Charis Update March 2025 Ethiopia

A mother with her children begging on the streets of Addis Ababa.

A mother with her children sits in silence by the side of a busy road in the sprawling capital city of Addis hoping for a few birr so she can feed her children. A mother and children among many who have been displaced by regional conflicts, where the loss of their husbands, murder, rape and pillaging forced them to flee to the city of Addis, a place of perceived safety due to lack of drones and military activity, however their fate here is to face a different kind of danger - the danger of ruthless police who have been ordered to rid the city of any evidence of homelessness and poverty, the danger of hunger and sickness, the danger of evil predators who stalk the streets at night. 
During our recent trip to Addis, we witnessed women and children begging in every quarter of this massive city. These are not alcoholics or drug addicts they are victims of war but there is seemingly no or little help. It is a travesty to see these dear ones lacking the basics, which all human beings deserve- a place of nurture, a home, to shield them from the elements and all harm, a place to rest and enjoy peace, nutritious food to strengthen their bodies, dignity and respect as a valued member of society and God's creation. 
Since August, Charis, Elizabeth and Febien have been seeking to rescue such families. To date we are supporting 5 such families alongside other elderly and disabled. 

Hindya - a story of transformation and hope
The story of muslim mother Hindya is a one of hope and serves as a model for our vision- as you will probably remember Elizabeth and Febien came across Hindya and her 5 children in October 2024. 

Hindya and her children when Elizabeth and Febien found them - hiding her face in shame.

They found her in desperate need and at her wits end after spending 4+ months on the streets of Addis after fleeing Harar in Oromio, where fighting between the OLF group and government forces saw many killed including her husband and atrocities committed. She fled with her 5 children having nothing. She survived the arduous months on the harsh streets of Addis by sheer determination despite having stones thrown at her, and being accused of being mad, she kept her children safe not daring to sleep at night in case evil men came to steal or abuse. 
Elizabeth and Febien found her a room, which was not easy because landlords are not keen on so many children but God helped them. We visited her - a simple block room which to our western eyes is pure poverty but to her is a safe haven. It has a door and lock, a roof, walls, a mattress. We provide them with monthly food and personally witnessed a phone call from Hindya - she often calls Elizabeth after eating and their are bellies full to give thanks and Elizabeth prays with her and the children. Hindya is not far from Jesus. Muslim by birth and upbringing she is now recognizing the One who truly is God and who loves her. She cannot believe the love she has encountered and is so thankful. 
Elizabeth and Febien are looking for a new room for her closer to the others, because some of her muslim neighbours have been suspicious and she is afraid to pray to Jesus in case they hear her. 

Visiting Hindya in their new safe space was very humbling.

Doors of Hope
We visited the other families that have been rescued and we are supporting. We are renting rooms in a compound, which we are hoping will become the first of many such places of accommodation and nurture across the city. 
 

We were blessed by family Tsion, who held a coffee ceremony for us, roasting a few coffee beans, grinding them and serving up delicious strong coffee. We were humbled by their rich hospitality. Tsion is an educated woman, who, before the troubles, studied at university but the war put an end to all her hopes of a career and eventually as the conflicts raged and her husband was killed she had to flee to Addis with her children. Her girls are lovely Christians and clever. They are now going to school and the youngest wants to become an engineer and pastor. May it be in Jesus name!
The grandma above with her grandson was in dire straits and struggling to feed the boy when Elizabeth was led to them. When we entered the small dark room we were shocked when she starting kissing our feet! We felt so humbled and assured her that it was Jesus who was deserving of such honour. But it made us realise how desperate she was before help came. 

The logistical challenge of Addis
We visited others on the care list in a different part of the city. Logistics in Addis are a challenge! It is a huge city with 4 million people and it is estimated there are 50,000+ homeless. Many others live in slums or tin shacks that the government seek to hide behind makeshift walls. Taxi drives are hair raising as cars, taxis, buses, trucks vye for space. In the midst of such horrendous traffic women with children weave in and out of stationary vehicles begging or selling cheap wares. Some of these may well be 'employed' by others, exploited in their vulnerability in order to earn a few birr..we have heard some even rent babies to encourage giving. 

Registration of Charis Ethiopia
The next step in our vision to help many more desperate women and children is to register an association as a legal entity, which we believe will open many doors. Please pray with us as Febien leads on this, for wisdom, favour and provision. We are seeking an office/community space to rent, which will serve as a base for the association but also a place to connect with women and children in desperate need, tend to the sick -both Elizabeth and Febien are medically trained and authorised to practice and offer temporary crisis accommodation, whilst more long term help can be sorted. 

Finally - dear Lemane 
We were so happy to be able to stay with Elizabeth and Febien in their flat where we were really spoiled rotten-  there was foot washing every night which was, after my initial reticence as one who values my personal space:), very soothing and relaxing. They were great hosts and their coffee making skills second to none. We were also blessed by Lemane, who came with Elizabeth from Nekemte in August 2024. Lemane related her story to us and we were very moved.. what trauma this 13 year old girl has experienced! She lived with her family in Mendi in Oromio, her parents were farmers and she lived a simple but happy life until troubles erupted in her area. She personally witnessed her friends and neighbours shot by random drones sent by government forces. Her father died and in the madness that followed she became separated from her mother and siblings and came with a group to Nekemte. That is where in September 2023 Elizabeth found her alone on the street, traumatised and afraid and in great danger of being raped.
To see her now, confident and assured and very happy is another story of transformation and hope. She goes to school, has an adoptive family, who loves her and is growing in her faith. Recently she has reconnected with her mother and Elizabeth will be arranging a visit soon. 

Before - September 2023 in Nekemte.

Lemane today Elizabeth and Febien in Addis.

Charis' vision to expand this work among the homeless and displaced mothers with children is possible because we know they are on God's heart:

'God is a Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out prisoners with singing...' (Psalm 68:5-6)

We hear his call : 'Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked.'(Psalm 82:3-4).

We have limited capacity, abilities and resources but God has a limitless supply of all we need. Please pray and join with us as we move forward in this work to see more lives rescued and transformed by the power and love of JESUS, who himself, identifies with 'the least' in society- 'Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me.' 
 

Thank you for all your prayers and faithful support!

Love and God bless,

Mel, Mandy and Charis Teams
xxx
 

(If you wish to donate: Barclays Bank: Charis Ministries, Sort Code: 20-09-72 Account Number: 63652572 or via website www.charisafrica.com
or contact Mel – melwel72003@yahoo.co.uk)

Registered UK Charity 1138859