Gathering before the Walk-a-Thon

Pastor Bruce, Tazera and friends.

Can you imagine walking from Scottsdale to Glendale or from Scottsdale to Queen Creek to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ? Scottsdale Presbyterian Church has heard the call of God to help provide a vehicle for use by the Yabelo El Bethel congregation and its pastor, Tazera Belechew, now serving 7000 people who worship in 38 congregations in remote parts of southern Ethiopia. Pastor Belechew serves the extended Yabelo region and must walk as much as 40 miles in order to reach these villages with little or no local spiritual leadership. Pastor Tazera has served the area for many years without transportation and with great personal and family sacrifice. Church groups in the rural areas meet in tents or in the open air and sit on rocks. A small church has been built in Yabelo with help from the El Bethel Church in Phoenix and a future school is in the planning stages.

As the Lord opens new opportunities, it remains an increasing problem for Pastor Tazera to reach the remote villages.  A vehicle would multiply his efforts greatly. For this reason Scottsdale Presbyterian Church has begun a fund-raising effort to provide a vehicle for the Yabelo congregation.  Frequent pastoral training visits to Ethiopia by the pastors of the Phoenix El Bethel church would also benefit from having the use of a vehicle.

The cost of such a vehickle is estimated to be in the price range of $27-$30,000. As of August, 2009, we are l/3 of the way to this goal! A Christian car dealer in Ethiopia has been contacted who could assist in acquiring the vehicle. We pray that the faithfulness of God and his followers will provide a timely answer to the prayers of many on behalf of this vital Kingdom work in Yabelo region. If you feel prompted of the Lord to give to this project please contact us at info@scottsdalechurch.com