To Awasa

Yesterday, we rose early and drove south from Addis Ababa to Hawassa. Along the way, we stopped at various places.



After leaving Addis Ababa at dawn, we stopped for breakfast at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant in Ziway. This restaurant featured the delicacy of raw meat, which we avoided. We did take part in other traditional Ethiopian food such as tibs and the traditional coffee ceremony.



Raw meat being prepared to be serve to restaurant guests.



We stopped at Langano Lake for lunch and coffee. There are many lakes along the rift valley. The lake above is known for its brown water and for not being infested with parasites.



Before reaching the Awassa, we visited the Arsii-Negle congregation of the Central Rift Valley Parish. This congregation is rapidly growing in a Muslim area. Currently, there are about 500 members. After last Sunday's service, the congregation tore down their old building and began construction on a new building to better accommodate the people. Next to this congregation is a missionary training center that was initially funded by the LCMS. The LCMS has in the past assisted congregations such as the Arsii-Negle congregation with tin roofs to complete the construction.



As we drive closer to Awassa, President Hailu mentioned to us that we were entering a Rastafarian area. He said do yo want to see the temple? We said sure and stopped to see the Rastafarian Temple in Shashemane, Ethiopia. Many people from Jamaica have come to Zion (Shashemane, Ethiopia).



Finally we arrived at the headquarters of the South Central Ethiopian Synod. In the SCES, there are more than 500,000 members, 1310 congregations, and 140 pastors. One of the greatest needs is for the training of new pastors. Today, we will visit Mount Tabor Regional Seminary to better understand the training needs of the SCES.



The Athanasian Creed is posted in several places in the South Center Ethiopian Synod's headquarters.



A page from the EECMY hymnal. This is the beginning of Sunday worship and is very similar to what the LCMS uses.



Teaching the next generation how to use an iPhone.

Our time here has been good and we have been received well.

- Posted on 7 September 2012 by Rev Dr Albert Collver.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Awasa,Hawassa,Ethiopia