As you know from a previous post, my Ethiopian friend, Kassa, is in need of financial assistance. He lost both of his parents in a tragic house fire; his only remaining sister is in critical condition in Dessie Hospital.
He needs $1500 USD to pay for his sister's massive hospital bill, and to help rebuild their home. He believes it is his responsibility to care for his sister and to help her regain her life--- an admirable attitude. $1500 may not seem like a huge amount of money, but for an Ethiopian it is absolutely overwhelming. In Ethiopian Birr, this amount is $24,711.75! No wonder my friend is overcome with worry! He makes a very modest salary as a Lalibela tour guide. This amount of money is simply beyond his ability to pay.
You may ask, "Why is it my responsibility to help this person... someone I don't even know?" Would you rush to help your neighbor--- the one living right next to you--- if his home burned down and his parents died and his sister was suffering in the hospital with no medical insurance? Kassa is also your neighbor; he just happens to live in Ethiopia.
Mark 12:30-32 (New International Version)
He needs $1500 USD to pay for his sister's massive hospital bill, and to help rebuild their home. He believes it is his responsibility to care for his sister and to help her regain her life--- an admirable attitude. $1500 may not seem like a huge amount of money, but for an Ethiopian it is absolutely overwhelming. In Ethiopian Birr, this amount is $24,711.75! No wonder my friend is overcome with worry! He makes a very modest salary as a Lalibela tour guide. This amount of money is simply beyond his ability to pay.
You may ask, "Why is it my responsibility to help this person... someone I don't even know?" Would you rush to help your neighbor--- the one living right next to you--- if his home burned down and his parents died and his sister was suffering in the hospital with no medical insurance? Kassa is also your neighbor; he just happens to live in Ethiopia.
Mark 12:30-32 (New International Version)
30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-36 (New International Version)
34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
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