Lema (not his real name) is now 24 years old. One year ago he accepted Christ in a High School group meeting. Already Lema is working with me leading and organizing activities for other High Schoolers.

Lema comes from a very needy family where his father has been living with AIDS for a long time. His father and mother’s divorce has been very difficult for him bringing considerable sadness into his life. Although young, he is responsible to provide for his father and older sister. This places a heavy burden upon his young shoulders but he is trusting God to help him to fulfill his responsibilities.

Through weekly visits we are trying to help this needy family both physically and spiritually. During our last visit, it became a special time for us as we told them about Jesus how much He care for them. Lema’s father opened his heart to Jesus and invited Him to be his Lord and Savior. How Lema rejoiced in his father’s salvation. “Now I have real hope for my family and for the future,” he declared. By meeting this families physical needs we were able to help them find spiritual life as well.

When I first met them, Tamerat and Shito were already Christian but had never been discipled or challenged to live out their faith. I began meeting with them for a Bible study and finally brought them to the neighborhood meetings. Now they are they are Bible study leaders, children’s teachers, and are helping to meet needs of those in their communities.

Shito does weaving for traditional clothes to earn a living working during the evenings after school and ministry during the day. Although his income is insufficient to meet his needs and those of his family who is helping to support, the situation has not kept him from loving kids and serving God. His contagious smile shows the happiness Christ has brought into his life.