Upcoming Mission to Ethiopia

September Update

Hello friends,

I am so excited to share with you an update on my upcoming trip to Ethiopia and the work God is continuing to do through Hands of Hope Foundation International.

Visiting Project Areas and Sharing Stories

One of my first priorities will be visiting our project areas and office. While there, I’ll be gathering video testimonies from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed through these projects. Their stories of hope will be shared so you can see firsthand how your partnership is making a difference.

New Project in Samara (Afar Region)

I will also be traveling to Samara, a city in the Afar region where temperatures often reach 140–150 degrees. Water is desperately needed there. We’ve identified ten hand-dug wells that will soon be upgraded with solar-powered water distribution systems.

From these wells, we plan to launch agricultural development: growing corn, wheat, and fruit such as mangoes — through a network of pipelines fed by solar energy. This will be life changing for families who currently struggle daily just to survive.

Partnership with Regional Leaders

We’ll be meeting with the Regional Water and Energy Bureau in Afar. Their staff recently transitioned, so we’ll review maps of the aquifer levels across the region. These levels average about 650 feet deep, which is why we urgently need a deep-water drilling rig. Strategically placed wells and pipelines will allow us to reach communities throughout Samara, Biju, and beyond.

Strengthening Administrative Foundations

Another important step will be visiting the Charities and Societies Agency in Addis Ababa, which oversees all NGOs operating in Ethiopia. We’ll meet with the new director and staff to ensure compliance and strengthen our partnership.

In addition, we will be establishing our first national office in Ethiopia, staffed by five dedicated team members. Up until now, Solomon and I have carried out this work ourselves, which has limited the number of projects we could manage. This new office is an answer to prayer and will greatly expand our capacity to reach more people.

Expanding Resources

We’ll also be meeting with equipment dealers regarding the purchase of a double-cab truck, cargo truck, loader, and drilling rig. These tools are vital to keep up with the growing demand and opportunities before us.

Spiritual Mission – House Churches and Hope

Beyond the physical projects, we are also deeply committed to the spiritual mission. I will spend time visiting the house churches we sponsor, celebrating with them, encouraging believers, and praying together. These gatherings are a powerful testimony of God’s Kingdom advancing in the Afar region.

Our Promise in Scripture

We stand on the promise of Isaiah 41:17–20, which declares rivers will flow in the desert and fruit will grow where there was none. These projects are a living witness that the Lord Himself is at work in Ethiopia. Verse 20 reminds us:

“That they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

This is what we believe God is doing — miracles in the desert that all will see and know were done by His hand.

Thank You for Partnering With Us

None of this would be possible without your prayers, support, and generosity. You are truly God’s hands of hope to the people of Afar, to Ethiopia, and beyond. Together, we are showing the love of God through both practical help and the eternal hope of the Gospel.

Please continue to pray for this trip, for our team, and for the people we serve. Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,
Pastor Billy Hall
Hands of Hope Foundation International