Following their Faith, VanderWals Find Themselves in Ethiopia

Aerial view of Ethiopian village. People sometimes do crazy things when they hit midlife and many people thought this was the case when Jim and Mary VanderWal shared their plan with family and friends to move to Ethiopia and serve with the mission organization SIM. Mary had held onto a dream of doing medical missions most of her life but after years of working and raising five children it didn't seem possible. Jim didn't see any place for a printer in mission's work and never entertained the thought of leaving their comfortable life in southwest Michigan to move overseas and work in a developing country. But God...

God had other plans for their lives. After a few short mission trips to Costa Rica where a missionary pastor introduced Jim to the importance of publication ministries the Lord placed a calling on Jim's heart to replace a retiring missionary who was doing a large scale publishing ministry in Ethiopia. They quit their jobs, sold their house, kissed and cried over leaving their grown children and grandchildren and moved with their two youngest sons to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Now entering their fifth year with SIM they have experienced incredible affirmation for their decision to be obedient to the Lord's calling and continue to feel blessed to have their skills in health care and printing be used to build the Kingdom of God.

SIM media staff. Jim and Mary VanderWal have been serving in Ethiopia as missionaries since 2010. Before moving to Ethiopia Jim spent 25 years managing print shops for both youth ministry and a denominational Christian publishing house here in West Michigan. He now manages both the Literature and Media ministries in Ethiopia with 40 Ethiopian employees. They publish in English and two local languages.

The radio ministry broadcasts in three languages throughout the horn of Africa, including Somalia. Radio programs are an exclusive way to reach the 85% of Ethiopians who live in rural and remote village settings and only have access to short wave radio. With some of recent violence in Ethiopia and Somalia, the short wave broadcasts are a great way to bring the gospel to folks who can listen to it with headphones or in the privacy of their home. Since it is very dangerous to convert or even to be a Christian in these areas, this ability to hear the gospel without retribution is a great service to these people who must hide their faith. And right in Ethiopia, a church worker was killed and his pregnant wife seriously injured in a machete attack by a gang of Muslims.

Sample literature. The radio broadcasts are made from outside of the country on short wave radio at the same time of night every day so listeners can tune in. Programs share the gospel message of salvation in Christ with a focus of reaching Muslim, Orthodox and Animistic people groups. The Bible based literature ministry prints about 600 titles on topics such as: Bible study, evangelism, discipleship, children’s and youth ministry, theological education as well as translations of popular Christian works such as The Purpose Driven Church. Historically, most publications have been translations of Western works due to the void of Christian authors in Ethiopia.

The literature ministry is currently providing scholarships to Ethiopian Christian authors in an effort to encourage culturally relevant Christian literature. Prior to moving to Ethiopia Mary was teaching in the Nursing Department at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and working on her PhD. In Ethiopia she has continued work towards her PhD with a nutrition support project for HIV+ children. She also has served as the Health Coordinator for SIM Ethiopia, overseeing health care for 150 missionaries and their families and 400 Ethiopian employees and their families. She also has a ministry to orphan boys in partnership with a local church.

SIM rural clinic.


Jim and friends in Kolfe. Mary and Jim returned home to Michigan after a two year stint overseas, and subsequently returned for another two years. This past summer they returned to spend time with friends, family and supporters both here and around the country. It has been a source of joy to visit with churches, supporters and family this summer and share with them what the Lord has been accomplishing in Ethiopia through our ministries. They are also greatly encouraged by the vibrancy of Christians and churches they've witnessed while home.

While the intensity of the Ebola outbreak in Africa may change their plans, they are scheduled to travel back to Ethiopia in October. Upon their return, Jim will continue in his "temporary role" as Admin Director and they would ask you to join them in praying as they consider if this is a role the Lord would have them continue. This would mean he would be part time with the Media (Radio) and Literature ministry management team which could be a great opportunity for the managers to grow in their leadership autonomy. They thank God for the good reports they have received on the work in Ethiopia via email and for the Ethiopian and missionary staff who continue the work in their absence!

On their return Mary will work on the next steps of her PhD work as well as coordinate medical ministries, serve on the Thrive committee (which seeks to support missionaries in Ethiopia) and will continue her ministry with the Kolfe boys. As they start their fifth year in Ethiopia as "empty nesters," they hope to more intentionally mentor and encourage new missionaries.

Jim and Mary are currently 20% below their required support level and are looking for people who value their ministry and would like to come alongside them and pray for them and commit to even $25 or $50 or $75 or $100 or more monthly. These funds will go directly toward getting the written and spoken gospel into much needed areas in Africa and provide much needed medical help in Ethiopia. To donate to their ministry, click here.

The plant where JIm works.


Jim and Mary.


Jim and Mary's family.