Over $21,000 was given through our annual Christmas GivingCampaign. This year, not only did every child receive money topurchase new shoes and clothing but TLC staff partnered witha local bank to open savings accounts for each family. 

Seed money was placed in these accounts, and the guardianswere so excited to have a means to begin saving. TheEthiopian government has commended TLC for our efforts tonot only offer relief for acute needs but to work towardsbreaking the cycle of poverty through financial education andempowerment.

Since TLC's beginning in 2006, we have focused on child sponsorship as the foundational source offunding to the ministry and care of TrueLight participants. Now 15 years later, as the vision and needs ofTLC continue to grow, we are adding some additional ways to support our work.

Our desire is to continue to use child sponsorship monies to be used to fund those activities and servicesthat directly benefit each child, such as education, food, and medical care.

The addition of the following levels of giving will insure that we can cover the overhead expenses of ourministry compound as well as care for our staff of seven with a fair and appropriate wage.

Foundational Partners- groups/churches/individuals who can commit to giving at least $2000 perannum that will provide foundational financial stability to our TLC General Fund.

Staff Supporters - individuals who have committed to giving any amount per month to specificallysupplement TLC staff salaries. This allows us to continue to give the vast majority of child sponsorsupport to TLC children and yet also pay our TLC staff salaries to account from annual increases ofEthiopian inflation.

Each gift given to TLC is vital to the work and ministry of the project. We seek to be fully transparentand steward well the funds that have been entrusted to us. If you are interested in finding out moreabout our new support levels or have any questions about your current giving, please contact ourStateside Director, Anna Worley (annaworley@ioiusa.org - 662.212.3090).

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!