In 2023, the Lord began stirring Evangelist Chris Franz’s heart for the children of Ethiopia. When traveling there to preach the gospel, he was moved to tears, seeing the countless numbers of children and widows who had lost their fathers and husbands due to the war. Because of their dire circumstances, they ended up on the streets—struggling to survive each day. What little money they do somehow receive, they often spend on gasoline they smell all day to mask their pain and receive a slight high. Evg. Chris shares of having seen children as young as three years old addicted to smelling gasoline.

Many of these helpless children are killed daily by witch doctors using them in human sacrifices, by animals such as hyenas hunting them for food, or are simply caught by the government and “disappear” to promote Ethiopia in the “best way possible.”

But the Lord has a different plan for these children. In January 2023, the Lord gave Evg. Chris a new assignment—an assignment to help these helpless children. That’s where Hope For Kids comes in. Hope for Kids is a new branch of Citalife Ministries that strongly focuses on supporting these children in need. We began this task by starting to open a hope center in Ethiopia. In this center, these street children can get back on their feet, learn about the Lord, and learn a trade that will set them up for their future. Through regular donations of food, clothing, and shoes, we aim to provide not only essential items but also hope and joy for their future, showing each child they are valued and loved.