An estimated 550 poverty-stricken families living in Megenagna, Addis Ababa, will receive food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the next seven months, with a total of more than 2,500 hungry stomachs to be filled.
Local government officials from Megenagna in Woreda (district) 5, which has a large population of people who are homeless and economically struggling, is working alongside the Church to identify the families to receive food. The food parcels will be distributed by non-profit organisation Real Humanitarian.
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On July 16, 2022, the Church participated in a food drive to kick off the initiative. Elder Joseph Nelson, a missionary in the Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission, said it was an opportunity to provide support to those in the community who either are looking for work or to assist the many people who have been displaced because of the war in Northern Ethiopia.
One of those people is Tigist Negus Kiros. "I came to Addis Ababa alone because my family was in need due to the war in our village,” said Mr Kiros. “By having this food, I will be able to save more money to send to my family so that they can come here and be with me to be safe from the war."
Another recipient was Selam Mattieos Ayele, who said that the food parcel represented hope for his family. "The times in Ethiopia have been very difficult and it is hard to find work and to find food,” said Mr Ayele. “I hope that this food will feed my family and we can survive through this rainy season.”
At the event, local leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Brehanu Molla told media, community members and leaders that the Church had given the donations in an effort to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Since we are all created in the image of God, we need to do good for our fellow beings and share what we have with the needy,” Mr Molla explained. “We have to do our part to bring peace and prosperity to our country. The Church will continue to help the needy. “
Elder Joshua Caleb Folau, a missionary for the Church who was at the event, shared his feelings about the experience.
"This opportunity to partner with the local community in order to meet the needs of those who are suffering enabled us to make a difference while serving as the Saviour would,” he said. “He loves each of us more than we can ever imagine."