We've Moved....

I apologize, we've moved to a new website and I didn't let you know....

Head on over to Eyes That See. It's a great website filled with information on our new projects. You can sign up to receive updates right from the website. You can also donate online now too.

Come check it out!!

Thanks so much for your support. We could not do this without you!

Matt and Nikki Ness

Sidelil's Story

Sidelil is a 28 year-old woman that lives in a posture of silent strength like I've never seen before. She has a beautiful 6year-old little boy, and gave birth to her second child on July 6th: a healthy little girl that wasn't named (to the best of my knowledge) before I left to return home. After inviting me into her home, she shared an entire meal with Beza and I as well as a coffee ceremony.

Though she is extremely happy for her babies and owns her motherhood proudly, it has created a rather large rift in her marriage. Her husband was not pleased about her second pregnancy and she addmitted that overall her marriage is unhappy and sometimes she feels as though she is in danger. As I attempted to verbally dig to the root of this problem, it seems as though the bulk of it comes from financial fears. Her husband is a "day worker", doing random assignments that are available for that day. Sidelil didn't have a job but after she had the baby hoped to work... actually she needed to.

My heart broke as she shared that she thought maybe the best idea was to leave her babies behind and go to an Arab country where she could make more money. Sidelil feels the pressing need to make enough income for her growing family, even if that means leaving them. I can't believe this is the best option. I see how her children will need her presence. It is my hope and prayer that her training at LIA is an answer to this. One of her greatest wishes is also to remain in Addis so that she can teach her siblings; she is the second of 8: 5 sisters and 2 brothers. Even in the midst of a situation that looks hopeless, she has a joyful spirit of perseverance. Sidelil wears a warm smile as she accepts her circumstances and explores her options.

She told me (through the translator) "You are sad by me I see". I assured her that my heart hurts for her because I see the reality of her context, but that I think she is very strong despite the odds. I told her I wanted her to try to live in hope, hope like that of Romans 5:1-5 (which I got to share with her in Amharic). I wish to see her flourish and enjoy life with her babies.

Heine Brothers' Coffee

Here's some excited news, Heine Brothers' Coffee of Louisville has teamed up with Eyes That See to sell our Ethiopian products in each of their ten stores! This coffee shop chain does a lot of great humanitarian work. It just so happens to be one of Matt's favorite coffee places so I'm sure this means he will need to visit each store to say thanks (and grab a cup of coffee)!

Thank you Heine Brothers' Coffee for supporting Eyes That See!

Through Netsanet's Eyes.....

The following words are from my good friend and also Eyes That See Project Manager of The Keziah Program in Ethiopia. Netsanet is a wonderful assist to our Eyes That See team. Her heart is amazing. I asked her to share about why she is passionate about Eyes That See....


The main reason i want to join eyes that see is because its mission is based on the bible and it is Christ centered. Growing up as an orphan myself, I always imagined myself being one of these women on the street or one of the orphans abandoned. But God helped me and now can see what my sisters are going through and it's my turn to be there for them. I would like to see those women under such situations to know Christ and become self sufficient. This is what i feel.

Revive Service

Last night Matt was able to share about Eyes That See at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church's Revive service. Our whole family had the chance to go and meet the great people there. It was so fun getting the chance to share about Eyes That See with a brand new group. And for those of you who know Matt, he was super excited to be able to preach again (and may have gotten so excited that he went over the time limit by a few minutes or so)!

They also collected many supplies for us that will be going over to Ethiopia on our next trip. We will definitely be hanging out with them again!

I wanted to share a couple of books that I have read that really helped me with Eyes That See. If you read them or have already read them, please share your thoughts in the comment section!

Thanks!

When Helping Hurts


The Poor Will Be Glad

New Programs.....

Our family is heading up North for several days soon, but just wanted to give you a heads up that some exciting new programs will be beginning soon for Eyes That See!!!!

We will be having a board meeting while we gone and after that I hope you fill you in on all the ways that Eyes That See will be continuing to share God's heart to those we work with. As always, there is room for YOU, your church, your small group, your school, and your work to be a part of Eyes That See.

Can't wait to share with you.........

Middle school students making a difference

Christy with some of our students