One of the things that Chad and I both prayed for was the Lord to give us a special connection with one or two folks here. That has begun to happen for me with Mogus (Ethiopia national director), see pictured with me on the beach just before dinner tonight. The work in Ethiopia is one of our largest ministries in Africa. We have 12 staff, work in 6 cities, and took over 1200 kids to camp this summer. Mogus is the leader of all this. He is full of life, has a wonderful smile, and an infectious spirit about him. It costs about $600 a month to have him on staff, and $200 a month for the other staff. I continue to be amazed at the kind of leverage we get here, and the quality of leadership being raised up. Mogus and I talked tonight about funding and how they had their first attempt at raising funds in country this yr by selling self made CD’s and having a banquet. They raised about $2,000 from Ethiopians. It is a start towards sustainability. As you may know, that is one of my roles with International YL. I help our national directors strategize cultural relevant funding models.
We stayed at the training center all day today and had eggs for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and a taco bar for dinner….needless to say the Hanson kids were a little disappointment when I talked to them a bit ago about the food menu so far. (I however am thrilled!)
I continue to be amazed at the amazing faith, courage, and passion these friends have. As amazing as this place called Africa is, the most impressive part so far are these people. Full of faith, living on very little, and so full of joy, passion, and sold out commitment to a call to serve the youth of this continent.
(Chad has a bunch of mosquitos in his bunk tonight, they are so big he is calling them his flock)
Day 3 here we come..
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