Elevate Orphan•Articles by: Michelle Wills

Author: Michelle Wills

April Newsletter

Elevate Orphan April 2023

He is Risen!

Easter has come and gone this year, but Jesus lives forever!


To celebrate Passover, our Elevate Orphan family held a foot washing ceremony.
If you follow us on social media, you have probably noticed that I have been talking a lot about loving one another. In the Bible the word love is mentioned hundreds of times! In fact, one of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor”. What better way to show each other brotherly love than to wash each other’s feet just like Jesus did at the Last Supper! Jesus even instructs us to do the same. (John 13:14) The video I posted that goes along with this photo brings me so much joy! Everyone is so happy in the video and you can see the true Agape love coming from each and every person participating. If you have not seen it yet check it out on our Facebook page!  (If you haven’t already, like and Follow us, while you’re there!)

Who Are You?


Hi, I’m Michelle Wills!
It is nice to meet you! I was hired in March as the Administrative Director of Elevate Orphan on the US side of the organization. I manage the day to day administrative operations. My background is in Education and Community Outreach. I live in the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia with my husband, three children, and two dogs. A few interesting facts about me is that I love to talk, my favorite color is yellow, and I also sponsor a child with Elevate Orphan. I understand first hand how exciting it is to get updates and information on how the children and families in Ethiopia are doing. It is my honor to serve you and if you ever have any questions or comments please feel free to email me: michelle@elevateorphan.org.
Thank you for being a part of the Elevate Orphan Family and for all that you do for our children and widows!

March Newsletter

March Newsletter

Dear Elevate Family:

I want to thank you for your passionate dedication to this ministry. I am truly blessed to share The Lord’s abundant fruit in the lives of our children at Elevate with you this month.  We have 6 children who are seniors at a private school in Addis Ababa who have taken the qualifying exam for University late last year.  If you do not know, Ethiopia’s secondary education system is based on the models used in Germany and Great Britain.  There is a national exam given to all children enrolled in the 11th/12th grade  and the scores for each child determine (1) whether or not the child will be admitted to University in Ethiopia, (2) where they will be admitted based on their placement of exam scores and (3) in what field of study they may pursue.  The Government of Ethiopia pays for the children’s University education if they are admitted.Well, with that brief primer on the education system in Ethiopia, I am filled with joy to share that 5 of the 6 high school seniors had high scores and are being given the opportunity to go to University!  They are:

  • Yididya Bishaw-Hawassa University (375 km)*
  • Eyosiyas Mina-Bahar Dar University (552 km)
  • Tigist Getachew-Dire Dawa University (450 km)
  • Elisabet Alemayehu-Dela University (351 km)
  • Haimanot Tesfaye-Bahar Dar University (552 km)
    * distance from Addis Ababa

They will all be starting University over the next few months!  Hallelujah!  Praise The LORD! His Grace is Sufficient and Bountiful!  Hallowed be His Name!

These achievements would not be possible, for these children, outside of God’s Hand on Elevate Orphan.  Most of you can imagine the challenges facing these children who are abandoned in their childhood to the Government orphanages.  The material, emotional and mental anguish they must overcome to “pull it together” and live productive lives.  These children have done more than that in Christ Jesus.  They have overcome this world, the devil and their flesh in the Power of The KING. They are going to University…but, the real beauty is that they each know The LORD as their God and Savior.  Thank you JESUS!!

Elevate will continue to support each of these children with a monthly stipend of approximately $250 to cover their expenses while at school.

Haimanot Moges, our sixth senior, is going to trade school as a beautician/hair stylist.  She is extremely excited about growing in this career.  We are excited to see the path The Lord carves for her in the coming years! She will stay with her forever family at Elevate orphan till she is completely independent with her career.

In addition, I would like to remind you that we have two other students from our Elevate Family of children that are currently enrolled in University (in addition to the 3 that have already graduated!!).

They are: Seble Nigusa and Deraje Mazengiya.  Seble is a 3rd year student at Hawasa University completing a Sociology undergraduate degree and Deraje is a senior at Asela University graduating with a degree as a Health Officer (nutrition counselor) this year.  PraiseThe LORD!

