Page 109 - Then Came the Glory

Sidamo
beloved of the Arsis.
The fighting and killing has gone on from one
generation to another without mercy. Since there are now apostolics on both sides of the border who strive to live in peace, things are changing. In the last fighting many heathen died, but none of the saints. The government now understands that true salvation brings peace and gives every consideration to Paulos and the brethren who work with him. In a recent meeting in Awassa of the Administrator with various church leaders, they demanded, "Block the
Apostolics! They are taking all our people."
"Don't make that kind of request-let religion alone,"
he replied, "We don't try to stop the politicians from trying
to get the people to support them. Besides who else can give
the people release from chat, tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol
that maJces them prisoners in their own house? We need free
people filled with peace and love, hence the Gospel must be
preached on city squares, in the streets, and in houses. Do not bind your members. Give them liberty to go to the
church of their choice. I want you to sign an agreement to this at once."
Many of the leaders felt unhappy with the adminstrator's ultimatum. They knew their work would go
down while the truth flourished. Some chose to ignore the
paper they signed and shot into the houses of people baptized in the name of Jesus. The new believers said, "You cannot
force us to live a lie, we will obey truth at any cost." Others said, "We built this building with our own
hands and with our own money. Since all of us are leaving,
why must we go without a building? Let us reject this
preacher and fmd one who knows the truth to preach to us in our own church building." This has brought much confusion
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