Dear Friends,

While most of us already observed Easter and Resurrection Sunday last week, culminating with many festivities and ministry opportunities around the world, Easter is still being celebrated in Ethiopia this week. That is because Ethiopia's calendar follows the Orthodox Calendar, which places this time of year a week after the rest of ours.

The relationship between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Church in Ethiopia has been complicated over many generations. Aside from that, the country of Ethiopia is currently facing some significant challenges as a whole, making Christ-centered leaders needed more than ever before. While I (Michelle) have been there this month among our FTL partners on the ground , I see a glimmer of hope in leaders like my friend Dureti (pictured) and so many like her. I have witnessed the power of the gospel as Christ's name is being made known. Celebrate with me the impact of the Resurrection on our daily lives and callings, lived out every single day.

This Easter, as we look to the Resurrection, we see people transformed from the despair of the tomb into the hope of a new creation. The Garden Project helps leaders move their communities to create something new, going from “Survival Mode” to “Fruitful Growth.” As we look to the Global Church, we recognize that while the local soil changes, the need for cultivating competent Christ-centered leaders is universal.

This Easter, we invite you to be part of this transformation. By supporting Freedom to Lead, you are not just funding a program; you are clearing the stones that have kept global communities in survival mode for far too long. Your generosity provides the training, the tools, and the mentorship needed for local leaders to step into their roles as “Gardeners” of a healthy, multiplying church.