First Baptist Church Tulsa, your partnership is changing children’s lives in Ethiopia. Thanks to you, 189 children are participating and benefiting from holistic child development activities. Out of those 189, 143 children are sponsored and 46 are still waiting to be paired with a sponsor. Through this comprehensive update on the impact of your gift, we hope you are encouraged by the incredible difference you have made in these families’ and children’s lives. Thank you!
Pictured above, children at this center are thankful for your support!
Community Context
The church is in a town of approximately 80,000 people. Typical homes are constructed of tin roofs and mud walls. The average monthly income for a family of four is $10, and the unemployment rate is 10%. Though schools are nearby, many low-income families cannot afford the fees to send their children to school.
Church leaders and members aim for children to feel a sense of belonging through the church’s safe and friendly environment. Because many fathers are absent and mothers work long hours to provide for their children, it’s important for these children to receive care and love from attentive adults. As children experience attention and kindness from the staff while they play and participate in program activities, staff and volunteers have an unmatched opportunity to support children in need and set them on a path toward a bright, successful and poverty-free future.
Ministry Progress at Shinshicho Mekane Yesus Church
Program activities started June 30, 2023. Since then, the center has registered 189 children, and each participant received initial medical and educational assessments. Child development staff were hired and trained, and they enjoy providing a rich environment to support the children’s holistic growth.
As of November 2023, the center is fully equipped with ample space, competent staff, and materials and supplies to deliver effective programming. Children attend center activities for three hours on Saturdays and four hours throughout the week. Pictured below are recent events and activities that took place, thanks to your gift.
Participants receive new school uniforms made possible with your support.
- Participants receive new school uniforms made possible with your support.
Shinshicho Mekane Yesus Church Staff
Working closely with the church pastor, child development center staff are the hands and feet of Jesus through their love and care for these children. Each individual plays a crucial role in delivering services and care to these participants, and the job provides a stable income for their own families. Pictured below are two of the staff members who work at this center.
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- Pictured is Center Director Tafese (left) and accountant Gemechu (right).
A Message of Gratitude From Reverend Desta
Dear Friends,
Peace and greetings to you. On behalf of Shinshicho Mekane Yesus Church, thank you very much for your gift supporting the child development program that addresses the extreme poverty affecting children and their families.
Since our program launch, we have registered children, trained three program staff and purchased office equipment, such as chairs and a desk. When we screened children for registration, we collaborated with the town’s religious and secular leaders to select families who live in extreme poverty. These children receive educational support, including school uniforms and school supplies. They also receive food packages, Christmas gifts, clothing, health care and spiritual support. They are very happy, thanks to your support and their sponsors.
We will continue facilitating good developmental environments for children. We visit students at school and at home. We provide nutritious meals and hygiene materials, teach Sunday school classes, and plan to conduct a worshipful Easter celebration with their guardians and program staff. We will do all that is necessary to help children become a generation devoted to God, family and country.
Finally, may God bless you because your generous support enabled us to launch this ministry to children and families. We say it again, may God bless you!
Sincerely,
Reverend Desta
Hear From a Future Doctor
Selamnesh is a 4-year-old participant at this center. Because of her involvement at the center and your generosity, she receives financial assistance to attend school nearby.
She shares that her family is happy to receive educational support and economic relief from the center; it is making a noticeable difference in their lives. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor. Thank you for making Selamnesh’s dreams possible with your support.
A Great Privilege
First Baptist Church Tulsa, your investment in this local Ethiopian church is bearing much fruit. Your gift is a tangible measure of God’s love and grace to these children and their families. The church shares, “It is a great privilege to have you as a partner in this great ministry to God’s precious little ones.” Thank you for partnering with Compassion International to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. May God abundantly bless you!
