Missions News Indigenous Outreach International
Missions News
Indigenous Outreach International
The purpose of IOI is to support indigenous (or native) missionaries in their work of spreading the Gospel in word and deed. The purpose of this blog is to provide a source for news from the fields (USA, Ethiopia, Germany and Brazil) to those interested in praying for and supporting the work.

  • Land Cruiser Purchased for Sanctuary Village
    a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TEok1AIs-UI/AAAAAAAACpQ/z5xAWlDuObM/s1600/SV+SUV.jpg"img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TEok1AIs-UI/AAAAAAAACpQ/z5xAWlDuObM/s400/SV+SUV.jpg" //aJust a few weeks after sharing with IOI supporters the need for an SUV to be used at Sanctuary Village we have purchased a 1995 Toyota Land Crusier! Supporters responded with gifts of cash and a used Jeep.br /br /In the coming weeks we plan to have the truck detailed, make some cosmetic repairs and have the Sanctuary Village logo applied. We also plan to put a zebra skin graphic on the truck to call attention to it as we use the SUV like a moving billboard here in the USA over the next 6 to 8 months*. Plans are to put lettering on the back window - "Do Something Good... Send this truck to Ethiopia!"br /br /We estimate a need for an additional $12,000 US to ship the truck to Ethiopia. Donors can give money or used cars that we can sell for this project (donors receive a receipt for the full used retail value of the used car donated).br /br /It is our hope that this project will raise enough funds to provide two SUVs for use in Ethiopia and gain more sponsors for the Sanctuary Village project.br /br /em*Funds gained from this project may be used to purchase an SUV in Ethiopia rather than shipping this particular truck there if it proves to be more ecconomical./emdivimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-6953384084757998685?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • 6 Nations Represented on Newly Launched Petition
    a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TD-Nx9mS_aI/AAAAAAAACoU/-R1usaJb1ow/s1600/RTB_Logo+High+Rez.jpg"img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TD-Nx9mS_aI/AAAAAAAACoU/-R1usaJb1ow/s400/RTB_Logo+High+Rez.jpg" alt="" border="0" //a IOI recently launched an awareness campaign to petition the General Assembly of the United Nations in protest to the Resolution on the Defamation of Religion. This dangerous resolution is currently a non-binding agreement on member nations of the UN, however should the text of the resolution become part of international treaties the result could end religious freedom as we know it.br /br / In just under a week, with very little advertisement, signatures from 6 nations and 9 of the United States have been posted on www.RightToBelieve.org. "This has truly become an international movement," said Patrick Beard, Executive Director of Indigenous Outreach International. br /br / The resolution passed in December was sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Conference. This agreement further empowers clerics and totalitarian regimes that seek to silence or intimidate religious dissidents and minorities. Both liberal and conservative politicians, Christian leaders and policy makers in the United Kingdom and the United States have made statements about the danger of this resolution.br /br / In 2009 an anti-blasphemy law was imposed on the people of the Republic of Ireland. While the name of Jesus might be used as profanity on the streets of Dublin, an Irishman is not free to draw a cartoon of Mohamed. Publishing houses are subject to raids if they are suspected of harboring "blasphemous statements." br /br / If this resolution becomes international law we could see the day when clerics and imams police the airwaves in search of "blasphemers" who preach Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Missionaries could face arrest for preaching the Gospel.br /br / "We want to encourage our supporters to share the petition freely with their congregations," said Stephen Kennedy, Mission Coordinator for IOI. "It isn't simply a protest that we have engaged in, we seriously want people of all nations to pray for the UN. The only hope for the world is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ."br /br / IOI has a goal to give the UN a petition with a million signatures in December. It is our hope that one day all people will enjoy the right to believe.divimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-323405676697931397?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • Tinsae Library Opens in Lafto
