A Conference and Joppa

Saturday was very busy. We left early with Jeff for a conference for Ethiopian believers. The auditorium was packed with 300-400 men, women and children who wanted to worship the Lord and hear God's word. I was reminded of our time in Uganda when the worship started and I witnessed them really getting into the music as they danced and shouted. In fact, it was a little too loud for me (due to my tinnitus) and so I slipped out but sat in the foyer with Elijah. We still heard the worship loud and clear from where we were! A Pastor from the USA had flown over to teach and so when he began, we returned to our seats and enjoyed listening to a teaching in english which was translated into Amharic! It was a blessing to meet some of the people there and especially the children who are gorgeous! What a wonderful time for them to meet together and be encouraged. There were several congregations represented there.

Afterwards, we went to Joppa (also known as Jaffa) which has an historical town and port, for a look around. This is the place where Peter had a vision and was instructed to not call common what God had cleansed. He later departed for Caesarea to share the gospel with the Gentiles. It is also where the story of Dorcas happened.

Acts Chapter 9

36 Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

It is also the place where Jonah left for Tarshish instead of Ninevah where the Lord had instructed the Prophet to go.

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.   Jonah 1:3

It is a beautiful place to walk around with historical buildings and quaint shops and art galleries. However, all I could think about the whole time was how much I wished I could eat a Jaffa Cake biscuit!

Beautiful architecture everywhere.

This is a real orange tree growing as it hovers above the ground; quite remarkable!

Our Pastor friend from the USA who had the privilege of sharing at the conference.