Please also pray for the rising seniors, 9 of them, in our Elevate Family who are preparing to take the National Exam later this year (in the fall).  They are:

  • Sosina Usman
  • Dawit Mengiste
  • Moges Bishaw
  • Sara Desalegn
  • Seada Zewdu
  • Tsegereda Getachew
  • Gemachu Eshetu
  • Yebeltal Desalegn
  • Hirut Girum

You can see all of their pictures on our website (elevateorphan.org).
Thank you for your love for our children and the widows and know that The LORD’s Hand is on this ministry for His Glory!!  Hallelujah!  AMEN.
In His Grip,

Reuben

Haimanot who is going to trade school as a beautician/hair stylist.

 

November Newsletter

November Newsletter Link

Dear Elevate Orphan Family,

You all have been great supporters of our organization through finances, prayer, and encouragement! The support you provide helps make our mission successful to love and support the widows and orphans of Ethiopia.
We are thankful for you!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Giving Tuesday November 29th
We are hosting an online giving fundraiser to meet our end of the year fundraising goal. Any amount you can give will help us get there! For this event we will be highlighting the recent graduates. We are hoping to raise additional funds to support them moving into this next phase of life. Elevate Orphan continues to support the children throughout their attendance at a University. The students will continue to come home during the summers and receive any additional support if needed!

Silent Auction December 3rd- 11th
We have some very exciting items and adventures to bid on! This will be a two week event with plenty of time to participate and bid on the items you are interested in. All of the money made at the event will go directly towards supporting Elevate Orphan!

 

Thomas has done a great job of managing in Ethiopia! He knows and loves each child. Below he has given us an update on the the 6 high school graduates. We are still waiting for the test results, but hope to have an update soon. You can see the six pictured here and learn more about their stories.

 

Meet the Graduates

Haimanot Moges has been with Elevate Orphan since the commencement of the orphanage 11 years ago. She wants to study Marketing Management at the university. She is going to turn 20 this year. Himanot Moges is a passionate young girl who is preparing to join university. Even though she has passed through different traumatic events during her childhood, she changed the situation for the better. She is resilient and become the owner of a built- up self-esteem. She accepts her past and chose to walk forward. ‘’I am passionate about experiencing new environment other than my village/city”

Elsabeth Alemayheu has been with Elevate Orphan for 11 years. She wants to pursue her Psychology Degree from university. She will be 20 years old this year. Elsabeth Alemayehu is a God loving young girl. Though she has enough reason to have a distorted image about herself, God and to this world, she chose to remain happy relying on God. She chose to rejoice in the lord. As a result, she is mentioned among her age met as a counselor and advisor. She loves to read her bible and attend spiritual gatherings.
‘’I am passionate about meeting new friends from different cultures and background and joining the evangelical student fellowship programs.”

Haimanot Tesfaye is a 21 years old girl, she has been with Elevate since beginning of the organization. She wants to study the field of Economics in the university. Haimanot is a confident young girl who she has a great self and world view. She show maturity in her day today life. She is focused in her vision and work hard towards achieving her goals.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I am excited to explore different experiences, meet different people from different background. I am also expecting to meet new friends and join student fellowship in the university.”

Yedidya Moges is a 20 years old girl, she has been with us for the last 11 years. She wants to study the field of Dental Medicine.Yedidya is an energetic young girl who worked hard towards her dream. Though, she has been passing through different hardship since her childhood, it doesn’t hinder her to be an excellent in her academics and other aspect of her life.  She is focused towards her dream.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I want to see other city different from my city and explore different experiences, I want to grow and serve others spiritually by engaging in the student fellowship.”

Tigist Getachew is a 19 years old girl, she has been with Elevate Orphan since the beginning of the organization. She wants to study the field of Architecture in the university. Tigist is a humble girl who has teachable heart. She is responsible for herself and her Youngers. She I s an artist who love painting and paint beautiful pictures.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I am excited to meet new friends from different cultural and religious background. I also expect to grow in knowledge, understanding and become more aware of the new environment. I want to meet new friends and grow spiritually by join student fellowship in the university.”

