Arbu Chulule, Ethiopia 2008

I would like to express my gratitude to all our family, friends, and prayer partners all over the world that joined us on this mission trip. Your support, encouragement, and prayers made this happen. God’s providence in every aspect was totally astounding and I have never experienced this level of blessing and opening of doors at every level of society and culture. I think we were able to get a slight glimpse of what it must have been like for Joshua when God said that He would bless all his steps, it sure felt that way.

From visiting Melaku’s remote village on a mountain side at 10,500 feet to walking in the front doors of the palace of the president of Ethiopia, it was very evident that God’s favour was upon us. No matter where we went we were greeted with enthusiasm and love. The Ethiopian’s are a very kind and loving people and it was an honour to be able to present the vision of Hopethiopia to them.

Ethiopia is a very blessed nation and it also is facing some enormous challenges. We were able to see with our own eyes these different blessings and concerns and see how we might be able to come alongside the people and provide some support.

Every aspect of this mission trip was far exceeded. We went with the request of finding at least 4000 acres of land to start this project on. The government and President provided in excess of 8000+ acres in different sites. Joint meetings were set up with the different levels of government so that all could be present at the same time. Pastor Tolosa and a few others said that was a total miracle and have never seen such cooperation as well as immediate granting of lands. Praise God.

We were able to visit 9 different orphanages across Ethiopia and Uganda and get to understand the many different models and benefits and disadvantages of each location. We saw the different building concepts, home styles and management, get into infrastructure and finances, as well as see the heart of each organization. They were all extremely cooperative and supportive.

As you can imagine there is an enormous amount of work ahead. We have to finalize the details of setting up the NGO in Canada as well as setting up a foreign NGO in Ethiopia. Then we will continue the planning meetings to work out designs, models, etc. for all the different apects of this project. I know that many have asked about volunteering for the different parts of the project; the community project for orphan’s and seniors, the agricultural project, the reforrestation project, and the Peace Garden project. Also many have asked how to support financially. We are working on the different aspects of Hopethiopia and will keep you informed. If you feel that at some point you really want to participate email me and let me know how you might come alongside. Periodically check out the wesite www.hopethiopia.com and see how things are developing.

Again, many thanks to all and please continue to keep us and Ethiopia in your prayers.

Much love to all and to God be all the Glory,

Ralph