The following two articles we published by

Samaritan's Purse in their February 2009 International and National news lettter

 

"Lifting Up Christ in Ethiopia"

In neighboring Ethiopia, we are seeing many people put their faith in Jesus Christ through our ministry partner, Soddo Christian Hospital. Samaritan’s Purse has helped support this facility by regularly sending volunteer doctors, supplies, equipment, and biomedical technicians through our medical arm, World Medical Mission. Soddo is now one of the premier hospitals in Ethiopia.

Most importantly, the director, Dr. Duane Anderson, and his staff are committed to sharing the Gospel message with all of their patients. Many not only make decisions for Christ but go on to share their new faith with their family and neighbors when they return home.

“It’s the blessing of God that we get to see our patients come to know the Lord,” Dr. Anderson says.

Before he came to Soddo Hospital, Biniyam (name changed for security reasons) had never even met a Christian. There were none in his small village. Throughout his stay at the hospital, the staff told him about God’s offer of eternal life through His Son. Before his discharge, Biniyam repented of his sins and prayed to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. The excited young man then went home to share what he had learned. His community now has a church of about 60 people, and that little congregation has sent three evangelists into neighboring villages. These dedicated servants work half days in the fields to feed their families, then travel by bicycle to bring the Good News to others.

“We’re really excited about using this facility to plant churches all over Ethiopia,” Dr. Anderson says.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Newsletter/1324/

"A Life Transformed"

Seeing Malessa walk through the halls of Soddo Christian Hospital in Ethiopia in his crisp, white medical coat, it’s hard to imagine that the 18-year-old was once a desperate beggar living on the streets. Crippled by polio from a tender age, the young orphan held onto the hope he received one night when he cried out to the Lord for relief from his suffering.

“I felt in my heart that God would send someone to help me,” he said. “When I heard about (hospital director) Dr. Anderson, I knew he was the answer to my prayer.”

The young man begged a ride from a sympathetic bus driver and arrived at Soddo with nothing but the clothes on his back.

“Malessa asked me for some new crutches,” said Dr. Duane Anderson. “I told him I could give him much more than that.”

Several surgeries later, Malessa’s twisted legs began working better than ever before. He was able to maneuver around the hospital grounds easily and could even take a few steps without crutches. During 18 months of treatment, he also invited Jesus to become Lord of his life.

“I loved my parents very much,” he said, “but I think of Dr. Anderson as my spiritual father.”

Malessa didn’t want to leave Soddo when his treatment ended.

“He cried,” Dr. Anderson said. “I realized he had nothing and no one to go back to.”

Dr. Anderson offered him a job and a home, and Malessa has made the most of the opportunity, even helping other patients with their physical therapy.

“He’s turned out to be my right-hand man,” Dr. Anderson said. “Because he has been in such a low place, he instinctively knows how to comfort the patients, and he is always excited to share the Gospel with them. He’s done more for us than we ever did for him.”

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Newsletter/newsletter_article/1325/

.