by Jesse P,
This morning was quieter than the first one here in Jinka. The 3:30am street chants were off in the distance and started much later. I left the room and took a walk around the premises of our hotel at about 6:30am and instantly smelled smoke. 3-4 blocks away there was a fountain of thick black smoke. Everyone in town was rushing to see what was happening. Many men were running, many were on motorcycles, and a few were on their donkey pulled carriages. The carriages are just flat surfaces on wheels and the driver rides standing up in a sort of surfing-like stance. I respect the skill it takes to navigate these vehicles through uneven roads with style and ease.
The fire actually burned the market in the center of the city. So sad for the people to temporarily lose an important area of commerce. I heard that no people were injured though so that is a blessing.
Today our house visits were in the town and the homes were more developed by modern economic standards. Contrasted with yesterday, we walked a fraction of the amount and we also had many appointments cancel. Our local disciple-makers are very conscious of our safety and recently decided that one of the villages we were going to serve was engaged in tribal conflict. Or plans were changed because of that. The fire this morning also had an effect on who was showing up to talk with us.
So far, the homes we’ve visited have been Christians inviting their family and friends to hear the gospel. In our first home there was a young pregnant woman in the corner sobbing. Through our translator we learned that the relationship between her husband and her was experiencing a very difficult time. We got to teach and pray with them. Evan gave a powerful message. He was instructed to be brief in his message but he taught with authority. At the beginning of the visit, they didn’t even look at each other but at the end they had committed to repentance and forgiveness and walked away laughing and walking together again.
They are now connected to a church community who can support them through their early marriage and beyond. I hope and pray these two can continue on the path of Christ together.
One of the unique aspects I’ve noticed about Ethiopian culture is the bridal wedding photos that are displayed on the living room wall. The bride gets her picture taken filling multiple coffee cups while dressed in gorgeous traditional clothes. I learned more about these pictures while on a lunch break. I was having a chat with a local Christian who had given Taylor a ride back to the church on his motor cycle. After becoming quick friends, he wanted me to meet his wife and kids close by. I hopped on his motorcycle and we drove a few blocks to his home. He explained to me that the bridal pictures showed the honor of serving and the pride of being Ethiopian. They call themselves the most beautiful people in the world. They are not wrong in this. Their incessant hospitality and communal way of life contribute to their beauty. This man’s wife brought Injira and banana to eat while we talked about his profession as a high school physics teacher and the economics of the area. The city of Jinka is so far away from the capital of Addis so supplies cannot be depended on. Things like gasoline take two days to get to Jinka from Addis. Any supply changes or delays due to road conditions can leave the town without consistent fuel. I think this is one reason that leads to there being very few cars in Jinka. Today there were hundreds of people waiting in line with their motorcycles outside the gas station. They were patiently waiting to fill their bikes with a slice of opportunity.
What an incredible trip this has been so far for all of us. We are consistently spiritually and culturally fed and so many people changing their lives for the better.
ethiopia missions 