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January 2000
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings from Ethiopia, where life is full of surprises. Things
are not what we expected them to be when we last wrote. Our plans
have changed. First, news about the Bible school.
Charles Haspels Bible School is dedicated
For three years, everything has seemed to move too slowly at
the Bible school. This past year saw the completion of mostly
minor details in the construction of the main buildings. Then
we began work on a kitchen in August. Work on that also seemed
slow. Then, also in August, Sara Kebede was appointed as a teacher
for the school. She had recently finished a two-year diploma in
leadership at Mekane Yesus Seminary. In October, we also added
Kes (Rev.) Yousef Endreas, who had just finished a two-year certificate
in theology. We had teachers and facilities. We proposed that
a short course be organized for parish leaders. Everyone liked
that idea.
Then things happened very quickly. The date was set, the program
was made, leaders invited, food and utensils were bought, and
everything went into high gear. We proposed that the facilities
be dedicated before they were actually used, and all thought that
this was a good idea, too. Unfortunately, we already had our tickets
to return to the United States for a visit. So, on Monday, November
15, the school was dedicated in a joyful celebration. Tuesday
morning we began our trip to the United States with an 11-hour
drive to Addis
Ababa. Wednesday night, back in Gatcheb, students reported for
a nine-day course. We have heard reports that it went very well.
We were sorry not to be there, but our colleagues now know that
they can accomplish great things on their own.
Our plans change
Shortly after sending off our last general letter letting you
all know of our anticipated return to the United States, our plans
changed. A month and a half before we were to leave, we received
word that we were being asked to consider extending our term with
the Bible school in Ethiopia. We agreed to that but because family
were all expecting and preparing for us to be home for the holidays,
we felt we needed to come.
After a wonderful time with family in California and Texas,
we have returned to Ethiopia for four more months. During this
time, we look forward to working with our Ethiopian staff to plan
and begin short courses for evangelists. And we will begin to
plan with them for future staff and for the much hoped-for start
of one-year certificate training in September 2000. Pray with
us as we encourage and plan with our Ethiopian colleagues for
the welcomed ministry of the Charles Haspels Bible School.
We will return to the United States at the beginning of May
and look forward to visiting as many of our churches as possible,
especially those with whom we have not met in a long time.
Reaching a period in time where we now write four new date digits
has been an impetus for many to reevaluate and seek renewal of
life's deeper purposes. We are so thankful for a gracious, patient
and loving God who oversees not just our lives, but the lives
of people around Gatcheb, Ethiopia, and your lives as well. Even
though we and others have walked through difficult days, asking
many questions, with answers slow in coming, we know that God
is working out God's purposes in our lives and in all. We know
that God sees the way ahead for the Charles Haspels Bible School
and the South West Bethel Synod. We know that God sees the way
ahead for us and our
families, and for you and those whom you love.
We thank you that we walk together with you in this eternal
ministry of our gracious and loving God, as we go on from here.
Blessings,
John & Anne Wheeler-Waddell
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