Phase Two of the Amharic Launch and Thanksgiving Services

In February we shared a portion of a report from the Amharic translator about the distribution of the Amharic New Testament with Psalms in Ethiopia. At that time seven thanksgiving and launch services were conducted with an unexpected request for two more. A second phase of services was held, this time in four locations with the number of attendees far exceeding expectations in some places. The following is a selection from the translator’s report on these services.

The launch and distribution were done on the afternoon of 26 March. There was a gathering of over 1,250 people; the large venue we were gathered was completely filled, and many young people were standing by the wall and sitting on the floor. We had only 1,000 copies and over 250 people left the meeting without a copy in their hands.

At the event Pastor Dale Money from Bearing Precious Seed preached about the Word of God. After the preaching, introduction, and explanation of the work of TBS and the historical development of the new translation was given. After the Scriptures are distributed, all stood up and read together 2 Timothy 3.14-17, and leaders who stood on the platform read five selected readings. People were amazed by hearing the differences on the reading from what they knew for many years …

There was an arrangement made with the key Ethiopian church leaders who heard about the new translation, launching in different places and the distribution. They were eager to hear about the work and receive Scriptures translated for the Textus Receptus.

About thirty key leaders were there in the city of Johannesburg. The presentation started at 3:30pm and finished at 5:30pm. The presentation went very well. There was unexpected excitement and appreciation of the work and commitment of the TBS, faithfulness of the Received Text, and the new translation. Many said they didn’t expect this much work and were expressing their relief from the fear of the modern.

All leaders agreed for the launch and distribution to be done as soon as possible, and many promised to become members of the Society and to stand with us in this historic work. So, we have made a plan to launch in the two cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria at the end of June and early July.

The work of the second phase went very well, this is only the work of God and an answer to the prayer of the people of God, thank you for your prayers.

The South African Ethiopian evangelical leaders keep asking for this opportunity of knowing the truth: they know about the history of the Society and the work of the new translation. They keep asking cities like Cape Town, Durban, and other big cities to get this opportunity and asked us to go there and do the same thing. May our God give us time and what is needed. Please pray for this and for many to have open and receptive hearts as we see in South Africa.

Please keep praying for several phases of launching and distribution to be made … praise the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy is enduring.