Levi Benkert's Blog

(Below is part of an email update that went out to our mailing list. If you’re not on the list, subscribe here).

Dear Elevate Family,

Thank you!

I want to thank you for your passionate dedication to this ministry. I am truly blessed to share the Lord’s abundant fruit in the lives of our children at Elevate Orphan. It’s a joy to watch them thrive.

Student Progress!

In Ethiopia, there is a national exam for students in 11th and 12th grade, which determines their eligibility for university admission, their placement based on exam scores, and their field of study. The government covers the university education costs for admitted students. Last year, six of our seniors took the national qualifying exam for university admission.

I’m thrilled to announce that five of them were accepted into universities across Ethiopia. Two of the students, Haimanot Tesfaye and Elsabet Alemayehu, have decided to pursue different paths. Haimanot is now focusing on a career in makeup and nails and recently graduated from Cosmetology School, while Elsabet has shifted her attention to photography and videography.

The remaining three students are now in their second year of study at university. Yididya Bishaw is attending Hawassa University,  Eyosiyas Mina is attending Bahar Dar University, and Tigist Getachew is attending Dire Dawa University.

Recently, nine more of our children (or should I say “young men and women!”) sat for the 12th-grade exam. Eight of them passed and have been admitted to various universities. Yibeltal Dessalgne, Sosina Osman, Hirut Girum, Seada Zewedu, and Gemachu Eshatu are attending Dila University. Moges Bishaw is attending Hawassa University. Dawit Mengesta is attending Welayeta University. Tegereda Getachew is attending Welkita University.

These universities take the students many miles away from home. We ask that you cover them in prayer with us as they pursue their studies and continue down a path that breaks the cycle of poverty and orphanhood. To God be the glory!

Additionally, Seble Nigusa is set to graduate with a degree in Sociology in June. Deraje Mazengiya graduated with a degree as a health officer (nutrition counselor) and is working in a hospital. Haimonot Moges completed a 6-month course at Aviation Academy and has now started living independently as well.

Praise Break!

Can we pause for a collective “Amen! Hallelujah!”?

I truly believe that these achievements would not be possible for these children apart from God’s hand on Elevate Orphan.

Most of you can imagine the challenges facing these children who are abandoned in their childhood to the Government orphanages. There is material, emotional, and mental anguish they must overcome to “pull it together” and live productive lives, and yet these children have done more than that in Christ Jesus. They have overcome this world, the devil, and their flesh in the power of The KING. Sure, good things are happening in their education and young professional lives, but the real beauty is that they each know The LORD as their God and Savior.

Thank you, JESUS!!

Child Sponsorship

If you just read the names of one of your sponsored “children,” please know that Elevate Orphan will continue to support each of them with a monthly stipend of approximately $250 to cover their expenses while at school. If you’re reading this and are not currently sponsoring a child, please consider starting now because we have some exciting news…

Letter Exchange (Penpals!)

We are launching a letter exchange program between sponsors and children! In order to receive a letter from your child this fall, you will need to be registered as a monthly sponsor by June.

How will it work?

This summer, all of the children will write letters to their sponsors. The younger kids and those who aren’t very strong in English will receive help (and may rely more on pictures).A team visiting in July will bring the letters back and send them off to you. This means WE NEED YOUR PHYSICAL MAILING ADDRESS.You’ll have a few months to reply and mail your letter to a US-based address.We’ll then take the letters back to Ethiopia (hopefully January ‘25) and start the cycle all over again.

We are so so excited for everyone involved to have a new, deeper way to connect, celebrate, and pray together.

Please don’t miss out on this opportunity. Sign up to sponsor a child and email admin@elevateorphan.org to make sure we have your physical mailing address.

Learn More and Join the Mission

As always, you can see pictures, read more about the organization, and find out how to sponsor a child or support the general operations of Elevate Orphan by visiting elevateorphan.org.

Thank you for your love for our children and the widows, Know that The LORD’s Hand is on this ministry for His Glory!!  Hallelujah!  AMEN.

In His Grip,

Reuben

P.S. Don’t forget to reply to this email with your physical mailing address so that we can make sure you receive a letter from your sponsored child.

P.P.S. If you want to sponsor a child or help with the general operating costs of Elevate Orphan you can do so by clicking on the appropriate hyperlink. Your gift helps care for widows and orphans in Ethiopia.

