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Overview :
Mission to the Diocese of Emdibir, Ethiopia
Father Jacob Ghebrechristos has been assigned by his Bishop , Musie Ghebreghiorghis, Bishop of Emdibir, a newly established Diocese, to serve the poorest of the poor , the Gumus ethnic group , consisting of approximately 2,000 people. They are displaced hunters by culture, living in remote villages of Galiye Rogda, Oremia, Ethiopia. The transition in becoming a self sustaining, farming community has been difficult for them. Their land has been farmed by other settlers more proficient in agricultural life styles. Fr. Jacob was instrumental in acquiring five hectares of land from the government which will belong solely to the Gumus. Father Jacob travels from village to village using a donated, 4 -wheel drive vehicle. There are no clinics, churches or schools available to the Gumus in this remote, mountainous area. Medical care is only available for those who can walk the fourteen miles to the nearest medical provider. Travel during the rainy season is nearly impossible due to flooding, lack of bridges and poor road access. Fr. Jacob Ghebrechristos and his supporters are actively making appeals in the United States and Ethiopia, on behalf of the Gumus people. Fr. Jacob asked the Gumus people to prioritize their needs prior to coming to the United States in June of 2006 . The Gumus responded as follows in the Prioritized Needs section below.
Prioritized
Needs:Primary needs identified by the Gumus as of August, 2006 are:
- 1. Clean water- wells need to be drilled
- 2. A health clinic to be built on donated land
- 3. Bridges and better roads to allow access during floods in the rainy season
- 4. Construction costs for community buildings. Land has been given for the clinic, schools , church and residential home for missionary priests and sisters by the government.
- 5. Oxen for farming
- 6.Traditional plowing tools
The people had high expectations to meet the above listed needs when Fr. Jacob returned home to Ethiopia in September of 2006.
Your help and support have been appreciated!
Any future donations must be sent directly to Father Jacob at the address below:
