The Forsaken Children

Kyle met these children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They are precious children who live on the streets or with siblings or relatives. Most of these children have lost their parents. An organization called Forgotten Children's Fund (click the title of the post to go there) funds Children's Home Ethiopia, which ministers to these children. It's a small ministry, on a shoestring budget, but they do incredible things for the few children that they can afford to minister to. They would like to minister to 50 children, but at present can only minister to seven. After meeting these children, we can't help but be involved also. If you are interested in more information and a way to get involved, click on the title. Joe Bridges lives here in States and runs the Forgotten Children's Fund. He is in Ethiopia right now meeting the children he has been raising money for. Here is his email:

Thoughts From Ethiopia
January 12, 2008 - Week 1
Today I was privileged to participate in Children's Home Ethiopia's Open House program. For the first time I met most of the children that CHE ministers to. There was Suraphel, the spunky boy who kissed me every chance he got. There was Edalawit, the beautiful little girl who loved the special dress she received for the Open House program. There was Linken, the extremely well behaved boy who loved to show off his karate moves. There was Nibiyu, the smallest boy, who despite his size could hold his own in a wrestling match. There was Nibirate, his crooked smile warmed a room as soon as he showed it. Sadly, I have yet to meet Desse, because he was sent to live with his grandmother in the countryside for some time. Hopefully he will be back soon.

I was also encouraged to meet the children's guardians who also attended CHE's Open House program. Each took a turn sharing about how CHE has helped their family. All of the guardians were women, which is very common here in Ethiopia it seems. Poverty has left each of them looking older than they actually are. Despite their impoverished conditions, they bombarded me with invitations to visit their homes. I am excited to visit each of them, yet part of me wants to stay away as I know they will likely spend more than they can spare to make my visit a special one. Such is the culture of Ethiopia.

How do I feel now that I have finally met the children I have been raising funds for? Happy - these children would bring joy to anyone who gave them a chance. Sad - all of these children face hardships that no one should have to endure. Motivated - I have come face to face with the reasons for The Forsaken Children Fund, I will never forget these little lives. Bold - I am ashamed of my apologetic approach to raising funds thus far. I will no longer apologize for giving people an opportunity to help the helpless.

Please pray for my brother, Jonathan, and me as we will be in Ethiopia until February 8. Also pray for Suraphel, Edalawit, Linken, Nibiyu, Nibirate, and Desse. Thank you!

Joe Bridges
The Forsaken Children