Informational Meeting-Join Us!

ETHIOPIA 2014 TRIP MEETING! 

Sunday, October 13 at 4:30 pm in the St. Joseph Christian School library. 

Spread the word and join us! Parents and interested participants welcome. Please e-mail me at JoeyAustin70@gmail.com if you have any questions!

2014 Dates set

It looks like SJCS & SJSD have the same spring break...which means...the Ethiopia dates will be April 11-19, 2014! Join us? #Ethiopia

Thursday, March 28, 2013: Trees of Glory

Thursday-Trees of Glory

The room is quiet and dark, and I finally have a moment to reflect on today. I'm amazed that 10 short hours ago our group of 16 piled into the vans headed to another Childern's HopeChest care point called "Trees of Glory." We packed so much into those hours that the day flew by.

It's another beautiful day in Addis-yet this one would take us to the countryside, to huge open spaces filled with fragrant eucalyptus trees, blue skies and rolling green hills. It's so beautiful sometimes it honestly takes your breath away! Sprinkled throughout the countryside are mud huts, children hurrying donkeys along, women carrying 40-50 pounds of eucalyptus tree leaves to the market to sell and buildings that encourage me that new construction means new jobs.

So many wonderful things happened at Trees of Glory that it's hard to write down, but here it is in a nutshell: we were able to hand out sponsor packets to the children from their sponsors in the US and take in their joy at a kind written word, encouragement, prayer or gift; play with the kids in the (hot!) sunshine; tour the amazing grounds and marvel at the new chicken coop, clean water well, and best of all, the new mud hut that is now their chapel. Here we gathered as a group with some Trees of Glory staff members and prayed & sang Amazing Grace and Shout to The Lord. Many staff members didn't know the words, but knew how to praise. Language just doesn't matter at a sacred moment like that.

A few of us were able to take Simeret, the director of the school aside, lay hands on her and pray for her. Her shoulders shook and she cried as Cindy Richardson spoke one of the most beautiful prayers I've ever heard lifted to heaven. Simeret is an indescribable force for the school and a visionary leader. What a huge impact she has made not only for the children, but the community surrounding Trees of Glory.

We concluded the night with a Maundy Thursday service led by Rick Randleman. After he spoke and read about the Last Supper, we took communion as a group (Goldfish and water, but hey! , it counts!!) and meditated while "How Beautiful" played. After our service, Ali Freudenthal asked that everyone speak a word of encouragement about the person to your right. Not many could get through their moments without completely breaking down. Call it exhaustion, but this group had a quick and loving bond that was immediately evident. It has been a tremendous blessing for me personally to be a part of such a great group. Thank you God, for blessings big and small-for those evident and those unseen!  by Joey Austin

We leave tomorrow night to head back to the States. But you know, Ethiopia never really leaves me at all.

Trees of Glory library!!!!

 Yes... Mrs. Zahnd and Mrs. Richardson have eucalyptus under their noses!

Wednesday, March 27 by Tyler Davison

Where to begin... This being my second year on this trip, I was extremely excited to come back to Ethiopia! What I soon realized, though, was that most of my excitement stemmed from me expecting to encounter the same life changing experiences as I had the first year. This perspective drastically changed the moment we met up at KCI on Friday morning with the simple realization that it was a different group of people. The initial sorrow of missing those folks who wouldn't be going with us this year still lingers (Taylor, Sarah, Dakota, Hannah, Connie, Lanette, Jodi, Kelsey, and Amy) but let me tell you, the 16 of us have had the most amazing week so far and have grown so close! Each day has been filled with laughs, cries, dances, hugs, kisses, songs, and prayers.

We began today by heading to Mission Ethiopia, a ministry that is devoted to helping those surrounded by poverty to obtain a self-sustaining lifestyle. Women filled two of the rooms busy with their work of making beads and other jewelry out of clay. Full of smiles, they welcomed us in to sit with them, talk with them, and even attempt to learn their craft! Communication was difficult, but in their broken English and our hilarious attempts at Amharic, we were able to share God's love with each other in its purest form. Songs of praise in the universal words of "Alleluia Jesus, Alleluia" filled that tiny room and goose bumps immediately rose on my arms. To think of what these women have gone through and continue to face everyday and to watch how hard they work while praising The Lord with joy, it brings me to a state of humility and hope. Humility knowing that God deserves our relentless praise NO MATTER WHAT and hope knowing that even ashes can be turned into beauty. What a testimony to the work that God can do and is doing in Ethiopia and around the world. 

