It is seemingly beautiful when communities collide. When people are connected from various parts of the world to learn, encourage and inspire one another.

Below is a post from Sarah Ulrich a former member of the Cedar Ridge Christian Church youth group.  Sarah and six other students traveled to Nazaret, Ethiopia in the summer of 2009, yet their passion to serve and stay connected to this community and the people they met has only grown with time. Read below to see an inspirational group of youth banding together to serve the world around them in unique ways.

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“Our youth group at Cedar Ridge Christian Church (CRRC) in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma has been supporting a church in Nazaret, Ethiopia through Life In Abundance International (www.liaint.org). We have come up with many ways to partner and advocate for what God is doing there.  One of our most beneficial events that happened recently was our “Impact Africa Luncheon”. There was much hard work that went into organizing this event, but the teamwork and passion behind the cause made it an absolute success. The students of our youth group each had  different tasks for the luncheon; some serving food, some selling t-shirts and even some playing music. Not only was this a great fundraiser but we all had a blast working together and making every situation a fun one.

It would be one thing to say that we just raised money for a church in one community in Ethiopia, but it’s definitely another thing when I say we have incredible students in our youth group who are passionate about helping people half way across the world. When talking with a few members of our youth group, I could see this passion through every word spoken.

“I just feel so joyful and happy when I hear Kyle (our youth minister) say how much money we’ve raised and where it’s going to,” said one of the students that attends the CRCC youth group.

“I’m so eager to get out there and make a difference in another country.” Another student said, “I put so much energy into it because I love that feeling when you know you’re helping someone out. It really puts things into perspective.”

Over the past couple of years, our youth group has raised $37,000 for our church partner in Ethiopia through several different fundraisers. This money has been used to glorify God through LIA. God has given us our money and talents and I speak for the whole youth group when I say we wouldn’t want to spend them on anything other than what we’re doing in Ethiopia.”

Check out our get involved page or email us at info@liaint.org to hear about ways you and your local community can get involved with our ministry!

For those that have traveled and served alongside the LIA family in Kenya, it is with both joy and sadness that we share this update.
For nearly six years, Augustine “Gus” Muema has been an integral part of our ministry team in Kenya. He has served in any and all capacities, most recently as our Partnerships and Resources Manager for the Kenya office.

Following the completion of his Master’s Degree last year which focused on Water initiatives for Arid and Semi Arid areas, Gus has longed for an opportunity to directly apply that by serving his Kamba people with water initiatives. A sudden opportunity came up for Gus to do this in a way that was beyond our existing water and food security ministry in Makueni, Kenya. Subsequently, Gus has decided to accept this new position and will no longer be employed with LIA.

To wish Gus well, and thank him for his committed support to the ministry of LIA for the last 6 years, please go ahead and comment below, as we will be sure to have Gus respond as he is able.

We treasure the time we had with Gus as a member of our family and look forward to the opportunities before him and LIA in Kenya. He will make this transition in about one month.

FACT:  62% of the community in Makueni lives below Kenya’s poverty level.

Absolutely beautiful.

A phrase I continually remarked while traveling through the rural parts of Kenya.  It was the contrast of such rich and vibrant colors that stuck with me on our way out to Makueni, Kenya.

The deep blue sky serving as a back drop for the fullest and fluffiest white clouds proved to be almost breath-taking.  It was the rich reddish-orange clay that lined the dirt walls, set beneath green grass and bare trees that will paint this landscape in my mind for years to come.

The thing about this lush and green landscape that was before us however, was the reality that such lushness is not the norm.  And as we drove further out into the sticks we watched the greens turned to browns and our surroundings started to resemble more of a desert than rolling lush hills.

See, I was visiting at the tail end of the “rainy season”.  This short period of time during the year, lasting about two months, in which the community will see the extent of its water for the year.  If I was to return merely three months later my surroundings and perception of this community, I was told, would be very different.  I would see only shades of browns and the bright orange clay would no longer be masked by the plants on top.  Outside of the aesthetics however, I would see a community facing some very serious issues such as poor crops and failing businesses, lack of water and lack of food.

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FACT:  Ethiopia has the largest population of orphans in the world: 13% of children throughout the country are missing one or both parents. This represents an estimated 4.6 million children (UNICEF)

It was as if he appeared out of nowhere.

