Page 120 - Unseen Hands by Nona Freeman

Unseen Hands
depended on begging, developed a shrewd eye for the benefits that they hoped to receive in exchange for listen ing and praying. God's unfathomable mercy still brought healing to some of them and improvement to others.
None of the lepers had been baptized by the end of 1969. One Sunday, Tekle brought Salome and her family to the chapel, not knowing that Brother Wendell had designated it as a clean-up day. The nobility had brought some of their peers with them, hoping that they would benefit by the sermon they would hear. Instead, the Wendells, with commendable humility, led in the neces sary cleaning of the premises, and the high-born followed
their example. The visitors did not return, but Salome's family, having a deep hunger for God and the truth, came to stay with the church regardless of the lepers and their offensive odor. It is difficult for an outsider to comprehend the vast cultural taboos that love surmounted that day.
Early in 1970, Tekle and Erkenesh returned to revival blessings in Awasa. Haylu Wolde-Tsadik served as presi dent of the Luthern Southern Synod for many years and had long been a helpful friend to Tekle. This man came to the knowledge of the truth and gave his friend the privilege of baptizing him in the name of Jesus. Haylu's stand cost him everything he had—a good salary, his home and car, and the favor of co-workers and family. He became deathly ill at a meal served while angry church officials questioned him, and he still suffers from the ef fects of whatever caused the illness. This did not turn him away from the truth he received.
Wolde-Girogis Sisay received the Holy Ghost while attending the Lutheran seminary. Eight trinitarian pastors—Asha Ashango, an Adventist, Dejana Segu,
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