This one of those days that is incredibly frustrating, inefficient but absolutely necessary for mission work. Long drives to meet people to check on the possibility of future projects.
The upside is you see parts of Ethiopia that are beautiful and off the beaten path. We met with a man in Babile to consider a unique opportunity that may lead to future ministry projects.
Outside his town there is this infamous rock formation. This boulder is tenuously balanced on a the pinnacle of a column of rock.
The city of Babile is known for its tasty peanuts ... So we bought some and sure enough - they tasted like peanuts! Grin
Here is a picture of a Muslim Mosque Tower being constructed to amplify prayers during their sacred prayer times.
After the meeting in Babile we began our journey back to Harrar. On the way we stopped a took pics with a herd of camels.
Hey! Guess what day it is???? Mike! Mike!!! Mike!!!!
Sorry ... I could not resist.
That afternoon we had meetings with the school principal and one of the elders from the Harrar church I preached at the other evening further coordinating IHS Projects in Harrar.
We also we able to visit some of the families of the children being helped by IHS and Harrar Church Projects.
There was one particular elderly lady that really touched my heart. Her great grandchild is being helped by IHS and the Harrar Church started a program helping Widows after Jerry Squyres spoke a few months ago. She is one of the widows that receives what you and I would consider a minuscule monthly stipend through the church, but is a great portion of the income she has.
Her "home" is a 4x8 room located behind a latrine, but she is close to her family which is important to her. We visited and had prayer with her. I felt led to bless her with a small gift, so I approached the Elder, gave him the gift and he presented it to her. The gift was less that I would spend for a meal alone at El Toros.
Immediately she scampered as best she could towards me and with tears in our eyes we embraced.
She melted into my arms and we just stood there and held each other. She mattered - she was not forgotten and we both felt Gods love bond us together.
After we left I felt a peace and calmness in my heart I had not experienced in years. For a moment all the turmoil within was gone. It was a "God" moment. It was a holy moment. It was a few seconds of heaven on earth.
Those of you who are part of the Gathering and those of you who make it possible for these types of trips will want to know that you made it possible to later give a significant gift to the Elder supporting his Churches ministry to this lady and other widows.
Your love and support made a difference. I was able to be blessed with the embrace, but it was your love, support and prayers that will have an impact on her and many others. You are making a difference. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment