A Challenging Beginning

It was such a different morning. I insisted that leaders in every room say prayers in the room before work began. I prayed with Chika, Efrim and the Ethiopian staff in our rooms. I thanked God for ordering our lives here and for calling us to lay down our lives for friends. Little did I know what challenge was about to come.

Of course, we saw the worst cases first. The first was a 22 year old female who came extremely septic. Dr. Moore (Efrim) though she might have a week to live. But she died right then. It was devastating. Her name is Almaz Getanun. She died at approximately 10:05 a.m. No one wanted to touch the body due to cultural norms. By custom the body had to be washed by an elderly woman in the family, but she had none. An elderly lady did it. Patience and Chika were incredible with the cultural difficulties. They bound the body so she could fit in a plain box.

This is an extension ministry of Win Souls for God and Hope for Children in Ethiopia Ministries. When we were here last year the building was in construction. We worked in unfinished rooms. Since then the building has been completed. The clinic is spectacular, complete with café, library and furnished treatment rooms and glass walls. Diane and Kayenda are running a major pharmacy and staff. Selam is priceless (FBA member originally from Ethiopia.) Karen and Leeshu are both seeing patients simultaneously for glasses. Efrim and Chika have seen 100 or more combined.

The New Testament is being played in Amharic as patients are waiting. These were provided to us by the “Faith Comes By Hearing” ministry. These radio-like units are solar powered and play a reading of the New Testament in the language the people can understand.

We need your prayers. You are partners with us in reaching souls in Chencha, Ethiopia. Thank you for sending us and for standing with us.

Ingrid