Page 194 - Unseen Hands by Nona Freeman

Unseen Hands
of them who had wide influence was arrested on the way for misappropriation of government funds. All the rest heard no for an answer.
The children of the Lord had a mind to work. Bekele was employed in an office but spent his free time helping to dig the foundation. Tewolde, Tekle's younger brother and an efficient mason, did the floors and similar work. Ayele Lakew, Salome's grandson and pastor of the Addis church, handled the electrical and telephone installations. Preachers and members skilled in masonry and carpen try came from Wollayta and Chole. These and others working together saved forty percent of the construction
costs. As the work progressed the services were moved— first to the service quarters, then to the living room of the parsonage.
The first meeting in the unfinished church was held on the Ethiopian Christmas Day, January 7,1980. A spirit of giving moved over the congregation, and they piled on the platform a great stack of watches, clothes, and other valuables. These contributions helped to finish the sanctuary.
Huge crowds gathered on August 30, 1980, for the dedication of the church to the memory of the late C. G. Weeks. Brother Tenney preached a powerful dedicatory message that will never be forgotten by those present. His prayer of dedication has been a pivot of faith when
storms have threatened. It is quoted and reprayed word for word withallofits original fervency: "To the message of truth we dedicate this church; we dedicate these men; we dedicate these saints. We officially give this building and ourselves to Jesus; from now on this building belongs to Him. I have no claim on this building; the people of
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