Wednesday, 02 April 2008
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The Last Week of March
Tuesday, March 25
In accordance with the schedule I went to Sparta to make presentations to different groups. I gave one presentation on Women’s Ministry in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). During our discussions it was noted that the Women’s Ministry undertakes its activities at all church units in line with the vision, mission, and goals set by the EECMY. Besides maximizing women’s involvement in church ministry they work on prevention of HIV/AIDS, and against Harmful Traditions. Since the awareness of harmful traditions is low, the church units and respective congregations are trying their level best to make the society aware of it. The aim is to eradicate harmful traditional practices and violence against women and children.
I made a second presentation after lunch on The Power of Prayer to the same group plus members of the ecumenical community: Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Methodists, and Presbyterians. My presentation mainly focused on the prayer tradition in the EECMY. The national church, all its units, and members, pay great attention to prayer owing to the charismatic movements in the church at large. Congregational level prayer programs and village prayer programs are conducted every week. Family evening programs are a well known tradition that enables the church to nurture and coach her members. From our discussion I realized that in US attention to prayer is less. On the other hand, the number of members in some churches is declining rather than increasing. Since prayer is the breathing of spiritual life through unconditional faith in Jesus Christ, it is really very important to develop it both in the church and in the family. Christians without prayer are like fish without water.
Wednesday, March 26
My evening was spent at Prince of Peace Church in La Crescent. I talked with the choir about the power of music in EECMY worship. It has to be remembered that many services such as teaching, preaching, prophecy and healing last only here on earth but singing songs continues in heaven for ever and ever. Music has a great power in Christian worship. I know some people who received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior by just hearing the songs. As a result of the charismatic movement many choir groups and solo singers have been emerging in the church. The women’s group, youth group, children’s/Sunday School group, as well as solo singers make the worship colorful. Songs are a means of evangelization and also a means of income.
Thursday, March 27
A text study to prepare for April 6 preaching took place at the synod office. Accordingly, I led the study on Luke 24:13-35 where Jesus lifted up His disciples through four steps: from depression to burning hearts and from burning hearts to open eyes and from open eyes to open minds (V.45). This is the final miracle that Jesus did in the lives and ministries of His disciples and it enabled them to avoid their fears and confusions and to bear witness to the power of the resurrection to all.
After the text study there was a meeting with the teaching pastors to discuss the guidelines for teaching pastors from La Crosse and from Ethiopia. Further, during our discussion we thoroughly discussed the need for more Lutheran books for both the NCEC library and for pastor/evangelists. Non Lutheran books are being spread all over the country including the Central Synod.
Friday, March 28
I went with Pastor Lanny Westphal, Assistant to the Bishop, I to Warrens for an evening high school gathering from all La Crosse Area Synod . Really, I was very much touched with this program that enables the youth to develop a sense of ownership regarding their church. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Prince of Peace (La Crescent) and Holmen Lutheran Church pastors and leaders for mobilizing a larger number of high school students than other churches.
Saturday, March 29
In the morning I met with the Global Mission Network where it was very important for me to share my reflections and to add some comments on the “Companionship Covenant” which will be signed by the Bishop and the Central Synod president soon.
After lunch I left for Grace Lutheran Church, Elroy, for the Sunday service and adult forum.
Sunday, March 30
The time we had for adult forum before Sunday worship was helpful in learning the successes and challenges in both our contexts. We discussed the reasons why the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus is dramatically growing: the charismatic movement, the ministry of lay ministers and volunteers, the way that members are nurtured, and other similar reasons. The Sunday service followed. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Pastor Wes Dunbar and the church leaders for the accommodation and hospitality provided for me.
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