6 December 2010. Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was the beginning of a gloriously, busy week. Bill was scheduled as the guest chapel speaker at AABC (Addis Ababa Bible College). After a wonderful breakfast at Dr. John's house we arrived on campus for the 10 am chapel service. The staff and students were truly excited about meeting us and waiting to hear what God had to say to them. At this service, Bill was able to teach in English because the students know the language. After chapel we went back 'home' to rest some, eat a light lunch, and do some sight-seeing with Dr. John. He brought us to the future dental clinic (John is a dentist); the university where he teaches dentistry; and stopped at a couple of local shops. How he ever found these two places? We may never know! They were down some very narrow streets and alleys...but once we got there...oh my! One was a weaving shop that made hand-woven items: tablecloths, scarves...beautiful! The second place was a pottery shop, amazing, hand-painted items: little dishes, napkin holders, coffee pots, cups; the hand-crafting was beautiful. Bought a couple of things there...I love pottery! Back to the house for our evening meal, to watch a video, and catch our emails. Another wonderful day in Africa!
7 December 2010. Bill spoke at chapel (AABC) on Tuesday, as well. Because Missionary Bob Thomas and Dr. John were teaching that day we needed to get there earlier. Up and out of the house by 8:30 am. While we waited in Bob's office for chapel to start we got online and checked our emails and Facebook. It's such a great way to communicate across the miles; keeping everyone updated and knowing all is okay at home, too. Chapel was exciting, again! Each day more staff and students were attending. It was a great honor for us to be there; seeing the excitement and hunger of each one wanting to learn more! A wonderful lesson for us, too. That evening we attended, and Bill spoke at, another local church. There was singing, praying and then the message. The service was truly exciting. Their style of singing may be different from ours, and we can't understand the words, but we still worship the same Saviour! Back to Dr. John's; lights across the area go out again, a sure sign it's time for bed! What a truly awesome experience being in Africa!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Retroactive Part 3
5 December 2010. On Sunday morning in Addis Ababa we were up and moving by 6 am! After breakfast we arrived at church by 8:30 am. Traditionally services are quite lengthy and the two morning services Bill preached at were no different. Not because of his preaching, but because the people are excited about being at church.
Each service was very exciting; filled with music, worship, the people, the church staff...all very wonderful, warmly receiving us into their church. Remember it has always been a dream of mine to go to Africa and here were are at the largest Assemblies of God church in Ethiopia; with 10,000 members we were told!
After the services, Bob & Rhonda Thomas (the missionaries from the Michigan District we were working with) and their children, Dr. John, and us, all went out to eat. After a delicious meal, Bob took us to the local museum for some Ethiopian history.
We were back to John's house by 4 pm. Had a little rest, then watched part of a teaching video, checked our emails, Facebook, visited with John and closed another day in Africa.
When we minister overseas we realize that each day is different and exciting or just another average day. We might not see goats and sheep in the streets everyday or have to turn on the generator because the electricity failed, but we do know that each day is a blessing and an honor for us to have lived it in Africa!
Each service was very exciting; filled with music, worship, the people, the church staff...all very wonderful, warmly receiving us into their church. Remember it has always been a dream of mine to go to Africa and here were are at the largest Assemblies of God church in Ethiopia; with 10,000 members we were told!
After the services, Bob & Rhonda Thomas (the missionaries from the Michigan District we were working with) and their children, Dr. John, and us, all went out to eat. After a delicious meal, Bob took us to the local museum for some Ethiopian history.
We were back to John's house by 4 pm. Had a little rest, then watched part of a teaching video, checked our emails, Facebook, visited with John and closed another day in Africa.
When we minister overseas we realize that each day is different and exciting or just another average day. We might not see goats and sheep in the streets everyday or have to turn on the generator because the electricity failed, but we do know that each day is a blessing and an honor for us to have lived it in Africa!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Retroactive Part 2
Each day we were in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was an amazing experience.
