Life in the Grove

If you haven’t been following along I really encourage you to check out Cindy’s blog about her time in Ethiopia serving.

This morning was Sunday, so we all went to Desta’s church, only he wasn’t there. He preaches every Sunday so to get a break he convinced all of us white people to give a message. … Steve did some math and estimated there were 1,200 in a space that in North America would have held half that. When it became time for us to speak I was so nervous I don’t quite remember what I said but I do know I read from 1 Corinthians 3

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

… All the elders of the church, some students and other concerned citizens came to the meeting and I believe the presentation went fairly well. We had time for a few questions at the end of the presentation. The way questions are phrased in this culture is really interesting. They first start out by praising God, then thanking the team, and then they ask their question finishing off with another thank you.

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As soon as we stopped for a break in one of the little towns all the children rush the van windows, tapping on them for money and to buy gum or CDs or whatever else they are promoting. Of course you are not supposed to give them any money straight out, which is an odd thing to remember. Handing out money perpetuates a culture of begging for the children and there are so many children there you would run out of bills before hands. Also you have to remember that we are not the only white faces traveling though this country and one hand out can lead to a stream of continued tapping for organizations that are trying to establish a better income source for the countries poor. A short-term hand out will not solve the long-term problem. Hand outs are not why EMI has come, so I resisted. It is very hard to turn away from a sad 5-year-old with her hand out.

Cindy is starting to share about her adventures with Engineering Ministries International in Ethiopia. We will be checking in every once in a while to share some of her story and to see how God is using her there.

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