Baba's Journey Back to Family
Baba*, a 7-year-old boy, didn’t come to the AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope for Boys in Ethiopia because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
He simply got lost.
While visiting a new area of Addis Ababa with his parents for the first time, Baba took a wrong turn and couldn’t find his way back home.
When police found Baba, he didn’t know how to explain where his family lived. So, they had no choice but to take him to a government-run institution, where he stayed for months—separated from everyone he knew and loved.
In March 2025, Baba was transferred to the House of Hope—the same day the home opened its doors. He arrived overwhelmed, confused, filled with grief, and longing for his family.
Throughout that time, the House of Hope psychologists gently encouraged Baba. And with their help, he was able to start piecing his story together.
Finally, his memories came flooding back…
Please join us in praising God that this summer, our family locating team was able to find Baba's parents! In a city with 6 million people, finding a family with no address was nothing short of a miracle.
Caregivers discovered Baba's parents living on the streets of Addis Ababa with his two brothers. The family appeared to be freezing, hungry, and scared. As traumatic as their situation was, they somehow remained a strong family unit, committed to staying together.
When Baba ran into his parent’s arms, he was overjoyed.
But he also felt torn. He feared returning to life on the streets—a life filled with begging and uncertainty.
His parents, loving but desperate, asked if Baba could continue living at the House of Hope until they could care for him properly. The team agreed and invited his two brothers to live at the home, too, which is allowing them to receive healthy meals, medical care, and counseling.
Baba's parents are receiving life-changing support, as well. The House of Hope staff have helped his mom enroll in vocational classes, which are teaching her how to earn a steady income. His parents have also started the process of securing identification documents for the boys, which will allow them to access critical government services and attend school once reunified permanently.
Through it all, the family is filled with gratitude, joy, and hope. They’ve been given a new beginning! And they’ve expressed that they no longer feel invisible or alone.
Our prayer is to reunite this family next month under one roof. And our dedicated team in Ethiopia will continue walking alongside them—every step of the way.
Without the House of Hope and your incredible support, Baba would likely still be living in a government-run home, with little hope of reuniting with his parents. You have helped unlock a new future for this courageous family. Thank you!
UPDATE!
Please join us in praising God that this family is now one! Today, they are reunited and all living under one roof. And the boys are incredibly excited to attend school for the first time!
This family is delighted that God has given them a new beginning. But most of all, they are thankful to be together again. The prayers of their hearts have been answered—thanks to your faithful support!
On behalf of precious children like Baba, thank you so much for your faithfulness, compassion, and generosity. Because of you, this beautiful family has been restored!
Help restore more families by making a gift today!
*Name changed to protect privacy.