Well, long overdue for another post - hampered by this likely being the fullest summer ever, and life keeps after me to do the things I write about! I enjoy writing these, and during the hum-drum of life they are “stakes” to remind me that there are things happening which are important and viable. Even though I was in the US for three months, much has happened in each of the core areas I’ve been involved with. Because it’s been a long time and there’s a lot here, you might want to get a cup of coffee, then enjoy ... and maybe read in installments (sections are clearly marked) ...

Relating to Somali Christians has continued to be the highest priority for me, even though there is little structure to this and it is not the most time consuming of my activities.

I continue to relate with Hussein & Howa*, and follow their ministry (those of you with Ephrata Christian Fellowship and Somali Prayer Fellowship people had a chance to meet them in June). Please pray for their ministry to Somalis – it is on the cusp of major, vastly accelerated expansion; one which seems quite far beyond available resources and infrastructure, but the door is open in front of them (I have been sufficiently involved to have met and talked with most of the key players moving them forward, that even though not formally linked, I am quite aware). Most urgent is the need for qualified people – native Somali speakers who are mature, Biblically literate, active Christians. Few have these qualifications, not to mention being in the same geographic vicinity for the face-to-face time needed to work together. More are needed, but God is good – it looks like two such people have been found and will come on board (people who I know, and am very glad to see involved).

The largest project looks truly daunting – impossible – but as I broke it down with Hussein it seems it “mysteriously” became very manageable. (There were some resources I had brought from the US which were not factored in. Once included and a few other things were adjusted, it was very realistic with the resources already in hand. Hallelujah!)

Working with the young Somali man whom I’ve been asked to “train up in the ways of the Lord” continues to be fruitful (weekly meetings continue when I’m in the US – “Thank you” Zoom!). The core (and bulk) of our time is to first read large blocks of Scripture (two to five chapters) – this insures that Scripture is prime, not just in doctrine but in practice, and very clearly sets the standard and reference point for all other discussion and action. Discussion of the reading, even if somewhat routine, is often quite healthy and fruitful. Frequently when finished with the Scripture reading he will say “Wow, that was really beautiful!” Some of the other resources we use are Pilgrim’s Progress (text, audio) and the “That the World May Know” and “God Provides” video series.

Some other Somali Christian contacts and adventures -

• A Somali Christian lady: suffice it to say that I’ve had significant, ongoing contact with this person. On a foundation of prayer, fasting, and an unswerving commitment to the Lord, the Lord has been moving mightily, even miraculously (and repeatedly), in reaching out to others. She has one of the most vibrant and effective witnesses of anyone I personally know (on either side of the ocean). Security concerns preclude my saying more, but I hoping to arrange her sharing with some of you in the US (SPF, and those at ECF who might be interested).

• Abdulrahman* is a young Somali Christian man who I’ve had the privilege of knowing for some time, initially from my travels to his region (of greater Somalia). He has a very active, very clear witness about the Lord, and those in his home area (all Muslims) quite recently “closed in” on him. As can frequently be the case, divorce from his wife (and I believe two very young children) was then mandated, since as a Christian he is an “infidel” who wouldn’t return to Islam when confronted. At that point he realized he wasn’t safe, so fled to ... where I and some others could catch up with him. Though others led the way, I was able to help bring some clarity and settledness to what his next steps would be.

• Another Somali Christian, Dr. Aweis Ali (that’s his actual name), leads the Nazarene missionary work in Ethiopia and Somalia and spearheads the Somali Bible Society. He provides trauma (healing) workshops for persecuted Somali Christians and recently asked me to give input at the one coming up in December. I consented, and the next morning before coming out for the day I dictated my thoughts into a new document, to begin preparation so I could really give these Christians the best I had to offer. A week later I saw a persecuted Somali believer who I know, and shared my notes. Their response? “Wow! That is exactly what I needed not long ago, in some situations with other Somalis!” She and the other Christian with us also said the teaching had unusual clarity. Anyway I’m looking forward to the trauma workshop in December, with real expectation for what will happen.

• It looks like some of my writings are scheduled to be published yet this year. These are aimed at the Somali Christian community and people reaching out to them.

• It’s not all “glory”! I also have a situation with a middle aged Somali man who, at his request, I extended help to (financially). Later, he asked for more, but I balked and was the recipient of his very strong anger. I, even at that point, had involved others as I sensed we were not on secure ground, and even though they continue ot follow through, it is still a difficult relationship. Please pray for this brother, for his family (of 11 children, I believe), and for our relationship. It seems there are some very good things on the other side of this issue, but we need to get through it first.

• Lastly, there is a cluster of Somali believers who will likely start meeting weekly for prayer, teaching and edification this fall. This is an incredible possibility, and I await its fruit!

