It is evening, east of sunset, and we are at rest at the mission’s guesthouse after working in our respective capacities in the Kebele. This is usually a time to begin the effort to digest or contemplate the events of the day.

A third visit to Ethiopian soil, and initial observations are a coupling of frustration and incredulity, tears and dust, constrained by the notion that there must be some way of bringing change to a sodden place, (on the surface) bereft of hope.

The word for “hope” in Amharic, the native tongue here, that will occasionally arise in a common conversation is“ Tesfa “. It is also used in various forms in the names of children, both male and female. On the surface, with the myriad of ills that threaten the average Ethiopian, it would seem that “ Tesfa “ is the last word that would ever be used, in context, to describe their lives or situation.

Addis is a city overflowing. Its problems are magnified by its inability to keep pace with the throngs of people who have gravitated, perhaps out of desperation, to what often smoke from the many cooking fires. The water is darkened by sewage and laundry soap. The streets are littered with mountains of garbage and the decaying skulls of slaughtered animals. Masses compete for ramshackle “ homes “; often no more than hastily thrown together scraps of tin and cardboard. Unemployment is staggering, and less than 2 percent of the working population have a pension, however meager.

But there is lovely news to report. Here, even in the darkest of conditions, the light of the gospel is making an impact. The project is growing, expanding into new regions of the city, and in a very tangible way, bringing “ tesfa “ to those who otherwise would have no occasion to utter the word. There is never a way to formulate the beauty of the gospel. However, when lived out and applied in simple love, in a comprehensive and consistent manner, the results are undeniable.

It is with deep gratitude that we can report that your prayers and giving have made it possible to offer hope and life, the fragrant flower of Christ to Addis Ababa.

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