Recently I was having a heart-to-heart conversation with God expressing how I did not understand why things have to happen. There are times I honestly just don’t get it!
A few days later I came across an article about a missionary named Albert Brant who had a deep passion for the people in south-central Ethiopia deep in the hill region of the country called the Gedeo. Divided into many uniquely different tribes, the Gedeo people numbered in the millions yet as of 1900 these people had never been reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Interestingly there was a belief woven into their culture of an omnipotent benevolent Creator called Magano; but sadly the majority of these ancient tribal communities did not pray to Magano. But there was a man who lived in the village of Dilla named Warrasa Wange who began to pray a simple prayer that Magano would reveal Himself to the Gedeo people!
God gave Warrasa a vision in which he saw “two white-skinned strangers” putting up temporary shelters under a sycamore tree in the town of Dilla, his home. He then heard a voice saying that those two men would bring “a message from Magano, the God you seek. Wait for them.” And so Warrasa waited many many years while God was working.
It was not until December of 1948 that two missionaries, Albert Brant and Glen Cain, arrived in Ethiopia. Because of political issues they were advised to set up camp outside of the village of Dilla, Warrasa’s village!!!! It was a very hot day when Albert and Glen arrived in Dilla so they set up their tents under the shade of a sycamore tree! In the distance Warrasa heard the sound of Albert and Glen’s old truck. He headed towards the truck only to find the “two white-skinned strangers” of his vision under the sycamore tree!!!!
Together Warrasa and Albert Brant along with others established more than 200 churches among the Gedeo people over the next thirty years . At the time of Albert’s death there were 50,000 believers who called him their father in the faith.
Albert experienced many set-backs and obstacles in his pursuit of bringing the Gospel to the Gedeo people. Warrasa waited years holding on to a vision and hope that Magano was real and heard his prayer. It’s hard to see at times Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” It is stories like this that show God’s universal plan and how He is designing the big picture while simultaneously and intimately touching individual lives.
As I was finishing up this blog, the Lord reminded me of a video I had seen. I hope that as you watch it you will reflect on what God is doing in your life. It may not make any sense right now but trust Him because He is painting the big picture! (right click to open link in new tab)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3KwpmVHRpw
From my heart to yours,
DaNetta
I had heard this story years ago, but I didn’t know the details. Such an inspirational story of faith and perseverance! Thank you for sharing it with us, dear friend.