Church

Sunday morning we woke up pretty happy and rested and decided to head out the Beza International Church (The English Speaking Church) in Addis Ababa. The Church building was similar to a very large pole barn. Very big with a stage, instruments, projector and power point. The parking lot was dirt and very muddy. Most of the men wore suits and the ones who did not were very dressed up. The woman, as well. Everyone looked stunning. Most of the congregation was African although I saw many Caucasian people (not all American) and some Asian people as well. Jill and are were both surprised by the designer clothing, high heals, shinny shoes, suits and ties…

The worship service started with a “deacon” just standing and talking… Praising God. The best I can describe it is Pentecostal or similar to the African American Churches in the states. People were very demonstrative with their praise. It was powerful. People were kneeling, dancing, pacing, clapping, lifting their arms to the sky. They would pray/talk to themselves, cry, sing and lots of shouts of Hallelujah! and Amen!


There was a worship time where we sang 3 different songs, the best was “Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes, Lord Amen” Dancing jumping up and down, clapping and total joy. Kids would walk up the to the front and dance, so cute! There was an electric guitar, drums, keyboard… Just like home. Everyone was so welcoming. We were asked to hold hands and pray for our neighbors. Then the children’s choir sang, so precious.

The Sermon was also very inspiring. It was based on Jesus walking on the water. The Minister’s point was that the day before the walking on water miracle, Jesus broke the bread and fed 5,000. A miracle. Then 24 hours later, there is a storm and the disciples are on a boat and full of fear. Jesus walked to them on the water and they were surprised, even though, yesterday, he had performed an amazing miracle with the loaves and bread. He reminded us how short our memories are and that we can forget a miracle so quickly. Then to bring the message home he gave this great example. If there is Jesus and there is a problem and they come head to head, the equation is this: Jesus 1 and the problem is 0. Jesus always wins. The Jesus of the loaves is the Jesus of our problems. He is always with us.