Theos-Talk Archives (July 2002 Message tt00081)

Africa, A Special Presentation of "Nature"

See http://www.pbs.org for more information.

Episode 4, Mountains of Faith - Isolated by mountains, Ethiopia is a 
center of spirituality. Here, faith is a driving force in the lives 
of many. This episode explores the depths of Ethiopia's religious 
beliefs. In the holy highland town of Lalibela, young Kibkab 
Wodemariam studies each day in hopes of becoming a priest. In the 
hills above Lalibela, Abba Defar labors at bringing to life his 
vision of a cathedral hewn from mountain rock. Will Kibkab Wodemariam 
be rewarded for his studies with the honor of participating in the 
annual procession for the holy day of Timkat? And will Abba Defar 
ever complete his mammoth symbol of faith in the Ethiopian highlands?

Sixteen-year-old Kibkab Wodemariam thrives on spirituality. In his 
home town of Lalibela, Ethiopia, that is not unusual.

Legend says that Lalibela's 11 rock-hewn churches are the work of 
angels. Tradition dictates that the Ark of the Covenant lies in a 
church not far from Lalibela.

Influenced by his surroundings, Kibkab, the son and brother of 
priests, plans to devote his life to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, 
one of the world's oldest forms of Christianity. Though he still has 
several years of study yet to go, he has already passed one crucial 
test -- participation in the Timkat ceremony that celebrates the holy 
day of Epiphany.

Kibkab concedes that his knowledge of the outside world is limited to 
Jerusalem, a frequent topic in his religious studies. Still, he 
dreams of travel. One likely destination -- Greece, long popular with 
religious scholars.

But for now, Kibkab is firmly anchored in the highlands. Since 
filming for AFRICA finished, Kibkab's father, who acted as his 
teacher, has died. When Kibkab enters the priesthood, he may well 
work in his father's place, continuing to serve the communities of 
farmers that dot this breathtaking landscape.

My commentary: Watching this movie, I was inspired by the examples of 
Kibkab and Abba Defar, an elderly Ethiopian Christian priest.

Kibkab's striving to be a priest was inspiring because his example 
reminded me of the rigors of discipleship. However, compared to the 
ways I have been instructed to earn my discipleship, his dedication, 
determination and devotion made me appreciate his efforts even more.

In a remote area of Ethiopia, as a young man, Abba Defar had a vision 
where he was told of the Coming of the Chosen One. He felt inspired 
to build a church out of a mountain. To him, it seemed impossible but 
he was given two signs, one of a dove who appeared on his shoulder 
and another of catching a flying eagle. He thought it was impossible 
to catch the eagle except one day, the eagle flew to him.

If you want to watch something that shows discipleship in action, I 
would highly recommend this television episode.