From seven students to 800: The school in Ethiopia building bridges between Christians and Muslims
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 Schools are places of learning, which help to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. But, thanks to Open Doors supporters, one church-run school in Ethiopia is helping to heal wounds and religious tensions between Christians and Muslims by creating a platform for interaction and engagement for children from both religious backgrounds.
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2
Schools are places of learning, which help to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood.
But, thanks to Open Doors supporters, one church-run school in Ethiopia is helping to heal wounds and religious tensions between Christians and Muslims by creating a platform for interaction and engagement for children from both religious backgrounds.
‘WE PAID A HUGE PRICE FOR OUR FAITH’
Not so long ago, Christians in this community (a rural town, where roughly 99 per cent of the population are Muslims) faced constant, brutal persecution for their faith in Christ.
“Previously, persecution was common,” says Feyissa*, the pastor and founder of the church school. “Muslims didn’t even want us to step on their land. We Christians were only a few, and we were scared to move around town. We never went out at night. It was miserable. In those days at least one church member per day got attacked. They used to call us 'kafir' – infidels – all the time! I got attacked many times when I went out to minister. One time it was so bad, I needed medical care.”
The school principal, Desu*, elaborates: “Every day, Muslims would throw rocks at the church. Whenever members walked to church, Muslims would grab their Bibles and set fire to them. They even used to push our children around as they made their way to church. Christians were refused a place to bury their dead. We were also violently chased from social gatherings. It was dreadful. We paid a huge price for our faith in those days.”
‘GOD WAS VERY NEAR US’
“Open Doors apologetics, persecution preparedness and cross-cultural outreach training helped us very much to grow spiritually in these troubles,” Feyissa continues. “We learnt that persecution can move believers from strength to strength. When people pass through persecution, they become strong. God was very near us in those days. We had nothing else that strengthened us. God himself strengthened us by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Feyissa wanted to find a way to bring about change in the Christians’ relationship with the local community. He had a brainwave. “I asked Open Doors to support the school I had started for seven kindergarten students in our church compound. You agreed, and the numbers grew quickly. Later, they helped us to expand. We found land and built a primary school on a separate compound. Most recently, some kindergarten classes were added to that site.”
The school now consists of three free-standing, multi-story buildings where kids have swings to play on. Pupils from grade 1 to grade 8 sit at locally-crafted desks, and have access to a laboratory, a library and a computer literacy centre. All of this is possible thanks to your prayers and support.
‘THROUGH THIS SCHOOL WE HAVE BECOME CONNECTED’
This place has acted as a bridge right into the hearts of the once hostile Muslim community.
“Despite knowing full well that this is a Christian establishment, local Muslims have been sending their children to our school. Today half of our around 800 students are Muslims. As more and more Muslims enrolled into the school, we frequently found opportunity to meet with the parents and develop better relationships with them. Now, we even counsel parents when they have family issues, and we have the opportunity to share the gospel with them,” Feyissa explains.
The persecution has not disappeared altogether, but now Christians often see Muslims come to their defence.
“We used to be distanced and disconnected from the Muslims, but through this school we have become connected. Now we are even invited into their homes. Where there used to be only hatred, there is now respect. They say: ‘Hustaz (teacher), please come in.’ This gives us a sense of overwhelming joy.”
‘I WANT TO SHOW THAT I AM A CHRISTIAN’
Twelve-year-old Sisay, a Christian student at the school, has written ‘Jesus is coming soon!’ in pen on the back of his shirt. He says, “I want to show that I am a Christian.” Amazingly, he feels very safe to live out his faith in the school. “I pray when I eat and the Muslim students say nothing about it. I am so glad about my school. I am happy about the teachers and the friends I have.”
The school is a place where Sisay may start to realise his dreams. “One day, I want to be a doctor, because I want to serve my community. And in church, I want to become a singer like the other brothers in our village,” he says.
Seeing how far this school has come, Principal Desu is extremely grateful. “Ever since your ministry came to our town, God’s graciousness has been upon our church. We started serving God together, and God has given us favour in the community. And that has given us opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbours. We bless your organisation and staff for all they have done for us!
“If God had not caused my path to cross that of Open Doors, this vision would have remained nothing but a daydream,” Feyissa says with conviction. “Now, those who used to hate us bring their children to our school. About six other churches in the area learnt about the impact of this school, and opened their own schools too.
“I want to acknowledge Open Doors on behalf of the church and the students. What was done is overwhelming. No one else has served us like your organisation. I am truly speaking before the Lord, I don’t know anyone else that works together with the church in spreading the gospel as you do. I would like to say: God bless you… What you did is amazing; may God bless your generation and stand by your side.
“To all who pray for us and support us, I want to say, let’s continue spreading the gospel together. Let’s build the Kingdom of God. Let’s reach the people of this Muslim-majority area for Christ.”
STAND WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
We’re focusing on our church family in the Horn of Africa this month, which includes Ethiopia, as well as Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti and Kenya. Please join us in thanking God for the peace He is bringing to this community – it’s the first step on a long journey towards healing, but there’s still a long way to go. Every £25 could put Bibles into the hands of five believers in the Horn of Africa.
PLEASE PRAY:
- Praise God for providing the resources for this school to be built, and for the amazing impact it has on the community
- For God’s provision of gospel-driven teachers to the school who will be eager and well-equipped to share with the students the hope they have in Christ
- For wisdom for all staff as they interact with the students and the local community
- For the expansion of the school, so it can accommodate more children from the community.
*Names changed for security reasons
