(The first of my “Story Portraits” series, interviews focused on inspiring people and their powerful stories from all around the world.)
When I fondly think back to my time in Ethiopia, I have the image of the girl with the million dollar smile forever ingrained in my memory. The girl is Etaferu, a 29 year old, mother of three, wildly talented, and undeniably radiant.
Her story is one of struggle and overcoming, beauty from pain, darkness to light. She is an example of a life radically changed by The Gospel.
I am thankful for the time I interacted with beautiful Etaferu in Northern Ethiopia, in the city of Bahir Dar. We connected through a women’s Bible study; full of trafficked women and those breaking free from prostitution. The transformation in all the women’s lives is inspiring! However, something stood out about Etaferu. Her joy is absolutely contagious. She became a believer just a few months previous, her life change remarkable and evident. The Holy Spirit is alive and active in her! I wanted to know her story.
Her sweet little daughter “baby Mary” captured my heart. A year ago Etaferu was raped and became pregnant with her. She was given money to abort, but she insisted on keeping the baby. And baby Mary is now the miracle child that everyone adores. Brave Etaferu confessed her prayer for her daughter was, “Lord, this child is all yours, not mine. Do what you want with her.” I am convinced Etaferu is the definition of strength in the Lord, and her daughter will follow in her footsteps.
What was your life like before knowing Christ?
“I was shoe shining, but that didn’t make enough money, so I became a street girl (prostitute). I was an alcoholic, constantly chewing khat (drugs), and fighting with others. I was an addictive person. I thought God had forgotten me.”
How did you come to know Christ and what changed in your life?
“I was begging on the streets to make ends meet. Then I met my friend Andrea and started going to Bible study and believing. The Holy Spirit started speaking to my heart and telling me everything will be fine. A lot changed after knowing Christ. My talking (speech) and loving style totally changed. I got a new job cooking and washing clothes.”
What is your advice to others?
“Know Jesus. Whatever problem you’re in, speak to God. God answers, so keep talking back. Every single day, every single moment, we speak to God. He hears and He answers.”
What is your definition of hope?
“I serve a merciful God, God is my hope. Like the mana, you have the food from the sky and that is hope. You are like the Israelites.”
What are your dreams?
“I want to make an influence on people. I want to own a big supermarket to clothe my children well. Also, in my future I want to work with commercial sex workers and street girls to change like me.”
Currently Etaferu is working on creating a small business baking and selling her homemade banana bread! “I am so excited to bake banana bread. I’ve made donuts before.” She smiles big, the joy of the Lord oozing out of her. A hope for a better future is in her eyes, oh exuberant Etaferu.
(Etaferu is preforming the traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, one of our favorite parts of their culture!)
