Two men, Two continents, One Vision

Thirty two years ago a man was born into a middle class neighborhood in the middle of a suburban city in California.  His parents, both Christians would take him to church weekly.  His dad was a drummer at their church and his mother made sure that we were apart of everything going on at church.  His dad had a solid job and though money wasn't always overflowing, the family never went hungry, and had clothes on our backs.  His mother was able to stay at home and take care of the household.  The family was able to fit into the neighborhood, attending local, public schools as he grew older.  He was able to participate in sports activities freely. This man was able to live a comfortable life growing up.  Sure there were the normal ups and downs but nothing overwhelming.  He was able to get a solid job after going to college for a few years, find a beautiful wife, have numerous children and now has a career as a Fire Captain.

Yes, I am that man.  Born into blessings.  Given the world at my fingertips.

The same year, across the width of this wide world another man was born.  He into vastly different circumstances.  Born into an Orthodox monastery to two blind parents.  His father a monk in the monastery.  His mother being the good Ethiopian woman, taking care of the house and the family.  This man had no public school to go to but did attend a school in the monastery learning about his religion.  It was during this time as a youth, he taught himself how to read, write and speak English using a dictionary.  He grew up in poverty.  It was at the age of 18 that he decided to follow Jesus Christ.  He was then beaten, thrown into a prison where food and water were withheld from him for 3 days.  It was during this time that he was rejoicing in the Lord Jesus.  Tied to the top of a bus, so as to prevent the evil spirits from the inside, he was sent to Addis Ababa.  He entered the capitol city of Ethiopia and was ridiculed as a country boy. Wearing his sheep skin shirt he was send to live in the leper colony, right next to the city dump.  Where the unwanted go.  Daily, he would scavenge the dump for food and items to sell so that he could have money to put himself through high school.  The leper colony, known as Korah was where he established his first church of Jesus followers.  He now has a job as a translator for a guest house.  His name is Bisrat.

Who would ever think that our paths would cross on multiple occasions.  He met us and comforted our anxiety as we went from one guest home to a place unknown, late at night, across the big city of Addis with out 3 kids.  He led us to the church that we were apart of in Korah during our time in Ethiopia, where we were blessed immeasurably.  We were just able to host him as he travels throughout the US.  What an honor it was.  In his words, "Can you believe that a man from the dumps of Addis, is standing on the Golden Gate Bridge right now?  It is amazing.  Simply amazing."

Somehow is God's sovereign grace, He allowed our friend to come to California and stay with us for a few days.  During this time, he was able to help us show our daughter who Jesus Christ is and decide to follow him.  I know that God has ordained the times that we have met.

What if the roles had been changed?  What if it was I who had been born into a monastery, into poverty?  What if he had been born into the wealthiness of America?  Somehow, in God's grace he put each of us into the position that we are in for a reason.  I don't know why.  However, I do now that God has blessed us so that we can in turn bless others.  Everything is His.  Everything.  Whether we have a lot or a little, it doesn't matter.  It is all His.

During his three days here, just about every conversation was centered around Jesus.  It was so refreshing.    We both shared our dreams and visions with each other.  They are the same.  May God be glorified in all that we do, and to see the name of God proclaimed amongst all people groups.

It was difficult to say goodbye but I rest assured knowing that there will be a day when we meet again, whether in this life, or when we are bowing before the Creator of the universe giving Him our praise.