    a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TDOxy3ESkiI/AAAAAAAACn8/YRYWsmKR73U/s1600/Team+032010.jpg"img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/TDOxy3ESkiI/AAAAAAAACn8/YRYWsmKR73U/s400/Team+032010.jpg" border="0" //abr /divby Mary Evansbr /March Mission Team Volunteerbr /I struggled with how to describe my trip in a brief and edifying manner. But I will say that I saw the Lord’s hand in this trip- how it came about, the make up of the team that went, and the unity we had as a team. To describe the trip in a few ways, it was enriching, eye-opening, heart softening, and humbling.br /I shared with the indigenous missionaries that I felt at home in Ethiopia, not because I had lived in Africa most of my life, but because they were indeed my brothers in Christ. I had been praying for an opportunity to see the Body of Christ in a new and refreshing way in Ethiopia. He was faithful in doing that.br /On the first day in Ethiopia our attempt to visit a church out in the countryside hit several obstacles. Oceans of deep mud ended up turning us back while Negash, Nadine and Bobby walked 3 hours to make it for the end of the baptism of more than 30 believers.br /Our goal of setting up a library (organize and catalog over 400 books) was met; it just took 2 days longer than expected, but I saw how the Lord was sovereign in the fact that I work in a library and was able to help in coming up with a cataloging system that would work in Addis.br /Our team was able to witness the baptism of an Ethiopian lady who lives and works in Lebanon. Pray for her to live out her faith as she returns to Lebanon.br /I was humbled by the poverty and beggars. I mentioned previously that this trip was heart softening. I think I saw so much poverty growing up in different ways but I was able to see it in a new light and process it too.br /Thursday we fellowshipped with the missionaries who were fasting and praying for their ministry and families.br /Friday was the grand opening of the Tinsae (Resurrection) Library and we were able to dedicate it to the Lord. Our prayer is that through this Christian literature, people would come to know the written Word and Jesus Christ the Word.br /We were able to visit the children’s’ ministry that IOI supports, and give out the gifts to about 102 kids. These kids are being supported on $25 dollars a month, and their education, school uniforms and other physical needs are taken care of. We had the opportunity to visit Buruk’s home – a tent in the middle of a dump. What was a humbling experience for us was an honoring time for them.br /I’m still not sure what the Lord had in store with the trip except to Glorify Himself, and I pray that was indeed what took place. There was evidence after evidence of His faithful work and creative handiwork.br /Please join me in prayer for the evangelist Kasau, Amsala one of the few women IOI supports, Fikadu as he helps set up a new ministry within IOI, for Fikere as he and his wife run the café/library area. And for the other missionaries that are selflessly serving the Lord in their homeland, Ethiopia./divbr /div/divbr /divemThe Tinsae Library was established in part by donations from the USA and the UK. Special thanks to donors of financial resources and to Union University for the donation of over 400 books!/em /divdivimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-1677879420912854626?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • Financial News
    by Russ Cooperbr /Financial Directorbr / In the midst of a national recession in 2009, God proved His faithfulness to IOI with our best year ever financially. For the first time in our eleven-year history, we finished the year with over $200,000 in donations - to God be the glory! That was enough to support 38 ministers in Ethiopia, 2 in Brazil, 1 in Germany, 3 in our US office, and over 100 children in the TLC program. We also added three new ministers in Ethiopia and saw the number of children sponsored through TLC grow significantly. (For more financial details go to ioiusa.org and download our 2009 financial statement.)br / So far 2010 is looking to be a good year for us as well, with two amazing trips to Ethiopia already taken and many other ministry opportunities still to come. In addition, we have had some great meetings in churches and homes, and have made a lot of new friends as we have had opportunities to share about this amazing ministry. We would love the opportunity to share with your church or small group about what God is doing. See our calendar on the opposite page and call us to set up a date.br / Of course, there are always needs and our greatest needs financially right now are two-fold:br /br /1. We need more sponsors for the TLC project! Ayele is supporting over 100 children on the support received for 85.br /2. We need donors to support the CORE fund so that we can continue to pay the bills here and move into an adequate office.br /br / Thank you so much for your support and prayers. It is truly a pleasure to serve with you.divimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-8233584357563827375?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • Ethiopia: A Fresh Perspective
