Changed

Recently, 14 year-old Addisyn had the chance to travel to Ethiopia to pick up her newly adopted sister, Havyn. This amazing opportunity left her with a new found vision and desire to serve in a way few teenagers understand.

My favorite part of being in Ethiopia was getting to spend the day with missionaries Gary and Peggy Ifft. Gary took us to Adami Tulu Preschool in Ziway, Ethiopia and I am pretty sure I left a piece of my heart there. 

I knew that I couldn't return home and go on with my life the way it had been. I couldn't open my closet door and see 12 pairs of shoes in there without thinking about those left behind with none. I couldn't go into the mall with friends and spend $15 on yet another t-shirt knowing that $15 would have fed 5 children at the preschool for a month. I couldn't just be a regular American teenage girl anymore- I was different.  And different, I am realizing, is a good thing.

If you would like to read more check out her family's blog here!

Thank you, Addisyn, for your servant heart and passion for a work that is at the very heart of our Father in Heaven!

Amazed by these huge hearts...

As Gary and I drove up to Jude and Harper Thompson’s beautiful home, we were immediately impressed by the number of international children attending this fund raising event.  It was a heavenly sight to see adopted children from China, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Korea (and others) running hand in hand with their American siblings and friends. 

This fund raiser, put on by the CEO of Papa John’s, was planned with children in mind. They offered pony rides, donkey-pulled cart rides, an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo, cow milking,  face painting, cotton candy, snow cones, candy, and all the Papa John’s Pizza you could eat.  

We enjoyed meeting several families who had raised funds through Lifesong’s adoption grant and loan program.   We loved hearing their stories and were amazed by the huge hearts of these adoptive parents.  When they found out we were with Lifesong for Orphans, they thanked us over and over for the work we do.  Many said that they could not have adopted if it were not for the fund raising opportunity they had through Lifesong.  But, of course, they are the real heroes and Gary and I are privileged to be part of their adoption journeys." --Marla Ringger, Orphan Advocate

Thank you, Jude and Harper, for hosting this fabulous fundraising event! We are so grateful for your advocacy, your friendship, and the passion God has given you to care for the fatherless! May He continue to bless the work of your hands!

What can 250 kids in central CA do in 1 week?

Last week, Trinity Pres in Clovis, CA had their annual Vacation Bible School and decided to partner with Lifesong to raise money for the children in Ziway, Ethiopia.

Our friend Candice summarizes the week on her blog.

"Each day I would give the kids a scenario of what life is like in Ethiopia, show pictures on the screen and then introduce our prayer points for the day. They got cards to take home and show their parents and learned ways that they could be in prayer for the children in Ziway. Thursday night we showed the Ethiopia video and it touched many who were there. The kids really get into these mission projects and I am constantly amazed at how HUGE their hearts are for the orphans and less fortunate children. These young ones do SO much more in one week to serve the Lord than some adults do in a year!

They did everything from lemonade and kool-aid stands, to making bracelets, passing out baby bottles to fill up, painting rocks, baking cookies, and even selling frogs!"

"There were around 250 children last week bringing in their pennies, nickels and dimes to make a difference for the Kingdom of God- having complete faith that the Lord would provide the funds. And can you imagine being there on Friday morning- hearing all of their excited voices and seeing their little faces light up when they heard the total amount brought in... $4,700 for the children in Ethiopia!!!  This was enough to build an entire playground structure as well as an additional $1,200 for the children's school supplies such as desks, uniforms, books, etc. Our amazing God did that! These children truly have missionary hearts and I seriously cannot wait to see how the Lord will continue to use them throughout their young lives." 

Thank you Candice! Thank you Trinity Pres! We are amazed at how God moves hearts, including the hearts of these young children & pray that their hearts are captivated by His heart for the fatherless!

I'm Just an Illinois Farm Boy

Gary and Peggy Ifft have been missionaries in Ethiopia for over 9 years and are currently serving in Ziway, Ethiopia at the Lifesong site. Gary recently completed his first book, titled I'm Just an Illinois Farm Boy.

Background

Gary Ifft, President and co-founder of Misgana Ministries has published his book “I’m Just an Illinois Farm Boy” documenting his “missionary journey.” Gary tells about his experiences from the first time he ever became aware of the concept of “missions” or “missionaries” up to the establishment of Misgana Ministries in Ethiopia. Misgana Ministries is a Christian integrated rural development project which is centered at the rural Ethiopian town of Ziway.

This book is full of intriguing stories recapping Gary’s and his wife, Peggy’s, journey from their childhoods up through a successful corporate career and on to Ethiopia. After working with Wycliffe Bible Translators and administering two hospitals, they are now developing infrastructure, constructing a school, operating feeding programs, helping Ethiopians begin small businesses, caring for orphans, and much more.

Click here to find out how to order a copy!

Laughter & Smiles

We go all-out to give our kiddos the very best we possibly can.  In Ethiopia, this looks much different than it does for you and me in the US!

Lifesong for Orphans is supporting 3 schools in the Ziway, Ethiopia area. We are currently repairing one of the schools and are in the process of building another, but are hopeful to use all three this fall.

Let’s turn this bare piece of land at the Ziway Lifesong School …

  

...Into a place of laughter and smiles!

We are excited and hopeful for the schools in Ethiopia as we look to fill the rooms with desks, school supplies, blackboards, playground equipment, libary books etc.  We invite you to join us in ministering to the youth of Ethiopia.  For the children, for their country, but most of all for the glory of Father who is the God and Father of all.

View all current projects. View all Lifesong Ethiopia videos.