A Mother’s Stand

Adanech’s steadfast faith in God led her family on a difficult spiritual journey.

Adanech Landore Takiso grew up in the close-knit community of Kabarbuya, in Ethiopia’s Jacho region. Since childhood, she has been very involved in the Kale Hiwot Church in some way or another.

In 1995, Adanech married Abera Muturo in that same church. Their marriage became a beacon of love and unity, rooted in their shared values and beliefs. They raised four children together, and as they navigated the challenges of life together, their faith served as a guiding light, illuminating their path and strengthening their bond.

One day, a knock sounded on their door. “Come in,” Adanech called. 

A visitor stepped into the house, holding a worn Bible. “Peace to this house,” he said. “I’m Tesfaagegn Eriso, a gospel worker with the Seventh day Adventist church. May I share something from Scripture?”

Adanech invited Mr. Eriso to have a seat, and Abera soon joined them. The gospel worker began to share truths from the Bible, including the Sabbath, and they listened carefully. That first Bible study stretched into many as they continued looking at the Scriptures with Mr. Eriso.

The family was deeply intrigued by these teachings, which challenged some of their long-held beliefs. They spent hours in discussion and prayer, seeking guidance and discernment as they wrestled with these new revelations.

Abero was convinced that the Sabbath should be celebrated on Saturday but struggled with the idea of transitioning to the Seventh-day Adventist church because of their many peculiar teachings. As a respected member of the Kale Hiwot Church, he felt torn between his loyalty to his church and his conviction about the Sabbath truth. The prospect of leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown filled him with uncertainty and apprehension. He felt that it was a betrayal for him to leave the congregation he was leading.

Despite her husband’s reservations about joining the Adventist church, Adanech felt a deep sense of peace and clarity about their spiritual journey. She believed wholeheartedly in the truth of the Sabbath and the teachings they had received from Mr. Eriso. With unwavering faith and determination, she gently encouraged her husband to consider the implications of their newfound understanding and the importance of following God’s will above all else.

After much prayer and reflection, Abera came to a momentous decision. He realized that their pursuit of truth and righteousness was more important than any earthly affiliation or tradition. With a mixture of trepidation and resolve, he gave his blessing to Adanech and their four children to join the local Seventh-day Adventist church while he remained at the Kale Hiwot church to continue his ministry there.

News traveled fast. The family began to face criticism and opposition from members of the Kale Hiwot church and other people in the community. Some muttered, “Rebellion! A wife must follow her husband.” Some accused her of betrayal, while others tried to undermine their decision with subtle persuasion and manipulation. Despite the pressure to conform, Adanech remained steadfast in her faith, trusting in God’s guidance and provision.

Meanwhile, Abera continued to serve faithfully within the Kale Hiwot Church, even as he grappled with his own spiritual journey. He found himself torn between his sense of duty to his congregation and his growing conviction about the Sabbath truth. In the quiet moments of reflection, he wrestled with questions of identity and purpose, seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty.

Then came the worst blow. Their son, Tekele, who had been traveling toward South Africa, was arrested in Tanzania and sentenced to seven years in prison. The news sent shockwaves through the family, testing their faith and resilience in ways they had never imagined.

In the midst of their grief and uncertainty, Adanech turned to prayer for strength and comfort. She sought solace in the promise of God’s unfailing love and provision, trusting that He would sustain them through the darkest of times. Despite the challenges they faced, she clung to her faith with unwavering determination, believing that God would work all things together for good. Her unwavering faith and resilience inspired those around her, serving as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity.

Today Adanech humbly asks for prayer, that God would provide them with some means of livelihood so that her husband can join them in the Seventh-day Adventist church. She also seeks prayers for her son’s release from jail, and courage as they walk whatever path God clears before them.  


Location
Ethiopia

Author
Daniel Shamebo Sabore is the coordinator of Everlasting Gospel Projects in Southern Ethiopia.

How You Can Help
Pray for Adanech as she continues to study and discover the truth for the last days.

Pray for the 41 Ethiopian Bible workers that your gifts help support as they carry the message from village to village.

Give to help reach souls in Ethiopia. Send your donations marked “Ethiopia Churches” or “Ethiopia Workers” to:

Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501

To give securely online, visit: www.missionspro.org/donate