Testimonials from ERM Staff and Students
Ezra Rural Ministry sees the results of the prayer and financial support given not only to its staff and its students, but also to their families and the rural communities in which they live. Here are a few examples.
 Mihretab
Tesema- A “Model Man of God”
Hosanna is the name of the Ethiopian city
where twenty-six-year-old Mihretab Tesema lives and
works as an Ezra Rural Ministry Coordinator for the
ERM satellite school situated there. After Mihretab
came to the Lord, he began to serve in his local
church as a leader, preacher and teacher. But as a lay
leader without training in the Word, Mihretab's
preaching lacked clarity and was confusing.
After joining Ezra Rural Ministry Training Center,
Mihretab learned the art of preaching and of
interpreting the Bible correctly. Soon, he was
exercising his preaching skills in small groups and
has become a beloved and respected leader in his
church. Mihretab graduated with the two-year Diploma
of Theology last August and is continuing his
education in the Advanced Theology program.
Dereje says, “Mihretab is a model man of
God...Everybody love him very much...”
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Asegedech Debebe- An Ezra Rural Ministry
Graduate
Twenty-five-year-old Asegedech is single and living in
Nazireth-woniji, in the eastern part of Ethiopia.
Though disabled, walking with the help of a stick,
Asegedech hasn't let that stop her. After coming to
Christ, she began a small beauty salon business in
order to support herself and be able to serve the
Lord. At the same time, she began developing her
spiritual gift of teaching and sharing her beautiful
singing voice in her local church.
In many parts of Ethiopia, self-support is discouraged
for those who minister to the Body of Christ. As
Asegedech's business and ministry prospered, she was
counseled to give up her business in order to
concentrate on full-time ministry. Soon, she was
facing financial problems since she no longer
supported herself through her business and her local
church was unable to support her as a full-time
teacher.
For days, Asegedech went without food. A Christian
family gave her a small room to live in temporarily.
At the same time, her ministry began to diminish.
Asegedech became very discouraged until she heard
about Ezra Rural Ministry Training Center. After
enrolling, Asagedech learned about the Biblical
principle of “Tentmaking” and Director Dereje Shiferaw
encouraged her to rebuild her beauty salon business so
that she could support herself while continuing in
ministry.
Asegedech graduated with a Diploma of Theology from
Ezra Rural Ministry Training Center on August 27th,
2011, and is looking forward to continuing her
education through an ERM Advanced Degree. In the
meantime, she is supporting herself and her ministry
is reviving.
August 27, 2011, Asegedech is pictured at the graduation
with the visiting Ezra U.S. team. From left to
right: Mercy Peck, Paul Peck, Becky Peck Mantha (in
front), Asegedech, and Israel Peck.
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