By Julie Wilson
DUNSTABLE, England--Since my article in the March 7 Worldwide News on the work of Dimetros Woldu for orphans in Ethiopia and Eritrea, I have been overwhelmed at the love and concern shown by our brethren.
I have to date received about 80 letters from members all over the world.
Many express their deep desire to help the orphans I wrote about, either through sponsorship of a child or by donating to a general fund.
Rev. Woldu is also touched by the compassion shown by our Church members. He commented: "It is clear and obvious that you are doing your level best to help the needy orphans. We won't forget your cooperation--you are their only hope and you don't know how much they appreciate your kind deeds."
Wallace Miller from the United States wrote: "I read your article with great interest. I am very encouraged that we as a church are stepping out collectively and individually to do the work Christ commissioned us to do. I would be most interested in helping Rev. Woldu in his effort to help minister to the orphans in Ethiopia."
R.A.H. Lehmann from Western Australia wrote on behalf of her congregation: "I was very much moved by your article. So, too, were the pastors of the Perth North and South congregations. A number of our members would like to assist in this project and, as a whole church, contribute towards keeping one child for one year."
Jennifer McQuien from Florida placed an announcement in her church bulletin and after services she collected $200.
Alan Moreton from the United Kingdom wrote: "I was deeply moved by the desperate needs of the orphans for an education that will equip them to face adult life in a self-supporting way.
"I know what it feels like to face life without the support of loving parents and to be ill-equipped educationally. The emotional and educational disadvantages are far-reaching and long-lasting and that is why I want to support the work of Rev. Woldu, whose work and simple but profound philosophy strikes a chord in my own heart."
So far I have sent more than $1,000 to Rev. Woldu to assist the children. And the donations continue to arrive.
The generous support of our brethren has enabled me to found a small charity called the Aid to Africa Fund. This charity is committed to sponsoring orphans in Ethiopia and raising funds for a vocational training center and orphanage in Eritrea.
All of the money raised goes directly to Africa for immediate use in assisting the children. Basically none is used for administrative costs. In fact, many can send their contributions directly to the orphanage to avoid currency conversion charges.
I have the personal details and photographs of 20 children in Ethiopia who will be sponsored by our brethren. Rev. Woldu has more than 200 additional children in need of help.
The children come from various religious backgrounds. Some are Christian, from different denominations, others are Muslim. But as Rev. Woldu wrote to me: "Our motto is to help the children of God, and all belong to him regardless of their religions, denominations and clan because this is the true value of life."
Reading the details of the children can be heartrending. The photo of a 5-year-old girl, whose father died in the war and whose mother is disabled, was particularly sad.
These children have no means of support without their parents, and many need medical care.
The other need is for a vocational training center and orphanage in Asmara, Eritrea. This orphan center was originally funded by a German evangelical organization, but this support has since ceased since Eritrea received independence.
Because this funding was terminated, more than 250 orphans are without help, and the building remains incomplete. The building has 15 classrooms and dormitories, but much work is still to be done to complete construction.
The cost for completing the construction work and making the building ready for use is estimated to be about $128,000. This would enable care and housing for 500 orphans and a vocational training centre for about 100 trainees.
It is hoped that some of the money can be raised through the Aid to Africa Fund and the support of members.
The Christian compassion of our brethren is positive proof of Christ living in us. He is moving Christians to extend the hand of love to the needy.
These Christians are fulfilling Christ s instruction to care for the suffering. In Matthew 25 he commends those who help others, saying that when we help another person it is as if we are helping Christ himself.
Although the needs in this world are great, and it can at times seem overwhelmingly impossible to make a difference to the suffering, we can do our part. We can reach out and what may seem like a small gesture on our behalf can make a big difference in the life of a child in Africa.
So, once again, a heartfelt thank you to all those who have shown an interest in supporting this program. Thank you also for your patience in my getting the relevant information to you. It does take time to coordinate and reply to all your responses. But your help is much appreciated by myself, Rev. Woldu and the children of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
If others are interested in further details on how to support the Aid to Africa Fund, either individually or as a church group, please contact Julie Wilson, Aid to Africa Fund, 7 Englands Ave., Dunstable, Beds., LU6 1UH, United Kingdom.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1995