Apr 17, 2024 From Fire to Faith

“Help! Our house is on fire! Please, help!” the cry rang out in the night! Neighbors peeked from their windows, but no one ventured outside to give assistance.

Noma, along with his wife and three children, tried to fight the fire on their own. But, the fire had been deliberately set and spread too quickly to extinguish. The neighbors would not help because they thought God was punishing this family for choosing to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Noma is a farmer in the small village of Jamaya, Ethiopia. The destruction of his home and property to fire is a devastating loss. The family had only recently been baptized during outreach efforts in the Eastern Ethiopia Union Mission sponsored by Quiet Hour Ministries.

When the church members learned about the fire, they immediately came to the house. They gathered around the family and started to pray. In addition to asking for God’s help for the family, the church members prayed for a miracle that would be a witness for the entire village. They asked God to reveal Himself and show that He is a living and true God.

Then, the miracle happened! Money started coming in, enough to build an even better house. Church members donated equipment, supplies, and household goods to replace everything that was lost to fire. Noman and his family felt so supported by their friends and church family!

When the new house was ready and fully furnished, the church gathered with Noma and his family for a celebration of praise and thanksgiving. God had answered their prayers above and beyond what they had dared to hope. Praise God!

And, the neighbors noticed! They were first-hand witnesses to the destruction, as well as the restoration and improvements for the family. They had heard the prayers, and they heard the loud exclamations of joy at the results of God’s work.

So far, because of this situation, 23 people in the village have recognized that our God is the one true and living God, and they have surrendered their lives to Him! Amen!

Noma and his family are incredibly encouraged by the outpouring of God’s blessings and the friendships of fellow church members.

Noma says, “My house burned down, but God has done a great thing.”

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20