"Nothing Else Like It In The World" ~ Guest Post by IHH team member Mindy

When we arrived at El Olam orphanage, my controlling, over-planning self was not thinking about who would be on the other side of those doors. I was worrying about whether or not we would have enough sock monkeys for each child. One of my past co-workers had generously donated them but they were so cute and so big that we really didn't have anything else comparable to give to anyone if we didn't have enough. I think God probably laughs at the silly things we stress about. Usually they are things we have no control over at all, and that He has already handled with his attention to the tiniest details. Well of course we had 25 sock monkeys and 25 older children at the orphanage. The children were so excited to get the sock monkeys, and I just thought it was so incredible to see so much joy in one room. It really gave me a perspective about how thankful I should be for the little things in life.

We followed handing out the sock monkeys with handing out the beautiful dresses that the kids at Kimberlin had made. The little girls were so precious picking out their new dresses and just as God had provided with the sock monkeys, we had just enough dresses and shorts to clothe all the older children. Once we handed out the dresses, this precious little girl in the picture stole my heart. There were a few babies there with the older children. It appeared that if they had an older sibling they were allowed to stay downstairs with the older kids. Well this precious little girl wanted to make sure the babies got new clothes too.

When we first arrived we had dropped off some baby clothes upstairs, so I told her I would go get the clothes. The only thing standing between me and those clothes was the ability to communicate in Amharic the words "baby clothes". I grabbed my camera and recorded a video of the orphanage director translating for me. I ran upstairs and played the video back for the workers that were with the babies. They understood and brought the clothes back out that we had left with them. When I brought them downstairs, this sweet girl picked out an outfit for each of the babies that were downstairs, and then she asked to take the clothes back upstairs for the babies. We headed back upstairs and as we went she asked if she could carry the clothes. I said yes and filled her arms with baby clothes. I just thought I had seen real joy earlier. This little girl burst into the baby room with her arms full of clothes and didn't rest until she had picked out the perfect outfit for each baby in the room and helped to dress them. She was just beaming. She was just so excited to be part of the process, to be the hand that delivered the gifts.

I reflected back on this little girl over and over during the trip each time we were able to be His hands and feet. As we were painting fingernails, blowing bubbles, handing out bears or cars or suckers I totally understood how she felt when she handed out those clothes. I was so overwhelmed and blessed that our Heavenly Father who could fulfill all of these needs with a single spoken word loved me enough to allow me to be part of the process. Our team was priviliged to share the love He has so generously given to us and to personally deliver a message of Hope.

If you've been considering going on a short term mission trip but thought of a million reasons why you can't go this year then you would be right where I was last April. My prayer for you this year would be that come next January you would be right where I am now. I've now gone on my first short term mission trip and I can tell you: "There's simply nothing else like it in the world."  ~ Mindy

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Mindy joined our team in September, after God had placed Ethiopia in her heart months earlier in the spring.  Mindy directs our church's large Awana Sparks club, and was instrumental in leading the "change drive" in which the Sparks raised hundreds of dollars toward IHH's water project.  Unbeknownst to her, even then God had plans... not only to miraculously bring the water project forward so quickly, but for her to go stand on the very land that had once been dry, to fill a water container with the water she helped to bring there, and to look into the eyes of the precious people of the village.


She has a heart for the Lord, the gift of leadership, views the world through the lense of compassion, and serves others diligently, as though serving Christ Himself.  As a team member she spear-headed fundraising efforts as well as became a point person for key donations such as medical supplies and...sock monkeys!  What a blessing and it was to have Mindy on our team this year and serve alongside her. ~Cyndi

Ethiopia Bound!

On January 3, 2012, a group of 8 departed for an amazing week of ministry with IHH's ministry partners in Ethiopia. It was a privilege to be sent to work among the precious people of Addis Ababa. We returned 10 days later, having poured ourselves out, yet full, having received so much more in return. In the coming days the team members will be sharing some of our experiences and what God is doing in Ethiopia.  THANK YOU for praying us there and back and for supporting work that will outlive us all and continue to bring others the HOPE that is Jesus Christ.

"Now, the community is ...full of joy, regarding the water."

The first phase of IHH's water project in Bole Bulbula, Ethiopia has been completed! Last week the people of the community were able to have access to CLEAN water without walking 4 miles, multiple times per day!

The water pipeline runs to the new church site, in the heart of the village and close to the homes.  No longer do they need to make the long trek to the water spigot several km away, or pay inflated prices to fill their containers.

Pastor Abdissa reports that over 200 people per day have been filling their containers with fresh, clean, water  in the heart of their community, at a very minimal cost compared to before.  The cost will be offset by IHH contributions as well as by Misgana Church.

The next phases of the plan includes building a fence around the site, and also the construction of a shower facility for use particularly by the children and youth, to help prevent disease.

Thank you to ALL who have prayed and contributed, and continue to do so. Glory to God!

Water Pipeline Starts in Ethiopia

IHH has been raising funds for a water pipeline project for the village of Bole Bulbula in Ethiopia, and we are excited to announce that we have received enough funds to begin construction!

