Utilizing the “community-to-community” sponsorship, we leverage the power of one community of Christians making a long-term, transformational impact on Buruayu. Ultimately, these relationships and resources empower orphans to survive, thrive, and succeed within their home culture.
Understandably, some people have questioned how 1-2 trips a year to visit Burayu can form impactful relationships. While travelling on our vision trip last October, we visited CarePoints open for sponsorship and others that have already been partnered. The stark contrast that stood out most of all was not the lushness of the land or the infrastructure of the buildings. The most striking difference was in the emotional neediness of their hearts. The partnered communities did not desperately grasp at their survival, but were able think beyond their own self preservation to who they are and how they relate to their community. This is where relationships begin to form and a movement toward sustainable change can begin.
Truth is, trips rally great excitement both within Burayu and our sponsoring community. Our visits, letters, prayers, finances and commitments all raise excitement and an interest in all things HopeChest. Partnered communities begin to open their hearts to what Tesfa, Fikre, the Burayu leadership team and other CHC staff of Ethiopia have to share. There is no one better than their own people to share the Good News that is Jesus Christ, disciple them in their God-given gifts and talents, and empower them to create sustainable change for their own community. And yes, we will travel clear across the globe to foster these relationships. While we are there attempting to let Burayu know they are worth every minute of the travel, I am certain that we will also be the recipients of Christ's great love.
This photo says it all! We can undoubtedly testify that Tesfa, the CHC director of Ethiopia, loves these children with the heart of Christ. The picture clearly demonstrates the caring relationship that exists between these children and their representative. Transformation has begun.
Join us on the journey that is Burayu.
