the havelaar's: Shaun's Update: Part Two

I met Argaw while interning together at CCBCE in 2004. Argaw is an Ethiopian, from Yirgalem. I met Rachel, while she was studying at CCBCE in the spring of 2005. Rachel is an American, from Indiana. They were married later that year.

Ethiopia

In June 2007, I traveled to Awassa, Ethiopia to assist Argaw and Rachel (and infant son, Adonijah). I was there seven weeks. During that time they shared their heart for the people to know the love of Jesus. They wanted to start an orphanage ministry.

Two weeks ago, I returned to Awassa, Ethiopia. Five years have passed. Argaw and Rachel now have four children (Adonijah, Elias, Genesis, and Gracie) with one on the way. They now have an orphanage ministry, Ebenezer Grace Children's Home (EGCH). While I was there, they had 14 orphans and one mother in the home. I spoke with them tonight, they now have 17 orphans and two mothers in the home. The second mother is 14 years-old. The ages range from infancy to nine years-old.

These children arrived in a variety of ways. A vast majority have been abandoned. Some children have had both parents die. Others survived a "death sentence" due to the harmful traditions of their tribe(s). And yet another found in a trash pile.

In addition to the children's home, they also sponsor 21 families in some capacity.

Many of them are widows.

I'm struck by the vast sense of purpose that the Lord has for each one.

These children are given a HOME. They have a roof over their head, hot food, clothing, an education, and hear about--and see--Jesus' love. Rachel and Argaw are affectionately known as "mom and dad". The Lord is opening doors for overseas adoption, but that remains a secondary goal. Their primary goal is that the children would grow up knowing the love of God. And that they would go on to share the love of God, as demonstrated in the Gospel.

During my time there, I shared a Bible study with the children. I was also given the opportunity to share a Bible study with a group of believers. Those attending consisted of missionaries, non-profit workers, and some locals. I was super blessed to have that time with brothers and sisters from various, tribes, tongues, and nations.

I could go on, and then some. If you would like more information on the ministry, please visit: http://ebenezergracechildrenshome.wordpress.com/.

Five years ago this was a "God-idea". Five years later, I'm thrilled (I don't use that word often) to have seen that "idea" come to life!

Learning Lessons Through Friendships

I met an old friend, Dave Downs, on my way to Ethiopia. He has been serving as a missionary in Italy for six years. It was great to catch up and share "God-stories".

In 2005, Argaw (from Ethiopia), Rachel (from Indiana), Dave and I (from California), were all at CCBCE in Vajta, Hungary (a village of 900) at the same time. Little did we know that some seven years later we would all meet again in Ethiopia.
I'm proud of each of my friends. Not only for "what they do", but more importantly--who they are.

Remember those two lessons (see PART ONE)? I benefit from their obedience. I'm encouraged and built up. And I see His hand on their lives. Thanks Jesus for what You've done in our lives.