Mission Trip Recap - Gambella, Ethiopia A.R.M. Center 2023

This year, the mission team of A.R.M. had the privilege to travel to Gambella, Ethiopia Africa to provide different services to the vulnerable orphans. We had 7 leaders on our mission trip who were all extremely talented with very different gifts and knowledge to provide to the orphans and widows during the two weeks in early 2023. There were numerous blessings and answers to prayer, and we felt like we were able to accomplish what God called us to do on this particular trip.

Some of the various impact programs during our trip included:

• Widows Trauma Training – Pastor Hazel Seavey, original founding member of A.R.M., Elizabeth
• Orphans Educational Training – George Matty, Vice Chairman of A.R.M. & Elizabeth
• Teachers Certification & Training – Jennifer Wright, lead teacher & Ginger Evans         
• Pastoral Leadership Training – Pastor Brian Troxell, Michael Gatkek, George Matty and A.R.M. Field Staff
• Other - Trauma Training to both Pastors & Youth – Ginger Evans & Pastor Brian Troxell

During our nearly two weeks in Gambella, we were able to provide a no-cost school program, Kindergarten through 7^th Grade with the essentials of education, physical fitness, and spiritual literacy and also to encourage them to share the love of Jesus and Biblical scripture memorization; seeing nearly 500 children and orphans who came each day, eager to enjoy activities and receive training! Our team witnessed nearly 1,000 orphans in attendance at our primary school that we set up for them again ranging from Grades K-7. These children came each day to receive a meal and we were able to accomplish it with our incredible team's support.

At the ARM Center, and during our time together, the mission team and staff took part in feeding programs and community to the orphans. A favorite part of the week was being able to personally present 61 widows with a microloan of $100/each,  which we provided microfinance training to help these widows become self-sufficient - thanks in part to Pastor Hazel who passionately and experientially led these women in her training from the organization, Heart of Africa. Surprisingly on the final day of training, the class totaled an amazing 80 widows! Their purpose was to help these widows with *vision, personal value, identify their work skills and strengths, build relationships, mentor and work to heal trauma from being an "outcast" in society. We had the privilege during this time of blessing them and hearing their testimonies and appreciation for the loans. (*The loan/criteria was given to help them to start a business to learn to be self-sufficient. These widows had to be recommended by their home church pastors, coming from different denominations, and already had a project in mind that could become self-sustaining.)

In the Pastoral Leadership Training with Pastor Brian Troxell there were sermons including the Parable of the Tenants, "Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone" and His life, also the Passover. Overall, there were 250+ pastors from various tribes and different denominations in attendance who exhibited a general lack of understanding of scripture and foundational principles and it was necessary for them to receive our instruction. We issued certificates to all the pastors that came for the training. We were also able to give out over 100 pair of eye glasses (which, as you can imagine the chaos, excitement and awestruck feeling it created). The eyeglasses were donated by Lake Houston of the Nazarene for those who needed them on Monday.

Not only that great report, but we also provided trauma training so they can easily deal with their congregations going through many trauma levels due to current situation they are facing in the refugees’ camps. Some even followed the Lord, about 50, professing the Lord during this revival. He summarizes their awesome experience as, "It's a place where you have these ancient cultures colliding with modern technology. They live in huts and they have cell phones." It's hard to explain how bizarre the other side of the world is - he continues - there is a thin line between surviving and thriving. And, there is a message of transformation here and it has everything to do with helping hurting people. "How could we overlook an entire group of people, like widows?" he says. That was a reflection and observation while in Africa from this team. He goes on to say, "This is a message about 'digging people out of ditches' whatever the circumstances are, we are all just one step away from being in that ditch. What I am praying for is that we have eyes to see and then when we see, we'll have courage to do what the Spirit is leading us to," he concludes. His sermon on This ARM Mission Trip is located, here (starts, 59:17).

On Sunday our team enjoyed fellowship with over 600 in attendance at the District Center with a very lively service which lasted from 9 to about 1p.m. led by Pastors Brian Troxell and Michael Gatkek and field ministers. We learned so much that day as we saw the joy, compassion that filled these brothers and sisters who had so very little in the way of material things. One of the highlights was during the offering time when almost all came to give what they had without reservation! There was singing and dancing which seemed to be the highlight of the week for everyone in the A.R.M. community.
 
The teachers training was a big success this year as well as the educational orphans training with leading teacher, George Matty and Jennifer, who lead the passionate teachers Both provided excellent training and instruction to their groups. The teachers’ training culminated with a dozen teachers receiving their certifications. Jennifer Wright, A.R.M. Missions Lead Teaching Instructor says, "God never ceases to amaze me with his goodness. This was my first trip to Africa and wow what a life-changing experience it was, making a life-lasting imprint on me! To see in person, the transformation of the teachers and students, as the week progressed, was incredible. They were all very grateful and demonstrated their gratitude with heartfelt verbal expressions of appreciation!"  

She continues, grateful for the many gifts we raised funds from our friends, wisdom and knowledge shared to advance their ability to reach and teach the orphans. Our work has just begun! The needs are great but our God is greater she concludes! Additionally, we are now appealing to many of our dear brothers, sisters and partners like you, to come alongside us to join in the support of these dear Christian orphans and widows. It is true that children are future of our world, and when we help raise a child up in the Lord’s way, we’re promoting the liability of humanity. A.R.M is now helping many South Sudanese who lives in Gambella, Ethiopia as the refugees. Each day our staff provides different services to help spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many South Sudanese orphans in the refugee community have little to no opportunities. They neither have any food or a place to sleep. Some of them have spent their nights on the streets - hungry, hurting and hopeless. It the vision of A.R.M to build a place for those kids and each time we return, our promise remains faithful. Committed to them for the purpose of having a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). They have nowhere for their schooling and we can happily report that we’re in the process of raising funds to build a school for the orphaned kids. All part of our vision during this year's trip.

Thank you again for helping provide items, donations to this trip and for your partnership and sponsorship to help advance our teachers.

Our current needs for the children in the A.R.M. center include:

·       Feeding for the orphans programs

·       School uniforms

·       School materials

·       Shoes for each student

·       Construction of a new School Building

(We have seven temp. classes built for our 1,000 orphaned children but due to growing needs additional accommodation)
 
We ask that whatever, you can do to help support at least one child, our Lord who is more than enough will reward you back with many blessings! The only hope these dear children have is to look forward to learning, being part of their school. Learn more here.