We just arrived at our hotel in Awasa, the Tadesse Enjory Hotel (a brand new establishment), after a long day of travel. We got up to a nice “Continental Breakfast” here at the hotel. There was just about anything you could want to eat–pancakes, all kinds of egg dishes, and traditional Ethiopian food. I tried a pancake and had a small portion of eggs. After packing my bible and notes, we all left Awasa around 9:30AM and then traveled 1 ½ hours to Yiraglem. The road was mostly paved until we got closer to the meeting place; from there we experienced the same roads as always–rough and tumble. But, riding sure beats walking! It seems hotter than usual and it is extremely dusty. Maybe my memory is just selective–it has probably always been this way. I can see in the eight years I have been coming to Ethiopia many capital improvements. The first few trips we had to travel on almost non-existent roads; these have been paved, etc., although they are now showing some signs of wear and tear.

We arrived and began our teaching. Brother Melvin Curry spoke first–his lesson was from the three passages in the NT that mention the word “Christian” (look them up!). I then spoke on “Preparing for the Day of the Lord” from 2 Peter 3. We both spoke for 45 minutes total–this includes time for two translators. After a short snack break–many of the people (100 in attendance) had walked for 2-3 hours to attend and had not been able to have any food thus far in the day–we resumed again. Because there were people there from denominational churches, I was asked to preach a lesson on the NT church. I did this and it seemed to be well received. You never know exactly what subjects might be necessary–you just try to be prepared for all possibilities. Melvin then spoke about our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We do this through baptism, through the Lord’s Supper, and through His gospel.

After bidding everyone goodbye, we made our way back to Awasa. We did stop inYiraglem to check the facilities we will occupy this next week, when we teach some 35 preachers for four days. There is a small business college that was built by the Irish government for Ethiopia. We are able to rent rooms and a meeting place at minimal cost. Everything was nice enough–clean and roomy. Our rooms will cost 13 USD per night. This is a bargain. And the compound is guarded. So next week will be a good week.

We will travel to a new village tomorrow, the Lord’s day, where we will both teach and preach during the worship service. Then after services are over, we will both teach again.

We ate supper this Saturday night in a nice restaurant here in Awasa. I had fried rice with vegetables. It was quite tasty. So far, no stomach trouble! Also had fresh mango and pineapple, which are grown in this area. After a coffee, we made our way back to the hotel and are ready to turn in for the night. It is 11:08AM Texas time. It is 8:00PM on my watch. This is 2:00AM in Ethiopian time! Confused? Yes!