On this particular day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia we were visiting Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, checking out their school stationed on the grounds with grades ranging from 1st-7th.  After spending some time in each of the classrooms, we started our way back to our van to continue on our journey, proceeding to check out the other initiatives of the local church.

With 344 screaming children, frantically and joyously yelling and waving goodbye, I almost didn’t see little Beto and his brother that were walking beside us.

Timid in nature, Beto was a third grader at the school.  Dressed in that bright yellow jacket, his initial acknowledgment to us all was only the sly smirk that would emerge whenever you sought to ask him a question.

Beto quietly informed us that we were actually on our way to visit his house, the details and reasoning behind our venture however remained a mystery.

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FACT: HIV/AIDS Effects 33 Million people world wide, with 70% living in Africa.

It was a hot and sunny Friday afternoon in Makeuni, Kenya.  Having already spent two days in this rural community we had become quite accustomed to the long bumpy van rides to our unknown destination.  On this particular day we were briefed that we would be attending an HIV/AIDs support group meeting.

As we trekked down the crooked, uneven path, waving at those we passed, the feeling of uncertainty resonated.  Uncertain how to act, how to encourage and how to pray for those inflicted with such a disease.  I have become quite aware of the prevalence of HIV/AIDs plaguing many throughout Africa. At this point in our journey we had probably already met some suffering from the sickness, yet here we were about to participate in a support group of which all had their own story and struggle to share.

We drove up to the small cluster of huts compiled of clayish mud, sticks and stones baking under the bright blue sky.  Stepping out of the van we were met with about ten smiles, and handshakes that quickly evolved into hugs.  The joy and life that was expressed upon our first moment of meeting was undeniable.  Quickly people began to gather chairs and benches forming a circle under some nearby trees where we would meet. We soon became a group of about 30 people, all joining together for a time of fellowship, food and sharing of testimonies.

A pastor from a local LIA partner church set the tone of the day delivering a powerful message about the love of God and opening the session up for a time of song and praise.  After worship the group chairman stood up to give us a little history and context.

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How do you see poverty around the world?

This is a question I am personally confronted with on a daily basis, and to be quite honest my answer will shift from time to time.

To some degree, I’ve learned to see it as an abstract concept, one seeking to be understood by ratios, percentages and statistics.  Numbers that all serve to quantify the prevalence, reach and extent of human suffering in the world.  Though these numbers are important, used to generate awareness about the issues, sickness, destitution and hardships that many face, they cannot and should not be looked at as wholly defining.

In the book, “The Hole in Our Gospel” author Richard Stern designates two chapters about the desensitization that can occur through the prevalence of statistics. Without an attachment to a person or cause represented by such overwhelming numbers, we sometimes allow the needs of others around the world to fall on deaf ears.  Never feeling the weight of the burden others bear, and never fully grasping whom these numbers are intended to represent.

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It is with heart felt joy that we celebrate the goodness of God to LIA, as we mark our 8th birthday since our registration in the USA on April 17.

It’s been 8 great years marked with growth way beyond our wildest expectations. The easiest indicator of this growth could be noted by a look at how our yearly income has grown, or seeing how our staff team has emerged. These indicators speak for themselves. But, we know the real growth is measured by the impact facilitated in the countries God has given us; that has been huge.

We can confidently say God has established his work. We have declared His glory to the nations and the marvelous deeds are beautiful to behold. The fruit of our labor is worth every effort made. To God be the glory

Please take a moment to look at the most recent numbers regarding the work that has been empowered through our great partnerships both by way of the local churches in Africa as well as the various communities of support throughout the US.  These are the numbers of the LIA impact, the numbers that represent the beautiful people that have been served and empowered to have a transformed and abundant life.

We have organized, been part of, or participated in strategic local and international conferences to expand this vision:

* Empowered over 150 church leadership groups to embrace a vision, strategize and implement sustainable wholistc ministries in their communities.

* Implemented, in partnership with local churches, integrated projects in over 75 communities.

* Trained over 3,000 community resource people to teach improved sanitation practices.

* Empowered over 600 families with micro-loans and income generating activities.

* Working with churches, LIA has mobilized communities and established over 80 support groups.

* Trained more than 1,250 youth in skills development programs.

* Provided health education and clinical care to more than 800,000 people.

