A second wind for the Daasanach

By Tabitha Plueddemann

Imagine a slow, brown river winding through an arid landscape of rocks and sparse desert brush. Fast forward one decade and you will see this same river lined with lush gardens of bananas, papaya, mango, tomatoes, peppers and onions. Above these gardens, the giant arms of windmills turn slowly, harnessing wind power to draw water up from the river into bubbling irrigation networks.

This transformation is occurring along the Omo River in southeastern Ethiopia. Today 75 windmills, all in the hands of local families, line its banks.

Equally awe-inspiring is the slow but sure spiritual transformation of the Daasanach, a semi-nomadic pastoralist group who call this area home. The wind of the Spirit is turning hearts to Christ and gathering believers into groups.

In 1996 the Kale Heywot Church, SIM’s partner in Ethiopia, approached SIM for help in outreach to the Daasanach. SIM’s Dick and Donna Swart agreed to move to the remote region that same year. This was Dick’s childhood home; his parents were the first Christians to live among the Daasanach from 1964 to 1977. Ethiopian evangelist Berhanu and his wife, Hanna, also committed to move there. Together their vision is to see the gospel take root and physical needs met through windmill irrigation.

Berhanu and Hanna have been greatly used by God to raise up and discipling a body of new believers. Berhanu disciples emerging church leaders several nights a week. The translation of 20 Chronological Presentation of the Gospel (CPG) lessons into Daasanach has been completed and now Berhanu uses these for evangelism.

Two small islands in the delta near Lake Turkana were donated, and mango groves are now planted there. Every few weeks Berhanu and some Christians go to check on the trees, which has opened up a new ministry in this area.

The Daasanach have constant food needs in this desolate land with little rainfall. Yet the renewable energy of wind and the abundant river water provided a perfect solution. The windmills are constructed of simple materials available in Ethiopia, and local technicians handle all of their own maintenance, making the windmills sustainable. The new fruits and vegetables grown add much nutrition to the typical sorghum-only diet. Surplus crops are sold in the nearby town, providing cash income.

How to PRAY

• that windmill owners will work their windmills to their potential
• for wisdom to assess the changing needs of the Daasanach
• for Berhanu and Hanna’s evangelism and discipleship
• for Nanuk, emerging as a leader in the church
• that believers will remain strong against cultural pulls

A Teen Journeys from Anger to Shalom

Shalom means wholeness. Shalom means completeness. Shalom is missing in the lives of many South Asians dealing with HIV.

Shalom seemed unattainable for Sonu and his family. Still reeling from his mother’s HIV-related death, Sonu watched his father and younger sister struggle with the disease. Sonu’s father, who works as a driver, barely makes enough to support his five children, let alone move them out of their urban slum.

The burden of poverty and HIV in his family had made Sonu an angry young man. The stigma of HIV isolated him and, without basic life skills, Sonu lacked the ability to make wise decisions for his future.

Fortunately for Sonu, Shalom is also the name of a ministry run by the Emmanuel Hospital Association, a partner of field India. Staff from Shalom’s Home Based Care program had been visiting Sonu’s family on a regular basis. In 2011, they invited him to be a part of their nine-month adolescent program. The program facilitates the holistic development of youth affected by HIV — providing life skills classes and group counseling sessions.

Under the mentorship of the program coordinator, Sonu blossomed. He listened intently, staying late to ask questions and sorting through many issues. He realized how his anger could harm himself and those around him. He became deeply connected to the others in his class, forming friendships with people who understand the struggles of life affected by HIV.

During Shalom’s Vacation Bible School, Sonu committed his life to follow Christ. His desire to help other young people like himself also grew, so he volunteered for 2012’s adolescent program. He helps out during the classes, shares his experiences, and is in training to become a peer educator. He finds great joy in bringing shalom to others.

Learn more about the ministry of Shalom Delhi.

Niger Flood Relief

Project # - 88600

Abnormally heavy rains caused extreme flooding beginning in August in Niamey, Niger, affecting more than 80000 in the area. The entire SIM team was affected as well, inundating the SIM seminary and Sahel Academy school.The river may slightly recede, but it's expected that the buildings will have standing water in them until March or April 2013. The seminary and school had to be completely evacuated and relocated to a temporary location. Praise God for His protection and provision despite the hardship. Please keep praying with us:  

• For those who need new housing arrangements 

• For good health - protection against disease

• For wisdom in caring for submerged SIM properties

• For Sahel Academy staff facing many new challenges