An Obedient Servant
Beza is the Chaplain in an Ethiopian prison and my friend. He is a family man who has survived serious illness, civil unrest, apathy in the church community for those in prison, loss of a wife and raised a musically gifted special-needs son. He is the face of Jesus to many in the Southern Zone of Ethiopia.
Chaplain Beza-A Humble Servant
He oversees a church of 500 within a regional prison of 1700 inmates. Because of his work, the new prison being built will accommodate a facility for his men. He loves men of all faiths but proclaims Jesus as the hope for their future. I have had the opportunity to present the gospel several times to his congregation with Beza as my interpreter. His persistence in the face of many obstacles has resulted in:
- Hundreds of men committing their lives to Jesus and hearing the word weekly
- New facilities for the women’s prison and an effective sewing ministry
- Involving other pastors in the town to assist in leading groups and teaching
- Educational classes for inmates to finish high school or learn God’s word
- Follow up program when his church members are released
- A music program that includes a fantastic choir
Beza reflects a definition of obedience: to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God and his Word. He is truly a humble man of God who inspires men to transform their lives.
2 John 6: “And this is love that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
It has been a privilege to stand by Beza with support for him and his ministry. Beza’s need for his congregation: 300 chairs for the new prison facility; materials and instructors for the sewing ministry $1000.
Have a wonderful day and pray for Chaplain Beza as he sets the prisoners free.