The post April 2024 Updates first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

Dear Elevate Family:

Grace and peace to you all in Our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am overjoyed to share with you the blessings of God’s Grace on our children and mothers/aunties in Addis Ababa. We are closing the school year with blessings upon blessings as our God and Father has, in His Will and Pleasure, ordained victory over this Ministry…Hallelujah! I would like to update you about two areas pertinent to our Ministry right now. The first relates to a project that I have been passionate about pursuing ever since becoming Director of the Ministry. For those of you Elevate Family Members that have supported and followed this Ministry for long enough, you know what an incredible and miraculous testimony the Bring Love In/Elevate Orphan Story has been. I believe it is a testimony that needs to be shared and I have been pursuing someone to do a film documentary on Elevate for the last 3 years. The Lord has provided, in His Perfect Timing, Joshua Carroll. Joshua is an accomplished producer and director and recent graduate of Liberty University (that’s right…he’s accomplished already!!). He is the creator and producer of BrickFilms focused on Biblical Stories (Brick Films Biblical Stories). (https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Part-One...) Josh comes from a missionary family in Uganda we have known for many years and my family has had the pleasure and honor of knowing The Carrolls as warriors for His Kingdom. They are an amazing family and Jenn and David Carroll, Joshua’s parents, are faithful servants of The Most High overseas for many years. Joshua will be writing an update to The Elevate Family to expand on the concepts and ideas behind this wonderful project that I believe will be a great encouragement and tool for awareness of what The Lord can do through a few who trust and obey….that is you Elevate Family!! We now have a thriving ministry that cares for many widows and orphans in a unique way that is being blessed with vibrant maturing believers in Jesus Christ and successful and productive citizens in Ethiopia. We are experiencing the vast majority of our children gaining entrance into University and several have graduated with degrees, as you know, in advance subjects like engineering. This fact, itself, is a miracle! All Glory be to God! Lastly, on this point, I want you to know that a generous donor has sponsored the entire cost of the film project, a 2 year project that will take Josh to Texas (to see Levi and Jessie), Montana, and, of course, Ethiopia multiple times over the course of production. Thank you JESUS! Now, what’s the update on the children? We have several great updates: (see pics) * We have adopted 6 new young children this year, ages 6-10 . We had a very active season of social work and counseling for some of these children. Five of these children are in weekly counseling and are making great progress. * Twenty of our ‘mothers and aunties’ are receiving training twice a month (and have been for the last year). These trianings are on child protection and counseling for smaller children and teenagers. We have seen tremendous growth in the strengthening of relationships between the siblings , mothers, aunties, and especially the newley adopted within our Forever Families. * We hosted another Mothers and Aunties retreat at a “Weyba Tis”, an Ethiopian traditional bath, to stregthen relationships and help prevent burnout. We have been doing these types of investments into the mothers and aunties regularly and believe it is beneficial. * We graduated 9 children from high school. * Journey Church is preparing for a summer missions trip to Addis in July ….please pray!! Overall, Elevate is going through a season of blessing within the Ministry. The main challenge we have is that we have seen a large decrease in giving this year. In order to meet the needs of the Elevate Families, at the level we always have, we ask that you increase your support of this Ministry. God is blessing it. He will always Provide for Us. But, if you are able, if The LORD has blessed you with the ability to give, I would argue that this Ministry has demonstrated God’s anointing in a way that is unmistakable. Consider increasing your gifts to make-up for those who have decreased their giving. Please remember that we have a family that sponsors all administrative expenses so that all of your giving goes directly to Ethiopia. How much more efficient can you be than that?

In His Grip, Reuben

 

The post May/June Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

Elevate Orphan April 2023

He is Risen!

Easter has come and gone this year, but Jesus lives forever!

To celebrate Passover, our Elevate Orphan family held a foot washing ceremony.
If you follow us on social media, you have probably noticed that I have been talking a lot about loving one another. In the Bible the word love is mentioned hundreds of times! In fact, one of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor”. What better way to show each other brotherly love than to wash each other’s feet just like Jesus did at the Last Supper! Jesus even instructs us to do the same. (John 13:14) The video I posted that goes along with this photo brings me so much joy! Everyone is so happy in the video and you can see the true Agape love coming from each and every person participating. If you have not seen it yet check it out on our Facebook page!  (If you haven’t already, like and Follow us, while you’re there!)

