This month ministry has looked different. This month, instead of partnering with a church, we are partnering with a small government organization, run by Christian men.
We sleep at our ministry site. It’s a safehouse for street kids and kids with rough home lives. For all intents and purposes, they are considered orphans, even though some still have parents. The ages of these 20+ kids range from eight to eighteen. Their stories are heartbreaking and all too common in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The doors are open from seven in the morning until seven in the evening.
Our schedule consists of an hour of English classes in the mornings, with games and activities in the afternoon. We share meals with them, as well as the sweetest dessert- laughter.
Recently, we’ve been able to take a few minutes every couple of days to share a testimony. The goal this month is to build lasting relationships and influence with these kids. Realistically, one month is not a lot of time, but it’s enough to build relationships and share the love Christ has for them, with them.
Living life with these kids every day has been incredible. To paraphrase of one of our hosts, “I came to change them, but really, they’ve changed me.” Living life with our incredibly humble and kind hosts, Epherem (or Effy) and Masre, has been an incredible blessing as well.
They’ve demonstrated true humility and sacrifice to us, as well as to the children they love so dearly. They’ve brought us alongside and shown us their vision and hearts for these kids.
We sat down with them yesterday for a mid-month meeting, and at the end, asked how we can pray for them. Their first responses were for “their” kids. They truly show Christ’s love and humility. They do not have families of their own, even though they would like to one day. They both expressed their want for it, but both believe so strongly in what Christ has called them to in ministry, they only want it if it coincides with this ministry. It’s truly beautiful.
I hope this gives a glimpse into what I am experiencing so far this month. Please pray for Effy and Masre, and the others who volunteer here, as well as the kids and for my team. May Christ’s light shine brightly through us to light the way for these kids.
I love Ethiopia and the people, the culture and food. It’s hard to believe it’s only been two weeks. I have no doubt in my mind it’s my favorite month in every way.
