2011 Fitche Trip

Ministry Leaders of HOPE and FMYC: Len (HOPE Chairman), Rev. Wandwosson, Rev. Ademe, Pastor Bruce, Edossa

Trip Photos

A Note from Pastor Bruce

One of the greatest gifts I received in going to Fitche, Ethiopia, was the privilege of becoming friends with the people of Fitche Mekane Yesus Church (FMYC). Often times we as Americans have to come away from an experience, especially a mission trip, thinking that success of a trip such as this depends upon what we are able to produce from our time there. After all, we and our sponsors, often feel the need to get some type of return on the dollars invested in sending us half-way across the world. “Did you build a home, a church?... How many people came to Christ?” Good questions and I believe we all felt the need to complete something to justify our time there. But we learned something greater from the people of FMYC.

Much of our time in Fitche was spent getting acquainted with the people and the culture (food, economy, ways of life, music, worship, etc... ) and understanding more Compassions International’s systems that supports our “Church to Church” partnership. After a few days, I noticed that most of our team couldn’t wait to play with the kids and drink buna (coffee) with the adults. While they were making memories through new friendships, I was doing the same in the midst of several meetings with FMYC leaders. Soon I began feeling a bit anxious about our lack of productivity, wondering what type of impression we were leaving on our hosts.

The week we had in Fitche was wonderful but it was quickly was coming to an end. Prior to our departure, we had a “gift exchange” before we said our goodbyes and we took final photographs. After receiving our handmade scarves and jewelry, a long-time elder, Edossa, of FMYC shared with us this Scripture:

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. ... We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:10-11, 19

In a most gracious way, Edossa expressed, “It is not your work we will remember, but the love you have given us through your presence and compassionate hearts.”

Wow! What the people from our sister church appreciated most was our presence? It didn’t matter to them that we were able to paint a few walls, repair furniture, or teach songs or Bible stories (though they engaged with us in doing these things – maybe to appease our need for “leaving our mark”). What mattered is that we came to them. Humbling... For this Scandinavian-American. The funny thing is that though they were expressing their gratitude and thankfulness to us, I believe everyone on our team felt that we were the ones who were most blessed by them. Their love for Christ and one another was contagious! They hosted and served us beyond what resources they had available.

Edossa went on to share that our continued friendship and unity in God’s Spirit is that anchor which keeps us firm and steadfast in our mission to bring the gospel to FMYC and the community of HOPE Church. He further challenged us to stay true to the gospel by making disciples and planting churches. “Do not be afraid.”

Essentially, I/we were challenged in many ways in Africa. Not only did this experience force us to consider what is next for the Church 2 Church partnership with our sister church at FMYC but also, “What’s next for us at HOPE,... in our own community?” The blessing I received in addition to my new friends and seeing my Compassion Sponsor children?... I believe I understand more deeply what it means to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ; a sharper image of what it means, “to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”