Tamiru is a brave and bright five-year-old boy from Ethiopia who loves playing with friends and exploring new ideas. Tamiru comes from a large family with nine children—four daughters and five sons. His father is a farmer, but as the parents have aged, they can no longer work the land. Two of Tamiru’s married sisters and their husbands support their parents by farming a portion of the family land. Three of his brothers work as daily laborers, while two younger brothers continue their education.
Amidst these challenges, the family has faced immense hardship. One sister, who moved to Addis Ababa four years ago for domestic work, went missing after just one year. Despite their desperate search for her, the family has been left in distress, and the emotional toll has been heavy.
Tamiru’s mother carries the burden of daily life, managing the home and caring for the family. She struggles with her health, suffering from the effects of smoke from cooking fires and the relentless demands of their difficult living conditions. Their home, made of mud, was damaged during the war, and they now live in a makeshift tent against a crumbling wall, constantly fearing for their safety. With limited access to food, they often go hungry, surviving on just one meal a day or sometimes none at all.
Tamiru has faced his own health challenges since birth, suffering from a painful left inguinal hernia, a condition that results from a weakness in the abdominal wall. This condition requires urgent surgery to prevent serious complications, and it has taken a toll on both him and his family, weighing heavily on their spirits. Tamiru’s mother expresses the family’s struggles, saying, “We never had the chance to go to school. We can’t read or write. I fear for my child’s health, and it has been incredibly difficult. We are thankful for the support we’ve received from the social worker to get here - to the city and to the hospital, but we need your help.”
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tamiru receive treatment. On October 7th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate Tamiru’s pain and discomfort and prevent future medical complications. Now, Tamiru’s family needs help to fund this $512 procedure.
Tamiru’s father says, “I hope that this surgery will treat his condition and allow him to live normally, free of any complications. I place my trust in God’s hands and in the skills of the doctors.”

