Since 2000, the SIM Urban Ministries program has been reaching out to girls living on the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—offering them shelter, care, and opportunities for a new life. The "Deborah House" is the strategic center of this program and it is where Elizabeth Cromwell's heart has been captured by the girls that she has been called to serve. Here is a story that Elizabeth shared with her ministry partners ...

There have been many opportunities that have allowed me to know the girls better. We’ve studied together, worshiped together, prayed together, and simply hung out. The girls are between the ages of 13 and 22 and all share the same house. They eat together, sleep together, wash their clothes together, and do various other activities together. I really enjoy being with them and getting to know their stories. They are each so unique.

Shetaye is one girl who has been transformed by the Deborah House and is now successfully living with her mum and her brother. She began her journey outside of Addis in a Muslim family. Her parents sent her to Addis to gain education and be taught about the Koran. However, she faced many challenges once she reached Addis, including cruel treatment from those with whom she lived. In order to escape the cruelty she faced as a house servant, at the young age of 11 she was forced to live out on the streets. This life was hard as well—she often had no food, little clothes and no shelter. She turned to alcohol and smoking in an effort to cope with the harshness of daily life on the streets. But by the grace of God, after three years on the streets one of the Deborah House mums brought Shetaye to the House where she began to receive love and care. Even more importantly, about three years ago she accepted Christ. Since then, she has been a changed girl.

Three months ago, Shetaye was re-united with her mother here in Addis. Her mum though at first resistant to faith in God has now accepted Christ. However the rest of her family have not yet accepted Jesus. Perhaps the Lord has placed her back in her home, so she can be his light to them.

Pray

• Praise God for Shetaye's mom coming to faith.
• For the rest of Shetaye's family to come to know Jesus as their Savior.
• That the Deborah House girls will be changed by the Gospel.
• Pray for the staff to have wisdom and discernment with each girl.

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