With this water pipeline, the families at the village will be able to get precious water within their village. Up until now, the children would use donkeys to carry large buckets to get water from a nearby water source. The trip would be taken 2 or 3 times a day, and the distance to get there and back was over 3 miles.



The water pipeline will extend to the site of the church grounds at the village. The water source will be part of church life in the community, and the church and Jesus's name will receive the glory for bringing water to this community.

IHH Ethiopia

***Edited: NEW travel dates***

Psalm 68:31 says "Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God." IHH, by God's grace, is privileged to be part of God reaching this amazing, historical, ancient land and the people who are so precious to Him. Their hands ARE outstretched. They are ready.

This past January, a team of 4 visited our ministry partners in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where IHH has worked since 2009. The team went as part of a vision/planning trip. It was an amazing 10 days! The team consisted of Cyndi, (the wife of IHH President, Luke Krawietz) their daughter Bethany, as well as two family friends. During their time in Ethiopia, they were privileged to get updates from and strengthen our partnerships, meet with IHH's sponsor children, gather information about future involvement in projects, as well as pray through the possibility of returning with a team this coming summer. We held orphans, laughed and danced with children, ministered to widows, visited those who live in a dump, walked over 3 miles for water with those who don't have clean water in their village, and had a God-ordained time of allowing Him to break our hearts for what breaks His.

As a result of the trip as well as much prayer on the part of our board, we are pleased to let you know that we are planning to return to Ethiopia!

Travel dates: July 7-17, 2011 January 3-13, 2012
Cost: $2,800
Deposit: $350
Accomodations: Ethiopia Guest Home (http://www.ethiopiaguesthome.com/)
Purpose: James 1:27- visiting widows and orphans in their distress, evangelism, and compassion ministry
Our work will include:

• Working in our partner village of Bole Bulbula, playing games with the children, distributing donations and clothing, doing evangelism, prayer-walking, home-visits, supporting the local church's outreach to children and widows, and partcipating in another "water walk"- taking a walk in their shoes as they get their water for the day.
• Visits to 3 orphanages- hugging and holding orphans "in their distress."
  
• Playing games and doing crafts in 2 Compassion Family International drop-in centers where very disadvantaged children are able to receive preschool education and one meal a day while their parent(s) work to provide for them.
  
• Visiting the people who live at Korah, the trash dump. We will be partnering with a vibrant church that is situated right in the middle of the dump, reaching the outcasts who live there with the message of HOPE. You can learn more about Korah here: http://vimeo.com/13771428

Other ministry plans are in the works, but this gives you an idea of some of the exciting ways God is at work, and how we can directly be a part of it. We plan to post more specifics about our work in Ethiopia in the coming weeks. Here is a video with some glimpses of the beautiful people we are privileged to serve there.



If you feel that Ethiopia could be where God is calling you this summer, complete a mission trip interest form here or email us via our website.

A Ray of Hope for Two Children in Ethiopia

Sisay Girma is and eleven-year-old bright young girl. She was born in a family of six including her father, mother, brother and two sisters. She is the first born child to her parents. Sisay used to live with her parents in a town called Neja which is found in the Oromiya province of Ethiopia. Her parents make a living through farming. However, the income generated was barely enough to cover the consumption expenses of the family let alone provide the means for her to go to school. Hence Sisay did not have a chance to get any kind of education. In search for a better life, Sisay came to Addis Ababa to live with her aunt. However life in her aunt’s house was not any different from the life she had left behind. Her aunt, W/ro. Ayelu is a 30-year-old woman who supports her family with the minimum wage she earns by working as a daily laborer. Sisay spent most of her days taking care of the household chores.

No matter how badly she wanted to go to school, she couldn’t until an organization called Compassion Family International (CFI) gave her the opportunity to be part of its meal plus educational program. At CFI Sisay benefits from the meal provision (breakfast & lunch) and gets the necessary education that equips her with the knowledge she needs to join a formal primary school. Her teacher said, “She used to have a rather difficult behavior at first but now she gets along very well with the other children. She has a good participation in class and is egger to know new things. She is also maturing spiritually”.

Sisay is very happy to be part of CFI’s meal plus educational program. She said, “At first, I used to fight with most of the children as I have never been part of such gathering. Everything was new for me. I used to get upset and cry often times. But now I get along with all my friends and teachers. I love it here and I’m happy.” When asked about her ambition in the future Sisay replied, “I want to go further with my education and become a school teacher”.


Ayansa Uguma is six years old. He lives with his mother in a small rented house. He doesn’t have any siblings. His father died when he was very young. His mother works as a daily laborer and earn a wage that is merely enough to pay the house rent and buy a small amount of food. Ayansa never had a chance to go to school because his mother could not afford his educational expenses.

Having seen the living condition of Ayansa, the local city administration recruited him to be a beneficiary at Compassion Family International (CFI). Ayansa is now one among the 25 children that regularly comes to CFI’s drop-in center to benefit from the meal plus educational program. In addition to the pre-school educational program, CFI provides two meals (breakfast and lunch) to all the children everyday on weekdays. For Ayansa and most of these children, this could be the only decent meal they get throughout the day.