* Cared for and rehabilitated well over 1,250 vulnerable children.

* Involved more than 12,000 youth in reproductive health programs.

*Helped 50 HIV+ mothers avoid vertical HIV transmission.

* Assisted over 1,200 people with AIDS through home-based care and support.

We celebrate with you all. Your prayers, encouragement, support and participation in this great work is what makes us who we are, and the outcome what it is. Thank you for being part of the LIA family. Thank you for seeing what we see and choosing to be a partner so we can accomplish His mission and charge to us. We celebrate this birthday as a grand LIA family.

When you go to an Easter service, there are many things you may expect to see.  Colorful flowers decorating the church, children dressed in cute outfits, pastel colors of pink, purple and yellow and, the most important, evidence of joy in people’s faces as they remember a Risen Savior and King on this day.

This past Easter weekend I had the privilege of witnessing all these things and more at Crestwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.  For not only did they celebrate Jesus, but they celebrated His work in the world in a powerful way.

In Crestwood’s Easter services, their mission trip team of seventeen Skyped in from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where they are currently serving with Life in Abundance.  They were able to check in with their church family, give an update on their activities thus far, and even teach the church  a little  Amharic.

The most powerful moment for me was when they had LIA-E program manager Debele, pray for the church.  What a blessing it was to witness, as it truly served as a prime example of communities joining together for the purpose of serving and glorifying our Lord. Check out the video below to hear some of Debele’s prayer for Crestwood Baptist:

Tears filled my eyes as I witnessed partnership at its best.  The senders and the goers, the whole team, celebrating stories, joy, prayer, and the journey on a beautiful Easter Sunday.

Please keep this team in prayer as they continue their medical work and ministry through the local LIA partner churches in Addis Ababa this week.

For more information on how your church can partner with LIA, email us at info@liaint.org.

On Monday, HOW Magazine, a publication dedicated to providing graphic-design professionals with the essentials in their field, took the time to showcase our very special friend, board member, and Principle of Rule29 Design, Justin Ahrens.

In this featured interview, Justin is asked a myriad of questions ranging from his source of inspiration to his ability to maintain balance in his professional and personal life.

We became excited when HOW extended their interview with Justin to discuss his involvement with LIA!

Justin has made a tremendous personal and professional investment in the work of LIA. He has seen and served in many of our the communities and was a key member of the “This Is My Home” documentary team in May of 2009. We are so grateful to Justin and the entire Rule29 team for their creativity, professionalism and overall heart for the mission and vision of LIA.

Justin and his crew will be heading back to Kenya shortly to begin work on another film, this time focusing on church-led micro-enterprise activities taking place in slums of Nairobi, Kenya.

To learn more, we encourage you to read Justin’s interview here.

When you were ten years old, what did you like to do?  How did you spend your time?  I recently talked to one ten year old named Mason Reaser.  She told me she likes to draw, write stories and play piano.  Mason is in fifth grade and enjoys school as well.

But what surprised me about Mason was the amazing thing she did at her school for the Merkato community in Ethiopia.

She told me the story.  Her dad showed her a video about where her mom visited in Ethiopia on a recent trip with Life in Abundance. Mason learned about the conditions of life in Ethiopia and she wanted to help. Her student government group each month sponsors a charity (usually local) to raise money or supplies for that cause. Mason wrote a letter to her principal about Merkato. She had learned one of the struggles in Merkato is keeping things clean, especially children. Her request to raise money for soap for the children in Merkato was approved!

During one week in January, Mason went to all of the classes in her school of 350 students (Meadowlane Elementary School, kindergarten through 6th grade, in Olathe, Kansas). She told about the need in Merkato and encouraged her classmates to bring in money. Mason said it was challenging because some of the younger kids had never heard of Ethiopia. But by the end of the week, everyone was involved.

Mason was proud to raise $340 for soap to be purchased for the Merkato community in partnership with Life in Abundance. She is testimony to the fact that advocacy can start at any age!  Thank you Mason!

To find out some ideas of what you can do to advocate for those living among the impoverished communities in northeast Africa take a look at our get involved page. To learn more about the conditions as well as the work of LIA in the Merkato community, purchase your very own copy of our first ever documentary “This Is My Home”.

What are some creative ideas YOU have to advocate for injustice and serve your brothers and sisters around the world? We would love to hear!