It included conversation with our host, Dr. John, to walking the streets looking for hidden shops, to riding in a taxi-van with a lot of other people, seeing goat and sheep herders moving their animals across 6 lanes of traffic, to the Lexus and Audi cars being driven on those same streets by the people working in the high rise buildings. Amazing!
4 December 2010. After a night of restful sleep we woke to get ready for our day. Breakfast was served to us by Salish, the woman who manages Dr. John's household! She is a terrific cook; we never left the table hungry! After breakfast we went online to inform our families in the states that all was well and to quickly post on Facebook, too! The computer system was very slow and could have disconnected at any time, another experience!
John told us that his other mission responsibility north of the city may be receiving a shipment of dental supplies and he would need to be there to oversee the unloading, etc. If that happens he asked if we could teach his class at the Bible school. We would be in charge of two sessions...video's...no teaching!!! We said sure, another experience?
After some coffee and more conversation we went to our room to study and rest. About 11 am we walked to the local market with Dr. John. The city closes the street to vehicle traffic and the vendors display their items right on the road! Lot's of things from T-shirts, shoes, leather goods, kitchen things; like a flea market in the States. That taxi-van ride I mentioned earlier? That's how we got back to John's house!
That evening we attended the first ever missions convention the local churches held. It was very exciting to see so many people there, eat their food, and sing their songs. One thing about the food in Ethiopia is a special dish they serve...raw meat! Yup...uncooked beef! They love it! But, because they knew us westerner's wouldn't eat it they served other delicious food like lasagna! The evening was great. Many pastors pledged a month's salary towards missions...amazing experience.
We were back to John's by about 9:30 pm to visit some more and then go to sleep. The next day Bill will be preaching two services to two very large crowds...an experience for sure!
It included conversation with our host, Dr. John, to walking the streets looking for hidden shops, to riding in a taxi-van with a lot of other people, seeing goat and sheep herders moving their animals across 6 lanes of traffic, to the Lexus and Audi cars being driven on those same streets by the people working in the high rise buildings. Amazing!
4 December 2010. After a night of restful sleep we woke to get ready for our day. Breakfast was served to us by Salish, the woman who manages Dr. John's household! She is a terrific cook; we never left the table hungry! After breakfast we went online to inform our families in the states that all was well and to quickly post on Facebook, too! The computer system was very slow and could have disconnected at any time, another experience!
John told us that his other mission responsibility north of the city may be receiving a shipment of dental supplies and he would need to be there to oversee the unloading, etc. If that happens he asked if we could teach his class at the Bible school. We would be in charge of two sessions...video's...no teaching!!! We said sure, another experience?
After some coffee and more conversation we went to our room to study and rest. About 11 am we walked to the local market with Dr. John. The city closes the street to vehicle traffic and the vendors display their items right on the road! Lot's of things from T-shirts, shoes, leather goods, kitchen things; like a flea market in the States. That taxi-van ride I mentioned earlier? That's how we got back to John's house!
That evening we attended the first ever missions convention the local churches held. It was very exciting to see so many people there, eat their food, and sing their songs. One thing about the food in Ethiopia is a special dish they serve...raw meat! Yup...uncooked beef! They love it! But, because they knew us westerner's wouldn't eat it they served other delicious food like lasagna! The evening was great. Many pastors pledged a month's salary towards missions...amazing experience.
We were back to John's by about 9:30 pm to visit some more and then go to sleep. The next day Bill will be preaching two services to two very large crowds...an experience for sure!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Retroactive
Today's blog will be on our trip to Ethiopia, Africa. Yes, we were there in December 2010, but I thought today would be a good day to write about it! And besides, I keep a short daily diary of what we do every day (well, not everything but you know what I mean); it helps me remember what we did.
1 December 2010: Day One.
This is the day we fly to Ethiopia, Africa. Can you believe it? Our missionary friend from Florida, Dr. John as we affectionately call him, helped arrange this trip. We'll be ministering with our soon to be friends Bob & Rhonda Thomas. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to go to Africa as a missionary; maybe because of the stories I heard when missionaries would visit our church. Trust me, day one was a full, busy day.
