Post One: Arriving at Debre Zeit at First Afternoon of Teaching

It was good to arrive at the Tommy Hotel compound in Debre Zeit.   After covering over 7400 miles and 30 hours in the Air and sitting in Airports it was good arrive at my "Home away from Home" for the next week.   This is the 4th time I have stayed at Tommy over the years and we have developed good relationships with many of the staffers here.   On trips like this there are plenty of "unknowns" - it is good to be able to stay at a place, eat at a restaurant that is a "known."

This afternoon we went to the Praise Church Campus.  It is a church that is very active in their part of the Debre Zeit community.  Each week they have a meal that serves about 250 homeless people, allows them a place to wash their clothes, shower and have a meal.

This afternoon we met with 50-60 young men and women.  In the group there were those who were future pastors; evangelists; those studying for degrees in engineering and public service; and many pursing their higher education.  It was a great group of 20-30 year old.

 We studied God's Call on people who have been called to great tasks of leadership.   Looking back at Joshua 1 where Joshua was called to lead the Children of Israel after Moses's death we discovered that God called him - and us to be strong and courageous.  When God calls you to a task, He promises to be with you, guide you, empower you and give you success if when you do things His way utilizing His Word.  It was a privilege to talk with these future leaders of Ethiopia.

We also looked into Deuteronomy 8 and discussed what happens when a Nation forgets God.  We talked about the cycle that is found not only in the children of Israel, but in many nations including America when they call out to God, He Delivers and Blesses them, then the Blessings are valued over the on who gave the Blessings and the countries decline begins.

We then had a great time of question/answer/discussion about everything ranging from the acceptance of Gay Marriage in many Churches in America, the struggle for the Church impact the culture rather than adapt to the cultures influence and of course about Texas!  

It is my belief that Ethiopia in the beginning phase of this cycle.  God has delivered them, they are in a time of both spiritual and economic blessing, but as future leaders they must take care not become so enamored with the blessings that they forget who delivered and blessed them.

Tomorrow we go back to Peace Church and start the two-day conference with Pastors/Evangelists/Leaders of churches in the Debre Zeit Area!