{"id":271,"date":"2008-10-28T14:56:02","date_gmt":"2008-10-28T14:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/redletters\/2008\/10\/sponsorship-of-kolfe-orphanage-in-ethiopia.html"},"modified":"2008-10-28T14:56:02","modified_gmt":"2008-10-28T14:56:02","slug":"sponsorship-of-kolfe-orphanage-in-ethiopia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/redletters\/2008\/10\/sponsorship-of-kolfe-orphanage-in-ethiopia.html","title":{"rendered":"Sponsorship of Kolfe Orphanage in Ethiopia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kolfe orphanage is an incredible place filled with 130 boys outside Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After spendingt just a few hours with the young men there, I was struck by how polite, engaging and smart they are. They are so conversational I almost didn't realize that this orphanage is situated on a dumping ground. \"Kolfe\"<\/a>
\nEvery window is broken out of every building except the office and the only thing more prominent than garbage and glass on the ground is the red dust that covers every square inch of this horrible place. I see two possible roads for these boys. Down the first I see future husbands, fathers, and leaders of Ethiopia. Down the second I see death. I will occasionally use hyperbole to make a point but be clear that this not one of those times.  <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What They Need<\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Family<\/span>. The boys of Kolfe need a church family with a heart for seeing boys become men. They need role models and mentors. They need someone to see their potential and walk with them through life to help them realize it. Here's an overview of Children's HopeChest's<\/a>  orphanage sponsorship program. Thanks to Sam Henry at Red Letters Campaign for the post.<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Kolfe2\"<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Basics<\/span>. Serving these boys begins with meeting their basic needs for survival. Today and tonight they are exposed to the elements living in dormitories that are in shambles. Their food is meager and mean non-existent. Children's Hopechest<\/a> needs to raise $25K immediately to repair housing facilities, provide beds, and buy books while we find a church sponsor. If you would like to GIVE click here and mark Kolfe orphanage as the recipient.<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Help<\/span>. We are hiring in-country staff to oversee and manage these Sponsorship programs and to identify additional sponsorship opportunities. The field teams' role is threefold: 1) Point of continuity, trust, and fun to the kids throughout the year. 2) Point of financial accountability for orphanage leadership. 3) Facilitate connections between the sponsoring church and children in the orphanage. <\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

If you are interested in recruiting a church or community to sponsor Kolfe, please contact me immediately at tdavis@hopechest.org. We already have 3 sponsorships in process since returning last week!<\/div>\n
\"KolfeMikeTodd\"<\/a>
\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kolfe orphanage is an incredible place filled with 130 boys outside Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After spendingt just a few hours with the young men there, I was struck by how polite, engaging and smart they are. 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