In May, five TrueLight students graduated from degree programs and enter the workforce. We continue to be overwhelmed at God's goodness as He bears such good fruit. These students have all beena part of TLC for over a decade. We are incredibly proud of their determination, hard work, andperseverance. 

Yedidiya (pictured above) is graduating with a degree in accounting. He has served as a youth leader andmentor for many of the younger TLC students over the past several years. We are excited to announcethat he will be joining our TLC staff as an accountant and will oversee our IGA program, which providesgrants to TLC guardians as seed money for small businesses.

This is an especially sweet provision as we have watched one of our very own TLC children grow into ayoung man of God who will now be a part of our ministry team!

TLC mother receiving wheat as well as other items to help her family during May's distribution

This month TLC distributed 50kg of wheat flour and other essentials to each TLC family. Since Ethiopia hasexperienced extreme inflation, it cost over $9000 to purchase wheat, oil, detergent, salt, and feminine hygieneproducts for our 240 families. TLC Director, Ayele, reflected, “My soul rejoiced as I saw the joy of the poor TLCguardians when they received the support we gave. Rejoice with me for we are yoked together to bring joyand blessing in the house of the poor.” 

"We are the living proof of TLC’s fruitfulness. Your labor is not in vain. TLC’s support has keep us healthy,nourished our bodies and brought us joy. We are so grateful for the support and all your concern. You bless usabundantly and here we are, feeling rested at the time of stress, and becoming bold at the time of frustrations.Though we are not able to work and became jobless because of CORONA, God is providing through thegracious organization of TrueLight." -Mother of TLC Child, Lidet 

Thank you for your continued support through both prayers and giving. Rejoice with us as we celebrate allGod is doing during this season at TrueLight!

We are so thankful for the generous donations we have received for TLC's COVID relief fund. We have currently raised $17,000, which is being used to help 250 TLC families who were already at risk. This pandemic has caused the cost of food to soar, sources of income to disappear, and left many feeling hopeless. The threat of starvation is real.
 
But God is providing and being glorified.  
 
In a recent update email, Ayele, TLC Director, wrote, “I receive testimonies not only from TLC beneficiaries, but also the community praising God and giving thanks for how TLC is reaching the poor in this dark time. Let God take the full glory! I recently heard one mother say, 'TLC is a pillar for the poor.' I say, God is the pillar for TLC! His true light is shining upon our day to day ministry.”

TLC's day-to-day ministry during this pandemic has included food distribution to each of our children's families. One recipient of this food support is Sherif, the father of 2 children. He works as an evangelist at a local church and receives very little income, which is not enough to meet the needs of his family.  
 
Since his children are not in school due to COVID-19, like many TLC parents, Sherif is unable to provide enough food for them. He said, "Before we received the wheat, rice, and other food from TLC, it was horrifying to hear our children cry and ask for food to eat. My wife and I are now full of joy because we have food we can prepare when our children are hungry. This relief is helping us make it through the hardest times."  

One of the greatest joys we have witnessed in this crisis has been how some TLC mothers are sharing the food they are being given. Zenet, a single mother whose husband passed away, has watched as her small business has dwindled to nothing since the pandemic hit. When Zenet received the food from TLC, she shared it with her friend who was also in desperate need. When asked why she was willing to share when she was in such great need, she replied, "I learned sharing after I became a part of TLC and heard the Gospel taught."  

God is multiplying these gifts and using them for the work of His kingdom.

The cost to continue these additional food distributions through June is approximately $10,000.

If you are interested in giving toward TLC's Emergency Relief Fund, you can visit our website, give directly via VENMO to @truelightchildcare, or email Anna Worley at annaworley@ioiusa.org.

For more up-to-date information about current needs, ministry, and work of TLC, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.  

God’s way is perfect.  All the Lord’s promises prove true.  He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 18:30

Dear Sponsors and Supporters,

In the midst of so much uncertainty and turmoil, it is wonderful to continue to let the Scripture remind us of the goodness and kindness of our great God! 

We have witnessed His faithfulness in mighty ways for over a decade of TLC ministry, and we are confident that this testimony will remain true in the days ahead.

I wanted to take this opportunity to update our supporters as concerns surrounding COVID-19 continue to grow in the US and the threat of the virus is now becoming a reality in Ethiopia. 

Many of you pray daily for your sponsored child, our TLC staff and ministry.  I hope that this email will serve to direct your prayers for our Ethiopian brothers and sisters during this time.

Monday I received an email from TLC founder/director, Ayele, who had this to say about the current situation in Ethiopia.

     It seems that the whole world is in lockdown. 

     In Ethiopia, it has been 2 weeks since all       schools and Universities have closed.  All federal offices have also ordered to close and halt social movements.  All religious gatherings are currently prohibited as well.

     After TLC staff educated guardians and parents about COVID-19 and created some general hygiene awareness about coronavirus, we have closed our weekly Bible classes and large gatherings at the TLC compound.

     This week we have finished distributing 26kg of wheat to each family.  Everyone seems to be in fear and waiting to see what will happen. 

     Since there is a massive shortage of face masks and hand sanitizer, we are diligently washing our hands hoping to prevent the spread of the virus.  I am giving all TLC staff leave, and we will alternate days in the office so that only one person is here per day.

     Although this pandemic is bringing a direct negative impact on all of our programs and ministry, God the Creator is kind in ALL things.  Fear you not, therefore. 

     The Lord that has made the heaven and the earth by His great power and stretched out arm, there is NOTHING too hard for Him.  Your God is working something that pleases Him.

As you may imagine, the realities of coronavirus in Ethiopia are much different than in our Western world.  Social distancing is impossible when a family of 5 lives in an 8 x 10 room within a compound of many other families.  Medical care is already unavailable to most, while respiratory issues are common due to constant exposure to burning trash and other air pollutants. Food resources are already scarce for most of our TLC families, and there is no federal government assistance waiting in the wings.

So, what then, can we do when staring into what is a seemingly hopeless situation?  Cry out to Him, who is our refuge and strength.  Our very present help in times of trouble. 

- Please pray for God’s protection over the lives of these who are so precious to Him, but maybe unseen by much of the world.
 
- Pray that the seeds of faith and encouragement planted over the life of TLC’s ministry would bear fruit as TLC students, guardians and staff have the opportunity to offer the hope of Christ to their neighbors during such a fearful time.

- Pray the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit would dwell among the church in Ethiopia and that with great boldness and courage the Good News of Jesus would be proclaimed.
 
We are so thankful for each of your continued prayers and support.  We are aware that in the coming days our work and ministry to TLC children will continue to develop and change.  We are asking the Spirit to direct our efforts and help us discern what the next right steps are as we seek to care for these precious ones.

May the Lord bless and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;  may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.  Now and forevermore.
 
 

Anna Worley Stateside Director TrueLight Childcare Project 662.212.3090