Ethiopia

In 1984/1985 Ethiopia was struck by a great famine that cost the lives of about 8 million people. Many children lost their parents.

During this time, Paul Kowoll, then director of L’ESPERANCE Children’s Aid, set out to the stricken country to help these children. He traveled alone, almost without money, without knowing anyone or being registered, without a place to stay, without a strong organization behind him, without sufficient knowledge of the language, but with the trust in his heart that God’s promises were also valid for his mission. This is why he was able to experience how He opened one door after the other.

Miracles happen

In Ethiopia, he met brothers and sisters in the faith who had prayed for help and supported him. And the miracle happened. Just six hours after the first contact with the government, he received 15 hectares of fertile land on the river just 20 km from the capital free of charge. This is where the children’s village was to be built! The city council of Akaki Beseka also provided L’ESPERANCE with a house so that the first children could be taken in right away.

After only 51 days all preparations for the start of the children’s aid in Ethiopia were completed. With the last birr Paul’s luggage was brought to the airport. Without money but with a great responsibility, Paul traveled back to Germany while the local staff got to work. The first orphan home was built on the site and the ground was tilled.

Making great strides forward

When Paul returned to Ethiopia in February 1986, 23 children were already living in the orphanage. Many of the little ones had seen their parents starve to death or had been weakened by lack of food and disease. Most of them had barely escaped death themselves. It was a great joy for Paul to see how frightened, lonely, malnourished, helpless beings had become happy, laughing, healthy children again.

Until today

More orphan homes were built, as well as houses for staff. Today, more than 70 orphans live on the premises. In addition, there is a kindergarten, an Adventist school (elementary to high school) with over 1000 students, a boarding school, a large Adventist congregation, a teaching farm with horticulture and agriculture, dairy farming, and beekeeping.