In February 2010 we told you a little bit about Hiwot, the young lady who had been supported by SIM's Deborah House to finish her nursing training and subsequently found a job within SIM at a health clinic in the remote area of Makki, Ethiopia. Hiwot has been at her job for more than seven months now. One of our SIM couples who has been involved in this project wrote recently, giving us a glimpse into how God has been using Hiwot.

Hiwot has come to Addis Ababa twice since moving to Makki, once for Christmas and more recently for Easter. (We saw her around Easter time at our big Ethiopian wedding celebration.) It is clear to see she has grown so much through her work and ministry down in the clinic. She has a strength that surprised us and helps us realize that this job opening for her was an answer to our prayers. She has adjusted well to life in Makki and says she really enjoys living as well as working there as a nurse. One of the best parts about her work is that she gets the opportunity to serve, not only directly through her nursing skills, but also as she gives of her own money to help the patients who cannot afford the treatments they need.

Though Hiwot has the freedom to share the gospel with the patients, she has difficulty at this time because she doesn't know the language. However, she is not ready to let this barrier stop the spread of the gospel. For now she refers patients to others who do share the gospel with them. She is also trying to learn the language so she can share the good news of Christ with them herself. It is evident that she is very eager to learn and minister.

Despite the challenge of encountering snakes and being so far from Addis Ababa (two days by car on difficult roads), Hiwot is thriving in Makki and we thank the Lord for his work in her. He has used your prayers and ours to grow and minister through her in Makki. Thank you.

Hiwot is just one young woman whose life has been touched through your investment in this project. Please continue to pray for her ministry to the people of Makki. If you would like to hear more stories please visit the project page for Deborah House Shelter for Street Girls where you will find a short video with some of the other exciting testimonies and a link to donate to the project.

Thank you for your partnership with SIM in helping these girls be all that God wants them to be!