Mission Trip – Ethiopia

Plans for a mission’s team to go to Africa in May began early February this year at Victory Fellowship, the Church Dina and I call home. I was among the team to go. Khartoum, Malakal Sudan, and Nakuru Kenya, were our destinations. I was really excited because I am finally going to Sudan after being away for so many years. “I can finally see my siblings and parents after 11 years of separation” I thought. As we began the different stages of arrangements for the success of the trip, we felt the Lord saying, this is not the time for us to go to Sudan. The message was impressed heavily upon my heart and some team members as well.

Once the team felt the Lord’s leading, the trip to Sudan was canceled. We resolved to wait upon God for further directives. Not too long, towards the end of February, our team leader felt the team should go to Ethiopia instead, besides, the Church in Ethiopia among the Sudanese Refugees in Pignudo has not returned to Southern Sudan yet. Therefore, our mission would still be successful!

There was such a peace when I heard about the trip to Ethiopia. The team only had one month to plan, and fly out. Well, God worked his miracles! All four got their visas and plane tickets on time. What a mighty God we serve!

April 8th, 2011 at 1:00 PM, a friend, Makal Chan drove me to Kansas City International Airport after having kissed my wife goodbye. She had school and was not able to accompany me to the Air Port, but promised to be at the airport on my return. I knew this separation was going to be difficult for us both ; however, we too understood there are times we may be at two different mission fields. “Besides, I am only going away for two weeks,” I comforted myself.

Once in Kansas City, my flight flew first to Michigan then to Washington DC. Meeting my team there, we were up early Saturday, April 9th to take our 13 hour Ethiopian Airline flight. The trip was fun but also a learning experience. I am sure my reader is very interested to know what we did, and the role I played. Well, watch out for my next edition. A story called: “Practicing Allopathic Medicine under the Trees of Africa” will detail what I did while in Ethiopia. But in short, I did medical work, collected data for our orphanage, and facilitated an Ordination service.  I conclude this diary by saying we all returned home to our families safe praise be to Jesus, and sure enough, my wife was at Kansas City International Airport on Friday, April 22nd 11, to pick me up. Thanks to all who prayed for the success of the trip. May the Lord bless you immensely in Jesus name. “Amen!”.