Frequently Asked Questions
"And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2
Why another ministry in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is a country of diverse people groups; among these the neediest are the rural people, which comprise more than 80% of the total population. In addition, most of Ethiopia is illiterate, estimated at 94%. These Ethiopians do not have access to the Bible. It is the rural, illiterate, often forgotten people that need to hear the gospel of Jesus and that need trained leadership. It is these people that Ezra Rural Ministry (ERM) is burdened to reach.
What is unique about ERM?
ERM encourages and trains these rural, indigenous people to become Christian leaders. We do this by spreading the gospel, by training leaders in our Certificate and Diploma programs, and by enabling them to start churches in their villages. We believe that it is much less expensive and time-consuming to train Ethiopians to evangelize their own people.
What makes Ezra rural ministry effective?
Many Christians in rural Ethiopia are often semiliterate or illiterate and live in a community where the majority is in the same condition. ERM selects Christians who are natural leaders from such communities, helps them to grow in their knowledge of God's Word, teaches them how to study, understand, and apply it to everyday life. The goal is to train them in such a way that they will be able to train others. This is what 2 Timothy 2:2 teaches us to do for others. ERM students are also taught how to educate their communities in areas of public sanitation, how to make drinking water safe, dig latrines, determine the seriousness of common ailments, when to seek medical help and methods of treatment using the book, Where There is No Doctor, Amharic Version. ERM encourages these leaders to remain in their communities, living the Christian life before their neighbors.
Why share the gospel?
The gospel is simply the good news that Jesus is the savior/sin-bearer for all mankind. According to the Bible, mankind is born in the sin caused by the rebellion of Adam. Sin and the curse it incurs cannot be forgiven and removed unless someone pays for that sin and reconciles us with God. We recognize that it is Christ Jesus who paid that price. Being holy and without sin, he offered to pay our sin-debt by allowing sinful men to crucify him upon the cross. Evidence of God's acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice was the miracle of Jesus rising from death on the third day. His resurrection broke sin's curse, secured God's forgiveness, and guaranteed heaven for all who will trust Jesus and his sacrifice for their sin. It's God's good news for all mankind! We in Ezra Rural Ministry love to share this with everyone who will listen!
What are the administrative costs of the ministry?
All work done in the United States is voluntary. The only administrative costs are the fees for wiring funds to Ethiopia, which is done once per quarter to minimize costs, and processing fees for on-line donations. This ministry clearly stands out as one of the most cost effective you will find.
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