Know that though the spirit of everything above is accurate, pseudonyms as well as other “obscuring” techniques are freely used to protect the identity of these people, as well as future activities, both their activities and mine. (Most of these people have known active persecution, and/or currently have active threats against them or their lives). You are free to ask for more information when in person – I will likely be able to talk more freely then.

The Logos Project (password: “logos” - advanced Bible study software for established Christian leaders): There was a huge step forward with this project in June: there is now a formal board in place, and we were able to meet before my return to the US in June. The agenda laid out the thinking undergirding the project as well as the steps taken to date, and sought the affirmation and/or suggestions form the board. The project as conceived has been clearly affirmed, with some very constructive comment as well. It was hoped to incorporate as a 501c3 organization in the US while I was home this summer - that didn’t happen, but is still a goal going forward.

Otherwise not much happened over the summer, but the fall should be productive: it looks like there will soon be library installations of the software, that the student body at large at the Emdibir Bible School will be able to use it (not just faculty, and this is the school pictured in my last post). In the last week I have also been in touch with some established Christian leaders in Kenya to branch out there. The Kenya part is off to a bumpy start (it’s completely new and unexpected by them, that they’re asking “What’s this?”), but I expect things will even out as communication continues (my Dad’s Kenya Mennonite Church connections are a clear and strong “tie-in” that I have already “exploited”). I was hoping to travel to Kenya for this at the end of October, but that will likely be postponed until there is stronger preparation - late November or February (after returning again from the US) - but I expect it will materialize. For those of you who know the Kenya environment, this is my last shot at staying at Amani Gardens Inn (formerly the Mennonite Guest House) – I was there the first year it was open, and hopefully yet once more before it is sold. Alas ... nostalgia overcometh!!

There are other Logos outreach possibilities which I will pursue as the above are completed. There is no lack of opportunity; the only question is how fast I can move to competently meet it.

Master’s Degree in Apologetics and Polemics to Islam: Well, I’m pluggin’ away at this. If I can keep up sufficiently, the 36 credit degree will be finished next August (at which point I’ll likely pursue more coursework, if not an additional degree – it’s been good to keep my fingers in academia!). In June I finished “Islamic Christology”, a possibly mis-named course which clarified the established Christian understanding of the Trinity, especially as a response to what Islam claims. The term paper was basically a rebuttal of Islam’s assertion that “Allah” and “Yahweh” are one and the same, a clarification which is especially important since both religions claim the same Abrahamic lineage.

My current class is on 21st Century Islam. One of the issues is the appearance of the “Insider Movements” in the last 30-50 years and its response to Islam. An approach of accommodation to those who convert from Islam to Christianity, in its simplest form it says “Believe in Jesus, but you don’t need to leave your previous culture (and its Islamic trappings, not to mention its divergent doctrines), nor do you need to ‘connect’ with a church – you can still worship Jesus in the mosque.” There are several parts of the Insider Movement which appear to have not been addressed, that for the term paper I am considering examining (and, honestly, to refute) at least one of these un-engaged tenants. Daunting when starting from scratch and having other’s research to incorporate, but there appears to be a need at large to be critically address these.

And the Miscellaneous category: Well, I’m needing to be pretty discreet about this, but though I’m not functioning as such in a formal way, in reality I’ve functioned as a “marriage counselor,” including in an ongoing situation. I did not look for either of these – these situations have come to me. In one case it was a young man pursuing marriage, where everyone that I know who knew him found it very un-wise to proceed. Suffice it to say that by my very close proximity to him as well as his explicit request, I was involved. At this point that scenario is past (they broke off contact, and I believe permanently so – he eventually saw it wouldn’t work), but there are still issues he will need to deal with before proceeding into any marriage. Pray for him ... and me.

Another situation is ongoing, where what looks a very promising, vigorous marriage of 8+ years struggled when she left him. On engaging him about this earlier this year, I closed by asking if anyone from his church has engaged this issue – “No,” I was the only one (which continues to be the case). The wife returned, but before leaving for the US in June I “paired” them with a mature, older Ethiopian couple to work this out, and there has been a little progress but the issues are still outstanding. Fast forward ...  In the last couple days I had a lovely time in their home, but twice the “issues” came out of hiding, and I gave encouragement and affirmation as appropriate. I had brought a 20 minute, very high quality Christian teaching video along (nothing to do with marriage – just straight historic Bible teaching), and we sat on the sofa to watch it on my laptop – he on my right, and on being invited to join us, she chose to sit on my left. As we watched, all three of our Bibles opened, and spiritual truth unfolded from both the video and our Bibles. The incredible thing was that by the time I left shortly thereafter, man and wife had come together, agreed about the value of the spiritual meal they had just had – a very firm anchor, a deep pylon of commonality had been established of what really counts in life. What a privilege, and what a blessing to have been with them in this! ... Again, I’m needing to be discreet and this situation is ongoing, but your prayers for the three of us (and the older Ethiopian couple, who are still in the mix) would be most appreciated, and appropriate!

