We’ve accomplished the most important thing today on day six! We were able to hand out tracts and Bibles in the Amharic language. It’s amazing how God’s will provides, and He leads! In the morning, we were set out for a town about two hours north. We drove for about two hours before our translator, Busy, called to get directions again from the director because we couldn’t find the orphanage. After many conversations, the director told us to not come if we weren’t going to bring a lot of money. He only wanted money, and no donations for the children. He apparently was rude, and made us a little skeptical that he only wanted money. So, change in plans. We turned around, and headed back to Addis with no idea what the day now held.
With vans packed full of donations, we knew we had to give someone these donations! The Lord lead us to stop along side of the road somewhere outside of a village, and we were able to cloth these people, give them food packets, and give them the Word. The three most important needs! As we climbed back in the fan we were all smiles and already feeling like God knew exactly where we needed to be. He knew that we would have the opportunity to share these tracts and Bibles with more people. Made me teary-eyed thinking we were able to share this, and Busy was able to tell these people of God’s love as he handed them a Bible.
Busy then suggested we headed to a town at the top of a hill. I believe the town is Endota. He thought this would be the perfect place to hand out the rest of these donations, and fellowship with these people. As we drove to the top of the hill, Busy shared how women carry back loads of wood up and down the hill all day. These bundles of wood weigh about 70 pounds. We drove up the hill, and saw women carrying these bundles. I couldn’t believe the burden these women carried. We handed out blankets, shoes, shirts, food packets, and Bibles to these people. It’s a blessing to be able to do that. But the biggest blessing of the day was when we drove down the hill and picked up four women who were carrying these bundles. We put their bundles on top of the van, gave them a ride, handed them each a Bible, and a pair of shoes. Busy translated for us, as he told them that only Jesus can carry their burden like we have done for them today. As he told us what he shared with them, it brought tears to my eyes. Of course, this was the perfect analogy for these women to understand why we did what we did for them. It was a memory I will always carry with me, and make an impact on me for life. Imagine what a difference a donkey would make in their life. The sad thing is … donkeys cost $60 US dollars. Needless to say, many of us have plans to bless these women with a donkey to lessen their burden. One of these women was sixty years old, and makes that trip 3 times a day up those steep, windy hills.
It was a major “God day”. I’m in awe of how God continues to guide our steps, and place us exactly where we need to be.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
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