ETHIOPIA - He grew up as a homeless orphan, but God had bigger plans for him. Now Gadisa Birhanu is known in Ethiopia as the "Helper to the Orphans."
Gadisa is the founder Testimony Feeding Center, located just outside of Ethiopia's capital.
It's a place that provides orphans with free meals, clothes, education, and healthcare, with Matthew 25:40 as its mandate.
"I said to God, 'If you have a plan, a vision, a future for me, I want to know. And I will follow you,'" Gadisa says.
It's an innovative ministry that's receiving national attention.
"Gadisa is unique," says Girma Wolde-Giorgis, former president of Ethiopia. "He's an orphan. He started from nothing, he became a helper to the orphans. He's a very good example for a lot of us, and a lot of those who don't understand what it means to help the orphans."
"I am very joyful," says 10-year-old Kibretu. "When we came to Testimony, we were welcomed by good love, we have a really good meal. I'm very happy."
Right now the center sponsors ten children. However, the Ethiopian government is working with Gadisa to grant him a larger piece of land so he can expand his ministry further.
Miranda Leah is a contributing writer, participating in the World Race – an 11-month mission trip to 11 different countries.
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