Who Are You?

Hi, I’m Michelle Wills!
It is nice to meet you! I was hired in March as the Administrative Director of Elevate Orphan on the US side of the organization. I manage the day to day administrative operations. My background is in Education and Community Outreach. I live in the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia with my husband, three children, and two dogs. A few interesting facts about me is that I love to talk, my favorite color is yellow, and I also sponsor a child with Elevate Orphan. I understand first hand how exciting it is to get updates and information on how the children and families in Ethiopia are doing. It is my honor to serve you and if you ever have any questions or comments please feel free to email me: michelle@elevateorphan.org.
Thank you for being a part of the Elevate Orphan Family and for all that you do for our children and widows!

The post April Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

March Newsletter

Dear Elevate Family:
I want to thank you for your passionate dedication to this ministry. I am truly blessed to share The Lord’s abundant fruit in the lives of our children at Elevate with you this month.  We have 6 children who are seniors at a private school in Addis Ababa who have taken the qualifying exam for University late last year.  If you do not know, Ethiopia’s secondary education system is based on the models used in Germany and Great Britain.  There is a national exam given to all children enrolled in the 11th/12th grade  and the scores for each child determine (1) whether or not the child will be admitted to University in Ethiopia, (2) where they will be admitted based on their placement of exam scores and (3) in what field of study they may pursue.  The Government of Ethiopia pays for the children’s University education if they are admitted.Well, with that brief primer on the education system in Ethiopia, I am filled with joy to share that 5 of the 6 high school seniors had high scores and are being given the opportunity to go to University!  They are:Yididya Bishaw-Hawassa University (375 km)*Eyosiyas Mina-Bahar Dar University (552 km)Tigist Getachew-Dire Dawa University (450 km)Elisabet Alemayehu-Dela University (351 km)Haimanot Tesfaye-Bahar Dar University (552 km)* distance from Addis Ababa

They will all be starting University over the next few months!  Hallelujah!  Praise The LORD! His Grace is Sufficient and Bountiful!  Hallowed be His Name!

These achievements would not be possible, for these children, outside of God’s Hand on Elevate Orphan.  Most of you can imagine the challenges facing these children who are abandoned in their childhood to the Government orphanages.  The material, emotional and mental anguish they must overcome to “pull it together” and live productive lives.  These children have done more than that in Christ Jesus.  They have overcome this world, the devil and their flesh in the Power of The KING. They are going to University…but, the real beauty is that they each know The LORD as their God and Savior.  Thank you JESUS!!

Elevate will continue to support each of these children with a monthly stipend of approximately $250 to cover their expenses while at school.

Haimanot Moges, our sixth senior, is going to trade school as a beautician/hair stylist.  She is extremely excited about growing in this career.  We are excited to see the path The Lord carves for her in the coming years! She will stay with her forever family at Elevate orphan till she is completely independent with her career.

In addition, I would like to remind you that we have two other students from our Elevate Family of children that are currently enrolled in University (in addition to the 3 that have already graduated!!).

They are: Seble Nigusa and Deraje Mazengiya.  Seble is a 3rd year student at Hawasa University completing a Sociology undergraduate degree and Deraje is a senior at Asela University graduating with a degree as a Health Officer (nutrition counselor) this year.  PraiseThe LORD!

Please also pray for the rising seniors, 9 of them, in our Elevate Family who are preparing to take the National Exam later this year (in the fall).  They are:

Sosina UsmanDawit MengisteMoges BishawSara DesalegnSeada ZewduTsegereda GetachewGemachu EshetuYebeltal DesalegnHirut GirumYou can see all of their pictures on our website (elevateorphan.org).

Thank you for your love for our children and the widows and know that The LORD’s Hand is on this ministry for His Glory!!  Hallelujah!  AMEN.
In His Grip,

Reuben

            Haimanot who is going to trade school as a beautician/hair stylist.

