July 6-18, 2009

Fresh Oil Ministries International 

will be in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

establishing foundation for the first  

Fresh Oil School of Ministry

Meeting with local pastors and government officials is only a portion of Iain's short fact-finding trip to Ethiopia in preparation for establishing our first video Bible School in the mountainous highlands of Africa's Great Rift Valley.  He will also be distributing applicatons to prospective students, delivering an emergency donation to a local church struggling to purchase a building in which to meet, and presenting a gift to our first sponsored orphan.

Although we have many goals, the Fresh Oil School of Ministry is our first priority.  After two trips last year, our hearts were so moved by the great spiritual hunger displayed by the Ethiopian people.  So many expressed a heart to reach out to their fellow citizens, especially in remote villages, but could not afford the cost of attending four-year colleges and seminaries.  Young adults followed us from church to church, begging us for copies of our sermon notes so they could study them further.  We knew something had to be done!

We researched several options and asked for recommendations from fellow para-church ministry friends already operating Bible schools in developing nations.  Repeatedly, we heard rave reviews concerning the International School of Ministry created by Good Shepherd Ministries in California.  President Berin Gilfillan and his incredibly visionary team have developed a video curriculum featuring renowned teachers including Joyce Meyer, John Bevere, Reinhard Bonnke, Lamar Boschman, Gloria Copeland, Darlene Zschech, Marilyn Hickey and Dick Eastman.  Five trimesters of basic instruction provide a strong foundation for leadership at all levels.  The video format, already translated into Ethiopian Amharic, allows additional courses to be included as the Lord directs.  Knowledge, character and spiritual gifts are equally presented in a program which respects pastoral leadership and authority.

As the Holy Spirit directs our footsteps in this initial outreach, we are incredibly excited about the potential the school represents for the beautiful people we have grown to love so deeply.  Your prayers for this venture are greatly appreciated; keep checking back for updates! 

If you feel led to donate finances for Fresh Oil Ministries International in Ethiopia, or would like to participate in our support of the Kotebie Full Gospel Church of Addis Ababa, please contact us on the web at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call our office at 989-545-4120.

Blessings!   

Iain and Michele