Sunday, August 4, 2013 I traveled to Denkaka for church. I was asked to give the message. Although I had planned to talk about “loving our neighbors”, God put it on my heart to talk about what it means to serve. We were able to get a ride faster this time so we arrived a little early. We took a horse cart from the entrance of the village to the church. It had rained a lot the night before so the dirt road was very muddy. The cart was slipping around in the mud. The horse got us there but we had mud all over our legs and feet.
As people arrive at church they spent 30-45 minutes on their knees praying. Some were covered in mud and some even had no shoes. They would break out in song of praises. Each person singing and worshiping their own praises to God. Even small children participate in this for a while and then back out the door to play until the formal service begins.
Misgana and Teshome escorted me to the church. Misgana interpreted for me. He did a wonderful job. He read over my message before we left the house and asked about the meaning of a few words. He marked his places in the Bible so he could read the passages from the Amharic Bible. When I first met Misgana he was only 12 years old and knew a few English words. He has become very fluent in his English and is now turning 18. He speaks and understands English better than anyone I have met in Ethiopia.
At the end of the service the church presented me with several gifts. They gave me three traditional Ethiopian items. They explained each one and what it represented for their country. They were all excited about giving to me. Their faces were full of smiles and their eyes sparkled as they presented the gifts.
Also, I was given the legal paperwork for the partnership with their church and MADIE Ministries. This was exciting for me. There is a lot we can do to serve Mulu Wongel Church. Their are so many needs in this village and church. They didn’t ask me for anything except prayer.
As an organization we were able to begin serving by enrolling and paying tuition for 28 children in their village school for one year. Each child was also able to receive a complete uniform.
Our next goal is to raise funds for the MADIE Ministry Guesthouse. This guesthouse will house future teams and a “house mom” and some children. We hope to have enough funds to rent the guesthouse by February 2014.
If you would like to contribute to this ministry you can donate by using the PayPal account or send a check to: New Connections Community Church, PO Box 2283, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Please indicate in mem: Ethiopia
