A Samaritan Mother

Adisu had gone without food for days. When he developed severe gastritis, he felt he couldn’t endure it any longer. This led to an attempt to take his own life.

Discovered in a critical condition, he was swiftly taken to the hospital. He didn’t have a mother or father at home, but a small group of friends looked after him during his 15-day hospital stay. One of those friends was Abenezer, one of our Samaritan Scholars in Ethiopia. Even when other friends returned home, Abenezer would not budge.

Abenezer stayed with his friend through the course of his hospital stay and even took him home to the small house he shares with his mother and younger brother. His caring mother, Sinknesh, took Adisu in. It was a while before Adisu regained his health after the neglect he had endured at home.

Sinknesh was patient with Adisu’s recovery, as she’s very familiar with life’s challenges. Many years ago, after losing a child and suffering an obstetric fistula* she was forced to seek medical treatment in the capital city. Then she remained in Addis Ababa, working in and around Kore, laboring in the garbage dump to sustain herself.

Her walk of adversity didn’t make her bitter. Instead, she cultivated empathy and humor to ease the burden of her life and the ones around her. She says the holistic scholarship support her family has received has made her life more bearable. 

After Abenezer and Sinknesh accepted Adisu, he was given another chance at life. Sinknesh promised him that day that she would treat him as she would treat her son Abenezer. That was four years ago. She has kept her promises.

Adisu claims that she is more than just a mother to him, and that he has never encountered anyone so full of love. She has consistently encouraged and supported him in all areas of life. Throughout his life, Adisu has learned to channel his emotions through writing songs and singing. He has written over 12 songs from the depth of his soul to glorify his God.

With Sinknesh and the local church’s support, Adisu has released a touching song titled “Life’s Stories Are Not Ruined in His Hands.” The song beautifully captures his own reality. You can listen to it in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, below.

Adisu joined our program this year. He is a 12th-grade student who aspires to become a counselor and singer. Abenzer is a first-year college student with plans to become an accountant and a photographer.

The compassionate Samaritan in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37), didn’t hesitate to stop, care, and show love for the hurt stranger he found on the road. Abenezer and his mother, Sinknesh, did the same thing. They extended their hearts and their one-room home.

Thank you for consistently extending your hearts and support for our scholars and families.

*A fistula is an internal injury in the form of a hole between the birth canal and the bladder and/or rectum. It leaves women leaking urine or feces, and sometimes both. The main cause of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia is a lack of access to timely and quality maternal healthcare. It is estimated that around 31,000 women are still living with untreated fistula injuries in Ethiopia. A further 1,000 women suffer new fistula injuries every year, due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. These terrible injuries leave women trapped in a life of pain, shame, and isolation.

Selam Kahsay, Health & Wellness, Ethiopia

Selam is a public health expert passionate about working with vulnerable communities. She has many years of experience working closely with neglected patients from the poorest sections of the city, which consequently set the tone for her professional decision to always work in close proximity with overlooked communities. Selam holds a Master’s in Public Health from Addis Ababa University.