It has been 15 years since Reaching Beyond Words began our work in Ethiopia. We have had so many wonderful testimonies over the years of lives being changed, not only in the natural but for God. Yes, we have had hurdles along the way, but God has been with us every step of the way. We have seen great poverty and hopelessness turned into daily food provided, needed clothing and a sense of worth that comes only from God. In the program we have worked to teach learning skills, sanitation, including proper hygiene, Bible studies and so much more.
As we reflect, it is hard to believe that some of the children that began as very young children are now going to college. We rejoice with the many widows and single mothers that have learned a trade, started their own business and for the first time in their lives opened bank accounts.
We have been blessed with a dedicated staff in Ethiopia, plus the board of directors. Brother Jemal has been with us from the beginning and is the RBW Project Manager: Jemal Shiferaw. Born in 1970 in the northern part of Ethiopia, Jemal became an orphan at the age of 7. He was raised by relatives until a famine came into the area and he, along with other young children, were moved by the government to World Missionary Children’s Home Ethiopia. This is where he spent the next 10 years of his life, graduating from high school and later attending Technical & Vocational Center before entering into Bible College in Addis Ababa. Jemal’s burden for the orphaned and abandoned children in Ethiopia was born out of his own life experience. It is his great desire to be able to help those who find themselves in similar situations that he did years ago.
We have included a video that was put together by one of our young people from the States after her time spent in Ethiopia helping in 2016. Some of the statistics have changed since then, which we are updating here, but much is the same as in the pictures and some of the statistics.
Ethiopia facts for 2025:
- Population 132.9 million
- Half the population is younger than 19.1 years
- Over half of adults are considered illiterate
- Sanitation in Ethiopia faces significant challenges despite some progress in recent years.
- 62.79 % employed in agriculture
- Average income is estimated to be less than $3 per day
- 5.9 % children die before reaching 5 years
- 4.5 million children have lost a parent and or both parents
We are so grateful to those that have faithfully walked with us through the years supporting the work in prayer and finances. As we continue to say, (because we see it firsthand) you are helping to make a difference for good!! May God Bless You All Abundantly,
Reaching Beyond Words Africa