Page 188 - Then Came the Glory

TfKn Came the Glory
Ghost, and the Lord gives the increase.
Our General Conference increased to more than ten
thousand people, but the rain made things difGcult. Since the saints could not find a dry place to sleep, we felt compelled to plan a 14,531 square foot building with a large balcony. When I told the people about the need, I estimated its cost at three million Birr; we only had a hundred thousand Birr. But, I insisted, "Let us rise up and build by faith. The Lord will accomplish the work if we are willing."
An amazing dedication to work seized the people and both old and young grabbed hoes and began digging the foundation with vigor. From digging the ground to raising the columns, the builders had no rest for the people pressed into their hands all the needed materials. The work went
speedily and our hearts rejoiced to see the building grow
larger each day. Within four months we completed the great house for God, lacking only rafters and the sheet iron roof.
Just as in Bible times, God has moved on the hearts
of the people to give, not only their land but also their
money. Some gave a hundred thousand Birr, some fifty thousand and many ten thousand. Many of those gifts
represented considerable sacrifice. Colonel Fidda willingly gave a part of his land for a branch church.
Furious about the construction of the enormous
building, other religious leaders tried to find someone to kill me. A man named Abate thought he would please God by
eliminating me so he paid Assab 35 Birr for a sword and came to church with a pocket full of rocks and the sword
concealed in his clothing. He planned to throw a stone at my head and when I fell, he would quickly put his sword in my stomach and escape through a window. Just as he thought to carry out his plan, he saw the angel of the Lord standing
174