Under the Olive Tree

Today's Holy Week reading is Monday's reading. We wish you a blessed Holy Week ahead filled with contemplation and meditation.

The readings are from

Matthew 21:12-22

Mark 11:12-18

Luke 19:45-48

On  this special week,  I want to invite you to a meditation reading of the Gospels as they describe Jesus' last week before His resurrection. 

Today's reading is Palm Sunday reading from Amharic New Version Translation Bible.

Matthew 21:1-11

Mark 11:1-11

Luke 19:29-44

john 12:12-19

On this episode I am back with a familiar guest Abraham Tesfaye (Abrish). Abrish was the first guest to be on this podcast and I am honored to have him back.  On this conversation we touch a lot of topics as friends do. Specifically, I want to highlight the fact that this episodes main intention is to introduce Abrish's new project. Abrish now has a new podcast and we discuss what that is and what he wants to do with his new podcast. We don't just stay there. We discuss topics related to our frustrations and opinions in the current political, cultural and faith worlds. I encourage you to listen to the whole segment till the end because I believe you'll hear Abrish's passion and heart for Christ and he drops some nuggets of wisdom. 

In this episode Emnet and Misgana catch up on a littlie bit of everything. Misgana is a well-known musician that has impacted many young musicians in and out of the church. Misgana immediately makes you feel like you're his friend. His optimistic and fun personality and humble character is what makes his talent stand out. Get to know Misgana and catch up on what he's up to in this episode. 

This episode is one that is complex and urgently needed. I believe Andrew helps us to process what compassion looks like in the midst of conflict and division. We understand that this might be one of the hard conversations we have ever had on this podcast. We ask that you open your heart to listen even if it makes you uncomfortable. I believe radical compassion is the practical action needed at this time, its the way of Jesus, its the counter-culture way of how His kingdom works. This conversation is not just empty platitudes. It is founded on scriptures that we invite you to take notes and refer to them by yourself. When you hear this conversation I challenge you to ask yourself, what is your radical and courageous way of love. 

This conversation with Illasha (Israel) Fekadu is our Ethiopian New Years gift to you our listners! Illasha is a talented singer, song writer and composer and a music teacher. In this conversation Emnet and Illasha dive deep into his new album 'Endegena' which is now out in online music stores. We appreciate Illasha's honest self reflection and wisdom. This conversation is for you listeners out there who appreciate the finer musical expression and to all of us who want to grow in learning about ourselves. We believe you'll enjoy this conversation and hope you will thank him by listening to his album! 

On this episode Emnet sits down with the talented gospel singer and song writer Ayda Abraham. Ayda shares with us her beautiful journey to finding herself in the gospel music industry. Her story is unique yet relatable to all of us who are going through a journey of finding ourselves, our gifts and talents and ultimately our calling. As we hear from Ayda, this journey is not always easy, it's met with challenges and hardships but it can lead us to establishing our faith. Ayda in her own words is fun loving and artistic person and the way she tells her story is raw and unfiltered and for that we truly are grateful. Ayda, we love and support who you are and we are thankful for your gifts! We hope you will enjoy our conversation!

On this episode Emnet sits down to share her thoughts and reflections on. She shares what has been helpful for her as she navigates real life struggles, the importance of sitting in uncomfortable places of uncertainty and to be okay with not knowing it all. The foundation of our relationship with God and others is not that we have it all figured out but it's the honest place of surrender. Emnet invites you to sit and reflect with her!

Mekdes Haddis is our guest on this episode.  Mekdese and I have important discussion about what mission looks like in our day. What the western church's place looks like in sending missionaries to countries like Ethiopia at this time. Mekdes doesn't shy away from calling out the good and the not so good in the western churches and all of us. You will hear Mekdes' heart, passion for God's mission work and her long experience in this area. She is equipped to guide us through what God wants from individuals and the church to take the gospel to our own communities with care and passion. I am grateful for her voice and I believe we will all benefit greatly from listening to her. I am thrilled to bring this conversation to you.