The Power of Prayer

A boy in Ethiopia never gave up on finding his family 

Baba*, a 7-year-old boy, didn’t come to All God’s Children International’s House of Hope for Boys in Ethiopia because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. 

He simply got lost.  

While visiting a crowded area of Addis Ababa, he got separated from his parents and couldn’t find his way home.  

When police found him, he didn’t know how to explain where his family lived.  

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.

Baba’s story could have ended there. But God had an extraordinary plan for Baba and his entire family… 

The House of Hope 

In March 2025, Baba was transferred to the AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope for Boys in Ethiopia—the same month the home opened its doors. Caregivers welcomed Baba with a warm bed, nutritious food, medical care, and a Bible. They also showed him patience, compassion, and kindness. 

For the first time in months, Baba felt safe, secure, and loved. 

As he attended devotions and experienced the hope of Jesus, Baba began to pray, “God, please help me find my mom and dad.” 

Throughout his eight months at AGCI’s House of Hope, psychologists gently encouraged Baba. With their help, he was able to start piecing his story back together.  

Finally, memories of where he used to live came flooding back… 

Baba was able to provide key details that helped our relentless in-country team locate his parents. In a city of 6 million people, finding Baba’s mom, dad, and two brothers was truly remarkable!  

Feeling Overjoyed… But Torn  

Baba’s prayers had been answered! He was filled with happiness and hope. 

But Baba also felt scared. His family was still homeless, living in poverty, and barely surviving. He remembered how difficult life on the streets had been.  

Although Baba missed his family, he loved the sense of stability he had discovered. 

At the House of Hope, Baba was able to sleep in the same bed every night. He didn’t need to worry about where his next meal would come from. And he felt safe.  

Baba’s parents desperately wanted their son back, but they also wanted to protect him. They asked the team if their three sons could live at the House of Hope temporarily while they found steady jobs and housing. The team quickly agreed and welcomed all three brothers into the home.  

During the next month, caregivers worked closely with Baba’s parents, offering support and guidance. They helped them find a place to live and obtain identification documents, which allows the parents to access the rights of Ethiopian citizenship, including the right to own a house, receive vital resources, and enroll their sons in school. 

A New Beginning 

Now, this family is living as one! They are overjoyed to be reunited and incredibly grateful for their new beginning. And spending Christmas together in their new home filled them with hope. 

Today, Baba’s dad is enrolled in trade school, and his mom has started a small business, which is already helping them earn a stable income. And all three brothers are excited to be attending school for the first time! They are eager to learn, play, and meet new friends. With God’s help, this family is unlocking a new future, full of possibilities. 

Through their journey, this courageous family has witnessed the restorative power of Jesus Christ. They have personally experienced God’s unwavering faithfulness. His infinite goodness. And His life-changing love! 

Thank you for joining the heal. Thank you for being part of the Trauma Disruptor Coalition. Until next time!

*Name changed to protect privacy.