Project | Dembecha Medhane Alem

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Stakeholder Organization | Dembecha Medhane Alem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Project Type | Sustainable Development | Building Restoration

Date | January 27, 2022

Project Cost | $12,000.00 USD

Location

• Country: Ethiopia
• State/Province: Gojam
• City: Dembecha

Background 

Representing the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc., Father (Kesis) Araya and Deacon Hailu embarked on a mission trip to Ethiopia to help rebuild a church in the northwestern region of Gojam, Ethiopia, that was burned to the ground. The funds for the construction project were provided through Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. The church, named Dabo Gerar Medhane Alem, was an important religious center for the local community. The Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. saw the need to help and used funds donated through contributors to purchase supplies for the rebuilding process, and also provided clergy vestments, liturgical items, and ecclesiastical books, as everything the church had previously was lost in the fire.

They arrived in Gojam and helped the local clergy members and farmers to obtain supplies for the construction of the new church, which was not only a place of worship but also a gathering place for the community. Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. worked hard to ensure that the new church was built as closely as possible to its former appearance, and took photos on January 27, 2020, to document the progress. The photos show the hard work and dedication of many people who helped donate.

Finally, the new church is close to completion and will be ready to serve the community. The local residents are overjoyed to see their church restored to its former glory. The Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. is proud and thankful to have played a part in the rebuilding of the church and feels a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that their efforts, with the support of people associated with the foundation, have made a positive impact on the lives of others in the rural northwestern region of Ethiopia. The new Dabo Gerar Medhane Alem church is a testament to the power of community and the spirit of giving.

Stakeholder Organization |  Abune Girima Monastery (Gedam) 

Project Type | Sustainable Development | Building Restoration

Date |  February 8, 2020 

Project Cost | $1,300.00 USD

Location

• Country: Ethiopia
• State/Province: Tigray 
• City: Adwa  

Background 

Representing the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc., Father (Kesis) Araya and Deacon Hailu embarked on a mission trip to Ethiopia, more specifically Adwa to a monastery by the name of Abune Girima Monastery (Gedam), it was established in the 6th century by one of the Nine Saints in the Ethiopic tradition by the name of Abune Girima and built by Emperor Gebre Meskel. 

The purpose of this visit, on behalf of the non-profit organization, was to provide financial aid and garments for the resident monks and nuns. Notably, this is the very monastery where His Eminence Abune Yesehaq received much of his ecclesiastical education and ordination to monkhood. Additionally, the monastery is renowned for possessing the oldest and most complete compilations of the Bible, also known as the Garima Gospels.

The visit to Adwa and the Abune Girima Monastery (Gedam) enabled the representatives of the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. to extend some assistance to the dedicated monks and nuns who reside there. Given the monastery's immense significance to the faithful and the country, larger projects are anticipated in the future to the devoted monks and nuns who call the monastery home. This visit took place on February 8th, 2020. 

Stakeholder Organization |   Enda Mariam Church 

Project Type | Sustainable Development | Building Restoration

Date |   September 28, 2018  

Project Cost | $1,000.00 USD

Location

• Country: Ethiopia
• State/Province: Tigray 
• City: Enticho   

Background 

Representing the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc., Father (Kesis) Araya and Deacon Hailu undertook a mission trip to Enticho, Ethiopia, on September 28th of 2018 to aid in the reconstruction of a church known as Enda Mariam Church. The non-profit organization was able to provide funding for the cost of supplies, including cement and foundation materials, necessary for the construction of the church in this rural town located in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Although not a large-scale project, the assistance provided by the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. was vital in expanding and updating the Enda Mariam Church, which was previously outdated and too small to accommodate its faithful. The experience of contributing to the completion of this project was both humbling and rewarding. The Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. has plans to continue contributing to rural communities like Enticho, Ethiopia, that often receive little to no aid or support. Through ongoing efforts, the organization aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need and to help facilitate sustainable growth and development in underserved regions.

Stakeholder Organization |    Subi Abo Church EOTC 

Project Type | Sustainable Development | Building Restoration

Date |   September 28, 2018  

Project Cost | $3,000.00 USD

Location

• Country: Ethiopia
• State/Province:   Gojam 
• City: Subi Abo    

Background 

Representing the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc., Father (Kesis) Araya embarked on a mission trip to Subi Abo Gojam, Ethiopia on March 6th 2018 to help rebuild a church in the agrarian region of Gojam, while there on behalf of The Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. was able to fund constructions going towards solar panels, carpets for the church, interior and exterior lights for the church and lastly wireless church speakers for liturgical service. This was a major project that really helped better the church for years to come. 

It is important to recognize that even small contributions can have a significant impact on rural communities like Subi Abo Gojam. The Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. understands that it takes a collective effort to bring about positive change, and this project would not have been possible without the support of individuals who generously donated to the cause. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, made a difference in the lives of those living in this community.

Father (Kesis) Araya and the Isaac Hope Foundation Inc. would like to express their sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to this project. Your generosity and support have made a lasting impact on the community of Subi Abo Gojam, and we hope that this project serves as an inspiration for others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can continue to build a better future for all.