Actually, it was pretty normal to begin with. Got ready for the day, sent out our weekly ministry update, went to work...did normal stuff; made sure my Facebook page was updated and packed my carryon bag. We ate a little bit, relaxed some; then jumped in the car to drive to the local bus terminal for our 2 1/2 hr ride to O'Hare airport in Chicago.
Everything went very smoothly at check-in, security, and the gate...we finally boarded by 8:30 pm (CST). While on board we ate some, rested some, and occupied our time with reading and watching the inflight movie. It was a pretty good flight!
We arrived in London 6 hrs later (by my watch), about 11 am local time but couldn't check in until 6 pm! To make the time go faster we walked a lot, read, and watched people. Finally, we are able to check-in for the next leg of our journey. After check-in, we went to eat at a TGIF restaurant. Unaware that the exchange rate is not good for the US dollar we ate a hamburger and a soda at a cost of $40. Needless to say we were shocked at the cost, but it is a memory!
We finally board the plane at 9 pm (Thursday, Dec. 2) and fly over Europe and North Africa. We arrived safely at 7:15 am; got our visa, immigration stamps, and our luggage. Dr. John & Missionary Bob Thomas met us at the airport and brought us to Dr. John's house. We unpacked, visited, and had something to eat. I was so excited, too, because I got to brush my teeth for the first time in three days (well, it seemed like it anyway).
There is the first installment of a two week adventure in Africa. There are very exciting days ahead in this story, including: having the electric and water go out, eating new foods, and meeting the warm, friendly people of Ethiopia.
1 December 2010: Day One.
This is the day we fly to Ethiopia, Africa. Can you believe it? Our missionary friend from Florida, Dr. John as we affectionately call him, helped arrange this trip. We'll be ministering with our soon to be friends Bob & Rhonda Thomas. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to go to Africa as a missionary; maybe because of the stories I heard when missionaries would visit our church. Trust me, day one was a full, busy day.
Actually, it was pretty normal to begin with. Got ready for the day, sent out our weekly ministry update, went to work...did normal stuff; made sure my Facebook page was updated and packed my carryon bag. We ate a little bit, relaxed some; then jumped in the car to drive to the local bus terminal for our 2 1/2 hr ride to O'Hare airport in Chicago.
Everything went very smoothly at check-in, security, and the gate...we finally boarded by 8:30 pm (CST). While on board we ate some, rested some, and occupied our time with reading and watching the inflight movie. It was a pretty good flight!
We arrived in London 6 hrs later (by my watch), about 11 am local time but couldn't check in until 6 pm! To make the time go faster we walked a lot, read, and watched people. Finally, we are able to check-in for the next leg of our journey. After check-in, we went to eat at a TGIF restaurant. Unaware that the exchange rate is not good for the US dollar we ate a hamburger and a soda at a cost of $40. Needless to say we were shocked at the cost, but it is a memory!
We finally board the plane at 9 pm (Thursday, Dec. 2) and fly over Europe and North Africa. We arrived safely at 7:15 am; got our visa, immigration stamps, and our luggage. Dr. John & Missionary Bob Thomas met us at the airport and brought us to Dr. John's house. We unpacked, visited, and had something to eat. I was so excited, too, because I got to brush my teeth for the first time in three days (well, it seemed like it anyway).
There is the first installment of a two week adventure in Africa. There are very exciting days ahead in this story, including: having the electric and water go out, eating new foods, and meeting the warm, friendly people of Ethiopia.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Do anything different lately?
Since I have last written, we have been to many different cities, towns, and states. Just last Sunday we were in the thumb of Michigan; Marlette to be exact. It was great, and very pretty. If you are interested, we stayed at a B & B...very quiet, great rooms, private baths, and yummy food. Let me know, and I'll send you the info.
We've been traveling a lot in Wisconsin this spring...which I admit I like. Since we live in Wisconsin it's nice to be close to home; not too much traveling.
