Ministry Update: Love Never Fails (Ethiopia)

Love Never Fails decreases the spread of HIV/AIDS and frees women from a life of prostitution. Working in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Love Never Fails cares for the daily physical needs of men and women living with AIDS, encourages HIV testing, provides AIDS awareness programs, and leads training to destigmatize the disease.

In addition, the ministry offers income-generating activities for former prostitutes and educational support for children so that vulnerable women and children can develop job skills and become self-sufficient. Over the years, several of these women have professed Christ, participated in Bible studies with the staff, integrated into a local church, and started their own businesses.

Dr. Rick Horne, Oakseed Ministry Liaison to Africa and the DR, had an encouraging visit with Love Never Fails in February. He had the opportunity to visit some of the beneficiaries in their homes and marketplace stalls in the slum areas and hear testimony of how they have been helped and encouraged by the ministry. Afterwards, he visited with the director and project coordinators in the office, talking about features of the ministry, challenges they face, and victories they rejoice in. He commented, “It is encouraging to see and hear their persevering spirits under difficult circumstances.”

The directors, project coordinators, and staff of Love Never Fails have experienced opposition, including physical persecution. One of the project coordinators has been arrested some 20 times. They walk a fine line between being arrested and canceled because of the gospel ministry they provide alongside the offer of medical and educational services to needy people.

Love Never Fails offers holistic services to prostitutes and their children, in particular. It displays the love of Christ with a desire to create conversation openings that lead to gospel presentations and, if the Lord opens hearts, conversions and discipleship. Their goal is for people to become part of the local church. It is very rewarding when some of the women are baptized and become part of the ministry, but it is slow work.