Team Ethiopia is a short-term missions group from Central Church in Collierville, TN. They partner with our Ethiopian Team on the ground in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for about a week. Here is their daily update regarding their experience in 2017 and the way God moves in and through this ministry. We thank them for their service!
Written by Meme Alleman
Today Team Ethiopia was able to spend a fun and gosh, spiritual day in a small town outside of Addis called Debre Libano, which included a small hike to a bridge built of limestone that had been built in the 16th century. It actually crossed a small river that flowed into a magnificent waterfall.
We were surrounded by incredible mountains and cliffs, dotted with caves where baboons lived. To say we were all overwhelmed is an understatement.
During debriefing at the end of the day we discussed how we forget how powerful God and His creation is until we see something like that. As Kelly pointed out, we saw eagles flying below where we were standing! This was an amazing way to end an incredible week. We worked so hard to tell over 100 kids in as many ways that we could how powerful and wonderful God is and He let us see an example of just what He was talking about. It was like He was blessing us with this picture of His majesty.
The Bridges family went with us and we were able to have a picnic lunch when we hiked back to where we had parked the vans. This was a sweet and memorable time of fellowship with them. It has been so uplifting to visit, talk and laugh with them. Please continue to pray for this missionary family as they serve God and His children in Ethiopia.
The drive to and from Debre Libano was an eye-opening adventure in itself. We saw horse drawn carriages going down the road, waited for cows to amble across, saw houses made of sticks and straw, and went through other small towns with life just going on. We have talked about how we miss our homes and families, but we will all miss the new things that we are seeing and experiencing.
The day ended with a coffee ceremony at the Drop-In Center with The Forsaken Children's Ethiopian team, Onesimus staff. It is hard to believe we have been here over a week.
They brought in this huge, delicious cake, homemade kettle corn and our freshly made coffee. Some of the staff members shared their thoughts for the week. Kanu, the administrative assistant, sent us home with some very encouraging and affirming words. He told us that we had touched every single child there this week and that each child whether they were Muslim, or Orthodox Christian, or an Evangelical Christian had had to sing, talk, write or listen to the stories of our God. He thanked us over and over, recognizing the time we take to not only come to Ethiopia, but the time to prepare, the expense, the hardship of adjusting to another country, etc. He Told us we were examples of walking in obedience to God. It was very helpful to hear that we truly had done God’s work and served our purpose for this trip. We spent the remaining time with hugs and farewells and promises of our return. We let them know that they are not forgotten about when we leave and how much they are loved and prayed for.
This will be our last blog from Team Ethiopia 2017. We plan to be home on Sunday about 2:30. Please pray for our smooth and safe return. Thank you for all of your support rather financially, your prayers, your cards and letters, and the comments on our blog. We will be home soon!!!
