People, Places, Events from January 2016 Trip to Debre Zeit, Modgo and Dukem

Teaching at Modgo

This was the first time I have been to Modgo.   Modgo traditionally had been known for its Witch Doctors, however in the past few years their influence has diminished.

I really don't know how many churches were represented but I was told that over 10 denominations were there.   There may have been a communication problem though, but I do know through the discussions there were certainly some divergent interpretations of scripture.   

This made for a great teaching moment to focus on what we have in common rather than what separates us.  Love unites - pride and arrogance divides.  Celebrate agreement show Grace, mercy and kindness in difference.  How can we show a lost world we love them when we fuss and fight between the Body of Christ!   (I'm off my Soapbox now ... Grin)

As we began to teach the numbers began to swell.  Midway through the first day the building was full and we had people standing along the outside.

During a break I found something to entertain myself.   I think I was a natural!!!!

Fellowship during the breaks is very important.  This is also why we have group action - it breaks down barriers between people and churches. 

Of course I ended up finding some children to play with for just a few seconds.  

There is also something special to my heart when older adults come still yearning to learn more about God and  His Word.  

And something no church can function without - the Kitchen Committee!!!

Group photo without me - I took it!

Preaching at Pastor Wogene's Church

It was a privilege to preach at Pastor Wogene's Church!   The church was full and at full throttle when we arrived.  

I think churches in both Ethiopia and Central America believe the bigger your speakers and the louder it is - the more godly you are!   (Grin). Again Ethiopia worship is a full body experience!   

Right before I came in the auditorium - Pastor Wogene told me not to be concerned if a snake came in from outside.   They had had that problem as the cleared part of their land.  I'm still not sure if he was joking or not - but I was glad the stage was 2 foot up!

Pastor Wogene has interpreted for me several times but he was in rare form at his church.   I'm not for sure whether he was interpreting or interpreting and providing commentary along the way - but the message seemed to be received well by the congregation.

After the service, they commissioned a young man is is going to start preaching soon.  I think he has been in the training class before and they are hopeful of starting a new work.  

After church I met Abigail.  She was one of the most beautiful children I've seen in a long time.  She is the daughter of the Song Leader.   She is a sweet as she is beautiful!

I have the rest of Sunday to rest until we go to Mogo in the morning!!!

Teaching in Dukem

This the the second time to come to Dukem to teach.   It is a difficult community and has a harsh reputation as the favorite truck stop for truckers traveling to Addis.    All the things you can imagine take place at night in Dukem.  

However, there are 9 small churches that are in the community and are striving to make a difference.  Last time all 9 churches were represented, this time not only were all 9 represented but two churches from neighboring rural area were invited to participate.

We had great participation as we taught the Three Question Method of Understanding and Teaching Scripture.

We then broke into groups with each group being assigned a passage of scripture to dissect and then teach to the group.

We also had great times of prayer, worship and refreshment.

The second day of teaching reunited me with one of my favorite interpreters Pastor Wogene.

We had great studies on Servant Leadership:The Shepherd and the Sheep and then Lessons from the life of Joseoh.  

These are incredible people serving God in a very difficult environment.   Keep them in your prayers. 

Children at Grace Church

How would you like to make a difference in a child's life for just a few dollars?

There is a humanitarian program at Grace Church that provides clothes, tutoring and a safe place to play for over 200 neighborhood kids.  One child told me (through an interpreter) it is a safe place to play and everyone is happy here!  

The clothes are donated and paid for specifically to this cause.  I was there for two days and each day there were two classes of about 30 kids in tutoring.  There were different kids each day. 

Here is what is amazing.  Each day there are 2 free tutoring sessions for the children.  The tutor's salary is 30 birr a day.   Thirty birr is about $1.50 A DAY!  

For $45.00 you can provide tutoring for over 200 children for 1 month!   I was floored!  

So I thought you might like to help provide tutoring for these kids.  Together we can do so much with just a little.

So here is how it can work.  Go to www.drmarkredd.com and locate the PayPal Donate button at the bottom. 

Make your donation (It's tax deductible) I'll get an email telling me your gift has arrived and I'll give your gift to Grace while I am here.

Even if you can't give- remember these children in your prayers!  They need it more that you can imagine.  

Mustapha - My New Friend

I want to tell you the story of Mustapha.  About 8 years ago he was troubled by his Muslim Community's treatment of a woman who was accused of being unfaithful to her husband.  She claimed innocence to no avail and was dragged to the center of town and stoned.

Mustapha began to question the Muslim Religions treatment of women.   He began to study his Koran and ask many questions.   He talked with his friends, religious leaders but found no satisfactory answers.   The more he studied and questioned, the more disinchanted he became.

Some months later, he was at a friends home when he discovered his friend had a Bible.   According to Mustapha, it was forbidden for him as a Muslim to read the Bible, but his search lead him to do so.

Somehow he began reading the book of John.  When he came to chapter 8, he was astounded as he read about the woman caught in Adultery.  He was stunned at the difference between Jesus' reaction and that of his Muslim community.  

Mustapha had heard about this Isa - Jesus - but now he must learn more. He began reading more and more of the Bible and felt himself attracted to this man Jesus.

He read that this Jesus healed those who were sick.  Mustapha had suffered with a stomach ailment and he thought if this Jesus was real maybe He would make him well too.   So he asked and to his amazement his stomach ailment ceased being a problem.  

It was during this time that Mustapha began having visions of three men.   He had never seen these men before, but each time he had the vision they talked to him about Jesus.

Time passed and Mustapha kept reading about Jesus and having this same vision. One day he was in the city market when three men approached him.   He was shocked - it was the same three men he has seen in his dream!   

One of the men looked at Mustapha and said, "Isa has sent us to you in a dream  - you must follow Him!"

Now 8 years later, 3 of Mustapha's brothers and 1 of his 3 sisters follow Jesus.  Mustapha now tells his story to other Muslims and has seen many come to Jesus and follow him.  

Mustapha came this week hungering for knowledge of the God whom he serves

God is good!

Pre-Trip Post

This trip will take me back to the Bishoftu Region of Ethiopia.   This will be my 4th Trip teaching in Debre Zeit, my 2nd in Dukem and my 1st in Mogo.   

In each city will be hold a two-day conference centering on Practical Theological Training for pastors/leaders/evangelists from local churches. 

These trips are only made possible by your prayers and financial support.  It is my hope that we will have 3 or 4 additional trips to Ethiopia this year.  

Throughout the trip we will post to this blog - wifi permitting - keeping you involved in what is taking place.  

If you want to ask questions or comment - reaching me through email or Facebook message is probably the easiest.

Thank you again for your prayers and support!