Hope for Korah

Gioia with Dekenesh, Jegioh & Byush One of my favorite things to do when I’m in Korah, is to spend time with the ladies who work behind the scenes at the Children’s Shelter, cooking for the many children and elderly lepers who come to eat there.                     These women have so much spunk and they are a lot of fun! We have shared much laughter, as we try to communicate with lots of hand gestures and a few broken English and Amharic words – big smiles and warm hugs Whenever I am in the vicinity, they often motion for me to come into their kitchen area to sit with them.  They love to teach me about their language and culture and I love learning.  One of our memorable times together is when they taught me how to make injera. 

To read this post in context and to understand the full impact  of this spontaneous mud-filled match, I would suggest you first read  Part 1: For the Love of Soccer – “I am important and I belong!” After walking 30 - 45 min in the hot sun, over 200 children showed up in a makeshift soccer field to attend a soccer camp led by Dustin, Nick, Anina and the Great Hope Charities leaders. Many children stood for hours waiting,  watching and hoping to play. W ith so many children ,  not everyone was given the opportunity.  It was a bittersweet day for all of us - be sure to read Part One and then enjoy Part Two below... The heart-rending sight of watching these children turn around and begin the long trek back to the slum and heart of Korah, without having had a chance to play soccer or receive a jersey was fresh in our minds.  The following afternoon some of us were standing around in an empty and muddy cou rtyard across the street from the Children’s Shelter.  Earl

                                                      Ask most children in Korah what they like to play or what their favourite sport is and nine times out of ten the answer will be “soccer!” So back home in Canada, when our local Abbotsford Soccer Association generously donated soccer jerseys, shorts, socks and balls for our upcoming trip to Korah, Ethiopia we were pretty sure it would be a big hit. When the day arrived we had no idea that around 200 kids would show up and fortunately we were prepared – well, almost….

Here is a Photo Booklet made especially for Marta's Sponsor - THANK YOU! What a difference they are making in her life... Be sure to watch it in FULL Screen & click to enlarge photos! Photo album personalized with Smilebox

It has been a few weeks since arriving home from my most recent trip to Korah and I am finally sitting down to write my first blog post in a long time!  Believe me – it is not because Korah has not been on my mind… it has been - everyday!   There are so many stories I want to share and I have been spending the last week or so creating personal photo journals of our sponsored families for each of our sponsors.  They have all brought much excitement and hope to their Korah families.  (I am hoping it will work to post a few of these photo journals on the blog…) I cannot adequately express how thankful I am to each person who has prayed, supported and is making a difference in the lives of the children and families living in Korah.  I don’t direct this only to the sponsors – but to EVERYONE who has played such an important role in making a difference in Korah… I know  I say this often…but it is amazing to experience this on so many different levels – we truly are working together fo

So TIA (this is Africa)... How do I sum up our first few days in Korah - How can I adequately describe to you what these days have been like...?  I don't know that I can, but I will try to give you a glimpse: Walking through the streets of Korah is not something I can easily describe to  you - the paths are muddy and littered with unidentifiable "things".  It's been very wet since it's the rainy season and homes get flooded regularly. We've visited some of the homes of families that have been sponsored through our Hope for Korah family sponsorship program and the difference we see in these families is remarkable. Hope has returned to their faces and their eyes light up as they greet us and welcome us into their homes. I was introduced to one particular family (not sponsored) whose members are living in destitute conditions and you can't help but have your heart broken by their stories: This family lives in a 'dark hole' - with no windows- mu

Little did I know sixteen months ago, when I first entered a Korah home that the prompting in my heart to come alongside the destitute woman that stood before me, would be the beginning of a journey that I could never have imagined.   As some of you know since that first meeting (read earlier post: Beylanesh - A family Sponsorship Story) , not only have both of our lives been changed, but Hope for Korah (HKF) itself has come into existence and we have been working with Great Hope Ministries in Korah and have just this week launched the Hope for Korah Family Sponsorship program! This has been an amazing journey as one door has seemed to open unto another and I am thrilled to say that out of our thirteen families – we only have four more that need sponsors!  I am leaving for Korah next week on Thursday… WOULDN'T IT BE AWESOME IF I COULD BRING EVERY FAMILY THE GOOD NEWS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SPONSORED?  If you think you might be interested in joining us to come alongside one of these

