hawassa, ethiopia
learn more about the upcoming trip to ethiopia including who we will be serving, our team's mission, how you can pray, and current updates from the team
meet the missionaries: Argaw and Rachel Ayele
Argaw and Rachel Ayele are the founders of the Ethiopian NGO, Ebenezer Supporting and Development Association (ESDA). Argaw also oversees the Ebenezer Family of homes and ministries in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Ebenezer Family of homes is an orphanage ministry that serves over 100 kids including a home set up for orphans that have special needs. Argaw is originally from southern Ethiopia, and Rachel is from Indiana. They met at Calvary Chapel Bible College Europe in 2005. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Ethiopia. They have five children; Adonijah, Elias, Genesis, Gracie, and Stella.
Mission Field: hawassa, Ethiopia
The town of Hawassa serves as the capital of the Sidama Region of Southern Ethiopia. It sits along the shores of Lake Hawassa in the Great Rift Valley and is 180 miles South of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia has a rich culture, but for much of the population, that blessing has not translated into material prosperity. The country is plagued by both rural and urban poverty, and many families face a daily struggle to secure even the most basic of necessities.
Located in East Africa, Ethiopia has the second-highest population on the continent and the 13th highest in the world. Limited resources and a lack of job diversity make it nearly impossible for the country to support its more than 108 million people. Despite its growing economy, Ethiopia is still considered among the world’s poorest countries. It's in this context that Argaw and Rachel are called to be a light and to provide much needed care both spiritually and physically to so many living in the city of Hawassa.
Located in East Africa, Ethiopia has the second-highest population on the continent and the 13th highest in the world. Limited resources and a lack of job diversity make it nearly impossible for the country to support its more than 108 million people. Despite its growing economy, Ethiopia is still considered among the world’s poorest countries. It's in this context that Argaw and Rachel are called to be a light and to provide much needed care both spiritually and physically to so many living in the city of Hawassa.
Our team's mission
To get to ethiopa we will fly from Los Angeles to Istanbul, turkey then from Istanbul to Addis ababa, Ethiopia. From there we will drive 5 hours to the city of Hawassa in the province of Sidamo.
We will be coming alongside the Ebenezer Family of Homes to minister to the many orphans that they serve. We will be particularly focusing on their homes that are housing many children with special needs. As we have the opportunity to be with them, we will be providing a much needed rest to the many house moms that serve there tirelessly day in and day out. We will have the opportunity to lead games and bible studies in a Vacation Bible School (VBS) format for the children, and will also be able to spend time with Argaw and Rachel and their family getting to know them more and getting to fellowship with them!