Christmas Greetings from Mossy Foot Project
The angel said to them, “Fear not. Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11a.
Christmas is a time of great JOY and giving. You, dear Mossy Foot partner, are a purveyor of JOY. Without your generosity, this story that begins bleakly, would not have a joyful ending.
Many times while visiting Ethiopia I have entered the pitiful homes of our mossy foot patients. These patients have been chosen to receive a new house, built by the Mossy Foot Project in conjunction with the community. Their meager homes make me think of the stable where Jesus was born. The floor is dirt, covered with a thin paste of manure to keep insects out.
If they own any animals, the animals sleep in the house so they won’t be stolen or eaten by hyenas. The bed is a mat on the floor, frequently without blankets. A circle of rocks on the floor serves as a stove. There is no refrigerator, perhaps a small basket of grain and a few cabbage leaves. It sounds quite depressing, doesn’t it?
Recently, Zebdewos, our Executive Director, reached out to a new village, asking the village chairman to go house to house to identify people suffering from mossy foot disease. Unfortunately, those who suffer from mossy foot disease feel so shamed by their condition that they hide in their homes. These people desperately needed to be identified so they could receive help.
An additional reason for the village survey was that US donors had given funds to build a house for a needy mossy foot widow. Zebdewos needed to identify the most destitute widow. This is how Mekbib was chosen to receive a new home. As Mebrat, our social worker talked with Mekbib, she discovered that the widow was a Christian woman but had not attended church for about five years. Tears welled up in Mekbib’s eyes, who was so destitute that all she had were the old, dirty rags hanging on her frail body. There was no way that she felt she could go to church in that condition.
When Zebdewos heard of Mekbib’s predicament, he assigned Mebrat to buy clothes for the widow. The next Sunday three of our staff took the clothes to Mekbib’s house and helped her dress. Mekbib was ecstatically happy as they accompanied her to her church.
Imagine having to find comfort from the weather in this!
Mekbib rejoices as a sturdy, new home is being built for her.
We are so grateful for the generous response to the Mossy Foot Christmas catalog. My heart is happy knowing how much these gifts will help and bless our patients. Our gift catalog is available online if you would like to choose a gift that will bring hope to those still without it.
James writes in his letter in the Bible that “the religion God sees as faultless is to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” I cannot thank you enough for bringing great JOY to Mekbib and others like her.
May God give you and your families great JOY this Christmas. Merry Christmas from my son Kevin and I as you walk in all the promises of Advent!
With love and appreciation,
Mossy Foot Project President