Leadville | Q and A Update

SLIDE

One question I get frequently is this, “Why Ethiopia?” Of all the places in the world you could minister, of all the places in the world you could be a missionary, why did you choose Ethiopia. That’s a great question. And to answer it, let me first tell you a story and then show you a picture.

First, the story. As you know, throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Africa was colonized and divided up by European powers during the Scramble for Africa. However, Ethiopia was never colonized. In fact, it is the only country in Africa that was able to successfully resist colonization. The Italians attempted to colonize Ethiopia twice, but both times they were unsuccessful, thanks in large part to the leadership of King Menelik II at the Battle of Adawa. This story is very important to the way that Ethiopia sees itself and the way that the rest of Africa sees Ethiopia. This story is central to Ethiopian identity, and it’s just as important as the 4th of July or the Bostin Tea Party is to us. And much like Americans, Ethiopians look back at that story and find inspiration for freedom and independence.

Now, let me show you a picture that illustrates this story.

SLIDE

When you enter the United Nations Building in Addis Ababa, you are greeted by a stunning stained glass window that depicts a group of Africans walking confidently into the future, led by an Ethiopian man and woman holding a torch. This image represents Ethiopia's role in leading all of Africa into a post-colonial future. And indeed, Ethiopia is doing just that.

Addis Ababa is one of the most important cities on the African continent, with a population of around 10-12 million people - that's more than the combined populations of New York City and Los Angelis, America’s two biggest cities!

Addis Ababa is the political center of the African continent and is home to over 120 international embassies. The African Union, the biggest policy-making organization in Africa is headquarted in Addis Ababa. The United Nations meets in Addis, and Ethiopian Air, which is the largest airline in Africa is homebased in Addis, so that if you fly anywhere in Africa, chances are you have a layover in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia is leading Africa into the future, and we believe that Ethiopia has the potential to lead Africa into the future, not just with the torch of post colonialism, but with the light of Jesus Christ. And that is a mission that is worth dedicating our lives to.