Monthly Prayer: July

Ethiopia is a beautiful country with an amazingly rich history, mentioned many times in Scripture. Ethiopia features in Job 28:19 where we learn that the country is rich in topaz. In Daniel 11:43, we hear about Ethiopia’s ‘precious things’. In the Book of Jeremiah, we see key foreign government positions held by Ethiopians; they were known for their professionalism and trustworthiness.

In the New Testament, in the Book of Acts, Chapter 8, we experience Philip’s encounter with an Ethiopian court official, an important role in charge of the queen’s treasure. Philip saw that the official was reading Scripture, the Book of Isaiah and trying to understand it. The part he was reading spoke of a saviour being led to death. Philip was then able to share the ‘good news about Jesus’. The Ethiopian Official was then baptised by Philip and ‘went on his way rejoicing’.

Why is this important?

Ethiopia was a country that the rest of the world looked to as its natural resources benefitted all. Ethiopians were not viewed negatively or discriminated against. We can see clearly in Scripture that the country played an important role in the advance of civilisation and was chosen for divine purposes.

Ethiopia is still a beautiful country, rich in culture, tradition and history. It is home to 9 UNESCO world heritage sites. Its natural beauty and peoples’ hospitality is evident to all who visit.

Unfortunately for the people of Ethiopia, conflict and recent years of difficulties caused by climate change have devastated livelihoods. In the Borena region in the South of the country, they have had only one short rainy season in the last three years. 80% of cattle in Borena died as a result, leaving huge numbers without access to food and water and the almost impossible task of keeping livestock and farming in this environment.

We are one human family created in God’s image. Let’s bring our sisters and brothers to God in prayer.