Teaching in Awassa Ethiopia

Here is part of one of the Sessions of Teaching in Awassa Ethiopia.

My Friend - Evangelist Terefe Daba

Terefe is an Evangelist that was in our Taffo training.   He was one of the men that was part of the persecution of believers during the Dergue Communist Regime in Ethiopia.

The Communist Regime fell 36 Years ago and a new freedom came into Ethiopia.  Before the Communist came into power, the religious landscape was dominated  by the Muslims and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.   After the fall of Communism there was a new religious freedom.   Although Muslims and Orthodox still had influence, it no longer had a monopoly on the religious landscape.   

Evangelicals began growing dynamically in Ethiopia.  Their message of Freedom in Christ and the celebratory nature of their worship resonated with Ethiopians and many Evangelical denominations grew quickly.

Because of the celebratory nature of worship and the emotional high of the new found freedom in Christ as well as a national new found freedom, much of the Evangelical growth was more emotion driven than theologically based.

Evangelist Terefe told of persecution during the times of secret Bible Study and prayer.  He spoke of a tangible presence of God's Power during the times of persecution.

He said that today's Ethiopian Church lacked that power because there was no commitment to Bible Study.  He said his hope was that this new emphasis on preaching the Word of God would bring the power of God back into the Churches.

A quote, "How the the preacher preach what he does not know?   How can he know if he is not taught?  We now have been taught!  We now know!  We are now responsible to God!"

His words resonated around the room.  There was a palpable silence.   People began to weep and cry out to God.

It was a Holy Moment that hopefully stirs a journey back to God and His Word.

Life in Addis Abba - Photos

These photos were taken with the Nikon P900 either from the car while passing by or from my balcony using hyper-zoom.  Just people, places, things in Addis Ababba.

Taffo

The This is the last of 4 Gatherings on this trip.   I believe it to also be the poorest of all the places I have been.  

This morning I am finding it very difficult to muster the emotional energy needed to effectively communicate in ways we have before.   I am praying that somehow God either empowers my to accomplish that which he sent me here for or he uses my utter weakness.  Or both.   

This is the road the church is on.  

This is the church. 

Here is a photo of the entrance to the church.  

The outside of the church is made from traditional mud/straw/wood.

We had about 60 or so for the morning session in the first day.  

Wogene on the right ... Just in case you couldn't tell us apart!    Grin 

The leadership of the Taffo Evangelical Association.

The group of leaders from Taffo

Awassa

What a great joy it was to be with Berean Church here in Awassa.   We had about 75 pastors/teachers/leaders from 51 churches.   Some of the leaders walked and traveled by Badja from as far away as 9 miles to attend the training.   

These churches were Seventh Day Adventist in origin, but in this last year began to question their attention to God's Word.  They developed into Berean and will be part of the local Evangelical Association soon.  

Buna/Chi Fellowship Time under the tin roof that is besides the church.  

Each gathering I introduce the Nine Quesrion Method then Pastor Wogene walks through James 1:2-8 with the leaders.   Here is one leader speaking as to what he sees in answer to one of the questions.   

Here are 2 of the 8 groups studying their passage of Scripture to teach after lunch.

These may be my two favorite photos taken this trip.    To hear 70 men singing to the Lord accompanied by an accordion!!!    It was awesome!!

Great group of over 90 leaders from 51 congregations!

Various Photos from the Trip: People; Landscapes; Nature

Many of these photos were taken from the car.   I used the Nikon P900 on Sports Mode and took a series of photos.   Afterwards, I went back and edited them trying to give you a glimpse of the beauty of the people and land of Ethiopia.