An Impromptu Sunday

First, he spoke in this nation’s official language, Amharic, which then was translated into the most popular people’s language, Omoro. Beforehand, during my impromptu visitor’s remarks, representing Lutheran World Relief, but also Wolfgang Vogelmann, a German pastor, and Wanda Falk, a Polish churchworker, I mentioned that although we did not speak the same language we were united with them in Christ’s love as God’s children. Then quoting, more or less, from Psalm 133, I riffed: “How good and how pleasant it is when sisters and brothers come together, sing together and work together in unity.” What I did not know was that Psalm 133 was the basis of preacher’s pre-prepared message. I first suspected Demissie was merely being hospitable, saying this as some act of gentle ingratiation, by mentioning our common citation. But after the joyous service ended he showed me the manuscript with this text. Amazing, in light of the thousands either of us could have chosen! What a blessing to be among this community of faith, Entoto Mekane Yesus congregation, which, I learned, has been struggling to remain united, not because of decline, but due to its rapid growth.

What sometimes seems impromptu to us exhibits the best in timing.