We've just returned from visiting two orphanage sites called Hope for the Hopeless.
I can't remember the last time I've been overwhelmed with so many things at once - love received from the kids, stories that broke my heart, joy that filled my soul as we danced and sang together.
Multiple sets of tears that streamed down my face, and prayers that opened the door for the Kingdom of God to show up in powerful ways.
Hope for the Hopeless is a ministry that rescues kids from the streets of Addis Ababa. Most of them are double and single orphans. They've run from abusive situations for safety. These amazing people find them, love them, and heal their broken hearts.
I will never look at ministry to street kids the same again.
They have two facilities, one in the city that houses kids and transitions them, another about thirty minutes outside the city where they live in community with staff and go to school.
Overwhelmed! I'll say it again.
We entered the gates and each child came up to us, hugged us (I'm talking full body hug) and thanked us for coming to see them. They are so filled with life and hope, I can hardly believe it.
I asked them about their dreams for the future. They want to be preachers, astronomers, gymnasts, professional soccer players, and good mommies and daddies.
One little boy has a degenerative eye disease, he'll go blind without a miracle. There was nothing we could do but pray. So we laid hands on him, and he started to cry. He had no idea what we were saying, it was a very touching moment.
We got down to a little business on the soccer field which was a blast. My boys would have been proud of my performance!
Then we sang songs together for 45 minutes. It felt like heaven, I'm telling you. Our team could have stayed there all night. Nobody wanted to leave and after being there for hours, it seemed like a few minutes.
When we left each of them hugged us again, this time a little longer, and with the words I love you in our ears. Some community of folks gets to sponsor this orphanage. I'm telling you, it's one of the most amazing places I've ever been.
If you're interested, let me know ASAP. There will be a line! They have a little support but it has waned with the economic crisis. There are so many great things to be done with this group.
I can't wait to get back. I'm coming with the sponsoring group to put on a camp at this place!
If you want to make a gift to support Hope for the Hopeless, donate now. We can use any amount to launch sponsorship here. Put "Hope for the Hopeless" in the notes section.