This summer was the Good Shepherd School reunion - this is the school in Ethiopia where I had most of my schooling, including all of high school, and so have considerable roots there. The reunion only happens every four years (though we’re looking to make it every two, alternating between eastern and western USA). This time we had the special, providential privilege of one of Emperor Haile Sellassie’s great granddaughters, Princess Esther, being in attendance as a resource person. She is a peer to us and several of her cousins went to GSS (she did not), that it was a real treat for her and us to be together.

I’ve had the privilege to address several groups:

• Before returning to the US I was asked to give some brief remarks on “Character” to the full student body at an Ethiopian private school (I was the only white person there). it seemed to be very well received, and I may be invited back to give more input. The moderator had one question for me in front of the whole group: “How can we (students) get to the USA?” Fortunately, I had presence of mind to say it’s not easy, and that one will need to work as hard, if not harder, than here. Hopefully that injected some realism (or resolve) into anyone’s hopes.

• I was also invited to speak to the original Mennonite congregation in Ethiopia (Nazaret North), a congregation now numbering some 2,600 people, and by Ethiopian standards, a “mega church.” I gave greetings from the former missionaries (who many of the older people would remember), gave a short exhortation on the “fear of the Lord,” and presented them with gift copies of Nathan Hege’s “Beyond Our Prayers” - one for each of the Nazaret (Adama) congregations (it’s the story of the birth and growth of the Meserete Kristos Church, the Mennonite church in Ethiopia). Former missionaries who would like the video of this - just ask.

One more “Miscellaneous” thing from the fun department, and the trip back to Addis in September. God is good –

• I needed to renew my two year, multiple entry visa by the end of September. Long story, but I took it to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC, and when dropping it off the dignified official said it would be ready in 3-6 business days. No problem, but I told him I drove 2 ½ hours to get there, that if there was any chance it would be done yet that day I would just wait in the city and pick it up late in the day. He double-checked how far away I lived, and then said “Sure, come back at 3:00pm.” Bingo – at 3:00 there was a spanking brand new visa in my passport ... and another two years of multiple entry travel!

• The next problem was far too much weight for my luggage – there were a lot of things others had asked me to bring, and even though I get special tickets which allow an extra checked bag at full weight, I was preparing for some massive overweight fees at check-in, if I could even get all the stuff into my luggage (the overweight charges? I had resolved I would just “do it”). The day before leaving the email prompt to check in online gave an extra incentive: “Check in online and get 5 additional free kilos (11 lbs.).” I checked in online and that took care of the suitcase which was the worst offender. The agent “looked the other way” for the other which was overweight :) .

• Arrival in Addis had “events” of note. I got all my luggage ... except my small carry-on suitcase, which they said I had to check in. I kept checking at baggage claim until not just “my” belt, but the neighboring ones were empty and had stopped. No trace of my carry-on, so I went to the baggage claim office to file a claim and was told it didn’t get on the plane in Washington. Claim filed, I headed to customs (the last thing before exiting), but thought “I’m going to make one more pass by the belts, just to be sure.” The place was quite empty, except for ... my missing suitcase. :) , and on to customs.

• Of all the things I was bringing for other people, there were some items which could well have been taxed (and usually at a high rate). I had spread them through all my pieces of luggage except for my laptop bag. I pulled up to the customs official and the X-ray machine with all my “stuff” – two large suitcases, a box, a carry on suitcase and a laptop bag. Of all things, he said to put my laptop bag through the X-ray, but that I should not put anything else through it. Alas! Home free!! Praise God for His provision, in what could have been a real mess, and costly! Like Peter leaving prison, I’ve various times had to pinch myself to be sure what I’m observing is really happening (Acts 12:6-11).

Well, that’s a significant snapshot into what’s happening. Mind you, I have lackluster days as well, and wonder which way the world is turning at times! Despite the good things God has done, know that I’m as mortal as everyone else and that there are “those days”! Thanks to those of you who have been in touch or wondered how things are going, and to those of you who have been praying. It is needed, and truly appreciated!

May God give grace to each of you in whatever your affairs may be!

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* Pseudonyms, for the protection of all.

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And when [Herod] had seized [Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your mantle around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Acts 12:4-11

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A song: The Storm Is Passing Over

There ae some “livelier” versions of this song
(think “soul”), but I’ll let you find them!