Bridging the gaps

TOGETHER, STONGER, BETTER

Generational gaps

This has two components: one gaps between the older generation and the younger. What is missing is the

This has multiple components: First; gaps between the older generation and the younger. What is missing is the LINK, so that the older generations can pass along their wisdom and experience and the younger generation can not only receive the handed-down wisdom, but can be willing and enabled to add/ share their own acquired knowledge, especially in the era of the social media. Secondly, and most importantly, it pertains to the proper transmission of the Christian faith to the next generation, the “digital natives”. Given the cultural and technological universe in which young ones inhabit, existing gaps need to be holistically addressed adequately and urgently. Habesha children, described as a hybrid entity, encounter difficulties as well as opportunities living in a third space between their home and their outside life experience. Without significant support, they face enormous challenges that potentially steer them in wrong directions. It could even result in Intergenerational conflict, creating relational havoc in the family

LINK, so that the older generations pass along their wisdom and experiences and the younger generation not only receives the handed wisdom but is willing and enabled to share their own acquired knowledge specially in the era of the social media. Secondly and most importantly, it pertains to the transmission of the Christian faith to the next generation, the critical gap that obtains currently had to be holistically addressed and tackled urgently.

Denominational gaps

The unity that the Evangelical churches forged when they were under fire during the dark days of the Communist era seems to be fading, as the various churches tend to cleave and congregate along denominational lines. The denominational strife now prevalent in Ethiopia and among the Diaspora communities has a vitiating influence not only internally but also externally as the lack of unity has substantially blemished our images, attenuated our testimonial power, and enfeebled our voices. It is prejudicial and hinders the proper posturing of the church of Christ. This is a major concern for the church that BRIDGE attempts to tackle.

Home and Diaspora gaps

There is a palpable gap between the church at home, in Ethiopia, and the church abroad, spread across the globe. On each side, there are strengths, resources, and experiences that needs to be complemented. The missing elements are channels, the conduits to connect and create synergy. It is high time to bridge the gap and leverage the work of the Kingdom as a unified entity with a common strategy and purpose. BRIDGE functions as a platform towards enhancing the path for greater ties.

Socio-cultural gaps

This gap relates to the scene in the Ethiopian Diaspora. The older come from a long tradition and a rich repertoire of identity and consequently find it difficult to adjust to their host culture quickly. This lack of adjustment has the adverse effect of being ill-prepared to equip our children with the appropriate tools to conveniently navigate the cultural and social distance. The influence of the all-consuming digital world with the massive unfiltered information thrust upon our children must be understood and properly managed to minimize the communication gaps between parents and their offspring.

BRIDGE, in concert with other concerned groups and stakeholders, seeks to identify ways and mechanisms by which our children adapt better and cope with the day to day demands of their existential reality.

STRATEGIC FOCUS

The strategic focus of BRIDGE is the next generation for the following reasons:
- It brings all of us/the churches together: it is a topic relevant to all
- It is vital to take notice of new developments within the Diaspora community being cognizant of opportunities and threats
- Most of all, it is due to the need to give serious consideration to the issues of the next generation
- Therefore, there is a burning need to make sure that we are not leaving the legacy of a divided church to the future generations
- It behooves us to work to pull the cart together in the midst of the enormous and complex challenges young Habesha young adults are currently facing