July 27, 2004

Dear Friends and Family,

It has been cold and wet lately, as it normally is here in Addis Ababa during this part of the rainy season. That does not dampen our joy at finally being here and having many good things to celebrate: safe flights, no problems with our heavy luggage, being welcomed by old friends, renewing our driver’s licenses and re-learning to drive here, attending the graduation of the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, finding a house to rent not far from the school, having gracious friends help us get our books here, refreshing our Amharic in a six-week refresher class, getting our work permits quickly, and being able to open an Internet account. Our return has been filled with answers to our and your prayers!

We will start teaching at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) and the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary (MYTS) at the end of August. That means organizing our materials and lessons over the next month. We are learning the art of coping with a limited selection of textbooks available. People who have the luxury of planning six months ahead order many books abroad and get them mailed or carried in by friends. (Are you coming to Africa and don’t know how to fill your suitcase?) We are excited about working with the students, but are also intimidated by the short time to prepare.

The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

This is currently the only place in Ethiopia for church leaders to further their education at the master’s level. The growth of the church has outstripped the number of trained pastors, and the churches have started schools to equip them at the certificate, post-secondary diploma, and bachelor’s level, but these schools need qualified teachers. EGST helps prepare those teachers at a tenth the cost of sending students to Europe or America. An added benefit is that classes are tailored to the challenges faced by Christians here and not those facing North Americans.

Celebrations

Our return to Ethiopia in 2004 has meant we have had the opportunity to join with others in celebrating decades of faithful service by individuals and institutions in this country. In June PC(USA) mission co-worker Marie (“Breezy”) Lusted was recognized for almost 50 years of ministry amongst the Anuaks in Gambela and Addis Ababa. She and her team have just completed the translation of the Old Testament into Anuak. July marks the official retirement (whatever that means!) of Jo Ann Griffith.

Jo Ann has served in Ethiopia for over 40 years, much of that time at the Bethel Evangelical Secondary School in Dembi Dollo. BESS graduates are serving all over the country, and tributes to Jo Ann have come from many places.

Both Breezy and Jo Ann look will return as volunteers to continue for as long as the Lord leads in ministry in Ethiopia. The witness of their lives in commitment to Christ’s call and their love for the people who are their friends and family here in Ethiopia is challenging and inspiring.

The last week of July marks a full week of celebration for the 80th anniversary of the Bethel Mekane Yesus School (formerly Yehiwot Berhan) in Addis Ababa. The new chapel built in part with funds from the Dorothy Rankin Memorial Fund will be dedicated. For Anne it is a special serendipity to be here to join in the celebrations. Thirty years ago she spent a year as a volunteer teacher of English and Bible at the girls’ school, while also serving with Hope Enterprises. God was at work in that year opening Anne to God’s call upon her life to ministry and mission.

Prayers requested

• Thanks and praise for the life and witness of Breezy and Jo Ann (and Dotty Rankin, even up to now) over decades of ministry in Ethiopia.
• Thanks and praise for these leading Ethiopian secondary schools of BESS and Bethel Mekane Yesus School. Pray for the need of continuing Christian support in resources and personnel for both these influential Christian based institutions.
• Thanks and praise for our relatively easy return to Ethiopia. Pray for our continuing settling and “getting accustomed” once again to life here. Especially pray for our improving language facility in Amharic and for making our home truly a place for study, refreshment, and fellowship.
• Pray for Dr. Debela, director of EGST, and Dr. Steve Bryan, dean, and the team of instructors preparing to teach and mentor the EGST students.
• Pray for us as we prepare to teach new subjects in relevant ways in our new context of Ethiopia.
• Pray for the discussions and planning for the new missiology program we will be helping EGST to offer. We ask for God’s inspiration and wisdom as we seek to engage with our students in learning how God has been at work in the past as we prepare together to serve in love and faithfulness in the future to which God is calling us.

Together in Christ’s service,

John and Anne Wheeler-Waddell
Mission co-workers, Ethiopia

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 51