BLOOOMING IN ADDIS ABABA
Charles and Josephine Omollo: From Honeymoon To Mission Field
In the Ethiopian language of Amharic, Addis Ababa means "new flower", and like brightly blooming fragrant new flowers, Charles and Joseph Omollo are glowing both in their honeymoon happiness and in the fresh radiance of faith with which they are approaching their task of leading the church in Ethiopia.
Having both been on the mission field as singles, Charles in Kigali and Josephine in Arusha, within days of returning from their post-nuptial get-away, they set off for another of our East Africa churches, Addis Ababa, to take up the responsibility of leading the disciples there.
So how do they feel, beginning a new chapter in their lives - marriage - and at the same time having to get to know a new congregation, country and culture?
"Past experience is always a bonus," says Josephine. "I believe that my previous experience of adjusting to a foreign country will help. And this time I have a husband, who will help me when I am down and will inspire my faith."
Charles shares, "I've asked myself how it will all work out but have decided to simply keep God in the picture always. I am resolved to pray a lot and constantly ask myself, 'What would Jesus do'? "
How did Charles and Josephine fall in love when in two different countries?
"At a leadership conference in Nairobi in 2001, I pledged to get to know the single brothers on staff better, and Charles happened to be the first brother I hung out with after the conference before I returned to Arusha. Though I'd long felt that he was complicated, I discovered then that he was - and is - warm giving and charming." Equally impacted, Charles gave Josephine a chocolate bar at the end of their next date, as he left for Kigali. "I saw her conviction," Charles says. "Josephine was clearly beautiful, courageous and strong, and I confirmed to myself that I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life."
Both returning to Nairobi in 2004, Charles and Josephine got to know each other deeper, and on the 6th of February 2005 began a bright new chapter in their lives when they officially and publicly dedicated their love and lives to each other.
There are challenges the two foresee, but which they are resolved to face with faith. Says Josephine, "We've only just gotten married, and need to learn each other, learn marriage, learn a new culture and people, and make new friends all at once. It will take faith and I am hopeful."
Charles says that as a single, "I could go anywhere any time, but now I'll have to consider my wife first even as I attend all the needs of the disciples in the church. I have decided to simply keep God in the picture always."
As Charles and Josephine's love for the Ethiopian people buds and blooms, and as their love for each other blossoms as they make Jesus the center of it all, there will not only be new flowers, but the dawn of a new and exciting era in the dynamic history of the Ethiopia Church of Christ.
Having both been on the mission field as singles, Charles in Kigali and Josephine in Arusha, within days of returning from their post-nuptial get-away, they set off for another of our East Africa churches, Addis Ababa, to take up the responsibility of leading the disciples there.
So how do they feel, beginning a new chapter in their lives - marriage - and at the same time having to get to know a new congregation, country and culture?
"Past experience is always a bonus," says Josephine. "I believe that my previous experience of adjusting to a foreign country will help. And this time I have a husband, who will help me when I am down and will inspire my faith."
Charles shares, "I've asked myself how it will all work out but have decided to simply keep God in the picture always. I am resolved to pray a lot and constantly ask myself, 'What would Jesus do'? "
How did Charles and Josephine fall in love when in two different countries?
"At a leadership conference in Nairobi in 2001, I pledged to get to know the single brothers on staff better, and Charles happened to be the first brother I hung out with after the conference before I returned to Arusha. Though I'd long felt that he was complicated, I discovered then that he was - and is - warm giving and charming." Equally impacted, Charles gave Josephine a chocolate bar at the end of their next date, as he left for Kigali. "I saw her conviction," Charles says. "Josephine was clearly beautiful, courageous and strong, and I confirmed to myself that I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life."
Both returning to Nairobi in 2004, Charles and Josephine got to know each other deeper, and on the 6th of February 2005 began a bright new chapter in their lives when they officially and publicly dedicated their love and lives to each other.
There are challenges the two foresee, but which they are resolved to face with faith. Says Josephine, "We've only just gotten married, and need to learn each other, learn marriage, learn a new culture and people, and make new friends all at once. It will take faith and I am hopeful."
Charles says that as a single, "I could go anywhere any time, but now I'll have to consider my wife first even as I attend all the needs of the disciples in the church. I have decided to simply keep God in the picture always."
As Charles and Josephine's love for the Ethiopian people buds and blooms, and as their love for each other blossoms as they make Jesus the center of it all, there will not only be new flowers, but the dawn of a new and exciting era in the dynamic history of the Ethiopia Church of Christ.