There’s a war going on in Ethiopia.
A rebel group called the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been actively seeking to overthrow the government. The country’s two largest ethnic groups, the Oromo and the Amhara, make up more than 60 percent of the population, while Tigrayans, the third-largest, are 6 to 7 percent. Yet the TPLF became the most powerful rebel force in the country, eventually gaining governmental control in 1991. However, the Tigrayan-dominated government repressed political opponents, restricted free speech, and regularly utilized torture in their detention centers.
Anti-government protests in 2016 paved the way for a new administration to take leadership in 2018. The new administration purged Tigrayan officials and charged some with corruption or human rights abuses, leading to an infuriated Tigrayan leadership. Tensions continued to mount as the Tigrayan region in the North of the country refused to come under the leadership of the government. Instead, the TPLF began to officially take up arms in active rebellion against the government about a year ago. Ethnic clashes, political instability, massacres, assaults, looting, economic collapse, civilian displacement, and starvation have all characterized the war so far.
And now, TPLF leaders are 100 miles outside the capital city of Addis Ababa.
So, why are telling you about a conflict on the other side of the world?
First, our global family Includes Ethiopian Christians.
The other side of the world is indeed a part of the world that belongs to our global God. Not only is it his world, this conflict involves his people. People created in his image.
Beyond these considerations, there are even more intimate reasons for us to be engaged with this story: we have family in Ethiopia.
John 1:12-13 says: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
When we are united to Christ, we are united to the global family of God made up of people from all tribes and tongues.
Second, Our Sovereign Grace Family Includes A Local Ethiopian Church.
We have the joy of partnering with some dear brothers and sisters in the capital city of Addis Ababa.
A few years ago, our region of churches sent Michael Granger and his family to Ethiopia to plant Trinity Fellowship Church—along with Josh and Sabrina Pannell, Jordan and Lauren Thomas, and James and Kathryn Lewis.
In spite of some delays to the launch, the church began meeting and has grown rapidly. There are already around 120 people gathering regularly on Sunday to enjoy the same gospel-centered singing, prayer, and preaching that fuels our worship in Tennessee. In addition to this, the church has launched a Pastors College under the leadership of Josh Pannell to equip aspiring pastors to plant more gospel-centered churches throughout the Horn of Africa.
Trinity Grace Church has participated in helping these men and their families establish a local church and a pastors college. We are partners with them in the gospel. We long to see them flourish. We are family. With that being said, we want to obey Romans 12:12-15:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
We rejoice that a church and a Pastors College have been established and gospel-fruit is already ripening! However, we mourn that their nation, church, and families are experiencing such upheaval.
How Can We Pray?
Pray for political stability and peace: According to the most recent update, rebel forces were only 250 miles outside of Addis Ababa. With high tensions and ethnic animosity, more violence is expected.
Pray for wisdom for the Pannell, Thomas, and Lewis Families: The Pastors College already had a 2-week break planned for the Fall, so Josh Pannell evacuated his family back to the U.S. The Thomas family, as well as Kathryn Lewis, have evacuated. Pray for each of these families as they discern when they should return.
Pray for the Pastors College: There are 10 students from various countries around the Horn of Africa. Pray that this situation will not disrupt their studies. Pray that this will motivate them all the more to see gospel-centered churches planted in their lands.
Pray for the Granger Family: Michael Granger’s family has also evacuated to the U.S. However, Michael stayed in the country to be with the people of Trinity Fellowship Church. He will remain unless the government forces him to evacuate. Pray that Michael will be reunited to his family soon. Pray for comfort, protection, and encouragement while they remain apart.
Pray for Trinity Fellowship Church: This is a community being built on the gospel. Pray they will be protected from the Enemy who wants to use fear to cripple their faith. Pray that they can be a city on a hill that represents a different Kingdom. Pray for opportunities to boldly proclaim the gospel. Pray that many will come to Christ because of the testimony of this local church.
What a privilege to join with family across the world & call on God to intervene.
The refrain of Psalm 46 stabilizes us as we pray: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!