 

From Mission Ethiopia, we were allowed to visit the home of one of the women living near Mission Ethiopia. She is the mother of 4, the oldest being 7 years old, and struggles to support her family with an injured leg and a husband who must beg on the streets for income. We entered the tiny 10' x 10' room which housed a bed and some clothes spread throughout and gave the woman a gift with some food and cooking oil. She was very grateful and said nothing but words of thankfulness and praise to us, yet another humbling experience. Before leaving, we sang the song "I Love You Lord" to her, knowing that her heart was singing with us, wow... 

Next came the care point which was a new experience for us all! With a fully stocked kitchen fit with appliances and cabinets and a sheltered eating area, it was clear to see how much progress the care point has made and even more importantly the impact that the care point is making on the members of the community of Kora! Little kids ran to us with smiles and immediately attached themselves to our hands, an experience that will never lose its impact, we heard an amazing testimony from a member of the community who grew up in the dump and is now a crucial member of the care point team, and got to help feed the children (always a blast!). Leaving those precious kids was difficult, but the separation was different than the trip from last year.

This brings me back to the point of this year being a different experience than last year's trip. When we left the children at the care points last year, I was filled with sorrow because I felt that I was abandoning these kids to a life without love, hope, or a future. But boy have my eyes been opened to the good, no, the GREAT that is happening through the work of Children's Hope Chest by the grace and power of God! These kids are receiving their basic needs of food, water, and health care, along with an education that will allow them to go to college (yes, college!), and most importantly discipleship that will lead them into the arms of "The One Who Can Do All Things" as one Ethiopian put it. The work that is being done also helps the families become self-sustaining so that hope for a prosperous life coupled with the love of Jesus will spread throughout the communities involved. Amazing, right? Remind me again why I doubt the power of God...

Shopping at the market was crazy and exhilarating as always, but the night ended with quite the cultural experience. (Pic below Joey and Sammy brushing their teeth Ethiopian style in the market!)

The team ate at Yod Absynnia, a traditional Ethiopian restaurant complete with authentic food, music, and dancing (Yod Abyssinia website). Our eyes were plastered to the performers as they worked their shoulders (the Ethiopian equivalent to the hips in American dance), and our taste buds were tested as many sampled and some devoured the variety platter of Ethiopian food. Two members of our group were called on stage to dance with the performers! Tammy rocked it up there like a dancin' machine and the other 'lucky' contestant did his best... ;)

In short, this trip has stretched me and encouraged me at the same time. I am continually reminded that life is 100% about praising God and using who I am to give Him ALL the glory in any and every circumstance. The one body of Christ truly has many parts that are all unique and important in their own way: the workers with Hope Chest, the women at Mission Ethiopia, this incredible team I get the pleasure of traveling with, the children, the cooks at the guest house, and the list goes on... One Body, Many Parts, being the hands and feet of Jesus. For His Glory.....  Tyler Davison

 From Tyler's Facebook Post Tuesday:

Last year at Kind Hearts, I met this little guy, Cubahn, and immediately fell in love. We spent two days together and become incredibly close, with our only forms of communication being smiles, hugs, and tears. I hated leaving that second day because I knew I might never see him again, and I thought that fear became a reality until 5 minutes before we left kind hearts yesterday. I spent all day looking for him but gave up when we were saying goodbye to everyone, telling myself that he must not be at the school anymore. It wasn't until I was hugging all the kids, kissing them on the cheek and telling them goodbye that I noticed something familiar about the grip of one of the kids. I pulled him in front of my face and boy did a smile spread across my face when I realized who it was! He looks so much healthier than last year and so much more grown up! I cannot wait to go back today and spend an entire day with him!!!

Tuesday pics

"Let us love...with ACTIONS and in TRUTH..." 1 John 3:18

 Logan with the kids at Kind Hearts

 Madison, Mrs. Richardson and Sarah help students write sponsor thank you notes for their Easter care packages

Tyler loving every moment!

Tuesday, March 26 Kind Hearts, Parables, Crafts and more! by Joey

This trip has been such a joy to lead! I think I might say this every year...but we have had such a joyous time together--I'm so glad God put the perfect group together to go through this journey together!

Today we served at the Kind Hearts Care point. Our goal for the day was to simply spend time with the kids. Grace Dahlgren held a hand washing class, and so many kids could not wait to take their turn to wash their hands-with SOAP!-under the clean water well. It felt like a mini field trip. It's the little things that make us pause and smile at their precious joy at something we take for granted. 

