Taste of Africa

Taste of Africa

Africa, the land in which I was born is a land so rich with all kinds of natural resources. North of the continent lies the great nation of Egypt, which has the historic accounts of Pharaohs as its rulers. As one heads south in Africa, geography instructs us, South Africa occupies the last piece of land before encountering the huge mass of water which many Africans prior to civilization believed to be the end of the world… the Indian Ocean. South Africa, unlike Egypt was ruled by kings prior to colonialism. Regardless of all the numerous cultures, customs, traditions, religions, peoples, tribes and even  natural resources, everywhere one goes in Africa, the voice of poverty is heard loud and clear. Growing up in South Sudan, I can still say Africa has a long way to go in development and getting rid of poverty. This story is excerpts of my experiences while visiting Ethiopia last April, 2011.

As our plane landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after about thirteen hours of direct flight, there was such a leap of joy in my heart. Finally, I am back in Africa after seven years of being away. Though it was not South Sudan, all the same, it is Africa. Getting off the plan, the weather felt more like San Diego, California. I thought, “Uh? This part of Africa is not as hot as Juba, South Sudan.” Going through the airport security formalities, we changed from the international to domestic terminal heading to Gambella. Upon Arrival to Gambella, the scenery changed completely. I could see trees and debris of burnt grass flying at the airport. Not knowing what to expect next, I picked up my hand bag and marched towards the exit. Putting my head out first, the African heat kissed my forehead eliciting the familiar feelings of the Sub Saharan heat. Not very long as I got off the plane, I began to profusely perspire. The Temperature in Gambella reminded me of the Juba heat.

Going through the procedures of acquaintances with the team that came to pick us at the airport, off we were taken to a United Nations’ compound which became our home for the next ten days. Monday morning was our first day to work among the Sudanese refugees in the Pignudo camp. The roads were very rough with so numerous potholes. For the subsequent eight days, we drove two hours to the camp and two hours back. Our mission was to register orphans whom we hope and pray to find support for. Our first day in the camp, Victory Fellowship Church congregation in Pignudo camp welcomed us (a team of four) and washed our feet even when water was very scarce. Though we were coming to serve them, they served us instead. That was a very humbling experience which cannot be forgotten. It reminded me of what Jesus did to his disciples. Though their Lord and God, he took the position of a servant and washed their feet and then asked them to do the same to others (John 13:1-17).|

Not to sound preachy here, but Christians need to do this regularly. In fact, jealousy has been provoked in me to serve at all times as opposed to waiting to be served. The first day ended after three hours of church service. This Church knows how to pray. Children as well as young adults several times during the service would be caught in praises, worship and prayers. Though the church did not have air conditioning, lighting, and comfortable seats, no one left the church until the service was ov

The same service was repeated on Sunday, April 17th, 2011, an Ordination Service, where Pastor Simon Dor was commissioned into the Ministry of the Lord. The church which seats about 500 people was packed on the ordination Sunday. Many people stood outside in the sun because there was no more space in the church building. Everyone prayed when it was time for prayers, no one waited for someone else to pray only to say “Amen” at the end as I observed in America. Everyone prayed! It sounded like bees in the bee hive. I praise God for raising praying churches around the world causing havoc to the kingdom of darkness and releasing the atmosphere of heaven to Earth. Our mission in Ethiopia was a success. We registered over 200 hundred orphans within two weeks. Contact Father’s House International for more information on sponsorship opportunities.