Our sponsorship journey began in 2014 on a special Sunday in church when we learned about Life Center in Ethiopia and began sponsoring a little girl named Haymanot. Three years later, my wife and I felt called to join a mission trip with our church to visit Life Center. We met Mulu and her amazing staff, heard her incredible story and faith and love, and saw first hand what Life Center is doing to bring love, life, and hope into the lives of so many needy children and widows.

We experienced God’s heart in a whole new way as our hearts were connected with these children and the work He is doing in their lives through Life Center. Since then, I have returned to Life Center over 10 times, with my wife and my oldest son accompanying me on some of these trips. My wife and I sponsor three children now, and ever since my son’s first trip to Ethiopia when he was 11 years old, he has been sponsoring a child on his own with money that he earns himself.

It is amazing to see first hand the difference that sponsorship makes for every child. Whenever I visit, I have the joy of meeting children who have been newly sponsored and are just beginning their journey with Life Center. The level of need in these kids’ faces and demeanors is something that is hard to describe, but the way that they are taken in and cared for by a loving and Godly staff at Life Center is truly miraculous. As I have the opportunity to get to know each one and return year by year, it is beautiful to watch the change that takes place. These children transform from empty to fulfilled, and from unwanted and needy kids into children who are secure and filled with a sense of belonging. The joy and purpose that radiates from their smiles and eager hugs every time I see them is life changing.

I am convinced that sponsorship through the Life Center is one of the most significant things that I have ever done in the lives of others, and it has made an eternal impact in my own life and the life of my family.

What a gift to know that through a minor $35/month we are changing the trajectory of a child's life from one of little to no opportunity into a life of hope and access to support in all areas of their lives. They are learning about the saving grace of Jesus and getting support from loving social workers, after school tutoring, school supplies, and are a part of a community who loves them.

About 6 years ago we started sponsoring a little girl named Lydia. Every year we would receive a photo and communication from her and how she is growing, what she is learning, and how grateful she is to be able to be a part of a loving, supportive community like Life Center.

Last February, I had the pleasure of meeting Lydia for the first time at Life Center Ethiopia. Her smile lit up my heart. This young woman introduced me to all her fellow Life Center friends. She is clearly a leader at the Center as she gave younger ones hugs, told a misbehaving child to 'shape up', laughed with an infectious joy of love at the jokes of her friends. I could tell, THIS was her home away from home.

With strong English skills and a sparkle in her eye, she shared with me that her Auntie whom she lives with just had a baby. She was a proud cousin. And I could tell that maybe because of her own family loss, family was everything to her. She also explained to me that their community of orphans and those they lived with are very close. If there is a death in the community, they all pitch in to serve that family. Family is everything. And for Lydia and these orphans who have lost parents or cannot be provided for, Life Center community has become their family. It is Family. And this family is helping these children to make a life for themselves. My husband and I find it a blessing to help make this possible.

Fellowship Bible Church

It has been my privilege to work with the Life Center since 2014. Over the years, I have been captivated by the heart and passion displayed by Mulu, Ydit, and their team. Their skills and professionalism are unmatched, but above all of that, their hearts know no boundary. As a pastor of a church in Cleveland Ohio, I have had the distinct privilege of bringing thirty people to this beautiful country. Many of these team members, like myself, sponsor children at the Life Center and have seen firsthand the impact of their love. Over the past four years, we have seen our sponsored children grow into beautiful young men and women because of the efforts and love of the Life Center staff and volunteers. These children are now part of our hearts, our lives, and our families.