ADVENTURE
Jerry and Maxine Share Eritrean Saga
School of Leadership Training
Asmara, Eritrea
First class with 21 sudents
June 1996
Nice classrom in revamped shipping container
Window of Opportunity
“You will lead these people” (Joshua 1:6) was the Lord’s directive to Joshua. The task had been defined and a leader emerged. A leader is one whom others will follow. The nation of Israel responded to Joshua’s leadership and claimed God’s promise.
The revamped 40-foot shipping container was buzzing with excitement as 21 Eritrean students enrolled for the opening class of the School of Leadership Training. I stepped to the front to open the session with Pastor Kidane at my side interpreting into the national language, Tigrinya.
The Full Gospel Church of Eritrea was birthed in 1965 as several born-again believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Bible studies grew into a young church. Then under 18 years of Communist rule and persecution, they met covertly and emerged in free Eritrea numbering about 250 believers.
Six years later with a congregation of near 2,000 believers, a training program was being initiated. Senior pastors Habtom and Twelode were among the students. It was a great day! Leaders were being mentored and prepared for the challenges at hand.
Little did Maxine and I know that this was a window of opportunity the Lord had given us and that four years later the nation would be thrust into a bloody war with neighboring Ethiopia. The church and leaders would be tested.
The effectiveness of the training program would be tested too. It has been said, “The true test of leadership is found in one’s ability to leave behind people who have the conviction and will to carry out the objectives.”
Eritrean leaders are now demonstrating capable leadership in guiding believers through the current persecution. Thank God for windows of opportunity!