|
|
First Impressions
by Peggy Roberson
From the confusion of the Addis Ababa airport to the security of seeing
old friends, the range of my emotions was wide. I have bruises behind my
knees from riding the roads and I have deep ties of love and friendship for
some Ethiopians that only grow stronger over time.
Let me tell about my experience in some "F words".
Fear was not part of our vocabulary
or experience. All of us were open to the new experiences.
Food was
important and we really like the Americanized" version (read milder) wats(stews)
on injera. Rachel, our hostess in Mettu, fed us royally five times a day!
We also were invited to eat in the homes of friends and enjoyed different
menus. Fanta was popular and the drink of choice
of one of us!
Friendships were
formed with Ethiopians who opened their hearts to us. Conversations, even
those facilitated by translators, were honest and open. People wanted to
know about our churches in the states, our families, our life experiences
and we wanted to hear about theirs. We became so close that leaving was difficult
and we had several tearful goodbyes departing Mettu.
Faith is the fundamental fact of life of Christians in
Illubabor Bethel Synod. Worship is exciting; the church is growing in numbers
and grace; ministries are to whole persons and communities. We saw 18 ministers
ordained and 120 commissioned elders commissioned. Children are present in
corporate worship and seem interested and attentive. Nightly Bible School
had around 100 participants ranging in age from 15-30. They studied a wide
variety of topics.
Funding is needed for many of the church's programs. Some
targets for funds that I feel strongly about are scholarships for theological
students, increases to the salaries of evangelists who try to live on less
than $40 per month, supplies for the Bible School at Mettu, improvements
to the Gore Bethel Hostel, and funds to support the women's work program
in the villages. I hope that churches who send money will allow the Synod
to allocate the funds as needed. Funding from Europe is decreasing and budgets
are tight. Needs change from time to time.
If you have an opportunity to go to Ethiopia, my advice is to jump on it.
You will learn a lot and you will be changed for the better forever! If you
need a companion, just ask me. I'll go anytime I'm needed and would only
take time to pack a few items. I'm already dreaming of
another trip.
Ethiopia , January 4-23, 2000