A couple of weeks ago we did something different that we haven't ever done before, that I can remember! We drove in separate cars to our weekend ministry...Oneida, WI. We spoke at Oneida Assembly (Native American church) on Sunday and had a wonderful time. The people are so precious and made us feel welcome.
What was different? After our ministry in Oneida Bill drove north to go fishing with some friends and I drove south to stay a couple of days with my Mom. What was also unique about Bill's fishing trip was that pastor friends of ours from Florida and South Carolina came to central Wisconsin to fish at Popp's Resort. A beautiful place on the Peshtigo River flowage. These pastors (and others) used to fish in Canada but decided to try a new place. We had the blessing of staying at Popp's on two different occasions when ministering at churches in that area. The guys all had a great time, caught fish, and got a little sunburn in the process.
I, on the other hand, had a terrific time with my Mom. My sister came, too; so it was just us three women. We had a blast. Shopping, pedicure's, visiting, relaxing; just enjoying each others company.
One of the things the three of us did was go to my Dad's grave. I don't even like saying it, but it's part of our lives now. We placed a plant by his stone and then visited other graves of our family members. My dad's sister joined us, too; she gave us some insight on family history which we were glad to hear.
Sometimes not being together all the time ends up being okay. Though my husband and I missed each other terribly we both came away from the time relaxed and invigorated.
Yes, it was different and we probably won't do it for awhile, but it was a good thing!
We've been traveling a lot in Wisconsin this spring...which I admit I like. Since we live in Wisconsin it's nice to be close to home; not too much traveling.
A couple of weeks ago we did something different that we haven't ever done before, that I can remember! We drove in separate cars to our weekend ministry...Oneida, WI. We spoke at Oneida Assembly (Native American church) on Sunday and had a wonderful time. The people are so precious and made us feel welcome.
What was different? After our ministry in Oneida Bill drove north to go fishing with some friends and I drove south to stay a couple of days with my Mom. What was also unique about Bill's fishing trip was that pastor friends of ours from Florida and South Carolina came to central Wisconsin to fish at Popp's Resort. A beautiful place on the Peshtigo River flowage. These pastors (and others) used to fish in Canada but decided to try a new place. We had the blessing of staying at Popp's on two different occasions when ministering at churches in that area. The guys all had a great time, caught fish, and got a little sunburn in the process.
I, on the other hand, had a terrific time with my Mom. My sister came, too; so it was just us three women. We had a blast. Shopping, pedicure's, visiting, relaxing; just enjoying each others company.
One of the things the three of us did was go to my Dad's grave. I don't even like saying it, but it's part of our lives now. We placed a plant by his stone and then visited other graves of our family members. My dad's sister joined us, too; she gave us some insight on family history which we were glad to hear.
Sometimes not being together all the time ends up being okay. Though my husband and I missed each other terribly we both came away from the time relaxed and invigorated.
Yes, it was different and we probably won't do it for awhile, but it was a good thing!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
It's been too long!
Sorry, it's been a while. We have been traveling a lot, but that is no excuse. My last post was written when we were still in Florida. We've been home in Wisconsin since March 21. It's good to be home!
The travels have been great and we love what we are doing. Let me tell you about one thing that came out of our trip to Florida. This year, while in Florida, the schedule was hectic, but we always knew we were in the right place at the right time.
It truly worked out to our advantage...that hectic schedule. Let me explain... my parents had a winter home in Florida for a lot of years and while we traveled to Florida for ministry we would stay with them. In 2009 my Dad passed away and my Mom didn't want the double expense (which is understandable). In 2010 my Mom sold her mobile home (which was a miracle and another story) when we were done with our ministry in Florida. That left us without a place to stay this year.
God worked it out though. We stayed with a friend; then we were in a couple of motels until we were able to rent a home in Pleasant Grove, FL. Between a ministry trip to Georgia and South Carolina we stayed in this home for a total of four weeks. But that's just the part of the story.
