02/06/2023
Happy Monday everyone! We are going to be highlighting our black leaders in honor of Black History Month. Today we have the elder . We asked him a few questions regarding who he is and his walk with Jesus at F&M.
Q:Where are you from and how did you find IV?
I'm from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Abigail Kelkai (a fellow Ethiopian) introduced me to InterVarsity during my first week at F&M.
Q:How did you heritage equip you in understanding Gods kingdom?
Some biblical aspects - such as praising God (እግዚአብሄር ይመስገን) and fearing God (ፈሪሃ እግዚአብሄር) - are thoroughly integrated in Ethiopian culture and language that people mention God several times a day, though not always being mindful of Whom they speak. I believe that shaped my understanding of God to a considerable extent growing up. More importantly, however, now, as a young adult, I've had to revisit many of those old beliefs and discover new truths through the help of God's Word and His Holy Spirit.
Q:Can you share a Bible verse God has put on your heart lately?
I'd like to share the following verse, which is best understood in the context of the whole chapter.
1 Corinthians: 13:13 - "There are three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
Faith (which is a necessary condition to please God, ref. Heb 11:6) and hope (the sure and steadfast "anchor of the soul," ref. Heb 6:19) are the life-breath of a Christian. And yet - love is greater than these.
This truth fills me with awe for what love (here agapē in Greek) means - and does. Frankly, I do not understand it; one could only speculate why love is greater than faith or hope. But the conclusion is clear: "the greatest of these is love".
Thank you Robel for all that you do for F&M InterVarsity! We appreciate your service and leadership!