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our work in Israel: part 2 Dear Friend: I want to tell you a story about a young Beta Yisrael family originally from Tumet, a Jewish village in the Qarra region of Ethiopia. The story of their journey to the homeland Israel illustrates both rock-solid faith in God and a terrible example of human tragedy. Anteneh, an only child, married his wife, Maritu, when he was 14 and she was only 10. The young couple lived in his parent's small hut in the northern region of Ethiopia. Anteneh's father taught him how to farm the land while his mother trained Maritu to make pottery. When Anteneh turned 18, the couple was given a hut and two old oxen so he could farm his own land to make a living. Disaster struck within a few months of moving from their parent's hut: One of Anteneh's oxen died and the other was stolen. To avoid starvation, Anteneh was forced to rent oxen to continue farming, cutting into their already meager income. But Maritu, who from childhood believed deeply in God, encouraged Anteneh with words of faith, "God is with us, Anteneh. He wants us to live in Israel. He will keep us alive until that day. There our life will be better." In 1986, Maritu had twin boys, though not without much physical suffering during the delivery and post-birth period. Though weakened in body, she kept faith in the God of Abraham that He would see her and Anteneh through any problems. Gradually their financial situation improved, her health was restored, and Anteneh was able to buy his own oxen. Five years later in 1991, Maritu was very joyful at the birth of her next child, a daughter. For many years, she kept alive this dream because God had spoken to her that one day when she was old and feeble, a cherished daughter would take care of her. In 1991, Anteneh's parents left for Israel and in 1993, the young couple followed them, finally immigrating to Israel. The young family of five settled in a trailer near Haifa. They were very excited to learn Hebrew and to be in the land of Israel, yet the cultural and dietary adjustment was very difficult. Soon after arriving, Maritu became pregnant and was severely disabled with pain, spending many months in the hospital. When Anteneh could not find work, he became depressed and began to drink and smoke, things he never did in Ethiopia. Instead of helping his young wife, he stayed out late often coming home intoxicated and physically abusing her and the children. Anteneh lost all hope for a better life and descended into immoral behavior with other women. Maritu kept her faith in God and tried, in vain, to help her wayward husband. Anteneh refused her help and rejected the counseling and treatment offered by Israeli doctors and social workers. Anteneh's alcoholism grew worse and he would be gone from their home for days at a time. One day Maritu received word that Anteneh was in a hospital, having suddenly hemorrhaged from his mouth. A day later, he was unconscious and tragically, only three days later his life was over at the young age of 30. Now 28 year-old Maritu lives alone with her 4 children, still in a trailer camp. Because most of her life in Israel had been spent raising her young children, Maritu has not acquired any new job skills to earn a living. Also, her children have not adjusted well to life in Israel. As a single mother, she finds the task of controlling and disciplining her older boy's to be almost overwhelming. Here are Maritu's specific needs, that with God's help, the Winer Foundation and you will help her with: 1. To move from a trailer to an apartment. 2. Finances beyond her government stipend to help with the daily needs of her children. 3. Money to help send her to school to train for a profession to become self-sufficient. 4. Finances for her relatives in Ethiopia that are worse off than she is. Despite her own significant need, Maritu sends money to them regularly. 5. Spiritual encouragement and a network of caring people. –– We Need Your Help Maritu's situation is not uncommon for the Beta Yisrael that the Winer Foundation helps in Israel. In May, 2001 we will be going to Israel to help the Beta Yisrael with financial gifts and personal ministry. Will you join with us to help the many families there who are in as great a need as Maritu is?
May the Lord bless you,
Robert Winer, M.D. P.S. For more updates on our work, visit our website at www.winerfoundation.org P.P.S. I'd like to you to get to know me
better by giving you a gift. Drop me a note in the return envelope
and I'll send you my book, "Ten Commandments for Success:
Unlocking Principles of Prosperous Personal, Business, and Family
Living from the Life of Moses." if you need any further information, contact us:
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