Bumping and lurching down the long, rough dirt roads, we finally made it into the remote Ethiopian village of Woliso, where the people of the Gefat reside, which happened to be the location of our 
next medical clinic. Much work still needed to be done to prepare for the thousands who would be arriving in the next few days, many who had begun their journey days in advance to make it in time.As we stepped off the bus and saw many of the precious children of the village, you could almost feel the excitement, as if they were saying, “They came back! They came back!”Everyone quickly began working together, knowing that this year, the neglected branch of the Beta Israel needed our medical outreach more than ever before. Many already beginning to line up just outside the clinic gates . . .Granted, this “Lost Tribe” has always faced incredible hardship. The Gefat are quite possibly Ethiopia’s most impoverished and beleaguered people group. Even worse, they’re reviled and persecuted by their own countrymen.Their neighbors call them the Fuga, a derogatory term that means “hated, disliked people.” The original meaning of the word was “blower,” because they were blowers of the shofar. The term ultimately became an insult. The message was “dry up and blow away from us.”Not only do the Gefat face anti-Semitism because of their Jewish customs and heritage, some now face additional persecution because they are embracing Yeshua (Jesus). These brothers and sisters are truly outcasts among the outcasts. The poorest of the poor. 
Their plight is so dire that our relationship with them began in an unusual way: Their tribal leaders sought us out several years ago, asking for our help. Our hearts broke at the way they pleaded with us to consider the evidence of their Jewish heritage conveyed with a full-blown presentation of their case. It’s as if they were begging us to care about them. Of course, we confirmed their evidence and have gladly served the Gefat on several medical outreaches since that day.
But this year, things were even more dire. In July of 2014, we received word that a conflict erupted between a Gefat man and someone from the surrounding area. This altercation escalated into one death and the jailing, kidnapping, and injury of others, and the burning of several homes. Eventually, more than 200 of the Gefat community were forced to leave their homes and migrate to another village with no provision for basic needs. Those still in or near the area where the persecution occurred remain unprotected. In nearby villages, some anti-Semitic neighbors insist the Gefat leave the country altogether. But they have nowhere to go.
Knowing this, our team felt an urgency to do what we could to help. And over the days that followed, they had the added joy of serving over 9,600 Gefat patients — the most Jewish Voice Ministries has ever treated in a single clinic since 2012!
One story out of thousands
While we cannot relay all 9,600 stories, we can share the experience of 29 year-old Derartu and her four children — Daniel (9 years old), Diribu (6 years old), Mefersa (5 years old), and Ezekiel (2 months old) — who walked for over an hour to reach us . . .
Upon arriving, Derartu and her children are immediately taken to the clinic entrance where they receive bracelets from our security leader, Ariel, and are ushered into the clinic’s medical ward. First stop inside the clinic is a meeting with our initial medical consultant, who runs basic tests like blood pressure and body temperature, then records the information on medical record cards for the doctors.
Next, they wait for the next available doctor to meet with them. Due to the huge lines of waiting people, the wait takes nearly half an hour. During that time, the doctor and assistant discuss the information on the card and run additional tests. They schedule additional medical procedures, testing, and prescriptions. Testing reveals that three of Derartu’s children suffer from high temperatures, six-year-old Diribu has a persistent cough and shortness of breath, and Derartu will need to have lab work done, while her kids all have prescriptions filled by the pharmacy.
At the lab, Derartu gives blood. Running these tests can take time and is often expensive, but we have worked to provide quick turn-around for the thousands of people seen each day. All are run free of charge. The doctor prescribes Derartu medication to help fight her chronic issues, likely related to unclean water and a lack of proper nutrition.
After the lab tests, Derartu and her family head over to the pharmacy to have their prescriptions filled. In addition to offering free medicine, the pharmacy gives her and her children daily multi-vitamins and even some toys to take home.
Another stop on their way through the clinic is the water education tent. Here, volunteers and leaders give a presentation on the importance of using and drinking clean water, as well as ways to obtain it. Derartu’s family receives LifeStraw® units and family kits that will give them clean, drinkable water from otherwise polluted sources for over a year!
Derartu and her family’s final stop on their trip through this clinic is the prayer tent. Here, prayer partners lift up her family’s ongoing needs. All five are surrounded by tearful, joyful, loving faces of volunteers and other patients. Our prayer partners offer love, encouragement, and specific words they are led to share. Many miraculous healings happen in this tent for people who hold no hope of physical healing from modern medicine, and many find the eternal life found in Yeshua, the Messiah.
After Derartu and her family have finished going through the clinic, it is time for them to return home. Strengthened and encouraged, Derartu gives her thanks to everyone at the clinic for their help. She hopes to be back soon, bringing her husband and two older children who were unable to make it on this trip.
Their walk home through rocks, hills, and rough terrain takes over an hour. For Derartu and her family, home means dirt-covered floors, slowly rotting wood boards, no plumbing or electricity, and a few pots and pans for cooking. Curious neighbors stop by to see them and ask for their reactions to the clinic. They too hope to go themselves at some point, but also know how difficult it can be to manage the long walk and the even longer lines.
As the clinic is about to close, hundreds more jockey, struggle, push, and even argue for better places in line outside the clinic, hoping for one last chance to get in and gain the care they need. Our line managers struggle to be as fair and impartial as they can while still maintaining order — creating organized lines and handing out wristbands. But the need is always acute and overwhelming. There is just never enough time to reach them all.
Continuing to bless “Lost Tribes” of Jewish People
We will return, of course. But in the meantime, please pray for these dear, beleaguered brethren. And consider answering the call of our Messiah to serve these precious Jewish People, joining us on another blessing-filled trip to serve the poorest of the poor. For more information on coming on a Jewish Voice outreach, please visit our website: www.PleaseAnswerTheCall.org or call: 800-299-9374.
Why not come with us on one of our upcoming outreaches? You don’t have to be a medical professional to be used on our medical missions! Check out our 2015 schedule of mission trips on the Medical Outreaches page of our website. Pray, plan, and come along! There’s a vital role waiting for you on any of our JVMI medical missions!
