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As an organization, there are seven values that motivate the work of The Forsaken Children: We are totally dependent on God. We trust that Jesus, not The Forsaken Children, is the Savior the street children of Ethiopia need. We believe that God designed every child to be a part of a family. We respect children. [...]
The Forsaken Children invites you to do something different and take gift giving Out of the Box by partnering with us to help give some truly invaluable gifts for children who have little more than the clothes on their backs. And we have three AWESOME ways you can take your gifts “out of the box” [...]
Watch Alemayu’s Reunion With His Mother
Alemayu, an 11-year-old boy, was taken from his home in rural Ethiopia when he was 7-years-old to work in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s Capital. Seen here is the moment he sees his mother for the first time after being gone for 4 years. Thanks to The Forsaken Children and especially their partner, The Onesimus Children Development Association, Alemayu is now living with his family again.
By Rachael Burnett: It’s our last day in Ethiopia! We are all packing up now and getting ready to head to the airport; it seems like we just arrived in this beautiful country. We began the morning early at Onesimus with the kids getting ready for the foot race to the soccer field. Nega worked [...]
Today was our last day at the drop-in center; we didn’t do our usual rotation of activities so that we could just enjoy being with the kids without the confines of a schedule. We had tons of fun playing, singing, and dancing.
We were blessed to see two boys who had gotten into a scuffle earlier come before the group and sincerely apologize and hug. Taye, an Onesimus staff member/translator, led the boys in this confession, forgiveness, and restoration, and it was such a wonderful reminder of how we, especially as believers, need to confess, repent, and show grace to one another.
Salomno (Hello) from Addis Ababa! Tonight the blog is a little different…each team member has submitted their favorite “highlight(s)” from the trip so far, as well as a prayer request. If you would please take time to pray for each of the requests listed, we would appreciate it so much!
We had an amazing morning led by Howard, who told the story about Jesus walking on water. Howard really delivered a strong message with his passion for Christ and his energetic measures. Taye, an Onesimus staff member, translated the message with enthusiasm and compassion. After the lesson where all kids were engaged, Howard asked them if they wanted to accept Jesus as their savior.
I think for most of the team, today was both absolutely amazing and heartbreaking—we experienced pure joy and deep sadness. It was our first day at the drop-in center. When we arrived, they had the sweetest welcome ceremony for us! Candice and Nicci had helped the kids make a banner saying, “Welcome Central Church!” and they were singing with the biggest smiles and they had red roses for each of us. I was totally overwhelmed and had to hold back the tears.
Have you ever thought about what it is going to be like to worship in heaven—all tribes, all nations, all tongues lifting voices to the King of kings? I think our team got a little taste of that today as we worshiped at the International Evangelical Church. It was so neat to look around and see people from many different backgrounds—Ethiopian, Asian, Australian, Swedish, and other Africans—all praising the same God!
Before dinner we had debriefing led by Nicci. It was an awesome time to share about the day—highlights, low points, lessons, and who we most appreciated—lots of emotions and especially a sweet time to share with the Freys.
While waiting in line to go through Customs, Kelly D. spotted Befekadu, one of the little boys from Onesimus waiting to greet us with Nega, the director. Our excitement began to bubble over as we waved wildly across the airport to lots of smiling faces…
What would lead twelve individuals of all ages to leave the comforts of their home, give up vacation time to spend 10 days with many people they do not know, and travel 26 hrs to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
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