Light of Hope in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a vibrant and energetic nation. While we were in Ethiopia my team got the chance to stay in the capital city, Addis Ababa. The people there are so hospitable to foreigners and were accommodating to things we needed. Our host was so kind and nice, he made it easy to serve with him and in his ministry.

The organization we worked with in Ethiopia was Testimony 25:40. The name Testimony 25:40 was inspired by our host’s testimony alongside the verse Matthew 25:40. The main objective of this organization is to help orphans using a holistic approach through education, food, and shelter. While working with Testimony 25:40 there were 29 kids in the home. They ranged from 5-19 years old. While we were there we got the chance to teach the kids about Bible stories and biblical principles like love, forgiveness, and so many other things. The kids were so hungry to know more about God and to get to know Him on a deeper level. It was so cool to see some of the littles ask some really insightful and deep questions. We also got the chance to do crafts and games with them. This looked like Bible crafts (David’s satchel) and other activities such as a blindfold obstacle course.

Something else we got to do to help Testimony out was paint and garden. This included painting a new wall white at the guest house and also using an axe to get weeds out of the dirt and prepare it for flowers both at the guest house and the Testimony house. This was something we did the first week we were in Ethiopia and it was a really sweet way to start out our time as a team.

Another opportunity we had was to serve with two different churches in the area. Some of the things we got to do during this included teaching church leadership about missions/evangelism, facilitating VBS/Kids ministry, and preaching at the church. This was really fun and helped me to trust God in new ways. Something that is hard for me is speaking in front of people, so having this opportunity made me nervous. At both churches I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and speak in front of the congregations. At the first church, I stepped onto the stage to share a story about my experience on this trip with no preparation or warning at all. I had felt a pull from the Holy Spirit to share and, after some internal debate, I stepped into obedience. This resulted in the sharing of a powerful story for the church leaders to relate to. I learned a lot in that moment and it helped me to really know when God is speaking and guiding.

Another thing I want to share is that we got the chance to go to a Muslim refugee camp within the neighborhood we lived in. Our host has connections with the leaders in charge of that camp so they allow him to go in and help the families. We had the opportunity to love and teach the kids, as well as do house visits and provide food packs for some families. This ministry opportunity was hard in a multitude of ways, it was emotionally, spiritually, physically taxing. Going into that camp was heavy and it was hard to walk into when I wasn’t filled up with the Holy Spirit and spiritually strong. Walking into a big camp that is filled with Muslims (unbelievers) makes for a spiritually heavy atmosphere. But at the same time, I loved the opportunity to go in there and love the families and the kids. The kids loved to hang, hug, kiss, and just be around us at all times. We would go into a house, leave the kids outside, and come back out a good while later and the kids would just be in a crowd outside waiting for us. Even though that space was hard, I still saw God in so many ways.

We got to do so many different things while in Ethiopia and I have so many stories to share, if you are interested in hearing more I would love to talk with you 🙂

Some ways you can be praying for me and my team include:

• Refreshment going into our 2nd to last country
• God’s grace and mercy to be sufficient
• For renewal of souls

I want to challenge all my readers to be a donor! Donation link: https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/january-2025-world-race-expedition-11-months-25w0102/participants/mvonrueden

I am currently 53% funded. I am passed my deadline for fundraising and need to be fully funded as fast as the Lord can move, which is instantaneous. Please consider donating toward my trip. Your donation will help me to continue to make an impact around the world and in the lives of those searching for love and care