by By Tesfaye Arka & Hanna Ekaso
We begin this summary of our four-and-a-half-year mission in one of the South Asian countries by praising the Lord of Mission, who is “The Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” We express our warm gratitude to the individuals and churches from all over the world who supported us financially and became our strength through incessant prayers. Because of you, the name of Jesus was revealed to numerous souls through us in this incredibly hard mission field.
Landing with a one-day visa
It was on March 6, 2022 that we boarded a Qatar Airways flight from Addis Ababa to our planned destination, filled with two conflicting emotions: fear and trust in God. The reason we were so anxious was that we had boarded with a visa that had only one day left before it expired. If there had been any change of flight, or any delay during our layover in Qatar, there would have been no way to proceed to our destination. However, God miraculously ensured there were no delays or flight changes, and we landed on this mission field with only 24 hours left before our visa expired.
You should not go! I will go.
Hanna had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of 2021 and underwent surgery. She completed eight cycles of chemotherapy in October 2021. By God’s mercy, she survived and continued with another treatment until the end of 2021, when the doctor finally confirmed that she was completely free of cancer cells.
In the beginning of 2022, we began our process of coming to the expected country. We were awaiting final confirmation from the doctor on whether Hannah would be allowed to go. After all the checkups, the doctor recommended that “Hanna should not go to the field.” Then SIM’s East Africa Sending Office leaders asked Hanna what she thought. Her answer was, “I will go… If death comes to me in Ethiopia, no one can protect me, and it is the same in another country,” was Hanna’s answer. You will find a similar statement from her father when he was asked to return home from the mission field in the book, “Ekaso: Aflame for Jesus” or the Amharic version, “በክርስቶስ ፍቅር ያበደዉ…ኤካሶ” .
Second missionary journey
It was wonderful to get back in the same host country we used to work in, armed with knowledge of the local language and culture. Because of this, we faced no communication challenges as we continued our ministry during our second missionary journey to the third most populous country in South Asia.
I (Tesfaye) travelled to various areas across the country to preach, share Jesus with new people, teach believers, fulfil various leadership responsibilities and train people of all age groups. Sometimes, Hanna joined me on these journeys, travelling both near and far. We are grateful to SIM BD for awarding Tesfaye the “Most Bus Miles Award.”
Most of our ministry focused on the majority population. Meanwhile, Hanna’s time with both believing and non-believing women was fantastic. While there are so many stories we could share, the highlight took place recently wehn a prominent religious scholar, who had mastered the theology of his former religion, believed in Jesus Christ and was baptised. This came after Tesfaye spent about a year discipling him. Churches have been planted, many heard the message of salvation and many got discipled.
Challenges
Every mission is inevitably accompanied by varying challenges. Over our four and a half years of ministry in the host country, we have faced numerous trials.
Spiritual Warfare: On one occasion, we were filled with anticipation about launching a new church in an area 120km from our home. Travelling with Hanna, we arrived in a nearby town and proceeded to the target village alongside a local family. We gathered with the believers and newcomers, prayed for the sick and then headed back to the town. We were travelling in a three-wheeled autorickshaw and were at our destination when another autorickshaw collided with us. The impact crushed the fingers on Hanna’s right hand, causing her to faint on the spot. It was a deeply distressing time for all of us. Yet, through His abundant mercy, God granted her peace and brought swift relief.
Physical trials
Malaria: Tesfaye was on the brink of death due to malaria, but by God’s grace and the swift action of our medical support, he made a full recovery. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Karin Thomas, Cheryle Schroeder the country director and Dr. Jay Litchfield. Eventually, with the doctors’ help, I was prescribed a medication to prevent a relapse of P. vivax malaria. I carefully followed the prescription and am now completely free from malaria.
Glaucoma: In April 2023, Tesfaye’s glaucoma escalated dangerously, requiring urgent surgery on his left eye, to be followed by the right. We are deeply grateful to everyone who petitioned the Lord for a miracle. During this stressful time, we decided to seek treatment in India. God directed our steps through our close friends, David and Beulah Chandra, who supported us like family. This led us to Sankara Nethralaya, a hospital in Kolkata, where the planned surgery was successfully downgraded to a non-invasive laser procedure in July 2023. Since then, Tesfaye has made nine trips to India for follow-up. His eyes are currently stable, though he must continue a regimen of three different eye drops for the foreseeable future.
Surviving a car accident: God mercifully protected us both during a severe car accident. Though Hanna still bears a scar on her nose, we are safe. The impact temporarily set back Tesfaye’s eye recovery, but thankfully, his condition eventually stabilized. These are but a few of the physical obstacles we have navigated.
God’s overwhelming mercy
Tesfaye faced many difficult trials, including being yelled at, insulted, disrespected and even threatened with physical fights. Interestingly, his physical similarity in skin color to the local people acted as a double-edged sword—bringing both unique advantages and making him a target for the same challenges the natives face. Yet, God has been incredibly merciful and faithful to His promises.
Transition Ahead
The conclusion of our four-and-a-half-year second missionary term in the third most populated country in south Asia is set for August 5, 2026. Returning to one’s home country after years abroad is one of the hardest seasons in a missionary’s life. We are returning to an ever-changing church landscape, shifting city developments and an altered national economy. That time has now come for us and is accompanied by the uncertainty of where we will live and many other unanswered questions.
The Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC) has called Tesfaye back to assist in the EKHC Global Mission head office.
Prayer requests
- Pray for our remaining 20 days in the field, that they would be a time of deep blessing.
- Pray for travel mercies as we journey to many different places to say our goodbyes.
- Pray for a smooth transition as we pack and prepare to move.
- Pray for the local believers and newcomers, that God would grant them spiritual strength.
If anyone would like to partner with us or support our new resettlement in Addis Ababa, please feel free to reach out through Tesfaye’s email:
tesfayearka@gmail.com or WhatsApp= +251966206916
God Bless You!
Tesfaye Arka and Hanna Ekaso have been serving as missionaries with SIM (Serving in Mission).
