This Easter, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: no story is too broken for resurrection. From the tomb that could not hold Jesus to the lives being transformed today, light continues to break into darkness. And in the heart of Ethiopia, one woman’s testimony echoes the very miracle of darkness turning to light – all because of our Lord and Savior.
Meet Bethlehem.
Bethlehem’s life was touched through ServeNow’s Educating for Eternity pillar—a program designed to educate, equip, and empower women through vocational training, mentorship, and spiritual encouragement. But this is more than a skills training initiative. It’s a space where despair is replaced with dignity, and hopelessness gives way to healing. Senait, a trainer in the program shared,
“Some of them were even physically sick, and others were depressed. The first day was like a huge dark cloud in the meeting room. But I prayed for each woman—that she would leave her past behind. I worked with them in groups and one-on-one. It’s been amazing to see the change.”
And what a change it has been.
At the conclusion of their training, each woman received a certificate, a startup grant, and a ServeNow-funded post to display at their new workplace. Dignitaries like Mrs. Beletish Girma, Head of the Office of Women, Children, and Social Affairs, and Pastor Getachew Altaye were present to celebrate and encourage them.
Their joy was tangible.
“They tell us the darker days and nights are gone,” Senait shared. “They’re heading into a brighter future. They have energy, vision, and determination. It’s taught me that even small efforts can stir real change. People are closer to hope than we realize.”
Bethlehem, one of the beneficiaries of this program, shared her journey, describing the hardships she faced before receiving support:
“Before I started receiving support from ServeNow, my life was filled with uncertainty. I loved learning, but every day was a struggle. My school supplies were often broken, and I lacked basic hygiene items. The biggest challenge was during my menstrual cycle—I didn’t always have access to sanitary pads, which meant missing school and falling behind in my studies.”
After a pause, as tears rolled down her cheeks, Bethlehem added:
“My mother, who is raising two children on her own, works tirelessly to provide for us, but without a stable job, there were many things she simply couldn’t afford. The stress of our situation weighed heavily on me, making it difficult to focus on my education. But then, everything changed. Thanks to your generous support, I no longer worry about these challenges. I now have the supplies and hygiene products I need, and for the first time, I feel confident and secure in my studies. I haven’t missed a single day of school, and my grades have improved significantly.”
Bethlehem, now a grade 11 student, commented during our monthly financial support, Scholastic, and WASH materials donation:
“This support has not only lifted a burden off my shoulders but has also given me hope for a brighter future. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness is shaping my life in ways I never imagined.”
This is the resurrection story unfolding in real-time.
In Jesus, death was not the end of the story. And through Him, these women—once weary, overlooked, or burdened—are rising with renewed purpose. Their stories are not over either.
This Easter, we celebrate a Savior who makes all things new. We celebrate women like Senait and Bethlehem and the lives touched by Jesus’s power that are still alive today. And we celebrate you because, through your support of ServeNow, the Gospel is truly in action.
He is risen indeed. And His hope is rising and being shared to vulnerable people like Bethlehem.
