From the Heartland to Ethiopia
Children in Ethiopia
Submitted by Cristy Slawson, Converge Heartland Office Manager
"I want to show people the love of Christ!" Kendra told me when I asked for her vision for her ministry.
And that's exactly what she has been doing since she was nine years old. After a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, Kendra decided she needed to do something to help. With the encouragement of her parents, she began a pen-making business to fund a trip to Haiti. Once there, she realized the need for girls like her to have a way to contribute support to their families but not have to drop out of school. So she taught them her pen-making skills and helped them set up their own businesses.
Her heart to show people Christ's love has taken her around the globe, but God has made clear her landing spot for long-term ministry is in Ethiopia at Shamida Ethiopia, a home for 150 children newborn to 8 years old.
Kendra's home church, Central Church in Sioux Falls, SD, has been an integral part of her development to be able to move to Ethiopia. Nathan Pruett, Outreach Pastor at Central, had this to say, "Kendra came to us with her call to missions already firmly established. Central's part in her journey was to give her a place to learn, grow her skills, and identify the specifics of that calling. We invited her to join our outreach ministry, so she could learn by doing."
Kendra frequently travels to Ethiopia and plans to move there in August of 2023. She will be one of three Program Specialists serving the children who live at Shamida Ethiopia.
Let's help get her there! Here's how you can support her:
Prayer - regularly lift her up to our Father.
Launching expenses - moving to another country involves many one-time costs. Kendra needs to raise an estimated $35,000 for these expenses.
Monthly support - recurring gifts will help meet her estimated expenses of $3500/month.
Words of encouragement - tell Kendra you're praying for her! Send her a note or an email and share a passage of Scripture that has been encouraging to you.
Invite her to share her mission work at your church, in a Sunday School class, or at a small group. Host a dessert in your home and invite friends to hear about the work God has called Kendra to do.
You can contact Kendra directly by emailing her at kendra@shamidaethiopia.com.
To make a financial donation or to receive Kendra's regular updates, click here. Let's send Kendra to Ethiopia to show the love of Christ!