For the Mennas
Donation protected
Ten years ago, Tamene Menna, his wife Tigist, and daughter Lele came to the U.S. so Tamene could earn a PhD in Educational Leadership. The desire of his heart was to return to Ethiopia and serve there with the skills he gained. While studying and working in Southern California, Tamene and Tigist added two beautiful boys to their family. Both boys have significant health and developmental issues. Liam struggles with autism, and Lucian was born with an aggressive cancer. Liam's needs are being met in school, and he is making great progress. Lucian had risky, but successful surgery soon after he was born and spent a long, difficult year recovering and undergoing chemotherapy in the hospital. Today he is a cancer-free, rambunctious toddler.
Because of the boys' health issues, Tamene's dream had to change. He now works in church ministry in California, and is hoping to immigrate to the U. S. so Liam and Lucian's medical needs can be met here, in the country of their birth. There are no facilities or adequate treatments available for the boys in Ethiopia. Lucian must be closely monitored and requires ongoing therapies and procedures. The family was denied one visa route this spring, and another is being pursued now. We are hoping that application is accepted by the end of July, as after that time, Tamene's ability to work will be suspended. Working with our friends at the Menna's home church, we are raising funds for their legal expenses. The fees are substantial, but any donation will help the supporting team.
Here is an excerpt from the church's recent letter: "As you can imagine, the consequences for Tamene and his family should he not secure legal status would be so severe as to be almost unbearable, and by your support and God's grace, we hope to avoid this."
Thank you so much for reading their story. Tamene and Tigist are courageous and faithful people. If you can contribute by sharing this story, donating, prayer, or by encouraging the family, we would be most grateful!
Because of the boys' health issues, Tamene's dream had to change. He now works in church ministry in California, and is hoping to immigrate to the U. S. so Liam and Lucian's medical needs can be met here, in the country of their birth. There are no facilities or adequate treatments available for the boys in Ethiopia. Lucian must be closely monitored and requires ongoing therapies and procedures. The family was denied one visa route this spring, and another is being pursued now. We are hoping that application is accepted by the end of July, as after that time, Tamene's ability to work will be suspended. Working with our friends at the Menna's home church, we are raising funds for their legal expenses. The fees are substantial, but any donation will help the supporting team.
Here is an excerpt from the church's recent letter: "As you can imagine, the consequences for Tamene and his family should he not secure legal status would be so severe as to be almost unbearable, and by your support and God's grace, we hope to avoid this."
Thank you so much for reading their story. Tamene and Tigist are courageous and faithful people. If you can contribute by sharing this story, donating, prayer, or by encouraging the family, we would be most grateful!
Organizer
Jan Stallones
Organizer
Lexington, KY