Meet Lisa, Named After Her Father’s Sponsor
Though a popular name in the Western world, Lisa is an unusual name for an Ethiopian girl. But even before his wife became pregnant, 29-year-old Sintayehu had this name picked out!
“When my wife and I decided to have a child, I told her if it is a girl, we would name her Lisa, after my sponsor,” Sintayehu says.
Continue Reading ›How a Brave 12-Year-Old Girl Escaped Child Marriage
Yerosen* shudders every time she remembers that day — the last Thursday of May 2020. As much as she tries to forget the three months she spent in the hands of her abductor, the nightmare still haunts her. It probably always will.
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How the Church (and YOU) Saved Sofia From Homelessness
When COVID-19 hit, single mother Sofia lost her ability to work and was facing homelessness with her three children. A local church was able to give her rent assistance, from generous donors like you. Now her family is housed, safe and together.
11 Beautiful Photos of the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
One of the things many of us are missing right now is the chance to have long talks with good friends over a cup of coffee. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important social event that brings communities together. These beautiful photos will help you experience it yourself!
This Sponsored Girl Now Supports Another Little Girl
Sosina grew up in extreme poverty in Ethiopia, but now she’s in veterinary school! Though she lives on just $12 a month, she gives a quarter of it away to help a girl in need — just as she was once helped.
A Beautiful Orphan Story: Finding Jesus After Trauma
This story of twin orphans will break your heart, while also reminding you of the love, beauty and hope in the world. “We are stronger than ever.”
The Making of a Role Model
“I remember the day my mother brought me to my aunt’s house in Addis. She cried so much when she said goodbye and left. For a long time, I always believed she would come back for me. But she never did,” says Sameson. That was the day Sameson lost his mother.
The Girl Who Didn’t Need a Wheelchair
Imagine a life where every breath feels like your last one; where two or three steps lead to you gasping for air; where a simple cough results in you vomiting blood; where even if your heart’s desire is to run around with your friends, it simply refuses to let you.
Rescued From the Streets
Many girls from Ethiopia’s rural areas move to the cities, lured by the idea of securing well-paying jobs. Their biggest desire is to live better lives and bring themselves, as well as their families, out of poverty.
A Safe Haven for Children
Shortly after joining the sponsorship program, Rediet and her sister realized that the child development center was their safe haven where they could enjoy their childhood and forget the misery they witnessed at home.
Where Are They Now?
Though the degree of poverty varied and each family’s story was different, these people had one thing in common that day — they had hope. Hope that God heard their plea for help; hope that this would be the beginning of a brighter future for their children; and hope that the children they held in their arms would be sponsored.
Inspired to Lead
“The counsel I got from Zewde, who is like a mother to me, is what helped me be who I am today. She helped me see that if I work hard today I would be a great person tomorrow and achieve my dreams. She used every opportunity to keep me away from my friends who were bad influences on me and give me advice on life. She instilled in me the desire to pursue my education and told me to never lose sight of my purpose,” says Sheleme.
