Ethiopia
What's in a Flag?
.
Green
The picture of Ethiopia which many in UK have is of dry deserts and famine. There is some truth in this: food shortages recur, particularly in the dry regions of the north and east. (Today, in 2002, we face another such crisis, as the rains have been poor this year.) But most of the country is high mountain plateau with rich volcanic soil: green and fertile. The challenge is to distribute food fairly, to all parts, and to enable farmers to rise out of poverty. Churches and NGOs often work with farmers to improve irrigation and reduce erosion. Coffee originated in Ethiopia, and is still a major crop; but the prices paid for it on the world market fluctuate, and are currently very low. This is mainly due to over-production elsewhere, as other countries have been encouraged to grow coffee in a drive for development.
Red
The colour of blood. Ethiopia is made up of many different peoples, many of whom are proud of their rich history and varied languages. Some churches and NGOs work among refugees who have fled from wars in neighbouring countries. Much blood has been shed in the history of the country - most recently, in a two year war with Eritrea, which became independent from Ethiopia in 1993. Now that war is over, and another enemy is in focus; a virulent strain of AIDS is a growing and deadly menace, taking many lives. Training medical workers is another area of Crosslinks' work. There is still unrest in some parts of the country. Tension between different ethnic groups sometimes affects relationships within communities and churches. Yet people are also full of warmth, humour and generosity; great riches can be found in the diversity of cultures and their long history.
Yellow
The colour at the heart of the flag expresses freedom of worship. Religious faith has long been precious, like gold, and central to people's lives. There are a large number of Muslims in the country; but the majority of people belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. This ancient church has survived and developed largely in isolation from the rest of the world; in doing so it has devised some unique ideas and practices.
Crosslinks has a long history of involvement in the ancient church, seeking to support the believers and encourage biblical renewal. Producing Christian literature in Amharic, the national language, is now one key focus. More recently, Crosslinks mission partners have become involved in the fast-growing newer churches such as the Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, working among handicapped people and training church leaders.
Some traditions identify the three colours of the flag with the three persons of the Trinity, or with the three virtues of Faith, Hope and Love. Please pray that the people of this land may encounter the living God more and more deeply in their worship, and may be enabled to face the many demands of life in the power of the Holy Spirit