European Theological Seminary Students Minister in Ethiopia
The church service had already begun, because we could hear singing and drumming while approaching the church close to an Ethiopian village. Last minute arrangements concerning our contribution to the service were made before we then entered the church made of clay, wood, and straw, in which the members had already gathered.
By Susanne Kuhner
We were greeted warmly and immediately felt a special atmosphere, because in spite of the simplicity of the facility, the presence of God could clearly be felt. Our senses were overwhelmed by the warmth and openness of the people, the enthusiastic worship to the glory of God, and also the fragrance of eucalyptus leaves that decorated the floor.
While listening to the music, although unusual for us, but yet very anointed, the letter to the Ephesians came to mind: “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Subsequently, we could serve the believers with a drama and songs, and someone from our group gave a testimony about his life before another preached. After the church service, we continued enjoying the hospitality and warmth with delicious cinnamon tea, potatoes, and bread. Afterward, we went outside where we had further fellowship with the villagers. After a while, we were surrounded by many children and once again spontaneously began to sing and play with them. After the children had gotten accustomed to us, they slowly but joyfully started joining in the movement to the songs, and eventually the skepticism left.
This is only one experience from our time in Ethiopia, where we, a team from ETS, spent this summer doing our internship outreach.
We spent just over three weeks in Ethiopia and had the opportunity to minister in many different areas and have a variety of experiences. Wherever we were, we felt the guidance and protection of God that helped us to work together as a team, and be a blessing to others.
During the first week, we were in Addis Abeba and mainly spent time with the children and youth in the facilities of the Harvest Church of God; weekends and during the evenings we visited church services for adults, where we provided songs, dramas and sermons, or testimonies.
In the second week, we traveled to the southern part of Ethiopia (Sidama), where we ministered in the Bible school at the Harvest Church of God. We also had the opportunity to be of service to the young teachers through devotions and teaching sessions. We really enjoyed the fellowship there, especially their humor and willingness to learn new things, and also our prayer evening together.
We spent the third week in local churches in the Salale region (in the north of Ethiopia), where we not only had the chance to minister, but to experience the nature and animal world of Ethiopia.
This time in Ethiopia brought many precious experiences to every single team member, of which we all certainly profited, since it was challenging and expanding our horizons at the same time. We could be a blessing to others during that time, but simultaneously we were very blessed ourselves, for which we are very grateful.
By Susanne Kuhner
ETS
© 2011 Church of God World Missions
