Ethiopia Prayer Itinerary, Part I

  Tues-Wed, June 29-30…Dave Black flies ahead of the team.  Pray for airline connections (he is flying standby to Frankfurt); pray that his luggage will not get lost (last time Lufhansa lost his bag); pray for him as he runs many very important errands to prepare for the Team’s ministry.

Wed-Thurs, June 30-July 1…Travel of Burji Team to Ethiopia.  It takes about 28-30 hours total time from our homes to the guesthouse in Addis.  Pray for safety, for going to Customs (no fees), for emotions after leaving families. Pray for our wives & little ones left at home.  We have 4 unusually tall men that don’t fit well in the small airline seats; pray for them physically. Pray for those who struggle with fear of flying.  Pray for ease in handling 42 pieces of luggage… no lost or overweight luggage, no thievery, no strained backs.  We’ll check into the Guesthouse late Thursday; pray for electricity & hot water for showers   As we are travelling to Ethiopia, the Burji truck is coming up from Burji to Addis; pray for safety for them also.  Also pray that the construction of the new clinic building in Soyama will be completed, despite the unusual rains. 

  Fri, July 2…This is a very important day of cramming lots of activity into 12 hours! We’ll go in 3 different directions. Becky & the Construction Team will shop all over Addis for supplies.  Dave & the new team members will finish orientation at a museum & church.  Kevin & the veterans will travel to Alaba to see the work there.  Pray for safety, for God to make our way straight & guide us in purchases, for clear vision of the Alaba church situation, for coping with jet lag. 

  Sat, July 3…”Burji or Bust” is our theme today.  Those in Addis will load into Demissie’s bus, departing at 3:30am.  We’ll carpool with the Burji Truck, loaded with supplies and our ministry suitcases.  We’ll meet up with the Alaba crew in Shashamanee Town, where they will board the bus.  We’ll drive as fast as is safe to get to Soyama Town before dark, if possible.  It is usually a 17-19-hour trip, dodging animals & people.  If there is still unrest in Ethiopia because of the elections, there will likely be many police road blocks.  Pray for safety, for Demissie as he drives, for us coping physically with a cramped bus & fatigue.  “How much longer to a potty stop?”  This trip I am refusing to answer this question….I’m referring it to the veterans!  Why?  Because in Ethiopia a clock & estimation of time is almost worthless! (Pray for the sanity of the veterans as they cope with the questions )