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NOVEMBER 13, 2009 ARCHIVED STORIES:
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--At first glance it doesn't look like a cross. Diamond-shaped with a handle, it is obscured beneath decoration and ornate carvings.
Religious leaders carry these crosses as they guide more than 42 million Ethiopians each week in praying, singing and memorizing Scripture. This may not sound that different from many churches in the United States.
But look closer.
Behind the rituals is a religion built on the worship of saints, angels and even demons. Most Ethiopians consider themselves Christians because their religion includes biblical teachings and an understanding of Jesus, except that He is but one of many gods in their mixture of religions. They believe more than a dozen paths lead to heaven.
Their religion is similar to the diamond-shaped cross, says Ed*, an International Mission Board worker who has shared the Gospel among these Ethiopian people for more than a decade.
"They've added so much decoration and embellishment to [their religion] that the cross is no longer visible," he says.
Haffa*, a local believer, knows how buried the Gospel can become.
He formerly was a holy man who practiced white and black magic to heal and curse. He gave out amulets to ward off evil spirits. He also studied Scripture and prayed to Jesus.
One day a man told Haffa that Christ is the only way to heaven. Haffa learned that his efforts to appease a variety of gods were in vain. Read More
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