Empower Ethiopians to live a life beyond mere survival
BASIC NEEDS
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
The Barrier: Poverty
We all know that a fulfilling life comes not only from having what you need, but from being able to grow and help others.
In Ethiopia, many long to live a fulfilling life beyond mere survival. However, poverty keeps them struggling to survive and without opportunities to thrive.
This leaves many feeling, hopeless, forgotten, and stuck.
A way out
Project Ethiopia Benevolence is a gospel-driven non-profit that gives Ethiopians a way out of poverty by first meeting basic needs and then offering opportunities to learn, grow, and help their neighbors.
Tom and Teresa Rieder, Founders
Zekarias (Zak) Zemede, Program Director
A compassionate team
Like you, our hearts break when God’s people suffer. But too often when you try to help, you don’t know what your contribution actually funds – leaving you wondering if you’re making the difference you want to.
That’s why we started Project Ethiopia Benevolence. Living in an Ethiopian village for six years allowed us to form deep relationships with our neighbors there and see how much just a few dollars can impact someone’s life.
Through our on-site program director, Zak, we are able to identify needs firsthand, give to locals we know are faithful stewards, and share with you the tangible impact of your contribution.
Initiatives
Tesfa Lesewoch (Tesfa House)
“House of hope for the children”
When we discovered a group of orphaned and abandoned boys living in a drainage ditch, we felt compelled to offer them a way to a better life. Compassionate donors like you came together to establish Tesfa Lesewoch (“Tesfa House” for short) — a home where the boys have a safe place to sleep, ample food, supervision, and daily responsibilities. They also go to school, attend church, and are mentored by our program director Zak, who teaches them to ‘pay it forward’ and share the kindness they’ve received with others.
Tamirat
Tamirat is a little boy who suffers from Harlequin Ichthyosis – a rare, incurable skin disease that prohibits him from leaving his home. Abandoned by his mother, Tamirat is under the care of his father, who works nights so he can help his son during the day.
One of Tamirat’s greatest wishes was to have a birthday party. So, in keeping with neighbor helping neighbor, the Tesfa House boys, along with Zak, threw Tamirat a birthday party – complete with hats, sparklers, and cake – made possible by your donations. He was dancing with joy! Since he is unable to go to school, the boys also visit Tamirat to teach him how to read and write, like they are learning to do in school. Your generosity has truly begun a ripple effect of love and compassion that continues to spread throughout this community.
Basic Housing and Food
During the dry season and famine, there is a great need for grain in remote villages. Donors like you provide food for hungry families during those seasons.
Matthew Abraham
Berki Banko
Berki, who is orginally from the remote bush of Southern Ethiopia, was able to go to Bible school with help from PEB. He is now ‘paying it forward’ by sharing the Gospel with the tribes in the bush. Berki shows The Jesus Movie on a sheet using a projector provided by PEB donors and translates the movie as they watch. Many tribespeople have set aside their old war-like habits and are embracing a new way of life in Jesus Christ. Berki has started over 15 churches in the dry, hostile land of that area, where he gets around on a motorcycle provided by PEB donors.
Upcoming Initiatives
Tesfa House for girls
While the Tesfa House boys now have a home, many more like them need help. The most immediate need we see is a similar home for young girls. Many have been orphaned, abandoned, or left with no shelter or protection. Another Tesfa House would meet their daily needs (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) and allow them to grow and learn, giving them a way to long-term stability.
Wora & Aster
Wora and Aster are the parents of three children. Their family lives on the edge of the town dump and is often sick as a result of their living conditions. Their father has Tuberculosis and recurring Malaria, making him unable to work.
After establishing a Tesfa House for girls, we would love to build a home for Wora and Aster and their children. To carry on the long-term goal of neighbor helping neighbor, we would employ a young man we mentored and taught to build homes, Melkias, to complete the project.
We identify needs. You make the difference.
There are plenty of ways to offer hope besides donating. Click here to learn more.
- Spread the word. Tell your friends, family, and organizations about the work God is doing through PEB. Contact us to set up a speaking engagement at your church or organization.
- Volunteer. PEB is currently in need of a bookkeeper to help our books stay organized and transparent as we grow. Your volunteer time can also be used as a tax exemption.
- Pray. Pray for the safety of the evangelists in a hostile environment. Pray for the children of Tesfa House. Pray for wisdom for the Board of PEB.
Our commitment to you
- When you give to PEB, you can rest assured your gift won’t get lost in administrative costs. All donations go directly to daily essentials and growth opportunities.
- We’ll show you the impact of your gift through photos and periodic newsletters.
- The end goal of all of our initiatives is “neighbor helping neighbor.” We teach recipients to pay it forward by using the resources and skills they’ve been given to care for their neighbors in need.
