Spirituality

adamtaylorethiopia — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:38:24 +0000

I consistently feel led to be completely transparent, all the time. Lots of people argue against that; even using versus from scripture to prove we must be guarded. I don’t buy it and won’t in my lifetime. I would rather face Jesus and ask for forgiveness then be less than transparent with everyone. It grates my nerves when people are not transparent, or un-intimate and use the Bible as their reasoning. Maybe I am too transparent, well I err on the side of Christ. He makes caution unnecessary at times. I also know He promises to protect me so that I don’t need to waste my energy on that.
I work for Beza International Ministries in Addis Ababa. I am committed to Beza Church. Beza took me under their wing and allowed me to work on the Change for Change Project. It was Pastor Z’s sermon that brought me to Ethiopia in the first place, it was Ben Piper’s sermon, Dr. Beta’s testimony, and the general feel/hospitality of Beza that encouraged me to sell all I have and move to Ethiopia to work with street boys.
Beza like every church I have ever heard of does things that I don’t understand. I don’t need to; I am not called to understand everything under the sun. In fact, the less I understand, the greater God is. The more childlike my faith is, the more trust I need to have only in God. I have learned/grown at Beza and I respect their church model and vision. I 100% believe that building up street children is a huge piece, underrated piece, of “Redeeming Nations In Righteousness”. If I didn’t I wouldn’t be with Beza or in Africa.
My spirituality has been unbelievably tested in Ethiopia. The consistent struggles of not understanding a different style of spirituality, a different culture, and a different style of relationships have grown me closer to God more than I could have imagined. I’m overjoyed to know these experiences have built my capacity for loving others to amazing heights.
I also must say NCC is my spiritual family. I am committed to NCC. They are where I found church, God, serving others, was baptized, went on my first mission trip, and much more. Most of my support, growth, and friends are from NCC. It is their support and encouragement that has gotten me through some tough times.
The serving children or poor piece of living in Africa, or the mission’s field is the EASIEST part. You never can imagine what other battles come your way. I expected the streets and the boys to be my struggle, but they have been my joy, my encouragement, my ability to quickly access the grace and wonderment of God.
So.. To be completely transparent. It is a major struggle to adapt to different cultures, different spiritualities. So many people are thwarted by the differences or strife, which leads to a lack of unity among those who claim Christ as our savior. That’s not ok. I am thankful for Beza, NCC, Ethiopia and all the challenges that God is using to build me into a better man then I could have ever studied, worked, or served my way to!! That isn’t because its all rose petals, or because I am even good at handling all the differences. Im only thankful because of God’s willingness to use human idiocy to grow us into His servants.

A bit preachy this morning, I know “boring, show me pics of those awesome boys of yours”. Well ok, but you are spoiled.I yearn for people to critique/audit/analyze me and my work and my words.. Please feel free!

Memories

adamtaylorethiopia — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:50:12 +0000

It sounds funny now, but as a kid I loved the soundtrack to the broadway show “Cats”. The song “Memories” was a particular favorite. How fortunate am I to have such warming, loving, family memories from childhood.
It hurts my heart to ponder what kind of memories my boys most have from their youth. It angers me to now there are millions of children developing horrific childhood memories because we adults, fathers, families, Christians, Churches are failing miserably. On different occasions I have almost tried to force new memories into our 16 Ethiopian young men’s heads. A couple of those memories I know have stuck and it surprises me sometimes all they can remember since the first day Birukti met them till now. Times like our first New Years, after being kicked out of our first house, or early days of me teaching them baseball, and so forth.
This past Ethiopian Christmas or Gena was another chance to make indelible impressions on our boys. We had a ton of fun. First, our boys acted as volunteers that served about 80 kids during a Gena celebration at our sister org. The Entoto Mountain Project. They served food, organized the kids, MC’d some, and were a HUGE part of keeping the chaos limited. They are amazing with young children.
Second, we had a creative fun day at our house. We had three stations of fun, creative type of play. It was a competition in which we divided them into 3 teams. We had a station that used an airplane kit to make paper airplanes. It was hilariouos, these planes were no joke, I couldn’t figure most of them out. Another station were 3D puzzles or wood models. These were hard too, but our boys did them very well. Finally, we had an art station where they were encouraged to draw, or create anything that was representative of Christmas for them.
It was a great holiday of memory making. I am so thankful for these memories for myself, but also pray God uses these good times to encourage, grow, and help our boys in the future and the rest of their lives.