The post March Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

November Newsletter Link

Dear Elevate Orphan Family,

You all have been great supporters of our organization through finances, prayer, and encouragement! The support you provide helps make our mission successful to love and support the widows and orphans of Ethiopia.
We are thankful for you!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Giving Tuesday November 29th
We are hosting an online giving fundraiser to meet our end of the year fundraising goal. Any amount you can give will help us get there! For this event we will be highlighting the recent graduates. We are hoping to raise additional funds to support them moving into this next phase of life. Elevate Orphan continues to support the children throughout their attendance at a University. The students will continue to come home during the summers and receive any additional support if needed!

Silent Auction December 3rd- 11th
We have some very exciting items and adventures to bid on! This will be a two week event with plenty of time to participate and bid on the items you are interested in. All of the money made at the event will go directly towards supporting Elevate Orphan!

 

Thomas has done a great job of managing in Ethiopia! He knows and loves each child. Below he has given us an update on the the 6 high school graduates. We are still waiting for the test results, but hope to have an update soon. You can see the six pictured here and learn more about their stories.

 

Meet the Graduates

Haimanot Moges has been with Elevate Orphan since the commencement of the orphanage 11 years ago. She wants to study Marketing Management at the university. She is going to turn 20 this year. Himanot Moges is a passionate young girl who is preparing to join university. Even though she has passed through different traumatic events during her childhood, she changed the situation for the better. She is resilient and become the owner of a built- up self-esteem. She accepts her past and chose to walk forward. ‘’I am passionate about experiencing new environment other than my village/city”

Elsabeth Alemayheu has been with Elevate Orphan for 11 years. She wants to pursue her Psychology Degree from university. She will be 20 years old this year. Elsabeth Alemayehu is a God loving young girl. Though she has enough reason to have a distorted image about herself, God and to this world, she chose to remain happy relying on God. She chose to rejoice in the lord. As a result, she is mentioned among her age met as a counselor and advisor. She loves to read her bible and attend spiritual gatherings.
‘’I am passionate about meeting new friends from different cultures and background and joining the evangelical student fellowship programs.”

Haimanot Tesfaye is a 21 years old girl, she has been with Elevate since beginning of the organization. She wants to study the field of Economics in the university. Haimanot is a confident young girl who she has a great self and world view. She show maturity in her day today life. She is focused in her vision and work hard towards achieving her goals.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I am excited to explore different experiences, meet different people from different background. I am also expecting to meet new friends and join student fellowship in the university.”

Yedidya Moges is a 20 years old girl, she has been with us for the last 11 years. She wants to study the field of Dental Medicine.Yedidya is an energetic young girl who worked hard towards her dream. Though, she has been passing through different hardship since her childhood, it doesn’t hinder her to be an excellent in her academics and other aspect of her life.  She is focused towards her dream.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I want to see other city different from my city and explore different experiences, I want to grow and serve others spiritually by engaging in the student fellowship.”

Tigist Getachew is a 19 years old girl, she has been with Elevate Orphan since the beginning of the organization. She wants to study the field of Architecture in the university. Tigist is a humble girl who has teachable heart. She is responsible for herself and her Youngers. She I s an artist who love painting and paint beautiful pictures.
“I am passionate about peruse my dream of field, I am excited to meet new friends from different cultural and religious background. I also expect to grow in knowledge, understanding and become more aware of the new environment. I want to meet new friends and grow spiritually by join student fellowship in the university.”

Eyosiyas Mina 18 years old but who looks like he is much older. Eyosias is determined to face life at its fullest and take lesson from his childhood to rise again and shine. By saying “the greatest glory in living not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”. Eyosias is devoted to computer science and striving hard to be self-sufficient and eagerly looking for making a difference in tech world. He wants to be a rich man who contributes back to the societal problems.
“I am graduated from high school this month. Joined bring love in from governmental children transition center eight years ago when I am grade 5 student, and since then I enjoying living here with my Elevate Orphan families.As I am Computer enthusiastic since my early grades, looking forward to study software engineering. And I am also interested to study Business beside software engineering to equip myself for managing my future tech company.”

