ETHIOPIA—In Ethiopia, the GC Welfare Department is working with the Ethiopian Welfare Department to find ways for the local brethren to become self-sufficient.
The first project consisted of buying a sewing machine for a sister to use and work with. She has been working with the sewing machine for over six months and reported positive results since her very first day of work. She says that with her work she is able to easily provide for her family. We thank God very much for such encouraging results. Now that this method has been tested, ten more machines are to be distributed to several brethren in Ethiopia. While the machines are owned by the Welfare Department, our brethren will be the ones who use it.
Another project that was begun in an effort to help our brethren become self-supporting is a print and copy shop. A printer and copier machine were bought for a young sister (pictured below) from the region to use. She has difficulties to move about, making it harder for her to find work. She was expelled from her home by her family for accepting our faith, so we provided this material to guarantee her livelihood. The shop was very useful to her for a few months until she received a call for a government job. Now she no longer needs the machines (which are owned by the Ethiopian Welfare Department), but the trade continues to run, and today it supports two families.
These simple items have made extraordinary differences in the lives of our brethren in Ethiopia. They are able to work to support themselves and help their families. With the help of your offerings, the GC Welfare Department can partner with local communities and churches to implement such projects. These and other initiatives are taking place worldwide because of your help. If you would like to contribute, you can do so by visiting our donations page here.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin," Zechariah 4:10.
