SEEDS IN THE WIND

It hurts when we see tragedies happen to innocent people. Rightly so, we are repulsed when evil is inflicted on unsuspecting victims. But our hearts are equally stirred by the bravery and perseverance of those who survive and overcome. To that end, I am excited to share ‘Seeds in the Wind’, my new novel that follows the lives of 6 girls n in Ethiopia who find freedom from trafficking, slavery, and exploitation. Although the 6 stories are fictional, they’re based on personal accounts of countless women that LSM has served over our 10+ years of ministry in Ethiopia.

This novel represents THOUSANDS of girls and women around the world who have been forced into trafficking and exploitation. These girls and women didn’t willingly choose to give up their independence and dignity; they were exploited or tricked and then trafficked into hopeless tragedy. But they are not the only victims. Their children are also stuck in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness that is difficult to imagine. I pray ‘Seeds in the Wind’ gives voice to these women and children and points the reader to our great God who is able to bring good from bad. The Gospel message isn’t deterred by greed, wickedness, government, or international borders. Just as seeds are carried by the wind wherever it blows, so the Good News reaches the ends of the earth – even to those who can barely stand under the weight of injustice and oppression.

Sadly, many of the children and single mothers we serve in Ethiopia have known trafficking, slavery, and exploitation. This breaks my heart. But I rejoice that, through God’s grace and the courageous work of LSM’s Ethiopian staff, mothers and their children who once felt worthless are now safe and equipped to heal from their trauma. Christ is offering them victory over their past discouragements! What’s more, we are empowering these brave women to start successful businesses that can provide for them and their children. We’re also supporting the children with educational support, skills development, and Christian discipleship. Our vision in Ethiopia is to help at-risk children and their mothers reach their God-given potential so that they can transform their culture for Christ.

Below you’ll read the story of Alem. We’re thankful her story of tragedy to triumph represents so many of the women we’re privileged to serve. But God has called us to help even more children and their mothers. And to do that, we need your help. The goal of our Seeds in the Wind campaign is to raise $40,000 in one-time gifts and $1,500/mo in ongoing support. It’s an ambitious goal, but we serve a mighty God. Would you prayerfully consider getting involved by making a life-changing difference in the lives of women like Alem and her children? Your commitment would mean so much. May God richly bless you in the days ahead.

MEET ALEM

My name is Alem, and I have one son. After my parents passed away, I married at a young age. My life drastically changed the day my husband was tragically killed. Suddenly I had no support. Hearing my son cry from hunger was very painful. One day I was approached by a stranger who said he could find me a job. I trusted him. But I soon learned his malicious intentions of greed and wickedness. It hurts me to say this even now, but I found myself compromised and being used. It was a very dark time in my life. But I thank Jesus that one day I met LSM’s Family Preservation staff. They rescued me and my son out of the shadows of evil and gave us hope and love in Jesus. Today, I feel confident and courageous to make a good life for my son. Thanks to LSM’s Business Training, I now raise and sell hens and roosters at my local market. But my biggest blessing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We attend weekly Bible study and prayer meetings. For the first time in my life, I have dignity and the courage to spread the Gospel and be a better mother for my son!

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE THEIR REALITY

 

Your donation of any amount will go directly to help the at-risk children for single mothers in Ethiopia.  We trust Seeds in the Wind is a blessing to you and draws you closer to the the Father-heart of God.