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Dear Friends and Supporters,
This is Biny (or Benji, as many of you know me) writing to you this time around. I hope this message finds you well! It’s been a week since I returned from my two-week trip to Ethiopia, and I’ve been reflecting on all the experiences, challenges, and blessings from the trip. It’s been a busy yet rewarding time.
On November 10th, 2024, after a bit of rest, I went to Entoto and met with some of the mothers to hear about new changes they are facing and to see how the new ongoing government efforts to protect the mountain are impacting them.
As part of the government’s initiative to develop the area into a tourist attraction, the women are facing new challenges. One of the biggest struggles is sourcing new wood.
There has been a positive development: the newly constructed road now allows trucks to transport wood to the marketplace. Some mothers get regular payments for their bundles of wood without transporting it down the mountain. However, not all of them have made the transition, and many continue to carry wood on their backs.
I brought a donation and learned that many of these mothers are interested in starting their own businesses. But they lack the knowledge and training to make it happen. This has been a topic of discussion on our board, and we are exploring ways to support the mothers in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Updates on Some Of Our Mothers
One of the mothers we’ve been working with, Tigist, has been diagnosed with liver cancer and is in critical condition. She has no children to support her, and as you can imagine, her situation is dire. Our board has decided to cover her rent for the next six months while we help her navigate treatment options. Please keep her in your prayers.
I visited another mother who was attacked by a hyena and lost her left leg. Her story is one of tragedy, but also resilience. I plan to share more about both of these mothers in a future newsletter. Please keep her in your prayers as well.
Addressing Family Challenges
I also had a 2 hour conversation with some of the husbands of the mothers we support. Unfortunately, alcohol abuse is a widespread issue in the Entoto area. Many of the fathers drink daily, a coping mechanism for the overwhelming feelings of hurt, poverty, and hopelessness they face. Although our conversation about family responsibility and Father’s role in a house was initially received with sincere agreement, it is clear that despair has overcome them and they do not know how to change. They return to their habits after a short stint of sobriety. The mothers shared with me that dealing with their husbands’ behavior is often more challenging than caring for their children.
This issue has become one of the most pressing areas of focus for us. We strongly believe that in order to truly help these families, we need to address the root causes of their struggles. While we continue to support the mothers, we are also planning to include the fathers and children in our outreach efforts. We are working on a strategy to help break the cycle of addiction and poverty through counseling, prayer, support for the entire family, and the Gospel’s redemptive work through Salvation.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Faith, Prayer, and Worship
One of the most touching experiences of my trip was a Sunday morning spent in prayer and worship with the mothers. We gathered with Pastor Henok, who has been working alongside us, and spent time lifting our voices in praise. The mothers made traditional Ethiopian coffee from scratch—roasting the beans, grinding them, and brewing the coffee. It was a special time of connection, and I was moved by the deep faith they have in Christ, despite the challenges they face.
These moments are important to us as we minister to the spiritual needs of these women. Of course, we are reminded daily that we can not send them away saying, “be warm and be filled”, but that we must help in any way we can to meet their physical needs as we minister to their spirits. Pastor Henok has been committed to visiting the mothers each week to offer Bible teachings, and it’s a privilege to be part of this journey.
Supporting More Mothers
On my way to the mountain, I met five mothers carrying heavy bundles of wood down to the market. Three of them are single mothers. I took their addresses to stay in touch and hope to provide them with further support. There are so many more mothers like them still carrying wood, still struggling. And we are working on reaching as many as we can.
Farm Update
I was hoping to relaunch our farm this trip, as it will provide sustainable income for the mothers and support the broader community. But finding land in the city has been difficult. After two weeks of searching, we have identified two potential properties that could work for our chicken farm. The next step is negotiating a long-term lease (5-10 years), so we don’t have to relocate again in the near future.
We’re praying that God will provide the right location and resources for us. Our staff is now well-trained and experienced, so we’re excited about the possibilities for growth—both in terms of quantity and quality.
Final Thoughts
As we start this new year, we continue to ask for your prayers. Please pray for the mothers we work with, their families, and for us as we seek to serve them in every way possible. We’re not just trying to lift people out of poverty; we’re seeking to bring the redemptive healing of Jesus to their bodies, minds, and spirits.
I look forward to sharing more updates soon, including a beautiful story from one of the mothers. Thank you for your continued support, your prayers, and your belief in the work that we’re doing.
God Bless,
Biny (Benji) and Beth
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
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