Christmas Eve Offering: Children's Hope Chest

"What would it look like for us to make meaningful and long-term commitments to relationship in Africa that would—God willing— result in life transformation?"

A few years ago, we set out out to answer that question. Quickly we learned that God was going to lead us through relationships and connections that he brought forward.

While we were in Ethiopia and visiting Children's HopeChest CarePoints, we were brought to I Care For The Nation and met Ayneabeba Maru ("Ayni"), someone who was doing exactly the kind of work we wanted to be a part of. Someone who refused to let the lack of resources at her disposal hinder her from pursuing what God had put on her heart. Ayni, and her God-given compassion for the poor and extremely vulnerable children in the capital city of Ethiopia, got to work as she set out to do whatever she needed to.

As a result of her obedience and God's incredible faithfulness, children are beginning to thrive through sponsorship, and women are finding hope as they find a safe place to process their stories, heal, learn new skills, and possibly be introduced to Jesus for the first time. Real change is happening in and around I Care.

God has given Ayni instruction and guidance every step of the way as she leads, and she is very careful to implement what God was intending to do through I Care. We are so grateful for all that God has been up to through this organization and are excited for the opportunity to come alongside them through this year's Christmas Eve Offering.