    a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6AA6VoFY9I/AAAAAAAACjo/ahQO2Fq_d6U/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6AA6VoFY9I/AAAAAAAACjo/ahQO2Fq_d6U/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" border="0" //abr /by Russ Cooper, Financial Directorbr /br / After 7 months of hearing about our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia and only knowing them by reputation and a few emails, it was so good to be with them last month. Though this was not my first trip out of the country, it was my first time to go that far from home. So for those of you who have never had the pleasure, let me give you just a taste of what it was like going to Ethiopia for the first time.br /br / As with any trip, there are always going to be things that do not go as planned. Lodging arrangements that don’t pan out, lost luggage, demon-possessed people in the church services – you know, your basic travel woes. But jetlag and lost luggage became just minor annoyances compared to the joy we experienced during our eight days in Ethiopia. br /br / Three of us were able to go into the “countryside” around Addis to meet up with some of our ministers and see the new churches that have been planted since last year (and also meet some new brothers we are supporting). The people were so gracious, and we saw the power of God save a 76-year old man who followed us simply because he thought we were doctors. (Not to mention the casting out of the afore-mentioned demon.)br /br / We came back into Addis to take part in a special program with the children sponsored by the TLC project, and all 102 of them stole our hearts. They clapped and cheered for us, gave us flowers, and one of them read a thank-you letter he had written in English. I was amazed by the fact that they all sat so still and quiet while we called them up, one by one, to give them a small gift that had been provided by Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Fulton, Mississippi.br /a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6ABnNVeQfI/AAAAAAAACjw/d_cRQ_JjqPs/s1600-h/DSC_0335.JPG"img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6ABnNVeQfI/AAAAAAAACjw/d_cRQ_JjqPs/s400/DSC_0335.JPG" alt="" border="0" //abr / The Bible conference with the ministers we support was such a blessing, and they are an amazing group of men and women. I was privileged to help Stephen with the interviews, and it was truly a joy to hear these ministers of the gospel share with me the stories of how they see God working in Ethiopia. How awesome is our God, that He would allow us to partner with such amazing servants! What a great opportunity we have to get in on what He is doing on the other side of the globe.a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6ACN2BAkEI/AAAAAAAACj4/CwSwNb4mfb0/s1600-h/DSC_5027.JPG"img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/S6ACN2BAkEI/AAAAAAAACj4/CwSwNb4mfb0/s400/DSC_5027.JPG" alt="" border="0" //abr /br / Ethiopia truly is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people. But my heart was broken to see how much money the Muslims are pouring into the country. There are beautiful mosques going up everywhere and they are actually bribing people to convert to Islam. One of our ministers shared with me that they had offered him a brand new car if he would convert – praise God that he has remained faithful!br /br / Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters over there, and THANK YOU for your support of this ministry so that we can have the joy of partnering with them to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I must say….I can’t wait to go back. vdivimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-3557083155489215651?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • Merry Christmas
    a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/SxlZfZVKDtI/AAAAAAAACTM/yDsAZ3mHBLw/s1600-h/Christmas+card.jpg"img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/SxlZfZVKDtI/AAAAAAAACTM/yDsAZ3mHBLw/s400/Christmas+card.jpg" alt="" border="0" //adivimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-3680953902769146642?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

  • Missionaries Support At-Risk Child
    a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/SsPkex3EHgI/AAAAAAAACQo/1-t-j9cfxYk/s1600-h/IOI+Missionaries+support+TLC.JPG"img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N9QzISVdP6k/SsPkex3EHgI/AAAAAAAACQo/1-t-j9cfxYk/s400/IOI+Missionaries+support+TLC.JPG" border="0" //a I received word today that the missionaries supported through Indigenous Outreach (who receive and average of $60 each per month) not only support 5 indigenous ministers from within Ethiopia, they have collected amongst themselves to support an at-risk child through the TLC (True Light Childcare) project.br /br /Asenaku Wube (center wearing blue sweater) is pictured with some of her indigenous supporters.br /br /"What amazes me," said Patrick Beard, IOI Executive Director, "is that the missionaries did this completely on their own. It was their idea. It both humbles ad encourages me greatly." br /br /The TLC project serves over 100 at-risk children (children who come from poverty stricken families, some of which are orphans). Supporting a child for $20 per month provides education, clothing and food assistance as well as participation in a Bible club program. Sponsors are asked to add an additional $5 to their monthly gift to help defray administrative costs of the program. "We believe in (the TLC) program so much that we will send the $20 per month at our cost so that 100% of the gift benefits the children and families served," said Patrick.br /br /Go to a href="http://www.ioiusa.org/"www.ioiusa.org/a to find out how you can join with fellow believers from Ethiopian and America to support children in Ethiopia.divimg width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/30356213-1779494122690504282?l=ioiusa.blogspot.com' alt='' //div