Acts 8:26-27 (NKJ): Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship.
Tuesday: Jan 22 Instead of a portion of the Day I was able to utilize the whole day to share the catechisms teaching on Baptism because Dr. Quill, with his luggage, arrived at Awasa after the Tuesday sessions had adjourned.
Much to my amazement, the Church in Ethiopia was not using the catechism for the instruction of its people. So I needed to start with an emphasis on the importance of the catechism and repetition of the same. Things went well with the possible exception of making the sign of the cross as a reminder of Baptism. Just as some “Lutherans” think things are “Roman Catholic” so we should not use them, so there was quite a discussion considering whether “Lutherans” should use symbols which are used by the “Orthodox” or have roots in the Roman Catholic liturgical practices.
When Dr Quill finally arrived, we had just dismissed from class. He, Abdi, and I went to Lake Awasa and had dinner at a beautiful lakeside place. The total bill for all three of us was less then $20. Had a good nights rest last night and awoke refreshed and ready to go. Dr. Quill will hold forth most of this day.
Wednesday Jan. 23 : After Dr. Quill taught this morning he was quite exhausted this being his second full day in the country, so I taught the afternoon. The subject was the office of the keys and a study of John 20: 19-ff. It became evident that there was a Pentecostal influence among many of the Evangelists that are in this class.
Later, Abdi explained that during the time of the Communists from the late 70’s until the mid 90’s, the Pentecostal church had been banned and so many of them came to the Lutheran Church without proper Catechization and began to influence (through home bible study) many of the members of the Lutheran faith. At this time the Lutheran catechism was not able to be republished.
Satan used this time to draw many especially the youth away from the central power and presence of Christ in His word, and had them focus on what their eyes saw and their hearts and minds “felt”. It is quite hard to teach the Catechism in another language, when none of the Participants have their own copy.
Abdi was able to uncover a copy in the South Ethiopian Synod (read Synod as District in our terminology) archives on which campus this class is being conducted. Much to both Abdi and my amazement, this translation in the national language did not contain the 5th part. (It was done by either the Danish or German reformed Church which probably explains why the Office of the Keys and Confession are not found there.
With joy filled thankfulness, I remain,
Pastor Froh
