Things have been going well. Over the last few days we have been going over the biblical data on salvation. Many of my students seem to have been unware that the Bible actually says anything about predestination and election... just another indication that the whole council of God's word needs to be emphasized.
We have also been doing some visiting. A few days ago we went out to a huge orphanage, Salam Children's Village. They take care of about 400 kids, and are completely self supported. They do this by raising flowers, vegtables, and cotton. They sell these, and get premium prices because of their quality. They also have a complete school system up to highschool and on into vocational schooling for those who don't test high enough to get into university. They make sure that every one getting out has the ability to succeed on their own. They don't allow any adoptions because they want strong, healthy (spiritual, mental, physical), Christian men and women to go back out into Ethiopia to make a change in the culture itself. It was a really encouraging project. You can find it here: 9 1.619 N 38 50.036 E
We were also able to get out of the city on Saturday. We went to a crater lake about 2 hours away. SIM has a retreat center on the lake, so we were able to relax, go swimming, canoe, and hang out in relative peace. It was very refreshing. During the Marxist regime it was used as a confrence center for the underground church. Pretty cool. You can find it here: 8 47.587 N 38 59.559 E
Today we are going to put together the biblical truths about the predestination of God and the free will of man. Fun! I have some great charts that I have been drawing up, which if not helpful to them, have been very fun to create for me. We'll see.
I am finding that now that I am over the initial loneliness (which still comes and goes) I am starting to miss the regular comforts of life. I really really really really wish I had brought my favorite jeans, some more T-shirts, and my MP3 player... oh well. I am completely sick of where slacks and polo shirts, even thought that is the "culturally acceptable" garb. Trials and tribulations...
Things have been going well.
6 comments:
It's time for photos!!
Speaking of photos: we are enjoying the GPS/Google Earth capability. That crater is BIG! And are the fields to the south and east of the orphanange the ones where they grow their crops?
Ray, I would LOVE to see you in slacks and a polo!!!
We miss you!
Ian and Julie
I'm looking forward to our discussions when you return to Redlands.
You've been growing in wisdom and I'm looking forward to being blessed by it...
Reading your blogs and keeping you in prayer. Keep up the great work - in spite of the difficulties of slacks.
Hi Raymond,
I am praying for you. Keep off those back streets by the way. Have you been introduced to "Injera" yet? Have not read anything about your experiences with Ethiopian culinary delights. I thank God for you and the work you are doing there. You will find similar doctrinal challenges in Nbi if you get to teach. Prepare a good apologetic for the contemporary cults.
Blessings,
Cathy (at SES)
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