Be a Blessing this Christmas and Throughout the Year

We have all heard that "Christmas is a time for giving", but so often we find that our gifts are given to those who already have so very much.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to give a small gift that could make a HUGE difference?
The Mossy Foot Project operates 15 separate clinic sites in Ethiopia where we reach out and address the physical and spiritual needs of those who literally have NOTHING and are also plagued with a dreaded disease, podoconiosis or Mossy Foot disease, that causes them to be outcasts... furthering the desperateness of their plight.
It doesn't take much to make a huge difference here.  If 75 new donors would step forward and commit to giving a gift of only $5 a week over the next year, we could fund the entire operation of one of our clinics and over 200 people would be treated each month.
Will you consider stepping forward and being one of those 75?  Or perhaps you are blessed to be able to participate in being an even bigger blessing.  Take a look at our Christmas Gift Catalog and see what a difference your gift can make!

A NEW Website for the Mossy Foot Project

We're very excited to launch our new website today.  In addition to being easier to navigate we are beginning to populate it with new videos and more content to inform you about what we are all about, how we are working to eliminate podoconiosis (Mossy Foot disease), and how you can help.
Come visit our new site at: www.mossyfoot.com, click on a few of the links, and view a few videos, and sample a few pages.  Most importantly, see our Christmas Gift Catalog and consider joining us in eliminating this dreaded disease.
Even a gift as small as $5 or $10 a month will make a huge difference to people who many call "the poorest of the poor".  Thanks for your support!

Zelalem's Story - Hope when life seems hopeless

My name is Zelalem Dubale. My two older siblings and our mother were left alone when my father died many years ago. One of my sisters died a few days after I was born. My father was a farmer for many years. He and my mother never wore shoes while farming. He left no income or treasures for us when he died. 

One night when I arrived home from the woods, I saw a small wound on one of my feet. I thought that it was an ordinary wound made by the thorns just like other times and ignored it. But the wound continued to cover my foot and it continued to get worse. My foot began to swell. I was not sure what was going on but thought the swelling was because of the injury that I had before. But it turned out to be much worse than this.

One friend told me something that rekindled hope in my heart. My friend told me about a place that provided free foot treatment and said he was sure if I went there that I would be healed in a few months. I had to think about this deeply. From my home, I had to walk for hours and hours to get to the Arba Minch hospital. Walking to Wolaita Soddo could take days. But now at least I knew where I could be healed.  "Click Here to Read Zelalem's complete story" 

 

Our President, Sharon Daly Visits Mossy Foot

This month, Sharon Daly, the President of the Mossy Foot Project is in Ethiopia to participate in a Conference on Podoconiosis called by the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) in Addis Ababa as well as to visit and provide guidance to the work at all of our clinics in the Soddo area.
Please pray that Sharon's will be both beneficial as well as encouraging to both our staff as well as our many many patients there in Ethiopia.

"Thriller" Dance Event Supports the Mossy Foot Project

Our thanks to Louise Bretz of Connextions Dance Studio in Venura, CA for hosting a "Thriller" dance event this past weekend with proceeds going to the Mossy Foot Project.

We have to have some of the Southland's most creative and enthusiastic supporters!
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/oct/30/dancers-gather-in-ventura-to-attempt-thriller/

A Photographic Journey to Ethiopia's Mossy Foot Project

A few months ago, our long time supporter, Keith Pytlinski published photos of his trip to Ethiopia to see the work of the Mossy Foot Project.

Keith's words describing his adventure are moving and challenging and his artistic skills both as a photographer and editor are considerable.  Read about Keith's experience with the people of Ethiopia and have a look at his work at www.m5photography.com.

Thank you Keith for your enduring support!

Paying It Forward for Mossy Foot!

A couple of months ago, one of our long term supporters, Allyson, held a cooking camp for kids in Texas.  In the process, she shared the work of the Mossy Foot Project with Michael Anderson.

As Allyson blogged about her 50th birthday and how great it would be for friends to make a donation to MF in lieu of a gift, Michael surprised her by emptying his piggy bank and doing just that by making a $50 donation.

What a great lesson in generosity, learning at a young age to "pay it forward".   Guess we can never know what impact our incidental sharing can have.  Thanks you so much for your kindness to the children of Ethiopia Michael!