Thursday, March 25, 2010

How We Work

Mission Statement

The aim of Into the Streets of Ethiopia is to raise financial support, basic living materials and educational needs for children living in  Ethiopia.  Improving the child's living standard and provision for education will help to contribute to their future well being and adjustment in society.   It is our desire to partner with charitable organizations which serve underprivileged youth in Ethiopia.  All funds will be devoted to the cause of helping street children and at risk children in Ethiopia.  

What Happens With Your Donations?

Your donations support:  
* Education programs (tuition, books, libraries, learning materials)
* Skills training (crafts and working materials)
* Basic living needs (food, shelter, clothing)
* Life-saving formula for 4 YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Ethiopian orphanages
* Religious materials (Bibles, christian education curriculum)
* Recreational activities (sports and special celebrations surrounding holidays)
* Office equipment, training and support for staff in Ethiopia
* Special projects

Board Members:

Tulio Portilla-President
Dean Delfosse-Treasurer
Kevin Cornett-Secretary

Monday, March 22, 2010

Why create Into the Streets of Ethiopia?

In February 2008, our family was lead by the Lord to adopt a child, a little girl, from Ethiopia, Africa.  We stepped out in faith and obedience and in the process we were challenged to start leading our family in living a "no-regrets" life.  The process of our adoption was a beautiful journey which ultimately lead to arriving in Ethiopia in July 2009, to meet and bring our new daughter home.

Our job was done.  We obeyed God, adopted, had no regrets  and thought we could simply return home to our children, and resume our normal, everyday life.  Oh, how we were wrong!  We found ourselves left with a hole, in the shape of Africa, in our hearts.   God, in his awesome power and glory, kept placing before us the images of lonely and vulnerable orphans and street children.

Yes, we were sent to Africa to bring home an orphan, teach her about Jesus and provide a loving environment for her to blossom.  But, we were also sent to be made aware.  We needed to see poverty and devastation, sickness and loneliness.  These images are forever etched in our minds and in our hearts.

Adoption is not enough for us.  The longing for Africa continues in our hearts.  We have seen and we have heard suffering at its greatest level.  We are left with a burning question, consuming us night and day.  What are you going to do?  What are YOU going to do?

We find ourselves, once again, at the beginning of a faith journey.  We are stepping out in blind obedience, without a single regret, to partner with charitable organizations {established NGO's} which serve underprivileged youth in Ethiopia.  Our prayer is that God will stretch us, mold us, even make us a little uncomfortable, if necessary.   We have so little to offer, but we present it to the Lord and ask that He use our words and actions as a tool to touch the lonely and suffering for his glory.

Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act. 
Proverbs 24:12