On 7th July I will be 40!

For my birthday I’m asking people to NOT buy me anything at all, I have already been blessed with everything I need. Instead I’m going to Ethiopia for 2 weeks in August. I’m hoping to take some money to give to people and charities that really need it. If anyone would like to donate, instead of buying me a 40th birthday present, then you are very welcome. Part of the money will pay for my flight, but the majority will go straight to the people that need it.

Ethiopia is still in a state of emergency, but this is largely to do with internal political unrest rather than external foreign affairs. If the trip is cancelled at the last minute I will still give all the money to the charities that I am aware of.

If the trip goes ahead as planned, I will be travelling with a group of 9 others to the capital city (Addis Ababa) on Saturday 4th August. In the mornings we will be working inside Bingham Academy, an international school, supporting the children of families that have chosen to live amongst and serve the Ethiopian people. They have stepped out in faith in such a big way that I’m keen to support them in any way that I can.

During the afternoons and weekends I hope to visit Ethiopian families, Churches and Charities that are in desperate need of support. As I build relationships I will pray for wisdom of how and where to distribute the money in a safe and appropriate way. I’ve already made a key contact in Addis Ababa, who is aware of and will help me to connect with many charities and people... educational support, basic food provision, sports initiatives, street kids, orphanages, leprosy hospitals and many more. It might be I choose to directly support some individual families, or unsung heroes that have committed their lives to helping others, from water engineers and doctors to Church planters to teachers. I simply don’t know where God will lead me, but I trust many of you will know me well enough to trust that I will make wise decisions in God’s timing.

I’m nervous, excitedly and determined. Please pray and support as you feel led. Thank you.

I’m nervous, excitedly and determined. Please pray and support as you feel led. Thank you.