Passing On The Torch

by Joy Casey
Director, Adoption Ministry of YWAM Ethiopia

Many of you reading this post have an incredible heart for children in Ethiopia and realize that international adoption will never be the answer to the huge orphan problem in Ethiopia.  Much has been written about the need for in-country domestic adoptions and our ministry agrees 100%!  We are taking steps to ignite an adoption culture within the Christian church in Ethiopia. 
  

I want to invite you to join us in our exciting new outreach.  Mana Gammachuu, our new orphanage in Sheshemene, has babies that we are preparing for local (domestic) adoption.  One little sweetheart already has a family who has chosen her.  

Adopting outside one’s family is counter-cultural in Ethiopia, and it will take effort and perseverance to instill vision and educate the Christian community about adoption.  Because adoption is so rare in Ethiopia, the governmental offices don’t have experience in processing a domestic adoption nor are there any procedures to guide them.

We are planning our first two-day adoption conference in Sheshemene to provide guidance and education to the government entities on how to process local adoptions.  We have an expert judge from Addis coming to lead the training.  In conjunction with this, we are working alongside several Christian churches to hold a seminar emphasizing Christian adoption philosophy and practical procedures for families interested in adoption.  

To make this happen, I need the help of the adoption community here in the U.S. to raise $5,000.  Please consider giving a donation of any amount to sow good seeds into the fabric of Ethiopian society.  Many of you know firsthand what a difference a nuclear family makes in a child’s life.  Help us to expand ways of providing permanency for children by raising up strong Christian families in Ethiopia to adopt the orphans in their communities.

To make a tax-deductible gift for this adoption training, please go to our website here and under gift designation select 'Other' then type in "Passing on the Torch". Or you can also send a check with a note attached that says "Passing on the Torch" payable to:

Adoption Ministry of YWAM

PO Box 512

Puyallup WA  98371

 
Thank you in advance for your partnership with us to promote adoption in Ethiopia!