Ayansa is an active, friendly and healthy young man with a bright future ahead of him. He loves to draw and play with his friends. His teacher said, “Ayansa is one of the good performers in class. He’s well-mannered and gets along with all the children”. Ayansa wants to be a driver when he grows up.


Compassion Family International (CFI) is a partner organization of International Hope & Heritage. CFI is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

IHH in Ethiopia

We (Luke and Cyndi) are beyond thrilled to be returning to Ethiopia. This is a much-anticipated and prayed-for opportunity. We are departing Friday October 30 and returning Saturday November 7. It is a quick trip, but we are trusting in the God of time (and of timing) to help us be good stewards of the days on the ground there. Thank you so much for your involvement and support of IHH's ministries there. We are looking forward to maintaining some of our existing connections, praying with our ministry partners and coming alongside them in some of their work, as well as laying the groundwork for some future team trips in 2010 and beyond.

By God's grace, and keeping in mind that "man makes plans, but the LORD directs his steps" (Pr. 16:9), here is who we plan to meet with during the week. We humbly ask that you pray for the names and ministries below with whom we will be meeting, and that God would provide even more "divine appointments" as we seek to minister to all with whom we come in contact as well as prepare to bring future teams in 2010.

Getahun Tesema - founder/President of Bright Hope Organization (a.k.a. Buckner/Bright Hope) a large, effective NGO involved in nearly a dozen ministries. We’ll visit at least a couple of these projects. Getahun’s wife, Tegist, is the director of Buckner/Bright Hope’s children’s home – their combination orphanage & transition home (where our son lived) We will also visit this home during the week.

Joe & Karen Bridges - leaders in Ethiopia for their 501(c)(3) out of Tennessee called The Foresaken Children. From their website: “...exists as an advocate for Ethiopia’s children at risk by building sustainable financial support for Christ-centered Ethiopian organizations working with children at risk, and helping these organizations to develop into strategic, long-lasting interventions.” Joe & Karen moved to Ethiopia last year, along with their two children. They work closely with their Ethiopian NGO partner, Children’s Home Ethiopia, to run both a boys’ home in the Lafto area (near the guest house) and a daytime drop-in center in the Mexico area. (another area of Addis…)

Wondwossen (Peter) Abera – founder of Compassionate Family International, an Ethiopian NGO which operates two drop-in centers we will visit. One is within walking distance of the guest house in Lafto and the other in the Kechene area of the city. Peter is just an outstanding, humble, joyous servant who has blessed us just by his friendship, let alone the way he cares for those in need.

Ephrem Hagos – Ethiopia Guest Home manager and leader of his own soccer/sports ministry to street children. We’ll visit the site of the soccer ministry which takes place nearly every afternoon, and probably take some of the kids out for a very special meal that evening (for us and them). With one or two of them on each of our arms, we’ll visit the local Ethiopian version of Starbucks/cafe and spend some time with them… giving them a voice while we hear their stories.

Beza Entoto Outreach – through Beza Int’l Church in Addis, a multi-faceted outreach program primarily aimed at the HIV/AIDS community on Entoto Mountain. Aspects of the program include: job creation; Self-Help Groups - like life groups with a micro-finance twist; weekly children’s ministry; health care. We’ll visit not only the Outreach center but also the Entoto community as well.

Win Souls For God – a ministry based in the heart of Addis and run by a small group of energetic, giving young men. We’ll hear about their ministry and visit at least two of their projects: a shelter/home for women rescued & rehabilitating from prostitution; and a vocational training center where boys rescued from lives on the street are learning a trade – in this case weaving very intricate fabrics.

Bole Bulbula – an impoverished rural village that lies literally right behind/next to the airport in Addis. IHH has taken steps to sponsor some of the children there and to provide vocational training opportunities for some of their parents. We’ll visit the village along with Pastor Abdissa Bente Leye of Addis and the local leader in Bole.

Kids’ Care and AHope – two larger orphanages located in Addis. In contrast to the smaller Buckner/BHO children’s home that serves as both orphanage and transition home, Kids’ Care is a large orphanage where children are waiting to be adopted through one of at least four different agencies (from the U.S. and several E.U. countries). Typically, when children have been “referred” or matched up with adoptive families, they will move from the orphanage to that particular adoption agency’s “transition home,” a smaller facility. A-Hope is one of the largest orphanages serving predominantly HIV-positive children.

Elolam orphanage – serving a small rural area near Debre Zeit, south of Addis. IHH has been working with this orphanage to facilitate the paperwork needed for children at this home to be eligible for adoption.

Additionally, we are personally going to visit the home of our adopted son's extended family and take this opportunity to update them once again with photos of him. Luke had the opportunity to visit them last January and all of our son's relatives and neighbors were most overjoyed by a tangible reminder of how loved he is and how we regard them as important in his/our life. It is an amazing privilege and opportunity to maintain this connection.

Again, thank you for all of your prayers, interest, and participation in IHH's work. God is doing a mighty thing in this generation! May He bless you richly, and we pray you will return with us to Ethiopia at some point in the future.

"Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God."
William Carey

Eph. 3:20-21,

Luke and Cyndi