More questions than answers...

Why?

Have you ever asked that short, bold question when you are faced with life's curve balls? When you find out that you have lost a job. Lost a child? Lost purpose? These trials are never easy.

The past two days in Ethiopia have been difficult for me to digest. I guess I knew that it was coming. Things that we Americans see on television or happen upon in a magazine. The reality of extreme poverty.

Reality: 'Ababa' and her four year old daughter 'Sefa' live in a 4 x 6 foot make shift shelter. That's right, 4 feet by 6 feet living space. Go get a tape measure right now and see how your world would be reduced by such physical poverty. I experienced 'Ababa's world for about 10 minutes by sitting in the middle of her 'home'. Her husband is an alcoholic. Still she smiles.

Just hours earlier, our team had been treated to a traditional 'coffee' ceremony at the Compassion project ET-145 a very poor neighborhood in the southern portion of Addis Ababa. A shy 27 year old young lady prepared the coffee and served us. Her name was 'Ababa'. The same 'Ababa' that we would pay a visit to later in the day. Her appearance was very presentable. Nothing that screamed 'extreme poverty.' How was I to know that this young woman's total worldly possessions would fit nicely in the bed of a Chevy pickup truck...with the tailgate up.

Hope: As I was sitting alone in Ababa's meager home with the rest of our team forced to remain outside because of the limited space, a translator assured me that Ababa loves to come to the local Compassion project and volunteer her time. That's right, volunteer to help others. Just like she did earlier on Wednesday morning...preparing coffee for us. 'Ababa' understands that the living Word of God still applies today.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35

Even in the face of extreme poverty.

And yes, I continue to ask...WHY?

Verne Hill (WBFJ News)

LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

PS: Please pray for the Compassion Project leaders and local pastors in Ethiopia and around the world. One director actually told me that he feels defeated most days. He said that the physical needs in his area are just too great. That maybe he should just quit. I told him to not lose faith...to hold on. Pray that the 'laborers' be strengthened by the one who gave His life for us.