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.
Wednesday Afternoon Jan 23: The afternoon went quickly. When someone knocked on the door to tell us it was time for afternoon tea, I was surprised to discover that it was not 3:15 but already 4:30 in the afternoon. The session was extended to 6 PM when we finally adjourned for the evening.
Had a pleasant dinner with Abdi and Dr. Quill at the Awasa lakeside. When my dinner arrived I was surprised to discover after eating a bit that it had RAW lettuce a few pieces of which I HAD EATEN. So far no ill effects in my system. (Eat only well-cooked food and no raw vegetables the Dr. said.) Slept well and arose at 6:30 to shower (cold today) and eat breakfast.
Thursday: Dr. Quill taught Homiletics today. He used the John 20 text as an example for sermon preparation. In doing so I pray that the Question of the Holy Spirit’s presence before Pentecost was appreciated by the Pastors and evangelists. I taught the last two hours of the day and dealt with many of the Questions that the doctrine of the Keys had raised. Bad practice and Bad theology along with the time of communism in Ethiopia has opened the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia to the influence of Pentecostalism. Tried a new Restaurant and had an enjoyable evening with Abdi and Tim. It was decided that I would teach the first 2 and one half hours Friday morning on the topic of the Practice of the Lord’s Supper.
Friday Morning: Both morning sessions, mine on the Lord’s Supper and Dr. Quills on the Parable of the Forgiving Father were well received. There are more smiles and nods of agreement. The afternoon session was a challenging one on the topic of Predestination. I am thankful that Dr. Quill handled THAT ONE.
At the end of the Session the good Dr. asked the question “How do you know you are saved?” One evangelist said “Because I FEEL JESUS IN MY HEART”! One of the more timid evangelist who did not speak much turned to me as I was sitting in the back of the room and mouthed the word Baptism. I gave him the thumbs up sign and thus encouraged he actually offered that ANSWER TO THE GROUP. Standing in front Dr. Quill has witnessed our silent signals and responded in such a positive way that many smiles were seen around the room.
I was overjoyed to note that at least one other student had ‘gotten’ my lecture on Baptism. One of the most promising Young Evangelists and the only Female present, who also understood and spoke English had been quite helpful with her nods of agreement and smiles (before the translator did his job) in letting both Dr. Quill and myself know when we were on the mark and the message had been understood. This young lady also is responsible for the University evangelical or college student Bible Studies as the evangelist for the University program.
Upon our final departure I gave her the English copy of Luther’s Small Catechism (Bender) and she expressed true appreciation and desired my e-mail address. I hope that she will be able to use the material in her presentations to the University students to which she “ministers”. Sadly the time soon arrived for us to bid farewell. There were some tears at our impending departure. The Pastors who were present appeared to be thankful that the Lord (and Abdi) had arranged our time with them.
With joy filled thankfulness, I remain,
Pastor Froh