 

With Gratitude,

Amelia Vaughn
Elevate Orphan

The post November Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

 

Dear Elevate Orphan Family,

I pray you are all doing well in The LORD.
Praise to The LORD who is the Only One Who is Worthy! His Graciousness, Mercy, Goodness, and LOVE are Immeasurable! He is Invincible in Battle! Hallelujah! I write with great joy to share our happiness over the news. One of our first University graduates, Meklit, accepted a fantastic job offer as a chemical engineer in Ethiopia! As you may recall from our previous updates this summer, Meklit and Unguday graduated this past summer from universities in Ethiopia with chemical and civil engineering degrees. They represent a fulfillment of a vision that The LORD gave Levi and Thomas for Elevate Orphan when the founded the ministry 10 years ago: to love the orphan and the widow with the same love we would share with our own children…educating them at private schools, giving them homes and a loving family.
As a result of the obedience to the call of The KING, The LORD has blessed this ministry uniquely. He has taken these children who were abandoned and blessed them with a tremendous faith and success in their endeavors to The Glory of His Name. Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus! We anticipate that Unguday, Meklit’s sister who graduated with a civil engineering degree this summer, will obtain a job offer now that the rainy season in Ethiopia is ending and construction will likely resume.Please pray for God’s blessing on her job search.
This month is also a busy month for our rising seniors in high school. They have just taken their qualifying exams earlier this month. The system in Ethiopia is similar to many in Europe. The students in high school take an exam in the 11 th grade and, if they score well, they will be given a position in one of the universities, and their tuition is funded by the Government. The specific university and major options for each student in Ethiopia is dictated by their scores on the qualifying exam. So, please pray for The LORD’s blessing on their results. Based on the students’ current performance in high school, we anticipate that we will likely have 40+ children matriculate into university from Elevate Orphan in the next 3-4 Years!! Praise The LORD!
Finally, we ask that you pray for the civil war in Ethiopia. As with all wars, many are suffering and have died. The Western media coverage is misleading, confusing and biased against the Central Government (visiting Ethiopia and watching the news is a surreal experience). In any case, pray that the war will end quickly. May The LORD’s Will be done. I want to thank each and every one of you who support us with prayer, financially, and service on mission teams. I truly believe The LORD is working powerfully within this organization for eternal fruit and that we are all being used to impact this world and His Kingdom for His Glory….and I am so grateful.

In His Grip,
Reuben

 

Newsletter Link

The post October Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

The post Elevate Orphan New Year Celebration first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

Ethiopian New Year Fundraiser

The post Fundraiser Livestream Link first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

Dear Elevate Orphan Family,

Thank you, everyone, for your continued support and prayers. Ethiopian New Year was September 11, and we had a cultural dinner to raise awareness of Elevate Orphan! Our goal was to inform others about God’s great work in our ministry in Ethiopia with orphans and widows. If you would like to view the event, there will be a link attached below.This is great opportunity to learn more about the Elevate Orphan! Also, the high school graduates have their university testing this month. They have been working hard to study and prepare! Join us in prayer for these requests!

Elevate Orphan continues to bring change to the lives in Ethiopia and has also impacted all of us who got to visit the ministry! I have included a message from Katie who recently just volunteered on our trip.

“I fell in love with these kids! God challenged and stretched me on this trip. The Spirit gave me the patience and remembrance of the mission that grounded me in chaotic moments. The Lord opened my eyes to change my perspective about everyday blessings I often take for granted. My soul was so deeply encouraged by the work the Lord is doing literally all over the globe through his Church and His people. One Gospel, one Family. The unity we have within the body– made of many very different and unique parts– is a powerful force. Our dynamic team accomplished more when our giftings were linked up in arms for the Kingdom. I learned from the staff there, from conversations on bus rides, from the personal ways the Lord challenged and pushed me on this trip, and through each child, I encountered with the love of Christ. It was incredibly stretching and at times, uncomfortable to the flesh, but the Spirit was strengthened and sanctified nevertheless! The Lord was glorified through our efforts, I know. Not because of what we did but because of what He did with the little we gave. We gave him our small jars of oil, and He multiplied it in ways I’m sure we will only ever know in eternity because that’s just what He does. I fell in love with these people, I fell in love with Ethiopia, and I fell in love with the Family I traveled with, served with, and grew with for those seven days. It is a time and people I will not soon forget.”

With Gratitude,

Amelia Vaughn
Elevate Orphan

 

http://mailchi.mp/elevateorphan/september-newsletter-elevate-orphan-16644460

 

The post Elevate Orphan September Newsletter first appeared on Elevate Orphan.

Please click to be able to watch our Elevate Orphan Fundraiser!

The post Please watch our Elevate Orphan Fundraiser first appeared on Elevate Orphan.