April 2025

Siloam Harar Mission

Brief Report

meeting with the church pastor

Upon arriving in Harar,

I met with the church's senior pastor before connecting with the board. We had a one-and-a-half-hour conversation in which I explained the purpose of my visit, the specific issues I wanted to address, and their ongoing plans.

The following day, the board convened, and we held extensive discussions about the children and the clinic.

Key Issues Discussed:

Housing Challenges Due to Urban Development:

The city’s ongoing development projects have led to the demolition of many homes. As a result, displaced residents are opting to rent rather than rebuild.

• This has made finding housing in the city nearly impossible for those affected concerns About Merging Two Households:

• The board expressed concerns about merging two households with children of different ages and lifestyles. They worry it will be difficult to manage everyone harmoniously. Sister Zenash, who currently acts as a mother figure, faces challenges due to her age and health. She clarified that her decision to avoid merging households stems from a commitment to preserve the original vision of the initiative.

• Temporary Care for Motherless Children:

• Four children in one household lack a mother. A young church sister is temporarily assisting them as an "older sister" till a permanent mother figure is found. The board believes offering higher financial incentives could attract suitable candidates

• Regarding Eden’s Departure from the Household:

• All board members were deeply concerned about the negative changes they observed in Eden’s behavior. Despite their advice, no improvement was seen, and her condition worsened significantly, taking on an alarming appearance. They also expressed fear that if she were to become pregnant, it would damage the organization’s reputation.

• While her departure from the household might ease the burden of caring for others, her own life remains unstable. We discussed ways to find her additional support. On Tuesday, I traveled to Dire Dawa and connected her with people who can assist her. Through them, we will create opportunities for her to learn vocational skills.

Clinic Progress and Report:

• The clinic’s progress is impressive, and its efficient use of a small budget has delivered significant community impact. I received the 3-year report, which I am attaching to this email.

• "The staff of Siloam Clinic has requested a salary increase, citing the current high cost of living. They have asked the Siloam board in the U.S. to review the situation and provide them with a response."

• Most clothes and shoes I bought fit well, but some children still need proper attire, which we’ll purchase next week.

• Future reports will include detailed updates from the children and their mothers.

• Second Meeting Preparations and Follow-Up with Sister Zenash. Before our second board meeting, I personally visited Sister Zenash to discuss her willingness and ability to take on responsibilities. Since we couldn’t confirm her firm commitment earlier, I met again with board members, Pastor Sisay, and Brother Matthew. Together, we assured her that we would fully support any decision she made freely. We asked her to share her final decision within two days.

• ith Eden in Dire Dawa

• the following day. On Sunday, I arranged for her to attend the Living Word Church service. After ensuring her safety and well-being, I spent significant time discussing her situation with the pastor. The next day, I returned to Dire Dawa to meet her again. We shared a meal and had an open conversation.

• When explaining why she left the household, Eden said, “It’s my fault. I wasn’t behaving well, so I left and hurt my sisters.” Though she was hesitant to return, we discussed a path for her to focus on vocational training instead of drifting into other distractions. Recognizing her interest in sewing, we coordinated with Pastor Miskir to enroll her in a sewing skills program through the Living Word Church. We finalized these plans with her consent.

• · Eden’s Repentance and Support

• Eden, who had strayed from her faith, responded tearfully to our call for repentance. We also learned that there is a second Living Word Church branch in her neighborhood. Together with the pastor, we visited the church with her and introduced her to the community. After purchasing the clothes and shoes she needed, I returned to Harar.

• Before our second meeting, I personally visited Mrs. Zinash to confirm whether she could confidently take on the responsibility. Since her stance was unclear at the time, I revisited her with Pastor Sisay, Brother Mathew, and other board members to assure her that we would fully support any decision she made. We asked her to inform us of her final decision within two days.

• Mrs. Zinash’s decision about the children, she shared: “My concern for them is God-given—I cannot stay silent—however, their age gaps and separation between households risk conflicts.

• Gradual integration through shared meals, play, and prayer would help, but immediate unification isn’t feasible. I advised biweekly/monthly joint meals, weekly in-person meetings with church elders (including the Siloam Board), and dedicated prayer support. The elders agreed to oversee & follow up closely.

One-to-one discussion

• During my personal time with the children, most of them shared that they struggle with eating. With the current economy, the money they receive is minimal, so they end up eating the same type of food every day, and even that doesn’t fill them up, as they explained to me.

• To address rising living costs, I ensured standardized weekly menus across both households through written plans. Budget analysts are currently assessing monthly expenses and will update me before my departure. I also urged personalized engagement to understand the children’s emotional needs.

Water baptism

• Three of our children—Meron, Samiya (Salem), and Ruth—were baptized alongside 19 others.

• We celebrated Easter by purchasing and distributing meat, followed the next day by a vibrant children’s and youth program that I joyfully attended.

Documentery

• "After discussions with local journalists, they expressed interest in creating a documentary about SiloamMinistry. They visited the clinic &, conducted a 45-minute interview and filming session, and later interviewed staff members, board members, and the house parents, Children & Siloam employers. By compiling this comprehensive documentation, their work will play a significant role in preserving history and raising public awareness about Siloam.

I received the clinic’s three-year report from Siloam Administrator Mr. Metagess and concluded my visit by praying over each household. Finally, I prepared to return to Addis Ababa and then to my home country.

Regarding the Zoom Meeting Held on May 26:

Seven members attended. The main discussion focused on the recent missionary trip to Harar.

Two brothers from the Harar board were present. Based on the report presented:

Child Support Decision:

We decided on the children’s monthly expenses. The Harar study indicated a need of 20,000 ETB per household. However, due to current budget constraints, we have provisionally set the amount at 13,000 ETB and will increase it in the future as circumstances allow.