all in one | Journey 28:19

Because we had connection trouble, here is our week at Ekklesia all in one! Enjoy!

Monday

We were greeted by all the children, Kindergarten – Grade 5. It is fun to see the new littles as well as how much the fifth graders have grown since we started this partnership. We enjoyed the morning, playing outside and getting reacquainted with the students. After we helped with lunch and clean up, the students went home.

Amy, Elden, and Heidi helping Shitu with dishes.

We spent the afternoon with the staff. Our focus was 1 Corinthians. We divided the staff into groups and had them put together a puzzle of a person. In each puzzle, something was missing - eyes or ears or hands, etc. We had them talk about what would happen if one of those things was missing - and how the body doesn’t work as well if something is missing or not working. Then we shared how we are all part of the body of Christ, and it takes all of us working together in this ministry for it to be the best it can be.

It was so fun to watch them celebrate each puzzle piece as they fit together. A great start to the week!

At the end of the day, we had the opportunity to visit the new 5th grade classrooms and the library. Yes, Ekklesia now has a library!

Tuesday and Wednesday

Fourteen classrooms is a lot to visit! So, we took two days to visit with each classroom and worked on the Body of Christ puzzles and lessons with the students. Just like the adults, they were excited to fit pieces together. After finishing the lesson, students worked on different kinds of puzzles, coloring, sheets, and drawing.

As always, we also spent time after school making home visits. This has always been such an impactful part of our trips by visitors. We had some really great visits, and we had some really hard visits. It is never easy to hear families say they don’t know how long they will be able to stay in their current home or where they will go next. It is never easy to see moms trying to work and raise their families when there is rarely a father in the picture. But sometimes, we get a glimpse of hope as a mom shares the hope she has in the Lord.

On Alemitu’s (on the far right) home visit, we learned that Chala, the girl in the back, is her twin sister!

Thursday

The Good Samaritan was acted out by our team. Although we have done this story before, we wanted to focus on it as we had learned some of the students are not getting along, based on their backgrounds. We are prayerful the students will keep The Good Samaritan in mind as they love and care for each other, no matter what their background is.

This was the last day with the students. And as always, it was hard to say goodbye. We cherish our time with the kiddos.

Friday

Our last day at Ekklesia is usually spent with the staff. And this trip was no different.

We enjoyed our time encouraging the staff in the work they are doing and let them know of our commitment to this partnership. We all put our handprints on a tapestry to remind us how we love and care for each other. (John 13:34) You will notice the words, “Love One Another",” in all the languages spoken at Ekklesia - Amharic, Orimiffa, and English.

We also shared a book, A Frog Thing, with them. This book is a story about a frog who wants to fly but realizes he was created to swim. It is a cute children’s book that can be used to share how God has given us each gifts… and those gifts are used to glorify Him. We were excited to be able to leave this book for their new library as a reminder to celebrate and use their gifts at Ekklesia for God’s glory.

And as we prepared to say our goodbyes, we decided to change things up. We ended with, “Until we meet again…” whether it be in Ethiopia or Minnesota or for all those who call on the name of Jesus – believing in him – we will meet again in Heaven.

It was a good week. We thank God for calling us to this partnership and thank each of you – donors, sponsors, trip participants, pray-ers, and encouragers – we couldn’t do this without all of us working together!