We are so pleased to finally announce that the Hope for Korah Family Sponsorship Program is launched!   The purpose of this program is to take action towards breaking the cycle of extreme poverty for families living in Korah. Sponsorship will provide them an opportunity to move out of this critical state through better living conditions, food, healthcare, education and relationship. The goal is that over time, families will become involved with income generation and community development projects which promote self-empowerment, giving back to their community and will lead to healthy, stable and self-sustainable families. Below we would like you to meet Masrash.  She is one of a number of families who still need a sponsor.   If you would like more information on how you can come alongside her or another Korah family, giving them an opportunity for a hope and a future please contact Eve at eve@hopeforkorah.com       Masrash Masrash   moved to Korah as a little girl.   She has been

If you have not read Cherrie Cornish’s new blog post and update on Baby Juddah you must check it out! Juddah is doing better and seems to be adjusting well to the new shunt they have put in.   He still has a long road ahead of him, so please keep praying. Cherrie has more details on her blog and of course more adorable photos of this precious little guy!  As you can see, we too have a few of our own, as it was so wonderful to see Juddah again during our recent trip to Oregon (see earlier post on Sammy’s visit).   When seeing Juddah, one would never guess what an incredible struggle and journey he has already been on in his short little life.   His gentle spirit has

                                                                                                                      Post written by Dave Pohl T his past Sunday, we took a road trip south to Salem, Oregon to be with Sammy Liben as he gave his first public testimony in America.   Cherrie and Rick Cornish organized a “Welcome to the USA party!” inviting friends, family and anyone else who was interested in hearing the story of Korah. The Cornish home was filled with people and it was a great welcome for Sammy.   There were people of all ages, some who have been to Korah and many who had not.    Numerous adoptive families were in attendance and it was wonderful to see so many beautiful faces from around the world!    

"Working Together for Hope" For More Hope for Korah videos check out our YouTube Channel on the Hope for Korah Website www.hopeforkorah.com

IT IS OFFICIAL!     Hope for Korah is now part of a registered charitable organization in BOTH  Canada and the United States!     International Disciple Training Canada Ministry (Canada) and International Disciple Training Ministry (United States) have both registered Hope for Korah as part of their official ministry.  Check out all the details for Canadian and U.S. donors under Donate Today on our WEBSITE! YES! HOPE FOR KORAH Has launched a NEW WEBSITE! We are still building, with lots more to come… Please check us out!! WWW.HOPEFORKORAH.COM "Working together for Hope" Loosening the chains of injustice and poverty in Korah, Ethiopia and bringing hope to those who live there. Isaiah 58:6-7

Have you ever asked yourself this question?  What is poverty? Before you read on, pause a moment…. How would you define it? For many of us in the West who have never experienced poverty, we may have a similar ‘lack of resources’ component to our definition and it might go something like this; “ Poverty is a state of being, where one has little resources, money or ability to meet one's basic needs.” In preparing our upcoming Hope for Korah missions team for what they may experience when serving in Korah this August, we thought it would be good to ask Sammy Liben for his thoughts on this question.  We knew he would have a unique perspective as he has experienced extreme poverty first hand.  He grew up at the garbage dump and all of his life he has struggled to survive alongside many other destitute people living in Korah. A few days later, Sammy emailed back his response.   His answer is compelling… it is why we do what we do and it is why we go back to Korah.  We have so much  

Sammy Liben!!!  If you have ever been to Korah or read about what God is doing there, you will likely have heard of  Sammy Liben and the dedicated ‘Men of Korah’ who lead Great Hope Ministries.  As young boys, they grew up at the trash dump in Korah and for many years, while still living in poverty themselves, they have been reaching out to their community with the compassion and love of Christ.  During this time they have been faithfully praying together each week, that their people would not be forgotten and that God would intervene on behalf of Korah.  God is answering their prayers! Over the last year and a half, He has brought many people into Korah to minister to this community.  BUT NOW God is bringing Sammy in person to North America to share his story and minister to us!  We have much to learn from Sammy and those living in Korah… stay tuned for tomorrow’s post – What is Poverty?  This is written by Sammy himself and you will be touched by how he answers this question.  If

Please be praying for Baby Juddah!! He will be having his third surgery tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. EST. The spinal fluid continues to collect between  his skull and skin and now he must have a shunt inserted to drain the fluid.  For more details please read Cherrie's recent posts at babyjuddah.blogspot.com Prayer Warriors are needed! 

As I sit down to write this post I think back to what I saw that day at the trash dump and I wonder how I can adequately put it into words. As I left the van and walked up the mounds of dirt and garbage that had formed hill after hill, I had to be careful not to slip.  Broken glass was everywhere and my feet sank slightly into the many layers of dried grass, dirt and years of disposed waste… who knows what was hidden underneath.  

