an Ethiopian expierence...
Hey All...
Its mid-February here in Amsterdam...and I swear spring is quickly approaching. The temps are in the 50s and buds are leaping forth from many a tree. There is a joy that comes with approach of spring. The icy cold of winter begins to melt off and give rise to a freshness that fills the air...Although we had hardly experienced winter here in Holland. Thanks to Al Gore who caused and fuels all global warming (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/al_gore_caught_warming_globe_to). Anyway...As always, I have had many experiences that are so very worthy of others knowing about, but; I am so busy, and lack some time management skills, that I just don't get around to it. But...In this writing I want to share one that stick out. Its a lunch I had with an Ethiopian/Eritrean friend of mine.
These two North East African countries have such an awesome culture and history to them, and Markus (as I will call him) is a product of them. I wish I could say that I knew him better, but time with hopefully give rise to that. He is a man who has had a turbulent past, yet finds solace in Christ. He was raised with Coptic Christian surroundings and moved to Amsterdam around 15 yrs ago. Sadly, the streets opened there abusive hands to him and gave him empty comfort. Yet, the Lord rescued him and is returning his life to him. Sean and I were blessed to share a meal with this amazing man. He had us over to his new apartment some weeks back, for an experience I will never forget. It was a rainy afternoon and we stood on his doorstep waiting for him to let us in. When he finally did; we walked into to his small, yet tidy,apartment in the east of Amsterdam. It was warmly lit with lamps and candle, and the sent of incense lingered int he air. Carpets, cushions and wooden tables spoke of his African heritage. We sat enjoyed time drinking tea and talking about all that God had done in our lives over these past years. He served us an amazing meal though, it was simply his cultural food from Ethiopia. It was portions of rice, vegetables, beans, and spices. All set within a bowl in there own place. It was delicious! He play Cd's of artist from his homeland. They melody's, tons and rhythms were classic of what I know of this area...However, they blended with the food...the scents...the peaceful lighting to make a time that touched my heart and senses. I told Sean afterward, that I wish ministry always felt this good! We fellowship and encouraged one another in such a biblical way!...It was amazing. Its times like these I really love what God has led me into...I hope and pray that all of you can experience such wonders as these....
take care...in Him....Will
Its mid-February here in Amsterdam...and I swear spring is quickly approaching. The temps are in the 50s and buds are leaping forth from many a tree. There is a joy that comes with approach of spring. The icy cold of winter begins to melt off and give rise to a freshness that fills the air...Although we had hardly experienced winter here in Holland. Thanks to Al Gore who caused and fuels all global warming (http://www.theonion.com/content/news/al_gore_caught_warming_globe_to). Anyway...As always, I have had many experiences that are so very worthy of others knowing about, but; I am so busy, and lack some time management skills, that I just don't get around to it. But...In this writing I want to share one that stick out. Its a lunch I had with an Ethiopian/Eritrean friend of mine.
These two North East African countries have such an awesome culture and history to them, and Markus (as I will call him) is a product of them. I wish I could say that I knew him better, but time with hopefully give rise to that. He is a man who has had a turbulent past, yet finds solace in Christ. He was raised with Coptic Christian surroundings and moved to Amsterdam around 15 yrs ago. Sadly, the streets opened there abusive hands to him and gave him empty comfort. Yet, the Lord rescued him and is returning his life to him. Sean and I were blessed to share a meal with this amazing man. He had us over to his new apartment some weeks back, for an experience I will never forget. It was a rainy afternoon and we stood on his doorstep waiting for him to let us in. When he finally did; we walked into to his small, yet tidy,apartment in the east of Amsterdam. It was warmly lit with lamps and candle, and the sent of incense lingered int he air. Carpets, cushions and wooden tables spoke of his African heritage. We sat enjoyed time drinking tea and talking about all that God had done in our lives over these past years. He served us an amazing meal though, it was simply his cultural food from Ethiopia. It was portions of rice, vegetables, beans, and spices. All set within a bowl in there own place. It was delicious! He play Cd's of artist from his homeland. They melody's, tons and rhythms were classic of what I know of this area...However, they blended with the food...the scents...the peaceful lighting to make a time that touched my heart and senses. I told Sean afterward, that I wish ministry always felt this good! We fellowship and encouraged one another in such a biblical way!...It was amazing. Its times like these I really love what God has led me into...I hope and pray that all of you can experience such wonders as these....
take care...in Him....Will