Recap

adamtaylorethiopia — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:41:29 +0000

With no concise way to share, I just want to give a recap of my time in America and the future of our house and boys. I have been back in Addis Ababa for three weeks now and am still experiencing the high from my trip.
My main goals going home were to raise money for the project, discern what God’s will might be for me and the ministry, network, see friends and family, earn extra cash by working for old job, and get rejuvenated. Well…. CHECKS all around. Words can’t express my praise for Him. There was even a private God bonus that can’t quite be revealed yet. I must say that it was easily the best trip home I have had to date. I was blown away and at times overwhelmed by how God worked through my trip home. I sensed His Divinity at every bend.

I spent the first 1.5 months home feeling lead to return to America after the boys graduate the house. Sometime in 2013. The purpose to explore starting a non profit, getting further education focused on building up street children, networking, and selfishly seeking more from my church and relationships like a wife. While preparing for the fundraiser God completely shifted my feelings, thoughts, or whatever they were. While I poured through pictures and videos of my boys, God’s voice was clear to me. “ Love you, love that you want to serve street children, you have many years to do that.. BUT THESE ARE THE BOYS I HAVE GIVEN YOU”. I found myself crying with joy while seeing the growth of my boys and knowing how God has miraculously done it all. Who am I to be a part of this? I have dreams beyond these boys, beyond Ethiopia, and beyond my ability. Clearly though, I must stay committed to these boys. Anything less is complete failure in my mind and dishonoring the call God gave me. My original commitment, though loosely stated, was 5-10 years. So, barring an irrefutable change by God, I feel lead to commit to these boys, Ethiopia, and this ministry through 2014 at the earliest.

Our boys are supposed to graduate this house in September of this year. The “whats next” question is scary for all of us. Right now I feel pretty clear about chasing two paths. One is introducing long term foster care to Beza, and our community. The other path includes a vocational training initiative that includes some form of income generation. These are two major things that will require major miracles. These two options offer long term sustainability to our project and boys lives. They both have potential to be transferrable to With no concise way to share, I just want to give a recap of my time in America and the future of our house and boys. I have been back in Addis Ababa, for three weeks now and am still experiencing the high from my trip.

This is where I/we are at today. So blessed by my trip home, so eager to see God do more miracles this year. We stay thirsty for the will of God and put that above all else. We know that telling God our plans makes Him laugh, so we wait with expectancy while taking every action possible.

Keepin’ It Real

adamtaylorethiopia — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Being from the Philly area I like to self proclaim I “ keep it real”. Although I live an almost idealist life, I also like to consider myself a realist, which sometimes is another word for pessimist. One thing struck me hard this Christmas about “reality.

I was severely moved during a Christmas Eve service that centered on the fact that God chose to send His sun to become flesh. Messy, gross, challenging, struggling, beautiful and REAL flesh. I immediately began to reflect on all the ways that Jesus is SO real in my life.

I am so blessed to live a life that requires so much faith. The best part about that faith is my team, boys, and I get to witness Gods real work on a daily basis. There are so many things that have happened over the last two years that clearly were not be mans doing. So maybe I am not a “realist” anymore but a “miracle-ist”.

Just a few examples… Raising $37k in one night, sending 3 former street boys to private school, tear filled reconciliations with long lost family members, renting our current house after being kicked out of the first one, Muluken, Camden, Betty, Masresha, Ermias & Koni, Elias, and many more people who have come out of nowhere to work or volunteer with us, apprenticeships with most respected developer in Ethiopia, safety, baptisms, character transformation without words to describe, daily maturation of our boys, personal blessings of travel, finances and love…

So God is real and when I am focused on Him I do KEEP IT REAL!

Family

adamtaylorethiopia — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:15:27 +0000

I have been reflecting on those people that make up my family today. Its changed in such a major and amazing way.

Besides being the blingingest missionary ever(or just feeling that way), I must say the growth of what I consider my family is a huge blessing. I have more support, care, love, quality, and strength from those around me that I feel its nearly unfair. From my boys and family in Ethiopia, my church and friends in Dc, to my biological family in Philly, and my growing family in other places.. What a huge blessing of people in my life and what conviction to pay it forward I feel.

