July 2006
 Jeba Adugna, a 19-year-old secondary school graduate awaits the results of his University entrance exam. He left his poor family in the far western portion of Ethiopia four years ago to study in Addis Ababa. His only support is his ability to teach English.
In only one day, these people came to me with their needs:
Qes Ayano, an Ethiopian, came to Ethiopia representing ANARELA+ (African Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Affected by HIV and AIDS) from West Africa. I answered his request for startup money with a 6,000ETB donation ($700.00). He is an answer to my prayer for a church leader who is willing to speak out about his HIV+ status. He is a widower, his wife and child buried in Nigeria, struck down by AIDS. He is here to break the silence, with God’s help, among the Ethiopian church leaders.
The Rev. Senbeto, president of one of the synods, came to my office about his plan to attend the seminary here. He is anxious for his family of four children and his wife to be here with him, but they cannot afford the living expenses. I promised to pray for him and I pledged to pay the school fees ($82/semester) for one of his daughters. He was so grateful, shaking and kissing my hand repeatedly.
Belaynesh Bekele, a graduate of the Mekane Yesus Seminary, visited in my office three days in a row, finally presenting me with a two-page letter outlining her need for a place to stay and food as she returns to Addis Ababa to witness her friends’ graduation. But there is so much more to the story — a man was chosen for her to marry, by her family, five months ago, “but I refused because I didn’t see any vision similar with me. From that time on, me and my families are not in peace.” She has a full scholarship to attend graduate school in Holland in September. She has been working with youth, as a volunteer, in her home area south of Addis Ababa. What shall she do during these months in between? I was able to give her only a few birr ($5.23) and promise to pray for her.
Shimelus, the father of S., came to my office. Would I please phone the United States as S.’s American husband (P.) calls, but they cannot understand his English and they desire to move forward with the paperwork so S. can join P. in the U.S. Shimelus can’t understand why I can’t just go to the U.S. Embassy and straighten this out. American citizens are not to interfere with the visa process—stay away! But the big concern throughout this need—S. is HIV+ and has not informed her husband. Will she be denied a visa because of her status? This is her father’s real question.
A letter from Evangelist Mekonene Gebre explained “I am very very poor man. Also I want (need) to help my family but I do not have any money. For this reason I want you to know I hope you help me anything that you have … you can find other person to help me in Jesus Love.” In February, I traveled a three-days journey to teach HIV prevention in Tulegit and Kibish where the Haspels minister in the Suri Project. I met this evangelist at that time—he provided the worship service each morning, a kind, gentle man living in a hard place, without his family.
How shall I respond? To give may cause dependency, jealousy, competition, gratitude or unrealistic expectations of more “handouts.”
To withhold giving creates further hardship, lost opportunities. I appear selfish as it is obvious that I have resources—driving a 20-year-old car whose weekly fuel cost exceeds the monthly salary of my women friends. Withholding fails to follow Paul’s admonishment to the Romans, “God has given us different gifts … if it is giving, give generously” (Romans 12:8)
This dilemma, presented to me on a daily basis, is the greatest challenge I face in my work here. What would Jesus do? When Mary, Lazarus’ sister anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, certainly a generous gift, Jesus rebuked Judas for his criticism.
So I will pray, always, never ceasing, that I stay connected to what Jesus would do. And I will give, generously.
What can you do? Like Nehemiah, the plans for the implementation of the task—in this case HIV prevention along with care and support for those with AIDS and breaking the stigma in the church—requires resources. You are the source of the needed resources—give. And pray—for wisdom in my response(s) when asked and, for courage and creativity on the part of those who are asking.
Just being here, my white face says I have resources to bring here and to share. Make your check payable to PC(USA) for ECO 051770 and mail to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Individual Remittance Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Your donation will help. Thank you in advance for your generosity and your prayers.
Prayerfully,
Dorothy Hanson
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 330 |
