Light in the community

Today we met 21 year old Fikadu Ketema. He was first enrolled into a compassion prject 16 years ago when things were particularly difficult. His father had been called away to live in the rural area due to a family bereavement and he was unable to take his family with him. At this time Fikadu's mother was suffering with malaria and could not get out of bed leaving the 8 children to fend for themselves. Fikadu had been attending the local school up to this point but now the family had no income except his older sister selling firewood so schooling was not a priority.

Fikadu was given the chance to join Compassion during the summer which excited him as he would be able to return to school due to the provision of school fees, uniform and school materials. Fikadu shared these with his brothers and sisters and encouraged us that if we support one child you do not only change the life of the child but that of their families and wider communities.

This was so evident within Fikadu's community today. He spoke of how his Orthodox community had been resistent to the evangelical teaching at the Compassion project. His father had initially not wanted Fikadu to join the project but his mother had insisted knowing that this would be the only chance Fikadu would have to be educated. Walking through Fikadu's community was such a blessing. They have benefitted from Compassion's work and now the community are receptive to the Lord and younger children in the community are all eager to register into the project. His family, now knowing Christ, have truly become a beacon of light in their community. "When we talk about God, they hear us and respect us" Fikadu testifies.

Fikadu is studying biology as part of Compassion's Leadership Development Programme. During the holidays he studies Christian principles of leadership such as Church planting, evangelism, stewardship and understanding the Bible. "My God is so good" says Fikadu, "My needs have been fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams."