Trust Takes Time
September 3, 2009
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| Yohannes having fun at Drop-In Center |
Just yesterday I heard shocking news – one of the boys living at CHE’s Halfway Home, Yohannes, revealed his true history. Previously Yohannes had told us that he had been abandoned in Addis Ababa by his father and had since been on the streets. The reality came out about one week ago when Yohannes told Nega, CHE Director, that his mother, father, and siblings all lived in the countryside. He had run away from home in search of a better life in Addis Ababa. Of course, this better life was not realized, but rather a meager existence on the streets became his life.
I am not so shocked by his true story, but rather I am shocked by how long it took him to trust the CHE staff with it. For close to a year they have been showering Yohannes with love, providing for his physical needs, and basically parenting him. What I understand now better than ever is that building trust takes time and trust produces honesty. For some reason Yohannes had not fully trusted the CHE staff with his true story until this past week. Maybe now the reasons behind his lack of trust will come to light and further healing will take place within him.
This experience is profound. What does it tell us? There is no such thing as a quick fix when working to restore a child’s life. There are so many elements involved and building trust is paramount. What will come from this for Yohannes? That answer is impossible to answer with certainty, but my hope for him and his future success has increased significantly.
Please pray for Yohannes and for Sodo, CHE team member, as they are currently traveling to meet with Yohannes’ family.
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4 Responses to “Trust Takes Time”
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Wow, that’s a powerful story, man. Thanks for sharing. Poor kid.
Is going back to his family any time soon in the cards at all?
…jp
This story is repeated every day all over the world. I have pondered for years why we in America have been given so much and the answer the Spirit gives me is so we can fund works like yours. What a great priviledge it was to get acquainted with you, your brother and family while staying at the Ethopian House. We are hoping on some final answers about beginning in Brazil and plan to use your model as part of the ministry there.
God Bless. Ron Galloway
Amazingly powerful story. So excited to hear what happens in the next chapter of precious Yohannes’ life and the lives of each of his family members.
I’m so glad that one of the first things you’ve done with Yohannes is to bring him to meet with his family. That kind of focus is one of the reasons me and my church are hoping to be able to support you guys further. Praying for you, Joe and Nega!