To read the full newspaper article click here. Cherrie Cornish Update:  Juddah is still in the hospital, fever is under control, finally keeping food down and he gets his stitches out today. For more post surgery photos and updates from Cherrie go to  http://babyjuddah.blogspot.com Let's continue to keep praying!  

A recent update from Emily Cornish: Juddah has been running a fever since surgery. The doctor is supposed to see him soon. He has been restless and needs to be held all the time so please continue to pray. The surgery went well, but they will not know if it was successful or if Juddah will require a shunt, until time enough time has passed.  Thanks everyone ...we'll keep you updated. For earlier post, read:   Urgent: Baby Juddah needs Prayer! Surgery this Friday!!

PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR BABY JUDDAH!! The time has finally come for him to have his surgery!  This Friday at 5:30 a.m. EST he will be admitted to the hospital to have surgery for his Endoscopic Third Verntriculostomy.  If you are new to his story, Juddah was born in Korah 7 months ago and he has been in the U.S. on an emergency medical visa, waiting surgery for hydrocephalus.   This surgery is the first step to try and drain the fluid and if successful, Juddah will not need a shunt. Cherrie Cornish who is caring for this precious little one, has asked us to pray specifically for the surgeon to be able to see the landmarks in Juddah's brain clearly, so they guide the scope in the exact place it needs to be.  It is a tricky area that she will be working in and it is located right next to a main artery, which needs to remain untouched.   For more details on Juddah and his upcoming surgery, go to 'Juddah's blog' and read Surgery Day is Here! PRAYER WARRIORS NEEDED!! To re

A number of years ago, a group of girls from our New Life GEMS Girls Club in my church, began learning about poverty and the impact it has on Ethiopia.  Wanting to make a difference they began to reach out to this country in a concrete way which eventually led to them learning about Korah.   Last month I had the privilege of witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of the Korah girls who are living in Sheshemene, when their lives were unexpectedly touched  by the GEMS girls here in Abbotsford, BC.  Watching this connection take place was very precious and I think you will enjoy this 4 min. video below.   If you would like to enlarge it or watch it in HD,  you can also view it here.   To read more posts about the Korah children at Sheshemene read Do you know any mothers who are caring for 250 children? I do!

Have you ever had something seemingly insignificant happen… only to find out later it was very significant – even life changing? That is what happened to my husband Dave, a few months ago while casually watching an ABC News Documentary "Be the Change: Save a Life."  In this program they spoke of 'Plumpy Dose' a product used to feed malnourished children in third world countries.  As Dave was reflecting on this, he thought how awesome it would be to get such a product into Korah as most children there are underweight and their families malnourished.  It is common for these children to faint in school because they have not eaten and participating in class with empty bellies is too much for their fragile bodies. Most families in Korah eat once a day and the quality of food is extremely poor, often scavenged from the city garbage dump.  With this in mind and after a little research, Dave was pretty surprised to find out that there was actually a factory producing Pl

I could feel the anticipation inside of me growing as I walked down the bumpy Korah trail that led to Baby Juddah’s home.  In many ways it seemed so strange – it was only a few weeks ago, that my husband Dave and I drove to Seattle, WA to meet Baby Juddah.  Now here I was in his birthplace, about to meet his mom, grandmother and sister, whom I had prayed for, so very many times.  As you may already know, Juddah was born in Korah, but has been in the U.S. since January on an emergency medical visa, awaiting treatment for hydrocephalus.  His little face, sweet personality and story has captured the hearts and prayers of many!  Below you will find some links to earlier posts that tell his story.  However, this story is not about Juddah, but about his twin sister Sarah… I would like to introduce you to Sarah -- the healthiest and biggest baby living in Korah!   She has glowing round cheeks, pudgy little legs and a gentle, precious personality.  Sarah has been

Safely back in Canada, these were the words we sang this Easter Sunday in my home church; "Break my heart, with what breaks Yours" and this is the image that immediately filled my thoughts.  This ash-covered young girl... not so safe, in danger... scavenging at the garbage dump in Korah. I took this photograph last Sunday when standing at the Korah dump.  She is likely there today, even now as I am writing. Of all the photographs I have taken in Korah and still to be posted, this is the one that hurts my soul the deepest. I believe this is the one that  breaks God's heart... She never said a word and as our eyes locked, she just wouldn't let go. It was as if her eyes cried out to me... 

