We are the first world race team to ever come to Ethiopia, to find contacts for future world race teams, and needless to say we have no idea what we’re doing half of the time. Which has left a lot of room for asking the Lord what He wants us to do or see.
The most guided time we’ve had was helping out with something called the Love Ethiopia conference that was set up in Addis Ababa (the city we’re in) to reach the community, share the gospel, and set up future relationships for people in the local churches this past weekend. We helped out at eye glass clinics leading up to the weekend of the conferences, giving eye exams and distributing free eye glasses for those we could give them to.
It was a very stretching week because never before have I had to share the gospel on the spot, let alone through a translator. I got to pray for people, see a small glimpse of their lives, and see some accept Jesus right then and there. It was humbling, nerve-racking, and exciting. God is so powerful.
But the Ethiopian people are very loving, inviting, and their curiosity is very…intrusive, in an interesting way. They are not afraid to stare, invite you into their home for coffee, or stop and listen in to your conversation if you are stopped talking to another Ethiopian. It’s lively, busy (yet slow at the same time), colorful, and full of beautiful faces.
But there is so much poverty here too. I think my heart sinks more and more I see each passing beggar. Bone thin bodies sprawled out on the sidewalks, missing feet or legs, some blind, or just hopeless, they are everywhere.
Something I’m learning is that we are all groaning for redemption of our earthly bodies. I see it. I see the brokenness daily, drastically. And I hate it. But I’m supposed to. It just feels so helpless walking past the probably 30 year old woman with a twisted limb, the man with sunken eyes, and the mother with her two babies wandering asking for money.
I just wish I could reach out and speak to them in their language, tell them of the hope ahead, get to know their lives and love them. We live in such a broken world, and I see it right before my eyes every time I set foot outside our guest house
I can’t wait for heaven.
For a more positive note, the best story I have for you thus far is when some of my team and I were out doing ATL (Ask the Lord) in the streets nearby our guesthouse and while we were walking a group of men and one woman beckoned us over to talk, so we did. Being greeted warmly, being called brothers and sisters, and asked to come to their house for a coffee ceremony. Now, a coffee ceremony is probably one of the most splendid things I have ever seen. The women roast the coffee beans right in front of you, grind them up with a wooden stick, and then pour the grinds into boiling water until perfection. We were in that man’s house for about 2 ½ hours, talking about Ethiopia, talking about America, talking about why we were there, then being able to worship with them, and then dance to Ethiopian music. It was one of the happiest moments I have ever experienced, being family with them, drinking the most divine coffee with them, share Jesus with them, and be loved by them. It was just…cool.
My heart beats for this country. I love the people, I love their little habits, and I love exploring this place for the sake of Christ.
Jesus, I’m ready for more.
