News from the Bishop in Ethiopia
EASTER 2008 – AND THEN HEARTBREAK
I had a wonderful Easter – for me, it ranked among the best. Ten days before I arrived, St. Barnabas’ Church (where my hosts, the Annuak worship) was blown down by gale force winds overnight. Having calculated that we could build a new church (bamboo poles supporting stretched plastic sheeting) for £300, the money was sent ahead and, by the time I arrived, the new church was ready. Due to a hiatus with the airline and then an explosion at the airport (really), I arrived a day late, on Maundy (Holy) Thursday – too late for our Eucharist and Watch of Prayer.
And so, on Good Friday (an ordinary working day here; Ethiopian Easter not being until the end of April), we gathered at 5:30pm, for a solemn liturgy and preaching of the Passion that, by the end, had turned into an amazing celebration of the Cross. An hour later, the church was packed. As the beautiful, melodic Annuak drumming wound its way into the deepening shadows of early night, the congregation swayed, sang and ululated to salute the victory of the cross - the children literally danced with joy. Except by that stage, all you could see were bright smiles swaying and bouncing up and down.
Early on Easter morning, before first light, we gathered again outside the church, for the Easter vigil. As the first light turned everything into shades of grey/black, the fire was lit, the paschal candle prepared, the congregation sang, Easter readings were read, the resurrection was preached, more jubilant singing and drumming followed, 89 adults and children were baptised, the Eucharist was celebrated and a late breakfast was prepared for everyone who came. Believe me, after three hours, we all needed it.
It all seemed so natural; so right, this Easter joy. Gambella has been enjoying peace for the past two years. So much so that two major relief organisations – Medecines Sans Frontieres and the International Red Cross - have both left this month. Their work was done here – and there is always pressing work to be done elsewhere. By the time you read this, both organisations will have closed their offices.
What seemed such a positive sign weeks ago now seems premature.
As you know from our previous reports, the flooding of last wet season destroyed the crops of some 18,000 subsistence farmers. Now, there is drought. The mangoes hang invitingly from the trees, but nothing else is growing. People are hungry, many are unemployed, and prices are rising.
Please pray for us all.
+Andrew
.jPG)
