Sunday in Addis

An email from Kyle:

Today was amazing. As you know, I got to preach. It was so wonderful. The service lasted from 10 until 12:15. The worship was free. The church is a satellite from a much larger church. The satellite started just two years ago with 25 people. It now has over 300. They still meet in something like an outdoor tent facility, but it was standing room only with many people standing in the doorways and outside. Today, the elders voted to purchase the land on which the tent-like facility is currently located, so that they can build a permanent structure.

It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. After the service all of the elders wanted to have a group picture with me; so, we took several. I made certain Kurkura wrote down all of the names of the people in the pictures. I am horrible at being able to pronounce much less remember African names.

After church was over, I went to Kurkura's house. Even though Kurkura lost his job with World Vision some 3 months ago, they completely rolled out the red carpet. We had homemade everything. The injera with wat and a host of other Ethiopian dishes. On top of that, because they feared I might not like Ethiopian food, she also served several pasta dishes and mixed vegetables. It got to the point where I was simply stuffed, but still had half a roll of injera on my plate. Kurkura showed me his empty plate and told me that was how my plate was supposed to look. So, I proceeded to eat the last half of the injera roll. But nooo, Kurkura's wife would not allow me to eat it dry. So, she insisted on pouring some more wat on my plate with chicken meat. While I cleaned my plate, I completely skipped dinner. I'm still full. Then, we had a coffee ceremony. Kurkura's wife roasted the coffee right in the living room so that I could see how it was done.

They have three children: son (15), daughter (14) and son (9). I also have Kurkura's wife and childrens' names written down. His kids were wonderful and so smart. His daughter asked me many questions and reminded me of Erin with her glasses and infectious curiosity. They drove me home in their poor little car. Of course, we had a flat tire along the way, which we had to eventually air up.

Kurkura has an amazing testimony, which I have in writing. He converted from Islam at 13 and was thrown out of his family. He now has a successful ministry among the Muslims. Christianity is experiencing a measurable amount of growth among both the Muslim and Orthodox communities. Indeed, one of the elders in the church today was a former bishop in the Orthodox church and there are many in the Orthodox church meeting underground to enhance their witness within the Orthodox community without risking excommunication.

Sorry for the long e-mail. There just seemed to be a lot to share. I love and miss all of you.