 Tyler Davison, Sarah Gregory, Madison Nigus, Caleb Dahlgren, Tim Chester, Morgan Brand and Logan Morrison re-enacted the parable of the Good Samaritan as Rick Randleman (youth pastor of Central Christian Church) told the story to the kids. We have been so touched to share a few stories with the children about God's love for them. We also were able to sing "I Love You Lord" and "Amazing Grace" to the children. We don't want to miss an opportunity to let them know how much God loves them!

Grace Dahlgren also had the chance to pull some of the ladies who work at Kind Hearts aside and give them a special "Women's Hygiene" packet. To not be too graphic, many Ethiopian women are unable to find what we in America take for granted (Tampax, Kotex) and often use anything available (example: sticks, grass, rocks, etc..) during their monthly cycle. Many women in St.Joseph pitched in to help create a kit that includes a flannel pad that is washable and discreet all while being packaged in a pretty bag. To say they were excited and ecstatic was an understatement. Lanette Bocquin, who was on the 2012 team, helped create "Days for Girls" kits for students to use as well. We were so happy to share this gift with them. Grace named this project "Common Threads..." It was a perfect name for the project!

I have been thinking so much about what the pastor at Beza International Church shared during his sermon on Palm Sunday...he said, "God doesn't look at the outside. He looks inside to see the blood of Jesus in you. We are all ONE BLOOD. All of us will be together one day in heaven...ONE BLOOD."

That's the only way I can describe how the group feels about the kids at Kind Hearts...we are ONE BLOOD. There is a sense of relationship, kinship, friendship and love that really can't be explained. Many tears were shed when we left today. I finally got to hear the words from our sponsor child Hyder..."I love you." Oh the joy...pure joy. I've loved you a long time, buddy. See you next year...

 

Joey and her sponsor child Hyder

by Joey Austin

Pictures from Monday at Kind Hearts

 Caleb Dahlgren greeting children at the school.

 Aben was given this Southwest hat by Caleb!

 Some of the crew from St. Joseph, MO

 Mrs. Dahlgren with children from Kind Hearts

 Tim crossing the river

 Kind hearts completed Water Well...so grateful for the gifts and prayers of our SJCS families! Our prayers have been visibly answered!

Tim Chester

Jesus Loves Me- Kind Hearts School Ethiopia

Jesus Loves Me!! Kind Hearts School

Monday, March 25 by Shannon Davis

 Logan Morrison- in a rare moment- sitting down!  A constant jungle gym for the kids!

New bathroom building will hopefully be built next year to replace the current one at Kind Hearts!  We are halfway to our fundraising goal!

 Caleb Dahlgren hanging out with the kids during free time.

 Madison Nigus and her new pal!

 Sarah Gregory and friend skipping and singing along!

 Mintesinot- he has grown since last year!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. A picture was what made me desire to come to Africa. It was a picture of a young boy atop the shoulders of my high school cousin, both were full of joy. That picture was worth a thousand words. 

Here I am today finishing my second day of our trip here.  My feet are dirty, my arm is punctured by a nail holding the lock of the tin bathroom door, my heart is heavy, my body is tired, my camera full of pictures. Pictures that will soon come back to the states, pictures that are real, that captured the moments of our day. But to be honest, those pictures will never truly be able to tell the story of our experience. The experience that God has blessed us with is something that is hard to capture by a picture and hard to put into words. The experience here is one that everyone needs to have. 

As we left Kind Hearts school a young boy was standing alone crying. His heart ached, he knew we were leaving.   How can we, in our English language, be able to explain to him that we will be back?  A promise that we're able to keep for this week. It's a reminder to me, of Christ's death on the cross, the sadness, the darkness, and the emptiness. Christ was gone, to that little boy we were leaving, never to come back. Christ fulfilled the promise that joyous Easter morning when he rose from the dead, he conquered the death, the darkness, the emptiness. 

During this short week I pray we can bring hope, and continue to bring joy to the children. The same way Christ brings us hope, provides us joy, and loves us unconditionally. The children here need love, they are loved by their teachers, by their families, and by God. They need your love, our love, always. Maybe some day you'll see that picture that tugs on your heart, and you're then soon off to Africa. Whatever it is, I pray that you'll soon be here to realize that a picture really isn't worth a thousand words, but rather an experience of little hands touching you, big wet sloppy kisses on your face, smiles that go on for miles, voices of young little children singing praises to God and the love they have to share with us. The love God has for us, being poured out through young children in Ethiopia. 