I am excited to get back to see my boys. They will be so angry at me for being gone way to long, but I am going to hug the crap out of them! Hopefully there won’t be too many injuries from the loving headlocks and wrestling matches upon my return.

I am in awe of what God has done during my time in the US. He has been with the boys and team in Ethiopia and kept them strong, He raised a ton of money, He has given me some added special relationships, and has rejuvenated me more then I could have expected or hoped for.

Thank you Lord for my Family and your Love.

My Swagger Back

adamtaylorethiopia — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:04:33 +0000

I got my swagger back.. For those old school folks google the urban dictionary for meaning.

I left Ethiopia needing a punch in the face with Gods love, grace, and His rejuvenating spirit.. GOT IT. After two months of meeting with strong friends, bragging about my boys, setting up the fundraiser and more, my PASSION is bursting!

I am tearing up nearly on the hour.. Its nuts. Yesterday I teared up like four times talking about my boys, listening to Cori Wittman talk about her girls, and just sensing God’s love.

I can’t wait to get back to my boys and put it all to the test. I want to hug on them, encourage them, wrestle with them, thank them, teach them, love them…

PS: Check out my new pages.. “Transformation and Miracles” And “The Messy”

I TOLD YOU SO!

adamtaylorethiopia — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:50:48 +0000

I TOLD YOU SO!

The fundraiser was a huge success. Unbelievable. At least 45 people gave, more came, and we reached the goal! The grand total was $35,721.96! That includes commitments and the generous match but leaves out many folks that have said they would help. The ministries goal of $20,000 was easily met along with my yearly needs of $15,000. I have to discern how much of the checks made to me go to the ministry but that’s another matter. PRAISE GOD!

My brain is racing too much to write well. All I know is that God is the best. Bullet form thoughts, read which ever ones you want.

-I have jumped off a 230 ft cliff, pet lions in Africa, sold all I own and moved to Ethiopia, but the adrenaline of this last week has outmatched most of that.
-Didn’t realize serving God could be this much fun. Days of old, womanizing, drinking and such don’t even come close
-I TOLD YOU SO! I told many people that we would reach more than the $35,000 goal I felt called to set. My faith is unshakable and I am grateful!
-Best time to fundraise = recession and before Christmas. HAHA, joking, God is amazing
-As I am discerning steps for 2013 I think “how can I leave the boys and God’s favor? “
-NCC, my church. Just not enough words to express the support and amazing things they are doing.
-My boys are the easiest “sell” of all time
- Honestly I am curious how or when Satan will attack because this is so obviously God’s will and power and the enemy has to be ticked off.
-Self proclaimed “realist” and Myers Briggs proclaimed “pessimist”. How can I be? The reality is God has just been ridiculous, which redefines my realism every day.
-I say ridiculous too much, but how else do you describe His power, sovereignty, greatness, grace and love?
-It’s a beautiful day, lots of Sunshine!
- Lord! Keep my ego, selfish ambitions, lack of wisdom, lust, and envy away from your will!!! Your use of my imperfections is PERFECT!
-I have barely slept and not eaten much all week. Have so much energy, BREAD OF LIFE.
-My boys are going to be so angry at me for being here so long, but I even want to see their angry and sometimes annoying faces!
-I don’t deserve this. I wish all those who invested in our boys gets to witness what God is doing better.
-I have no anxiety, worry like I used to. But the responsibility I know must have to honor God is so high. That’s exciting!
-I really need to refine my leadership skills. Im a poor display. Oh Mark Batterson, you’re the man but big shoes to fill! Huge challenge but thanks for the conviction. So amazed at his leadership.
-Love the idea of being sanctified, but regrettably love how my personality(who I am today, inappropriate and other flaws) is a clear testimony to God’s power and not my own. It just can’t be me! TRUST ME! Awesome.
-How funny are humans, me? I set the original bar at $20,000! HA! What an idiot I am, God is beyond all that.
-Ask and you shall receive. The prosperity gospel repulses me but the reality of God’s blessings DO NOT REPULSE ME.
-What a “God High” I am on. I thank Him for this peak while I walk through the valleys in the future!
-Weirdest thing, I am just getting started, only 2.5 years into going all out for Christ.
-My passion for street children continues to grow. I have tears at the surface every time I think about, talk about, or look at photos of my boys. Tears of joy.
-I set the $20,000 goal for project and a $15,000 for my 2012 income. Reached both easily. I need Heavenly wisdom to discern this. I need clear checks and balances in my life. I do praise Him though for my genuine heart and the ease I find in handling his money with integrity.
-I owe so many people thanks!
-Repeat after me! MIRACLE. They are out there for everyone God is real. What more proof does anyone need?