"If this doesn’t fill your cup - nothing will!" Those were the words of my new-found friend Lauren, who came with me to Korah on a day that turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip! A month before leaving for Ethiopia, I had asked Sammy, the Director of Great Hope Ministries in Korah; "What is one of the greatest needs that you have right now?"  His answer, was that second to baby formula for the HIV mothers, they needed new clothes for the elderly lepers.   Thanks to God and to those who generously donated to Hope for Korah we were able to fill this need.  It was such fun for me to go shopping at the Mercardo (market area) in Addis for these clothes with Berhanu and Murad, leaders from Great Hope Ministry.  I was the only "Ferenge" (foreigner) in sight, but alongside my body guards, I felt very safe and had quite the experience.  After the bartering was complete, we came away with thirteen new suits, shirts, socks and shoes for the Elders o

Finding work in the slums of Korah is difficult and for most impossible. This is a problem not only in Korah, but throughout Addis Ababa. Pastor Anteneh of Great Hope Ministries told me on a number of occasions, this is an overall problem throughout Ethiopia – that people do not have jobs. After assessing numbers of families for our upcoming Family Sponsorship program, it quickly became apparent that the top 3 ways of generating income in Korah was to go to the garbage dump and scavenge plastics and metals for resale, moving heavy rocks at a local construction site and begging.  Many of the women I met had health problems that had developed over time from heavy lifting. Not only are women carrying rocks for a meagre few cents a week, but they are also carrying heavy jugs of water on a 90 minute journey home from the nearest water source. T hese are the types of challenges that Great Hope Ministry faces and are hoping to address as their programs develop.  Presently they are partnerin

Over the few weeks I have been in Korah, it has been such a privilege for me to spend time with the Elders, to laugh with them, pray with them and celebrate with them. You may wonder what these broken men have that is worth celebrating. Well, that is the wonder of Korah… One of the pearls of great value found in the destitution of Korah was finding those few who have been redeemed from the pit in a way that those of us in the West have never experienced. I would like you to meet an endearing gentleman, his name is Adana. His body is broken, but his spirit soars! His beautiful smile and precious heart overflows with praise and love for his Lord! He eagerly shares with me that once he worshiped evil spirits but not any more. God touched his life and now, all that he is, he is for Jesus! His enthusiasm is contagious and those who speak to him always seem to break out in a smile or laughter. He was a joy to be with! More photos

The “Elders” is a term of endearment and respect given to the elderly lepers who make the daily trek from their homes to the shelter each day to be fed.  Faithfully they arrive each lunch hour and faithfully the young men of Great Hope Ministry feed them the traditional Ethiopian dish ‘injera’.  Sadly, leprosy has robbed these men of much… many are blind, lame and their disease has eaten away their flesh as most are without fingers, making it impossible for them to feed themselves. To see their brokenness and pain is humbling… to watch the young men of Korah value them and serve them with such commitment, love and respect touches me in a way I have never been touched.  Look at the love and tenderness that is demonstrated by these young, strong men as they truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.  To see more photographs click here

On my first day in Korah, I had a chance to meet a few of the 30 HIV mothers whom Great Hope Ministries reaches out to.  Many of these women have difficult and hard stories due to the conditions in Korah.  Rape and prostitution are a regular occurrence as income needed for food is difficult to find.  Of these mothers, some have young infants and they are unable to breastfeed their babies because of the risk they pose to their own children.  Without money, they cannot purchase formula and these babies are unlikely to survive.  Presently Great Hope is supporting 10 mothers with young babies, three of whom have sets of twins. Whenever possible these mothers are provided with formula and diapers. With the exception of these few children, babies in Korah do not wear diapers, which can lead to hyperthermia, as they lie on wet and soiled blankets.  Thanks to many who supported ‘Hope for Korah’, we were able to bring 40 pounds of formula in our suitcases, purchase diapers in Addis and give man

I have wanted to post for days, but it has been extremely difficult to get internet connection. Last Saturday I arrived in Addis to the most amazing welcome… big hugs, warm smiles, a dozen roses, my dear friend and driver from last year’s trip and five of the leaders from Great Hope Church.  I had no idea they would ALL be there. I felt truly loved and blessed!! It was like coming home…   G reat Hope Church leaders wearing their Canada shirts This feeling grew as we began driving onto the rocky, broken streets of Korah.   So much looks the same and yet so much has changed.  The extreme poverty continues to take my breath away and tugs deeply on my heart, but what God has been doing in Great Hope Church has been amazing.  Since last April a small shelter has been built and they are able to reach out to their community in ways that have not been possible in the past.  I will post more on those shortly.  In these first few days, the most touching moment has been reuniting with Beylan

