Saturday, 12 April 2008
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More Opportunities
Monday, March 31
The evening time at Holmen was reserved for a Faith Forum on the Book of Faith Initiative with Professor Diane Jacobson. During the discussion, Lutheran insights about the Bible and the four methods we can use to study the Bible were some of the points. I was privileged to comment on the Book of Faith from a different perspective with Professor Bob Bendicsen.
Tuesday, April 1
The Spring Theological Conference was conducted at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in the presence of Bishop April Larson and Professor Diane Jacobson. I was privileged to serve on such a great occasion by presenting a Bible Study and by distributing the Holy Communion with Bishop April Larson.
During the evening Pastor Mark Jolivette, from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse, provided me with a chance to visit the social services undertaken by his church. I was very much delighted to have such an opportunity to visit this diaconia ministry—our assignment according to Matthew 25:35-46.
Wednesday, April 2
I made a presentation at Holmen Lutheran church on "How the Holy Spirit is Active in the Youth of the EECMY" to the 6-7th graders’ "Cross Training" group at 6pm and to the 8-9th grade Confirmation Class at 6:45 pm. During our discussions I noted that as a result of the charismatic movement in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, 74% of the congregants are young people and children. The Holy Spirit inspires the young people to become involved in the church’s wholistic ministry and thereby to develop a sense of ownership. They highly participate in soul-saving ministry, that is, witnessing—the Great Commission.
Thursday, April 3
After supper with the Evangelism and Outreach Committee, we had an extended discussion together. Despite the different challenges of the US context the committee is working hard on evangelization and outreach. I used this opportunity to share my experience as to how the church in Ethiopia works in its mission field. Here I want to say that the task of evangelization and outreach should not be reserved to a few committees or institutions, but rather it must be the responsibility of all members who are saved to worship and to serve Him.
Friday, April 4
I went with Pastor Lanny Westphal, Assistant to the Bishop, to De Soto and Freeman Lutheran churches for weekend services. I stayed for two nights with the blessed and beloved family, Paul and Dori.
Saturday, April 5
I made a presentation at Freeman Lutheran Church on the topic "Discipleship". Further discussions with questions took place. Being a disciple means total commitment—soul, spirit and body. It is a dual responsibility—to follow Him and at the same time to serve Him.
At noon I went to De Soto with Pastor Libby Howe to have extended discussions with families and children. I used this opportunity to share with them my personal story. It was during the communist regime in the country and I was 21 years old. I was working, serving the church voluntarily in organizing the young people and in witnessing Jesus Christ to all. Despite a warning from the politicians I continued in the same manner and finally they put me in prison for a week. Fortunately, there were over 100 people in prison and I again started to preach in prison. Finally, the politicians decided to release me since I continued my ministry in prison, but they fired me from my job. Thanks be to God—today most of those politicians are in the church, worshiping and serving God.
Sunday, April 6
I preached at both Freeman and De Soto Lutheran churches at Sunday services.
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