“I am overwhelmed with the devastation I’ve seen since being here. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’ve seen countless men, women, and children sleeping in gutters, under bridges, and sidewalks. So many, in fact, that you have to pay attention walking, or you may step on someone. I’ve seen a man sleeping in the street with only a head and torso. He had no limbs at all. I’ve seen a man with a face so swollen he was almost unrecognizable as human. Yesterday I saw a man dragging himself around the street with his arms because his legs were so tangled and atrophied he couldn’t walk.”
This was one of my more recent journal entries since arriving in Ethiopia.
I’ve seen so much wealth in comparison to Uganda & Rwanda, but I’ve also seen more poverty and sickness than ever before. Hundreds of people beg on the streets of Mexico (one of the biggest parts of Addis) each day. They lay wrapped up in a scarf or blanket, barefoot on top of a rock or cardboard piece, arms stretched out-hoping to make it another day with the help of people passing by. It’s heartbreaking and frankly it’s frustrating that there isn’t a quick fix. Addis isn’t the only city suffering with famine, poverty, and disease.
This month my team and I are working with Endinew Hope on Entoto Mountain, located on the outskirts of Addis. Most people inhabiting Entoto are extremely poor. They generally live on less than 10$ a month. Many of them are sick. Many don’t have access to medicine. Most of them beg. With that being said, it’s still apparent that the Lord is working through Endinew Hope by meeting the basic needs of this impoverished community and changing hearts through the process.
My team is split into two smaller teams- health & sponsorship. The health team goes door to door meeting basic medical needs and hearing stories. We assess patients and do everything from physical therapy to giving hygienic advice. After assessing the patients, we usually take photos, gather information, and put together a profile for them online to hopefully get sponsored for medical insurance. I’m so passionate about this ministry and I feel the Lord will move in huge ways, because he already has on Entoto Mountain. In fact, over 100 kids have already been sponsored since Endinew Hope was started, providing food and school fees. Praise God! My team and I are continuing to pray for sponsors for these people so that they don’t have to go on living in such extreme poverty and sickness.
Since living in Ethiopia the Lord has been revealing many truths to me.
It’s God’s heart to see these people provided for. One thing I’ve been learning this month is that God truly weeps over the suffering, war, and hatred of this world. He’s not silent either. He imparts his sadness and righteous anger over the darkness of this world in us. He created us to feel brokenness and gave us the ability to cry so that we can share in the burdens of suffering. When we are in relationship with God the Holy Spirit dwells within us, so when we see suffering we cry out in righteous anger and plead for change. I believe the Lord uses this to drive us away from complacency and into a place of humility, understanding, and ACTION. To give generously when He prompts us, to pray when He prompts us, and to simply do something about the suffering we see. Sin is in this world so it’s inevitable that suffering will follow. The Lord isn’t surprised by darkness, and we shouldn’t be either. Instead we’re called to die to ourselves and bring freedom and relief to those experiencing suffering. The Lord makes this clear in Jeremiah 58:6-7; “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” This is true worship to the Lord. His heart is not for the proud but for the weak. When we care for God’s people, we radiate the truth and fullness of his goodness and mercy. I’m thankful I’ve been given a glimpse into the Lords heart for the widow, the sick, and the oppressed this month. It’s truly been eye-opening, sad, and amazing all at the same time.
If you’re interested in hearing more about Endinew Hope, shoot me an email! [email protected]. If you, your church, or anyone you know is interested in sponorsing a child or someone with an urgent medical need please contact me. It’s my prayer that all these people will be provided for. Thank you for your continuing prayers and support! My squad is India bound in two weeks!
