Jordan and I spent most of the morning resting and waiting for the countryside team to arrive from Nazarit. I’ve enjoyed the downtime, but Jordan is antsy to get going. I understand that feeling from the front end of my trip. Besides that, we’re currently staying in a nice hotel, so it doesn’t feel like we’re really in Africa. But it is good for him to rest before the hard work of the countryside.
After lunch Elias picked us up for a program in Sefara. That is the church Mesfin works with and is on the east side of Addis. I was hopeful to see them, as this was the first church I met with on my previous trip. However, it took us much longer to get there than expected because of construction. As far as we could see, traffic was almost at a standstill. The other side of the road was closed so cars were now coming at us from the other direction. Ethiopian traffic is already chaos, but this added an extra level of stress. Elias eventually turned around and took a longer road around the construction.
When Jordan and I arrived, there were about 20 people there. This program was planned last minute, and this was a workday so many people from the church were not able to come. Even still, it was a good crowd and others filtered in during our time together. I spoke first and Jordan after me. During his lesson, Randy and Ryan arrived. This is the first time all of us have been together at one time. Everything stopped briefly as we and the others greeted them. Then Jordan continued, without missing a beat.
Originally, Mesfin said only two of us would speak. But since Randy and Ryan had come, he told the people they would both speak for 10 minutes. Randy gave some words of encouragement and passed it off to Ryan. Although he hadn’t officially prepared anything, Ryan did a good job sharing some thoughts from Philippians 2. We’ve taught our lessons so many times during our work we could probably do them in our sleep. When the program was finished, we greeted and hugged everyone. Of course, this is always my favorite part. Teaching is important but interacting with these people is why I am here. We are children of God trying to help each other walk with him better.
It often gets noticed that we have travelled a long way and sacrificed much to be with them. But in many cases these people have done the same. These people have sacrificed their day to be with other Christians, sometimes meaning they won’t make much needed money… and for them it was worth it. You can see it by the joy on their faces and the warmth of their embrace. They made simple comments like, “thank you for coming” … “we appreciate you” that are more than cliché comments. In many ways they get the value of fellowship more than I do, and they are teaching me to appreciate it.
After some time together, we went to Zerihun’s house for dinner. His wife, Martha, made us dinner that included everything: Lasagna, pancakes, beef tips, sausage croissants and more. There was enough food to feed an army. His three children, Barkot, Leuel and Baruch all helped serve us. We had a nice evening of conversation, reflecting on our work and looking forward to what is ahead next week. It was good closure for me as they begin work in a new area. Again, I am sad not to be going with them, but I am content with the work I have been able to accomplish.
Elias took us back to the hotel where I told him goodbye. He is going to spend time with his family tomorrow, so I won’t see him again. We hugged and shared some words of thanks and encouragement to one another. I am thankful for men like him who care about our safety and take such good care of us here. God has blessed us, and I will miss him. But he assured me, as long as I come back, he will keep driving for me. If the Lord wills, I am good with that plan.
Tomorrow I will teach one final time before I begin my long journey home. God has richly provided and blessed me on this trip. I ask for your prayers for safety and strength, but more importantly that he will be magnified through my efforts tomorrow.
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