Hearken to me,
you who pursue deliverance,
you who seek the Lord;
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
and to the quarry from which you were digged.
Look to Abraham your father
and to Sarah who bore you;
for when he was but one I called him,
and I blessed him and made him many. Is 51:1–2
A hymn: Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
Background
Summer, 2020
The story makes more sense with this in place, so for those who may not be aware ...
My growing up years were in eastern Africa, where my parents served with Somalia Mennonite Mission. Home was Somalia, but nine months of the year were in boarding school, which from 4th grade on was in Ethiopia. I’ve always felt the international chapter of my life has not run its course, and that overseas is where life would run its fullest course, hence my interest here and the story that is now unfolding. Somalia is improving, but much of it is too dangerous to live in yet that I have looked to Ethiopia as a base from which to explore further.
Since returning to the US following high school graduation in 1975, I had never been back to any part of Africa until December, 2015. In the six months previous to that four independent sources said “Go,” and that December I went for what was a relaxed but very meaningful five week return. There have been several other trips since then as well, including 3½ weeks over the 2020 New Year to explore future possibilities. That trip was incredibly fruitful – though nothing firm materialized, it clarified a three pronged thrust which is now in motion:
To return to Ethiopia longer term to further explore and make connections: I’ve returned for 10 weeks (Oct. 1-mid. Dec., 2020), and have a 2 year, multiple entry visa that I can also visit other areas in the region with freedom.
To pursue higher theological education: the value of this could hardly be underestimated from my previous trip, and I have been accepted into the Master’s degree programs in Polemics & Apologetics to Islam (Veritas, Santa Ana, CA), and in Biblical Studies at Jerusalem University College (Jerusalem, Israel). The Jerusalem program was preferred, but due to some covid impact issues I’m in the first semester of the Apologetics program. It has been very fruitful, but am still considering switching to the JUC program.
People in Ethiopia have encouraged me to apply to SIM (Society of International Missionaries), a long-established mission organization that I knew growing up in Somalia. That application is in progress, though is extremely lengthy, and with the Master’s program already in motion it may be a slow process.
Support for the above has come clearly from more people and places than expected, while others have been reticent (from personal preferences to articulated thoughts). Though I have followed through on the above, I do intend to take to heart what I have heard, to keep those things in sight for how they might still work out. There is no guarantee of success, but trusting that there will be benefit, I have moved forward.
Be sure to note names, places and terms in the Glossary, to clarify particulars as you read the story.
That brings you up to my departure to Ethiopia!