The Ethiopia Team arrived safely back in Memphis this afternoon with hearts full of joy. What a wonderful opportunity we had to work with Pastors and other church leaders in two different regions of Ethiopia. We observed a real sense of conviction and urgency on their parts to begin intentional disciple-making in their churches and then going forth from their churches in response to the Great Commission. One of the Pastors in the closing ceremony stated: “I think we need to start the church in Ethiopia all over again.” They definitely “got it”. It saddens me that the church in America doesn’t have the same sense of urgency as our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia.
The team that taught in Mekele returned to Addis Ababa late Wednesday night because the flight we had been scheduled to take on Thursday morning had been cancelled. That gave us an opportunity to spend the night in the Guest House run by Onessimus. While there, we met two couples who had brought their adopted children back to Ethiopia to meet their birth mothers. These couples had not met before arriving in Ethiopia and learned that they lived within an hour of each other in California. Definitely a God thing.
The Mekele team then had an opportunity to visit the drop-in center and spend time with the staff there as well as a group of young boys who were at the center. These boys are some of the street children who come to spend the day at the center, are fed two meals, take part in some schooling and are loved unconditionally by the staff as they also share Jesus with them. We enjoyed playing foosball, checkers, Jenga, and card games and were able to learn more about their work from the staff members. Following that we had a brief time for shopping and met up with the team that had gone to Bahir Dar. In typical American fashion, our entire group headed to the Ethiopian version of “Hueys” for some burgers for lunch.
That afternoon and early evening we went to the compound in which Pastor Ernie Frey and his family live. The compound contains a school and living quarters for some of the staff, the Frey’s and another family that is on the mission field there in Ethiopia. This gave us a great chance to spend time with them as well as the kids from the drop-in center and some who are in permanent residence with Onessimus. There was a rousing game of soccer between members of our team and the Ethiopian staff headed by Nega. We won’t worry about the outcome of the match now, but I will say Kennon performed brilliantly in goal and undoubtedly prevented what would have been an embarrassing ‘spanking’ of the American side. All in fun!
Our hosts graciously had us participate in the sacrifice of a goat that became our evening meal. This was definitely something we don’t witness often in the US and we were honored that they did this for us. We then had a “closing ceremony” that included a wonderful time of worship and a message from Pastor Frey. I was also able to share some thoughts with everyone on behalf of our team. I can tell you that our hearts were deeply touched throughout the week by the hospitality of the Ethiopian people we encountered as well as their zeal for the Lord and the work he has called us all to do. It was very hard to have to leave them and head to the airport.
I was so encouraged by everything we encountered during the week. The Holy Spirit moved mightily during the conferences we led! As happy as we are to be home with our families I dare say we all would have welcomed the chance to spend more time with our friends in Ethiopia. Lord willing, many of us will return there in the years to come.
The team that taught in Mekele returned to Addis Ababa late Wednesday night because the flight we had been scheduled to take on Thursday morning had been cancelled. That gave us an opportunity to spend the night in the Guest House run by Onessimus. While there, we met two couples who had brought their adopted children back to Ethiopia to meet their birth mothers. These couples had not met before arriving in Ethiopia and learned that they lived within an hour of each other in California. Definitely a God thing.
The Mekele team then had an opportunity to visit the drop-in center and spend time with the staff there as well as a group of young boys who were at the center. These boys are some of the street children who come to spend the day at the center, are fed two meals, take part in some schooling and are loved unconditionally by the staff as they also share Jesus with them. We enjoyed playing foosball, checkers, Jenga, and card games and were able to learn more about their work from the staff members. Following that we had a brief time for shopping and met up with the team that had gone to Bahir Dar. In typical American fashion, our entire group headed to the Ethiopian version of “Hueys” for some burgers for lunch.
That afternoon and early evening we went to the compound in which Pastor Ernie Frey and his family live. The compound contains a school and living quarters for some of the staff, the Frey’s and another family that is on the mission field there in Ethiopia. This gave us a great chance to spend time with them as well as the kids from the drop-in center and some who are in permanent residence with Onessimus. There was a rousing game of soccer between members of our team and the Ethiopian staff headed by Nega. We won’t worry about the outcome of the match now, but I will say Kennon performed brilliantly in goal and undoubtedly prevented what would have been an embarrassing ‘spanking’ of the American side. All in fun!
Our hosts graciously had us participate in the sacrifice of a goat that became our evening meal. This was definitely something we don’t witness often in the US and we were honored that they did this for us. We then had a “closing ceremony” that included a wonderful time of worship and a message from Pastor Frey. I was also able to share some thoughts with everyone on behalf of our team. I can tell you that our hearts were deeply touched throughout the week by the hospitality of the Ethiopian people we encountered as well as their zeal for the Lord and the work he has called us all to do. It was very hard to have to leave them and head to the airport.
I was so encouraged by everything we encountered during the week. The Holy Spirit moved mightily during the conferences we led! As happy as we are to be home with our families I dare say we all would have welcomed the chance to spend more time with our friends in Ethiopia. Lord willing, many of us will return there in the years to come.
(Boys at Drop in Center)
(Playing Soccer)
(Worship)
(Jim Etter Sharing)
