For many of us, buying food is part of our daily routine. But for countless families in Ethiopia, every day begins with uncertainty about whether there will be enough food to eat.
Extreme poverty, food insecurity, prolonged drought, and the effects of internal conflict continue to affect millions across the country. In these circumstances, a helping hand can provide far more than a meal, it can restore dignity, offer encouragement and remind people that they are not alone.
That is exactly what happened when Unisocial – one of the outreach projects of the Universal Church’s Evangelisation Group carried out another humanitarian initiative in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on 13th July. The project provided practical support and shared a message of faith with families facing difficult circumstances.
This was Unisocial’s second humanitarian outreach in Ethiopia this year, with volunteers dedicating their time to serving some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
In just an hour and a half, five volunteers distributed more than 489 kilograms of food to 164 families, benefiting a total of 503 people. Each family received rice and wheat flour; essential items that will help provide meals for the days ahead.
While these food parcels met an immediate physical need, the volunteers also wanted to remind those present that there is another kind of nourishment that lasts far longer.
During the event, volunteers shared a message based on John 6:27: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Many of the families had travelled long distances to receive food. Using this as an illustration, the volunteers encouraged everyone to seek not only physical nourishment but also spiritual strength through a relationship with God, Who offers lasting peace, strength and eternal life.
Pastor Samuel Macedo, who is responsible for the Unisocial evangelistic work in Ethiopia, said: “the need for these initiatives cannot be overstated because of the extreme poverty we experience here in Ethiopia, actions like these are essential. They help people anywhere, but here they literally save lives.”
His words reflect the reality faced by many Ethiopian families, where access to food is often uncertain and humanitarian support becomes a lifeline.
Among those who received assistance was Tigist, a single mother raising her son on her own, grateful for the support, she shared: “I feel very supported by the church at a time like this. I know this food will end, but this faith won’t. Thank you very much to everyone who donated and helped us here in Ethiopia.”
While the food will provide for her family in the days ahead, she said the encouragement she received through faith will remain long after the supplies have been used.
Unisocial currently carries out one social outreach every month in Ethiopia, made possible through the generosity of those who support the project. With the Church continuing to grow across the country, the goal is to expand these efforts and reach even more communities affected by extreme poverty.
At present, three volunteers work permanently with Unisocial in Ethiopia, and since the beginning of the year, more than 500 people have already benefited from its initiatives.
Pastor Samuel concluded by expressing his gratitude to all those who helps make the project possible.
“We are sincerely grateful to every sponsor and supporter of Unisocial. Your generosity enables us to feed families living in extreme poverty, many of whom survive on less than two dollars a day. Your support is indispensable, and we ask you to continue extending your hand to those who need it most.”
Every outreach is a reminder that a simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact. Through practical support and every word of encouragement, Unisocial continues to bring hope to families across Ethiopia one community at a time.