Eyosiyas Mina 18 years old but who looks like he is much older. Eyosias is determined to face life at its fullest and take lesson from his childhood to rise again and shine. By saying “the greatest glory in living not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”. Eyosias is devoted to computer science and striving hard to be self-sufficient and eagerly looking for making a difference in tech world. He wants to be a rich man who contributes back to the societal problems.
“I am graduated from high school this month. Joined bring love in from governmental children transition center eight years ago when I am grade 5 student, and since then I enjoying living here with my Elevate Orphan families.As I am Computer enthusiastic since my early grades, looking forward to study software engineering. And I am also interested to study Business beside software engineering to equip myself for managing my future tech company.”

 

With Gratitude,

Amelia Vaughn
Elevate Orphan

Dr. Reuben Gobezie

Dr. Reuben Gobezie heads up Elevate Orphan. He is responsible for all overarching operations and fundraising efforts, as well as overseeing the board. Reuben was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and has served on short term missions in Ethiopia for several years. Courtney Gobezie and Reuben have adopted a child from Ethiopia. All together, the Gobezie’s have 4 children and regularly serve on missions together in Ethiopia. The Gobezie family is committed to seeing the Lord glorified and enjoyed by all who are impacted by Elevate Orphan.

Dr. Biruk L. Wamisho, FCS, MP

Dr. Biruk L. Wamisho was recently awarded the rank of full Professorship of Orthopedic Surgery by the Addis Ababa University Board of Governors. Dr. Biruk along with his beautiful wife, Lili and 2 girls – Hildana and Abayelet and their son, Joel, live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are so thankful for Dr. Biruk’s wisdom, insights and desire to glorify God as he helps us in this good work of elevating orphans and placing them in families!

Dr. Biruk Lambisso is a senior consultant Orthopedic Surgeon by profession. He is as well an Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University- Black lion Hospital, President of Ethiopian Society of Orthopaedics & Traumatology (ESOT), Head of Department of Orthopedic at School of Medicine, and College of Health Science in AAU. He is also the Chairman of several committees at Federal and Addis Ababa City level.
Dr. Biruk has been elected and served in several executive committees of National professional associations like Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA). He is known for his extensive work in the areas of Medical ethics, Medical professionalism and teachings of clinical research coordinator (CRC).
Dr. Biruk enjoys treating patients, teaching medical and specializing students/doctors and conducts several researches.
It is to be well remembered that Dr. Biruk and the team operated on teenage girl with parasitic twin received award and recognition from the Parliament of Ethiopia. He performed over 15,000 documented major/complex orthopaedic surgeries, both at his public and private practice in the last two decades.
He is a much respected surgeon the nation has produced and enjoys helping our citizens in need. Many benefited from his healing hands and learned his skills.
What is more, he is volunteer regular surgical campaigner participated and made valuable contributions on different occasions during surgical camping in the rural parts of Ethiopia organized by ESOT, NaPAN, Surgical Society of Ethiopia (SSE), and Federal Ministry of Health.
Dr. Biruk is humble, sociable, well interactive and hard working.

Brandon Edwards

The Edwards’ family loves the kids at Elevate Orphan and they are passionate about God’s heart to care for the orphan and widow (James 1:27). Brandon is a worship pastor at Journey Church in Bozeman, Montana. He has had the privilege to oversee Journey’s global outreach for the past 7 years. He has led many short-term missions trips to Ethiopia and has continued to partner with Elevate Orphan in Addis for many years.

Thomas A

Thomas is a gifted administrator and loves the children passionately and is a brother in Christ of high integrity, profound organizational skills and extreme honesty. Thomas, as a native of Ethiopia, has developed deep relationships within the Ethiopian Government and Orphanages. He has a broad network of relationships that enable him to connect the children with jobs, vocational schools and housing as native born Ethiopians and long-standing residents of Addis Ababa and of The Body of Christ in Addis.

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