23 February 2010
The Deborah House began as an overnight shelter for girls who lived on the streets, and it is still sometimes referred to as 'ONS.' But now there are many girls who have lived in the home for as many as seven or eight years. Over the long term they have received an education, and many have learned about and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. The ultimate goal of the project is for these girls to return to the community—with family where it’s safe and they can be properly cared for, into foster families where appropriate, or into independent supported living for girls who are older and more mature.
In a recent newsletter Frewoin Daniel, Deborah House Project Manager, wrote about one of the girls who recently stepped out into her new life. 'We were so excited for the past month when we saw one of our girls leave the project to be independent. Hiwot (meaning life) is a 19-year-old girl whose parents are dead and who has no brother or sister.'
Hiwot had been receiving support in the Deborah House for five years which enabled her to study nursing and led to her involvement in church ministry. When she received her certificate in clinical nursing from one of the private colleges, she knew that it was time for her to leave the project. However, it is extremely difficult for fresh graduates to find jobs, and Hiwot was really worried about how she would survive if she left the project. It was at this time that the SIM Makki project (located around 800kms south of Addis Ababa) was looking for a health assistant. Hiwot was the perfect candidate because of her nursing certificate and her involvement in church ministries, which is an asset to any SIM position. Hiwot was hired into the project and has moved there to serve the people in Makki. 'The project staff feel rewarded as they start to see the fruit of God’s work. The other girls are also encouraged to work hard and follow the same path,' says Daniel.
Recently Deborah House has accepted four new girls. Pray for them as they begin to study—especially as they begin to know God in a deeper way.
To read more about Deborah House and support this ministry helping girls on a path to a better life, click here.
