Last February, Pam Lilly wrote about her new book The First, the Only, the Few. This month she writes about her brother James who is helping orphans in Ethiopia.
We are grateful to be part of the Tying Vines family! This year, 10 of our kids—who began with us in kindergarten—successfully completed college. What a powerful testimony: in just five months, one of them will graduate as a doctor!
The Kingdom Resources, Ethiopa
The Kingdom Resources began in 2018 when God stirred the hearts of James and Sosena Williams on one of their trips back to Sosena’s home country, Ethiopia. They responded by deciding to start helping children in Ethiopia. They began a search for a well-run, lesser-known children’s organization that was having a tangible impact on the lives of kids. After researching numerous children’s organizations, Sosena finally found EDGET Aids Charity for Children.
They contacted Mr. Tesfahun Dendena, the founder of the organization, and visited the charity. Mr. Tesfahun was doing tremendous work with impoverished children and elderly grandparents who were left to care for the children because both of their parents were deceased. About 95% of the 300 children served by the charity are double-orphans. After meeting with Mr. Tesfahun (who also experienced poverty growing up) and witnessing his compassion in helping the children and the community, they were inspired to support EDGET Aids Charity. EDGET means “growth” in the Amharic language.
They begin supporting the charity with funding for food supplies and the summer feeding programs for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, famine, and low income. School supplies and clothing are provided to the children in these impoverished families, supported by EDGET.
While the children attend public school, EDGET fills in the gaps with after-school care, Saturday services, and summer programming. Computer training, mentoring programs, and weekend learning are provided to enhance the children’s education. Additionally, when the kids are out of school, feeding programs and continual learning support the children and their education throughout the summer. Medical assistance is also offered to those affected by these persistent hardships and other humanitarian crises. Social workers follow the children’s progress.
EDGET’s work extends beyond serving and being a blessing to the children; a pilot program was initiated to equip their grandmothers with cooking machinery. This empowers them to earn an income by cooking and selling food, which enables them to provide for their grandchildren.
EDGET has many success stories, thanks in part to children who have been a part of the program since kindergarten and continue to receive the extra support needed during their college years. More than a dozen of these young adults have successfully graduated from college. It is no surprise that these grateful students and graduates are giving back what was provided for them by serving as volunteers, mentors, and tutors to kids who are currently in the programs. Some have gone on to careers with Ethiopian Airlines, as medical doctors, and as marketing professionals. These success stories are a testament to the transformative power of a small investment in a child’s life. They are a joyful reminder of what is possible because of the provisions of partners of The Kingdom Resources.
Recently, God opened up another opportunity for The Kingdom Resources to support a pastor in a very rural area in Liberia. After being blessed with property, he started a feeding program for unschooled children, who also enjoy the benefits of prayer and Bible services. Women in the community are assisted with economic empowerment and trades. Please join us in praying for the ability to expand and the resources to open a school for the children in this remote area of Liberia.
A note from James and Sosena: “We are grateful for family members and friends who partner with us to be a blessing to others by funding these initiatives. We give thanks to Abba Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who continue to help us transform the lives of those in need according to His words. We are grateful to be used as servants in God’s program. We give thanks to all those who continue to support our 300 children.”
The School of Peace provides Gaza refugee children with education, daily meals and a safe space to heal, helping restore
The School of Peace provides Gaza refugee children with education, daily meals and a safe space to heal, helping restore
The School of Peace provides Gaza refugee children with education, daily meals and a safe space to heal, helping restore
