I recall being with bold Ethiopian people, clustered secretly in the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Though their churches were closed by the Communist regime, these disciples of Jesus poured out their hearts in prayer and song. They spoke and sang softly so as not to draw attention, but they gave themselves wholly to the ministry of the Word. It was a pathetic group by the world’s standards, but in the warmth of that fellowship of persecuted believers, I could envision the headlines in “heaven’s news”: A Group of Jesus Lovers is Meeting in Addis Ababa – Halleluiah! We huddled together to encourage one another while the powerful Communist Central Committee met in its great hall, oblivious to God’s extending kingdom gathering “underground.”


That was 30 years ago. Communism has collapsed, and the church has arisen as a witnessing community in the land. So, I ask, what “makes news” in heaven now? I believe it is what happens among the fellowships of believers around the world – people like us humbly coming to Christ.