Mark Gumm
Sr. Director of Ministry Ethiopia, South Africa, and Haiti

 In a quiet corner of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a story of hope, resilience, and faith continues to inspire me and all who hear it. I met Agape earlier this year while visiting our World Orphans church partners in Ethiopia. Her smile and hospitality were evident as she served us coffee and bread. She is a devoted mother and church member who has endured hardships most of us can scarcely imagine. As a widow struggling to provide even the basics for her family, she joined the Home Based Care program at her church. As she shared through an interpreter, I could hear and sense her emotions welling up, along with her sincere gratitude. 

“I couldn’t pay rent and groceries at the same time,” she shared. “The food baskets provided by my church allowed me to focus on rent alone. Before, I couldn’t even put food in my son’s lunchbox.”

Later, with the help of a microloan from the Economic Empowerment program, she tried different small businesses—from selling tea and vegetables to baking injera. After setbacks, including a lengthy illness, she found stability in a new business reselling clothes. Through it all, she pressed on with courage, determined to provide for her son.

Last year, her only son, Muse—a bright and aspiring 16-year-old—was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Muse is a gifted artist and an outstanding student who hopes to be a tutor for other kids in his community. Agape is deeply proud of him, but the uncertainty of his health weighs heavily on her. She clings to God’s promises, and she does not walk this journey alone.

From the very first doctor’s visit, her church family—both her local Ethiopian congregation and a US church partner—has walked faithfully beside her. They prayed, visited, provided food and encouragement, and even covered the costs of Muse’s recent successful surgery to remove the tumor. Agape and Muse are beyond grateful for the love and support they have received. 

I carry and share pictures from that visit as a reminder that what World Orphans does is far greater than providing food baskets, medical care, or microfinance loans. At its heart, it is about faith, hope, and love in action. Agape’s name, the Greek and Amharic word that means selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial love, is characterized by a commitment to the well-being of others, even when it requires effort or sacrifice. That love is reflected in a mother’s devotion to her only son, the care of the church family, and the steadfast love of God who walks with us through every trial.

Scripture reminds us that our hope comes from God and his agape love: 

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
‘therefore I will hope in him.’”  Lamentations 3:21–24 (ESV)

Agape’s story reflects our mission and vision to extend the love, compassion, and encouragement of Jesus through his people, the Church, all for his glory.

Please join us in praying for Muse’s complete healing, and for strength and provision for Agape as she continues to care for him. Thanks be to God for his faithfulness and his Church for being the hands and heart of Christ in action.