Caring for Caregivers …
One of the things we love most about ZEELO is coming alongside faithful global leaders serving in some of the world's most challenging places.
Our friend Abenezer is one of those leaders. An Ethiopian missionary serving among unreached people groups in a remote region of South Sudan, he spends much of his time far from family, comforts, and the everyday relationships most of us take for granted.
Abenezer is also engaged to a wonderful young woman named Nigat who desires to join him in full-time missionary work. They are planning to marry after her university graduation, but because of the realities of cross-border ministry and the remote nature of his assignment, opportunities to spend time together are extremely limited.
Over the past several weeks, ZEELO has been quietly working with Abenezer's sending organization to explore the possibility of a short visit home to Addis Ababa this fall. Our goal is simple: to encourage a faithful missionary and give him the opportunity to surprise sweet Nigat, spend some meaningful time together, and make progress on their wedding plans.
We want to do this the right way. That means working closely with his organization's leadership, respecting their policies, and ensuring that any travel fits within their protocols and ministry priorities. We are grateful for the positive conversations taking place and the spirit of partnership that has characterized the process.
Because of generous ZEELO champions the needed funds are already available should approval be granted. Their generosity is making it possible for us to be prepared if and when the opportunity becomes available.
This may seem like a small thing, but healthy marriages and healthy leaders matter. One of the best ways to care for those serving among the unreached is to invest not only in their ministry, but also in their relationships, encouragement, and long-term flourishing.
Would you join us in praying for wisdom as these conversations continue? Pray for Abenezer, for Nigat, for their future marriage, and for favor as plans are considered. We would love to see this faithful servant receive a much-needed season of encouragement before returning to continue the work God has entrusted to him in South Sudan.
Sometimes caring for global leaders looks like providing training, counseling, or practical resources. Sometimes it looks like helping a young missionary surprise his future bride.
Both matter.