Ethiopia vs. Somalia Soccer Match in Dadaab, Kenya at refugee camps

When you talk of Somalis and Ethiopians the next thing that comes in mind are enemies that cant see eye to eye. This is worsened by the recent war that was in Mogadishu (capital of Somali) in which the Ethiopian troops helped to remove Islamic courts that had ruled Somali for a number of months. Around that time, we had a lot of influx of Somali refugees to daddaab refugee camp.

I have trained quite a number of Ethiopians on how to do evangelism and discipleship. We needed something that would bridge the gap between these refugees who are neighbors and yet enemies. Having talked with a refugee from Ethiopia who is taking care of the church in the camp, we decided that a match between these groups was going to be the bridge to use to share the love of God to them.

We hade two categories of matches: under 15 years and Adults.

Saturday 10th match: Ethiopians under 15 beat Somalis two goals to nil. We had about 1,200 Refugees watch the match.

Sunday 11th: It was a match of the adults between Somalis and Ethiopians. At the end of the 90 minutes they had equal goal aggregates two versus two on each side. They went on penalty and both scored three more goals. It became dark and a deal was made for the match to continue the following day. About 1,500 Refugees watched the game.

Monday 12th: They decided to have full match again. Somalis emerged the winners having beat Ethiopians two goals to nil—it was real celebration time for the mammoth of Somali supporters who had cheered their team all through. About 1,600 refugees watched the match.

As I think about it, I realize that adopting relevant strategies in reaching out to the hurting world is going to go along way in bringing people to the Master —sharing HIS Love in multifaceted ways is something we need to boldly do.

Giving smiles and joy to faces of some of those people who have seen death so close is something I would not trade with anything.

Here are a few photos so you can have a taste of what happened:

Look at that—Somali players (in red) with Ethiopian Players (light blue)

Ethiopians holding the two cups that were being “fought” for & Ken holding the cups before giving the leaders

N/B: most Ethiopians who played are from Gambela region—they are called Anywak—they are river-Lake nilotes. We also have other Cushitic Ethiopians in the camp (I have trained quite a number of them) only that it was tricky involving them also. Thanks for being apart of this !

Myanmar update

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the in-depth and encouraging update on what is happening with you guys and the church. My apologies for not responding sooner. I was in the States for ten days of meetings and my inbox is very full (still 75 messages to go!).

Let me say that your continued partnership in Thailand and Myanmar are making a difference and bearing fruit. I am in regular contact with P (talked to him last night) and the ministry there is mushrooming in every direction (its now up to 58 church and doors opening all over). Our big challenge now is to help them get some buildings up! The evangelism is going great but the government and economic situation are very tough and they need our help. I will be there in two weeks for a graduation of the students who have now finished their course work since the Bible School was closed. P is using the church to continue the training and we are looking at finding a way to reopen the Bible School as a vocational training center.

Another need is additional room for the orphans. As they get older, it is essential to separate the boys and girls and they are looking for a way to build a dormitory that will allow for this. The church property is pretty maxed out but P manages to find a way!

You may have heard about increased persecution from the government. Six churches have been closed in Mandalay and officials have been cutting the crosses off of church buildings in the Golden Triangle. So far, none of our ministries have been impacted but the situation is tense.

One thing I have discovered is that places where we have missionaries get a lot more attention and help than the places that do not. That is one reason I pound the drum for Burma a lot. Our involvement with some very solid and proven ministries will greatly multiply the fruit and I have a strong sense that it is God's time for breakthrough in this nation. I have been north to Chin State where the revival started in the 70's and south to Moulmein where Adoniram Judson began a ministry that has left a lasting legacy. In Yangon, Mandalay and the Golden Triangle, a young generation of leaders is rising.

Please convey my thanks and those of the Pastor Philip Ahone, P and the leaders in Myanmar for what you and the Pullman Foursquare Church has done.

Philip and Mie Mie Ahone are in the Seattle area now. Their daughter Charis will be graduation from Seattle Pacific U. in May. I would encourage you to contact them. Philip is the founder and leader of Foursquare Myanmar and I would love for you to be able to spend some time with him. They have a daughter in Portland, Glory.

Thanks again Bruce. I will be happy to work with you and the 20 something's who what to come to SE Asia! Sounds like a great trip. I would love to spend some time with you and this group. Let me know dates, etc and I will help you set this up.

God bless you,

George Butron