This morning we worshipped with the church in Burayu. It is an area on the west side of Addis, about 45 minutes from our hotel. It is one of the largest churches in Addis, with about 100 members. They have two regular preachers, Bdassa and Birhanu. This church has experienced good growth. Bdassa told us they baptized 24 people last year. Because of their size, they recently built a new building and have plans to expand it to have an area for children’s classes.
It was somewhat of an adventure finding the building. Zerihun had only been there once and couldn’t remember the way. We stopped to ask for directions at least 4 times. Finally, Birhanu met up with us and rode with us the rest of the way. Even with our delay we were “early”. We weren’t early because of the time; in fact, we were late by my watch. But we were early because we had gotten there before many of the members. This just meant we sang a few extra songs before we started teaching.
Jordan taught bible class from John 4. He seems to have no issue working with a translator and he is an excellent teacher. He is confident with the scriptures and shares them in a very relatable way. Seeing how prepared and capable both he and Ryan have been gives me great confidence in our work for the future.
As I looked at the congregation, I noticed many children. This has been the case in many places we have been, and I am thankful. Jesus’ words have been on my heart most of this trip: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19.14). Children are not just valuable because they are the future of the church. They are valuable because they teach us important lessons about life. We sometimes dismiss or minimize children because of their immaturity. But we have so much to learn from their way of life.
I have made a special effort to interact with children on this trip and I have found much joy in their presence. During services, children are allowed to “free-range” and one of them usually finds their way over to us. Today I had one sit on my lap for a few minutes. While I preached a couple of them stood next to me for a few moments. After services they all crowded around me and asked me to take a picture. Of course, I obliged. Children are special and valuable, especially to God. I want to be sure I remember this when I come home. Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.
Following services, the usual remarks of thanks were given from men of the congregation. Usually someone comments about our age and how thankful they are to have young men to continue this gospel work. They have affectionately begun referring to us as “the boys”. They mean no disrespect by it. Rather it is a term of endearment. Our presence as young men gives them hope that this work will continue beyond many of them.
We had lunch at Bdassa’s house before heading back to the hotel. The afternoon was uneventful. I took a nap and Jordan wandered the hotel. We had dinner together at the café by the pool and chatted. It’s been nice to have these days alone with him. We’ve talked a lot about how the gospel has changed us. I appreciate these conversations because we both know who we used to be. Never in a million years would I have guessed that Jordan and I would be halfway around the world doing kingdom work together. And yet God has shaped and moved us to be in this place together. It’s pretty cool.
I only have two days left in my work here. It’s a strange feeling. I’ll teach with Ryan, Randy and Jordan on Tuesday and they will leave again for the countryside. I desire to continue with them, but I’m also ready to be back in the US. God has allowed us to accomplish more than we had planned, despite our setbacks. I am thankful for the ways God has changed me and excited to see how it translates to my work back home. I now know that whether I am here or there, God is with me and working for good.
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