02-22-09-ss

10/40—Week 3 [INVEST]—North Africa

2/22/09

FOCAL REGION: NORTH AFRICA

Countries in North Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Western Sahara (20)

Population: 376.3 million

Dominant Worldview: Christianity, Islam

Biblical Significance:

· Much of Israelite history is connected with Egypt

· Egyptian pharaohs preserved Israel through Joseph’s wisdom & the Israelites became numerous

· The Exodus was from Egypt

· The preacher Apollos hailed from Alexandria, Egypt

· Philips conversation was with a eunuch from Ethiopia (Acts 8:1-20)

Significance in Church History:

· Mark (writer of the gospel) most likely spread the gospel through North Africa

· Early Christian apologist and historian Tertullian (160-240) wrote and fought for the faith in Carthage (Tunisia)

· Tertullian: “the blood of Christians is the seed of the church”

· Perpetua (a wealthy, well-educated Roman) and her slave Felicitas were martyred in Carthage (200)

FOCAL COUNTRY: ETHIOPIA

Population: 85.2 million (59.6 % Christian; 31.86 % Muslim; 6 % Ethnic Religion)

(Very) Brief History

1000 BC	Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon
800 BC	D’mt kingdom rises
300 AD	Christianity comes through Syrian boy, Frumentius, who coverts king
330 AD	Frumentius becomes bishop of Ethiopia
12^th C	Muslim expansion cuts off Ethiopia from trading partners and military allies; Muslims trade slaves, gold and ivory from the area
15^th C	Turks support Muslim kingdoms who invade Ethiopia; rescued by Portugal; Portuguese missions begins (RCC)
18^th C	Ethiopia divides into states—100 years of war begins between warlords
1936	Italy invades under Mussolini
1952	UN organizes federation between Ethiopia and Eretria
1962	Federation dissolves; guerrilla warfare breaks out—Muslims against Christians
1975	Mengistu Mariam overthrows government and seizes control (Derg)
1977	Somalis invade Ethiopia; Russia and Cuba intervene; severe famine hits
1980-90s	The Derg Government crumbles
1991	New government structuring begin
1995	First multi-party election held
1998-2000	Eretrian-Ethiopian War
2006	Fighting btwn Somali Muslim group (Islamic Courts Union) & Ethiopian regular army begin

Biblical Significance

· Some biblical scholars believe the family of Cush (son of Ham) settled in this area

· The Queen of Sheba is most likely from what is now Ethiopia

· A eunuch (treasurer of Queen Candace) asks Philip about the Christ (Acts 8:1-20)

We have looked at PRAYING & ENCOURAGING as a way to make a difference for the gospel. Another way that we can actively participate in God’s desire and plan to reach the nations with the Message of Jesus is through INVESTMENT.

Philippians 4:10, 14-18

Investment of the HEART (Philippians 4:10, 15)

· For the missionary

· For the work

Investment of TIME (Philippians 4:10, 14)

· (v.10) Concern

· (v.14) Share

Investment of RESOURCES (Philippians 4:15-18)

· Their gifts were contributions for spreading the gospel

· Not just about receiving…but giving as well

· Investment of resources is worship (Philippians 4:18)

Investment of LIVES (Philippians 4:18)

· Epaphroditus

We can impact the nations by investing our HEARTS, TIME, RESOURCES, and LIVES into Kingdom building people and their work by…

o Knowing them personally

o Understanding their needs (personal, ministry, resources)

o Praying for them regularly

o Participating in their work

§ often missionaries rely on very limited resources…this is where financial investment can really help

§ sometimes there is a need for the investment of time—letting other people know of the work that is being done and finding other supporters (me and GSH)

§ sometimes this means going as well—seeing and helping if you can

STORY OF INVESTMENT: John & Terina Dutton.

Thanks!

Paul helps us understand some of the benefits of an INVESTED LIFE:

Philippians 4:18-20

1) The blessing of pleasing God (v.18

2) The blessing of God’s provision (v.19

3) The blessing of glorifying God (v.20\

We are always willing to invest our HEARTS, TIME, RESOURCES, and LIVES in the things that are most valuable to us because we have our hearts invested there already. Jesus said,

Matthew 6:21

²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

· When you look at where you invest things like your time, your abilities, and your resources…what does that say about your heart?

· How can you impact the nations through personal investment?

· What motivates you to invest yourself?

THIS WEEK (TO GO BOX):

1) Chart or list how you spend your time, how you are using your abilities & spiritual gifts, and how you spend your money. When you look at this list, what does it say about where your heart is?

2) FAMILY ACTIVITY: YEMARINA YEWOTET DABO

Make this sweet bread, and spend time praying for Ethiopia. Prayer needs follow the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the yeast and 1/4 cup warm water. Set for about 10 minutes to let the yeastproof.

2. In a large bowl, beat together the egg, honey, spices and salt until smooth. Stir in the milk and melted butter.

3. Stir in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing to form a soft, smooth dough. Do not add all of the flour if the dough gets too stiff. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Remove the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes to form a smooth, elastic dough.

5. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

6. Remove the dough again to a lightly floured work surface and punch down the dough and knead for about 1 minute. Form the dough into a round and place on an oiled baking sheet. Allow to rise again another 30-45 minutes.

7. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place bread on baking sheet in the oven and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour till bread is lightly browned and sounds hollow when you tap on it. Remove and cool somewhat before slicing.

1. The growth of the Church has been amazing. Pray that these Christians would continue to have a real passion for evangelism. Pray also for real spiritual growth and discipleship in the Church.

2. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has survived for centuries almost cut off from Christians around the world and surrounded by Islamic nations. Many Ethiopians belong to the church without having a personal relationship with Jesus and a living faith – and many are also caught up in the occult. Pray that Holy Spirit can bring new life to this Church.

3. Many people have come to Ethiopia to escape the violence and bloodshed of Sudan’s civil war. Over 100,000 people live in refugee camps near the border. Pray for their immediate care and health and for the security of their future.

4. With over 80 languages spoken across Ethiopia there is an ongoing need for Bible translation. The Bible or the New Testament is available in 18 languages – and a further 12 languages are in development. Training courses are given regularly to train Ethiopians in translation – pray that many would be able to use their skills in this way.

5. AIDS has spread rapidly and affects over 3 million – that’s 10% of the adult population. Pray for Christians who provide care and counseling for families who are suffering.

3) How might God be inviting you to invest your HEART, TIME, RESOURCES, LIFE into reaching others (your neighborhood and the nations) with the gospel? Get started!

*Don’t let other people’s expectations of you or traditional methods be what guides your thinking. Pray and ask God for wisdom and creativity in discovering how you can uniquely impact the nations with the gospel!