First things first- I want to give a shoutout to sister, who is turning 29 this week! Happy birthday sis!
So for the past two weeks, I have been without internet access, or at least efficient-enough access to actually update you. But no worries- you haven’t been forgotten.
This is what we have been up to these last two weeks.
We arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. My team stayed for five days, patiently waiting for the Lord to reveal to us where He wanted us to go, and what He wanted us to do. As we waited, we met our friend Tamrat, a local guy with an amazing story and passion for God. He invited us to his church, and began praying as to whether or not Christ wanted him to accompany us on our journey. Christ confirmed it and he joined us as we headed to Mataa Haraa, an area about 3-4 hours from the capital, serving as our guide and translator.
Our mission was to minister to the Karayu people group. Only it didn’t seem like we were doing much. The language barrier, which at times necessitated a double-translation, rendered us a bit less effective than I had hoped. Honestly, it seemed to me we were more useful acting as an attraction, being some of the first white people to actually spend time in this area. Where we went we drew a crowd, and our translators (both pastors themselves) were able to share the story of Jesus Christ.
Our time in Mataa Haraa was cut short due to some minor illnesses. The hotel we were staying in didn’t always have running water, so this meant limited showering and hand-washing. Plus it was hot. All-in-all it was exactly what we signed up for! Unfortunately, some on our team were suffering from ear and eye infections, and we needed to return to the capital for treatment. But I did learn several things through these past two weeks:
1. I don’t have to be the one preaching. If God wills that I draw a crowd, so that others can share the Gospel, that’s perfectly fine!
2. My presence here can have as profound an effect on these people, as their presence can have on me. For example, this is the first mission trip for our friend Tamrat. In as much as God presented him to us, he presented us to HIM, so that he may be emboldened to advance the Kingdom in his country after we have left.
3. My new team is awesome! My friend Madi actually knows the lyrics to the Dean Martin-Ricky Nelson duet My Rifle, Pony, and Me, my friends Calli and Jen actually have a desire to learn American history; seriously they’re not just humoring me, and the whole team altogether just meshes really well.
4. Men can read books written for women. Several months ago I read Wild at Heart, a Christian book that explores the masculine heart. After I finished, it was recommended I read the female version, Captivating. I took from it at least as much as I took from the first book.
Also worth noting, the pain in my knee returned several weeks ago. Whereas it isn’t quite as bad as when it first began, it is still a constant throbbing ache. It hasn’t hindered me from participating in any way, but it has not gotten any better either. I have prayed time and time again that it would be healed, I have taken medicine, and “essential oils”, etc. All to no avail. Whatever the diagnosis, whatever the reason I know Christ is in control, and His plans for me are good. As long as I am physically able to carry on with my race, I will. I also know that I am being showered in prayer. Two weeks ago a wonderful woman, a prayer warrior from Tamrat’s church here in Addis Ababa walks in to this home we are staying to pray for us. I kid you not no one has indicated to her that my leg is in pain, and the first thing she does when she begins talking to me is begin praying over my knee. Then the next day my little niece Addy tells me she has been praying for my knee every night! If nothing else, I know the Lord has heard my prayers, and that all will be well.
Continue praying for my knee, my team, and my squad. One team has been stuck in a hotel in the middle of some dangerous riots for the last two days, so keep them in your prayers as well.
Home is just around the corner. I look forward to seeing everyone, friends and family alike when I return home on August 29th!
Until then Peace and Blessings,
-Matt