This home is located on church property (it's a home the church offers to missionaries or evangelists). On this same property are cottage-homes that are privately owned; but the land belongs to the church. We discovered that several of these homes were for sale. We looked at three and actually were able to purchase one. Yes, we are home owners in Florida!!! The sale will be final the end of this month.
This long explanation was given to say that even through the middle of moving about, God had a plan. He knew that little cottage would be just perfect for us and directed our path to it. Also, when we go again in 2012 we'll have a place to go to and to stay at.
This week we'll be traveling to Minnesota for their District Council and then to minister at our friends church in northern Wisconsin. Our suitcases are not packed, but they will be soon.
The travels have been great and we love what we are doing. Let me tell you about one thing that came out of our trip to Florida. This year, while in Florida, the schedule was hectic, but we always knew we were in the right place at the right time.
It truly worked out to our advantage...that hectic schedule. Let me explain... my parents had a winter home in Florida for a lot of years and while we traveled to Florida for ministry we would stay with them. In 2009 my Dad passed away and my Mom didn't want the double expense (which is understandable). In 2010 my Mom sold her mobile home (which was a miracle and another story) when we were done with our ministry in Florida. That left us without a place to stay this year.
God worked it out though. We stayed with a friend; then we were in a couple of motels until we were able to rent a home in Pleasant Grove, FL. Between a ministry trip to Georgia and South Carolina we stayed in this home for a total of four weeks. But that's just the part of the story.
This home is located on church property (it's a home the church offers to missionaries or evangelists). On this same property are cottage-homes that are privately owned; but the land belongs to the church. We discovered that several of these homes were for sale. We looked at three and actually were able to purchase one. Yes, we are home owners in Florida!!! The sale will be final the end of this month.
This long explanation was given to say that even through the middle of moving about, God had a plan. He knew that little cottage would be just perfect for us and directed our path to it. Also, when we go again in 2012 we'll have a place to go to and to stay at.
This week we'll be traveling to Minnesota for their District Council and then to minister at our friends church in northern Wisconsin. Our suitcases are not packed, but they will be soon.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What is going on?
In my continued studies for credentialing, today's post is on the Book of Job. I am under no circumstances writing this as a scholar of the Old Testament or of Hebrew. My blog today is about observations on the circumstances of life and how to deal with them.
"Have you considered my servant, Job? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God."[1]
Job's life and character were discussed in the heavenlies without having a 'say-so' on the outcome. Not only did he have it all, it was all taken (except for a 'nagging' wife) in a matter of one day; and the next day his health was taken. Job could have easily asked, 'what is going on?'
How could Job continue to fear God and keep on trusting him? Maybe the bigger question is how can a loving God seem to ignore human suffering? If he is all powerful, and knows all things why doesn't he do something about all the suffering? And how do we stay strong in our faith when we have troubles and injustices in our lives?
I'll let Job (chapter 1, verse 21) answer that (after he was on his face in worship). Job said, "Naked I came...and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and...has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."[1] This scripture has so much meaning and depth. We come with nothing, we'll leave with nothing; but in between when 'stuff' happens we can trust God and praise him in the circumstances and indignities.
There is an explanation for this from the notes in my Bible [2]; to help us better understand this verse. Understand that Job is not perfect, but his trust and reliance on the Lord is his high standard to follow. Job had doubts, anger, and a sense of isolation from God (in later chapters), but he also had experienced God's faithfulness in the past and knew that God would be faithful again. As Job, we must look to how God has blessed us in the past: our salvation, healing, insight into solutions for problems, strength in the midst of persecutions, and to helping overcome our doubts. God can handle our doubts, misgivings, our unbelief...he is always ready to hear our cry. But will he always be ready to give us a reason? What about the question of all the suffering in the world?
Please indulge me for a few minutes as I relay some good information that I have learned while taking the course on the study of the Old Testament. [3]
1] God's complete plan is not and will not be fully realized on this earth, but only in the age to come. It's a partial realization called "already, not yet". Very simply put it's like when we travel and I ask my husband are we there yet, he says, "we are already here, but not yet there" (kind of a midway point on the map). God's will has been partially fulfilled now but won't be completely fulfilled until the future. The unanswered questions may remain unanswered until we see him.