Watch This Video

adamtaylorethiopia — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:52:03 +0000

Only about 3 minutes of your time.

Bragging

adamtaylorethiopia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:12:30 +0000

I am bragging about my boys! The Bible is clear about us not bragging about our righteousness or when we give to others and more.. But this is different. I am not one to shy away from stating my opinions, but I am not even sure this is an opinion. I think it might be fact that my boys are the best.. EVER!

In America, I have felt my pulse quicken each time I get to share with someone how awesome our boys are, how much transformation we have seen. I am not glossing over the struggles we have gone through, but I would be an idiot not to see the change and not let that change be hope to my heart and maybe others

DJ- DJ is about 16 years of age(we aren’t ever sure of their ages). When he started he stood out as severly emotionally immature. He cried the most, argued and fought with the other boys the most, was closed to us.. We couldn’t see the diamond in him clearly, but today its brilliant! He is one of our most ingenious boys, a born ready engineer. He is one of the boys who got into a private school because of his amazing grades. He is so creative, can fix anything, and has great ingenuity. Best of all, he has matured ridiculously, has really developed an amazing character. He has become patient, expresses less anger, makes good choices, tackles very difficult schoolwork without falter, and has become more open to the leaders. AMEN!

G-Man-! He is 17 and really enjoying his vocational school. He has been one of our greatest challenges and joys. For the first 8 months in the house he was one of our hardest boys. He showed major disrespect, prevalent drug use, glaring disobedience for our rules, and even tainting the boys with negativity and rebelliousness. He even left at one point. Today he is teetering on being a strong leader. His drug use is nearly at 0, he is consistently respectful, he is very open with us, is an extremely hard worker, so eager to grow and learn, and has had other major break throughs in his character and spirituality. AMEN!

I want everyone to witness the transformation we see through our boys! I feel like everyone is missing out! I am so grateful, even amongst my silly bitterness, pessimism, doubt, and fatigue. Men all over are missing out, not realizing that they are missing the greatest life experiences on this planet. To just invest in youth and watch transformation take place!

Fatherless

adamtaylorethiopia — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:23:33 +0000

During Thanksgiving I have reflected on how thankful I am for a relatively functional family. My married parents have set good examples and worked hard at taking care of my sister and me.

What makes me so thankful but disheartened is what I know about the Fatherless today. Soapbox or not, I pray hard to be a part of filling the father gap in my country, Ethiopia, and the rest of the world. Knowing and witnessing the importance of father figures for all of our youth, makes me cry out for solutions and ways to fill this huge void of fathers.

My heart aches daily for the fatherless, but even more for the men who have neglected their responsibility as fathers, role models, protectors, lovers, and so on.MY heart aches for the cycles of unhealthy fathering passed done through generations! I think about it all the time praying that God will use me for a greater good to get men back to how God destined them since day one.

Just look at our boys… There isn’t a better example I know of that proves the desperate need of youth to have someone act as a guide and example in their lives. I doubt I will find a house with more genuine joy, growth, challenges, faith, laughter, love, then our humble home in Addis Ababa. It didn’t take rocket science to transform our boys from the sewers and filth of past lives.. I expect 16 potentially great fathers to come out of our loving boys!

God please allow me, and show me the way to duplicate the hope and love exemplified though what you have done in our boys. I Thank YOU, my Father in Heaven, for my father on earth and my ability to stand up for our amazing boys.. God show me the way to combine my heart for the fatherless with a sustainable action plan to reach them with your love!

I pray all of us more fortunate experience authentic gratitude this Thanksgiving but remember all the fatherless who have no guide, love, or care.

Here is an example of one of our boys, some day a GREAT FATHER. Pause it in the first second to peak at the joy! HOLY HEART WARMING BATMAN!