“Trust in the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:14  Those were the words that arrived in an email this morning… from someone who is completely unaware that today is the day, I am flying on my own to Africa.  God has been so generous and loving to me.   Since first stepping into Korah one year ago this month, He has opened door after door, allowing me to share the story of Korah and paving a way for me to return.  My husband Dave will be joining me in a week’s time.  Together we are so thankful to so many who have been stirred in their hearts for Korah and have donated to this trip.  Together we are carrying over 300 pounds of donations from clothing, eye glasses, shoes, baby blankets, 40 lbs. of formula and on and on.  In addition to this we will be able to purchase much, much more while we are there.  This truly has been a ‘Working together for Hope!’  THANK YOU EVERYONE!!  Please continue to pray for the healing of hearts, homes and lives in Korah.  For Dave a

This was the name of the conference we participated in this weekend.  What an encouragement to be challenged to stand up for justice, to come alongside others, to love without fear and in such perfect timing…. Only 16 days until we are on our way back to Ethiopia. We are very excited! At the seminar, Dr. Kurt Ver Beek from the Association For a More Just Society shared “Grace is like water, it flows down and pools in the lowest places.” …the neediest places. When walking through the broken streets of Korah, I truly had a sense of this being true…. 

Today’s post focuses on some of the needs we hope to support  while we are in Korah this April. Included are TWO SPECIFIC FAMILIES whose lives we hope to touch, followed by the BROADER COMMUNITY NEEDS of those whom Great Hope Church ministers to.

Yesterday - I met Baby Juddah!! Oh my goodness – he is as beautiful and adorable as every picture I have ever seen! I was warned “Be prepared to fall in love!” and yes, that is definitely a fair warning.  Dave and I drove to Seattle to meet up with our friends, Rick and Cherrie who are caring for Juddah.  It was pretty special to actually meet this precious, 5 month old little boy, whom we have been praying for, for so long. It is almost surreal, knowing he was born in the trash dump community of Korah, where I visited last year and am soon to return (in 32 days, 23 hours – but who’s counting!) He has already been on such an incredible journey in his short

Post below written by Cherrie Cornish   My friend Cherrie, first stepped into Korah last April and has returned several times. During one visit she was brought into the home of Baby Juddah.  He was born in October 2010 and has a twin sister, Sarah. At that first meeting these twins were barely breathing.  They lay blue, lifeless and cold, on urine soaked blankets as there are no diapers in Korah and they had no formula to drink.  BUT God was there in the darkness and the twins were revived.  In the days that followed Juddah was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and his sutures in his skull are fused together.  Juddah needs surgery and soon! But it is not available in Ethiopia. He needed to come to the U.S. for surgery, and that would be a miracle only God could do.  T his is his story... IMAGINE JUST FOR A MOMENT....    Imagine just for a moment that you are a young twenty five year old woman, living in a place that the world would consider 'unliveable'. A place ridden with raw

Please pray for my dear friend Beylanesh.  I have just spoken with Sammy in Korah, and have learned that she has been in the hospital since Friday! If you have read her story, you will know that Beylanesh has suffered much in her life.  Not only does she live in extreme poverty, but she has leprosy and only has one partial foot (she lost her feet at 22 days old when she rolled into a fire.)  Please pray for her, as I believe it is her partial foot that is infected. She needs this foot! May God bring her strength, healing and hope; a very real sense of His presence with her. She is not alone or forgotten, but deeply loved and cherished! If you would like read more about Beylanesh, go to my page Beylanesh - A Family Sponsorship Story       http://hopeforkorah.blogspot.com/p/family-sponsorship-stories.html Prayer warriors needed!                                                                                                             

I suppose this 'Hope For Korah' blog attests to the fact that my journey to Ethiopia did not end upon returning home as Korah continues to be on my heart.  Over this past year as I have been connecting with those who live and serve there, my husband, Dave and I continue to sense that God wants us to be a part of what He is doing in Korah.  Although it is not quite clear as to what that might be, we do know that God calls us to care for the poor, the widows and the orphans. (James 1:27, Isaiah 58:6-10) We don’t have all the answers, but both of us feel we are to take the next step, to go back to Korah, walk through that door and see where God leads. So guess what? Dave is going to Korah too!  The first  week, I will be on my own as he will be in Germany  on business, but  then he will join me for the latter half of the trip. He has been a great support and he is looking forward to meeting everyone and serving where ever the need is greatest.