

Only 4 more days until we depart for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the team is anxious yet a bit apprehensive, at least I am. So much more to do before we leave. This past Saturday evening and Sunday morning, our team was commissioned by our congregation to witness on behalf of them in Ethiopia. As I stood there with my teammates, I could feel just how strong we were bonding together as a team. Tears came so easily knowing the support that we were receiving from the congregation and the awesome mission we were soon to embark upon. Feelings swelled within me standing next to past mission trip teammates remembering the closeness that I felt now with them and when we were off to other far away places witnessing in His name. How great is God's blessings on those that work in His name!

Our Christ Care teams have dropped off their collection of items to take - school supplies and Christmas gifts for 40 orphans along with shirts, ties and sleeping bags for the local evangelists. We are so grateful to them for this collection effort. How we are going to get them packed in our luggage will be a real miracle. Plane tickets for Ethiopian Airlines also arrived today. Everyone has their passports, visas and immunizations. So now all that is left is packing, kissing our loved ones farewell, boarding the plane and, of course a lot of praying by all.

Heard last week from our hosts that we will be priviledged to attend an Ethiopian wedding the first full day we are there. Can't wait to see how different it is from our traditional weddings in the US. I'm secretly hoping that there is cake!

We wanted to post another testimonial from one of our team members on why he decided to go on this trip far from home. We pray that you are blessed with and inspired by his witness.

Why I’m Going…

By Joe Milledge

When I first heard about the Mission trip to Ethiopia my first thoughts were “what a Great Opportunity”. I also thought it could not have been at a better time. This is a time when I feel I need something more in my life but not sure what I am looking for. I did not have to deliberate in making my decision to participate. I must go.

I must admit that I am skeptical about the recent volatile disturbances in Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia and the destination of our Mission. I do feel that the benefits outweigh the risks involved in this Mission and God will prevail.

I started to ask myself several question as to why I am going, what can I give, and how can I benefit from this heart touching experience. I must be soul searching.

I have done some volunteer work in the past for the American Red Cross as a Disaster Relief Volunteer. My most memorable and satisfying experience was when I volunteered in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Hugo. This was a very devastating storm. The majority of the people there share in the faith of Seventh Day Adventists. Many of these people were very poor and had much less than us. However, they were very rich in love for each other and the Lord. I also volunteered locally when a tornado went through Kendallville, IN. In addition I supported our local firemen and women with the Emergency Response Vehicle offering food & drinks for their hard work.

I enjoyed helping all of these people and feel that this Mission trip could be the most rewarding of all, because now I can help to engage people with Jesus. I want to go and be the apostle that God has sent us out to be. I want to share what I feel has been the two most important ingredients in my life, hope and faith. I was at the age of sixteen when I lost my mother to cancer. This is when I realized that I needed to have hope and faith in Jesus Christ to give me the strength and courage to live in this world.

God has blessed me and my family more than I can say. I am not sure if I will be totally spiritually prepared for this experience and to know how God will use me on this journey. However, I know one thing for sure. He will lead me as He has in my life.

I am looking forward to see how God works through all of us to make this Mission trip happen.

May We Grow Deeper in His Love!

Mission Ethiopia Pretrip

Concordia Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN is once again "sending" a mission team out to witness the saving grace of Christ. This time an 8-person team is headed out on Oct 7, 2006 on a 10-day trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia again in partnership with Lutheran Hour Ministries. Team members include Bob Meyer, Joe Milledge, Loretta Sassmannhausen, Matt Spinks, Julie Kratzman, Katie Spinks, Anne Korte and Ellen Mann. Our itinerary includes ministering to HIV/AIDS patients and providing them a kilo each of pasta and sugar along with a bag of tea and soap, attending an Ethiopian wedding and light construction work on Geferssa Rehabilitation Center for the mentally handicapped along with visiting villages of Dukam, Deber Zeit, Mojo and Adama.

Ethiopia is the second poorest country in the world with an average per annum income of only $100. It is also among the countries that are highly affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Two million people in Ethiopia live and deal with AIDS daily. Life expectancy has dropped to 47 years, and, by 2009, 1.8 million children with be orphaned by the disease. The country is devastated every 7 years with drought which only adds to the famine, starvation and hopelessness of its population.


It is ministering to these people that our team feels called to serve. Team member Julie Kratzman give us her testimonial: "I grew going to a Lutheran church and school but do not really remember feeling really close with God. Just in the last year (since we began taking Discovery classes with Pastor Kevin) I feel I am starting to really know Him. I have always believed and trusted in Him but never talked about Him to others.

Two years ago I was very unhappy. I had a job that included a lot of travel and a horrible boss. I was always in a hurry to complete tasks at home and at work and never took much time to hang with my family. We did spend time together but I always had work hanging on me. So 2 years ago when my oldest son started Kindergarten, I quit. And today I know it was the best thing for me, my kids and my marriage.

Today life is fun and full of love. I feel better. I feel more secure with myself, with God, and with my family. The reason for this is not only because of quitting my job but because my husband and I found a new home. A new school and church home.

Before, I would go to church in spurts, but I never walked out feeling that I learned something. Now, I walk away each service with a feeling of warmth and a challenge. The feeling of warmth comes from knowing that God is with me and my family and the challenge is to be a better Christian. Along with joining Concordia, I started reading and searching for ways to keep my faith growing. I even started talking about God with others since joining Concordia. And I have to say it feels great! I want people to feel the peace that I have found in the last year. I have never believed so much in prayer as I do now.

So why am I going to Ethiopia? To share God’s love, and the importance of prayer. I recently I heard this on TV - “we are not here as human beings to lead a spiritual life, but we are spiritual beings living a human life”.

I want to go to Ethiopia to help people that are less fortunate. I want to go play with the children and tell/read them stories about God. They need to know they are never alone.
I also want to go and grow with God myself. Just knowing how great I feel in the last year with Him makes me want to do and learn more. More to serve Him, to share Him with others and to grow closer to Him."