Joyfully serving,  Shannon
1st grade teacher at St. Paul Lutheran school

Day 1 Reflection: God's plan by Mrs. Tammy Flowers

We met these neighborhood children along the road as we made our way to Mission Ethiopia on Sunday. We sang and danced and they practiced their English and asked for chocolates! ;)

Photo of Beth Zahnd and Tammy Flowers in front of the Rodeo Addis restaurant. It was a 'cowboy' themed restaurant complete with burgers and fries.

Day 1 reflection: God's plan
Have you ever had a time in your life that you knew that you were fighting against God's plan for your life? When I first began attending Wellspring church, our pastor asked the congregation, "How do you know when it's God?" How do you know when it's God nudging you toward a path or the enemy misleading you through your own selfishness and insecurities? Many people spoke up that day and several key indicators rose to the surface. 

If you are wondering if it's God, you have to spend time with God. Spend time in prayer, spend time in His word, spend time in counsel with other followers of Christ. When you have returned to those basics and find that a particular path continues to be revealed to you, be certain that you are to follow.

One of the things that I have learned over the course of the last year is that repeatedly in history God even uses people's sin and disobedience to fulfill his master plan. Why? How can such blatant sins be turned to good? How did a perfect sinless Jesus Christ come from the bloodline of a prostitute and adulterer? 

Our Palm Sunday service at Beza International church brought this into perspective. We belong to a just God. We are loved by a God that holds us accountable. However in direct juxtaposition, we are held in the hands of a merciful God. How can judgement and mercy both describe our God? 

The pastor of the church demonstrated that the Ark of the Covenant is an illustration of God's law and unfailing mercy. The ark is an elaborate container that was intricately designed by hands led by God. The container was built specifically to hold the stone tablets that were etched with God's 10 commandments. Commandments that proved that each human is a sinner and in need of a merciful God. Atop the closed container sits two angels with their wings extended toward each other creating what looks like a bench, a bench known as 'the mercy seat'
A container built to describe God's plan for us. He has a set of rules that we are to follow, a path for each of us to take. However in his unfailing love he cloaks that law with his mercy. Do we deserve such forgiveness? Do we offer in return such forgiveness for others?

Colossians 3:14
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

by Tammy Flowers

Palm Sunday by Mrs. Cindy Richardson

After one year of praying and planning I finally arrived in Ethiopia; travel weary and ill.  I had been hearing stories and seeing pictures for several years and could hardly wait to experience God in Africa.  Maybe it was the long line we stood in to receive our hand written visa, or having to check the math of the woman who exchanged my money into Burr, or being greeted by the smell of exotic spices while still feeling queasy, but my first thought was why would anyone want to come back to Ethiopia?  

We piled into vans and we settled into the guest house.  I could hardly wait to fall into bed.  I slept so soundly I didn't hear the muslim call to prayer that seemed to wake everyone else.  But when I did awaken, it was with a sense of anticipation and excitement; in stark contrast to my first impressions last night.  After worshipping with believers from around the world at Beza International Church I would have been satisfied and called it an awesome trip.  The Spirit of the Lord is alive and active in Ethiopia!   

We had lunch at "The Rodeo" restaurant complete with the Texas Lone Star symbol to greet us at the entryway.   After enjoying pizza with moss which we found out was just mozarella cheese,  we headed to Mission  Ethiopia.  As we got out of the vans we were swarmed by many beautiful children.  They shouted their greetings, hugged us, wanted to have their pictures taken and play with us; total strangers. So opposite to America where we have to teach our children to beware of strangers.  

 

Ethiopia is a county of contrasts. Business men in suits and finely dressed women  walk the same streets with those who live in the streets.  Goats and cows share the small grassy areas with children at play and those with wares to sell. Donkeys are driven down the sidewalk while cars dodge each other and pedestrians in the streets.   Metal shanties are built next to beautiful buildings. Loving, joyful children living in poverty.  Muslims are called to prayer five times a day while believers access to the one true God anytime, anywhere.  I am excited to meet more believers tomorrow at Kind Hearts school. After a day like today,  how could anyone not want to return to Ethiopia?  by Cindy Richardson

Mrs. Richardson

The whole crew eating pizzas after church

First power outage Sunday night!