2] Remember the conversation God had with the devil? Though they spoke to each other, the devil was by no means equal to God in any way. He has no power, only God does.
3] In reading the Book of Job we can conclude that God tests and tries people. Walking through the trials and circumstances of life teaches us lessons on being faithful and having a pure and true belief that God is sovereign and in control.
4] Because of the nature of man we live in a sinful, fallen world. Horrible things happen; injustices, inequalities, unfairness...bad things. Some of the trials of our lives are because of this fallen, imperfect world. Yet God is compassionate and walks with us through this sinful, fallen world.
As we firmly hold on to the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us; that he loves us unconditionally, and that we can turn to him no matter what. Like Job, we can handle the question, 'what's going on?'
Notes:
[1] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI.
[2] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. Job 1:21, notes Pg. 717.
[3] Old Testament Survey. 2006, 2010. Global University, Springfield, MO. Job: Perseverance in Suffering. Pg 124.
"Have you considered my servant, Job? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God."[1]
Job's life and character were discussed in the heavenlies without having a 'say-so' on the outcome. Not only did he have it all, it was all taken (except for a 'nagging' wife) in a matter of one day; and the next day his health was taken. Job could have easily asked, 'what is going on?'
How could Job continue to fear God and keep on trusting him? Maybe the bigger question is how can a loving God seem to ignore human suffering? If he is all powerful, and knows all things why doesn't he do something about all the suffering? And how do we stay strong in our faith when we have troubles and injustices in our lives?
I'll let Job (chapter 1, verse 21) answer that (after he was on his face in worship). Job said, "Naked I came...and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and...has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."[1] This scripture has so much meaning and depth. We come with nothing, we'll leave with nothing; but in between when 'stuff' happens we can trust God and praise him in the circumstances and indignities.
There is an explanation for this from the notes in my Bible [2]; to help us better understand this verse. Understand that Job is not perfect, but his trust and reliance on the Lord is his high standard to follow. Job had doubts, anger, and a sense of isolation from God (in later chapters), but he also had experienced God's faithfulness in the past and knew that God would be faithful again. As Job, we must look to how God has blessed us in the past: our salvation, healing, insight into solutions for problems, strength in the midst of persecutions, and to helping overcome our doubts. God can handle our doubts, misgivings, our unbelief...he is always ready to hear our cry. But will he always be ready to give us a reason? What about the question of all the suffering in the world?
Please indulge me for a few minutes as I relay some good information that I have learned while taking the course on the study of the Old Testament. [3]
1] God's complete plan is not and will not be fully realized on this earth, but only in the age to come. It's a partial realization called "already, not yet". Very simply put it's like when we travel and I ask my husband are we there yet, he says, "we are already here, but not yet there" (kind of a midway point on the map). God's will has been partially fulfilled now but won't be completely fulfilled until the future. The unanswered questions may remain unanswered until we see him.
2] Remember the conversation God had with the devil? Though they spoke to each other, the devil was by no means equal to God in any way. He has no power, only God does.
3] In reading the Book of Job we can conclude that God tests and tries people. Walking through the trials and circumstances of life teaches us lessons on being faithful and having a pure and true belief that God is sovereign and in control.
4] Because of the nature of man we live in a sinful, fallen world. Horrible things happen; injustices, inequalities, unfairness...bad things. Some of the trials of our lives are because of this fallen, imperfect world. Yet God is compassionate and walks with us through this sinful, fallen world.
As we firmly hold on to the promise that God will never leave us or forsake us; that he loves us unconditionally, and that we can turn to him no matter what. Like Job, we can handle the question, 'what's going on?'
Notes:
[1] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI.
[2] NIV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. 1992, 2003. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. Job 1:21, notes Pg. 717.
[3] Old Testament Survey. 2006, 2010. Global University, Springfield, MO. Job: Perseverance in Suffering. Pg 124.
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