New Apostle talks Hogwarts - With God nothing is impossible-Humanitarian facilities

Patrick Kearon from Carlisle England, a newly called Apostle and special witness of Jesus Christ, was called to replace Elder M. Russell Ballard who recently passed away. 

One thing I like about his talks is that more than once he made references to the World of Harry Potter. In one talk he mentioned how he was sent away from his parents to a boarding school and compared the experience like being at Hogwarts with Snape.  

Patrick Kearon BYU talk - Hogwarts

Patrick Kearon Talk Highlights

We had the opportunity to visit Makedonia, an organization that provides for the homeless elderly, physically and mentally ill. Apparently there is no program in Ethiopia like Medicaid in America to take care of mentally ill and destitute Elderly people. The founders of Makedonia created a facility to house and care for elderly, mentally ill and even stroke victims who are living on the street and have no family or any way to care for themselves. They created this program over a decade ago and have by the grace of God expanded into this massive undertaking.

We saw over 7,500 beds every one is full and daily more people arrive. This building is partially finished. It is a 10-story building. Before it was finished, they had to place thousands of beds in the basement and first and 2nd floors. They hope to finish the building someday. Their goal is to support 20,000 individuals and have part of the building be a hospital. Our tour guide who came to this organization as a child is now a volunteer,  said, "It is by God's grace that this is possible." "We couldn't do it without His help."

Over 30 percent of the people are incontinent needing at least 3 diapers a day. They shower every day and are fed three meals a day and they wash their clothes and bedding. All that they have: beds, bedding, food, clothing, etc. is given to them by donations. The government provided the land, but they do not help to fund this organization. 

Their pharmacy

Parts for bed frames

Walking to the kitchen

Nothing seems wasted here.

This is the entrance to the kitchen that makes nearly 8,000 meals, 3 times a day.

This video shows walking inside the kitchen.

Campfires inside the kitchen. A little hard to breath in there.

The wood scraps for the fires to cook the food just outside the kitchen door.

We found records that the Church donated weaving looms many years ago. They are still being used.

They mentioned that hundreds of people have been rehabilitated that are now working volunteers, still living there. There are hundreds of volunteers. 

Is that Sister Martin preparing dinner? It's almost dark and no power for 27 hours. We've had a power outage almost every other day lately. Business as usual here in Ethiopia...

We also visited a home for orphaned blind girls run by this blind woman.  Her daughter helps out as well. This is their library. They recently moved into this home. 

She helps out 16 blind girls who call her mother. They just arrived from a day at school. 

It was very inspiring to see the miracles that can happen in the lives of destitute people when one person desires to make a difference. They trust in God and he provides a way to help. The thought came to mind of a scripture found in Matthew 25: 31-40. Especially verse 40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."