Published Sun, Aug 04, 19.
Written by Scott Chleborad.
GOLF IS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER
Have you ever received an answer to your prayers?
Six years ago, there were many prayers about the decision to take over responsibility for running the schools in Hosanna and Ottoro. And there was one consistent answer to those prayers. God promised He would bring others alongside us to help if we would be faithful and say "yes" to the door he was opening in Ethiopia. And that promise has been kept many times over. Many of the people reading this are answers to prayer. You know who you are! Every time we sign up a new child sponsor, or receive an inquiry about travel to Ethiopia, or accept a donation of support we are reminded of the faithfulness of God and the power of prayer.
In January of 2016, one of the "others" that God brought alongside us was Stan Graber. Stan visited the schools in Hosanna and Ottoro and came back home with the idea of starting a golf tournament that would benefit the children who needed sponsors. And so the first Scramble for Ethiopia golf tournament was held in June of 2017. Stan's idea was to cover all the costs of golfing with charitable marketing funds he received through his financial services business. Then all the fees that golfers paid to play could go toward child sponsorships.
Now in it's third year, the event continues to grow and bring new people alongside our organization. In addition, more than 30 child sponsorships have been started through the tournament in addition to giving through silent auction items and donations. This year, the Scramble for Ethiopia was held on Friday, July 19th at Valley View Golf Course in Freeman, SD. It was one of the hottest days of the year with temperatures soaring into the 90s. And yet, teams of all kinds with different skill levels came together to support the "poorest of the poor" and enjoy an afternoon on the rural South Dakota links. At the end of the day, everyone feasted on BBQ ribs while we gave out some pin prizes and told the story of what God is accomplishing in Ethiopia.
Our thanks go out to everyone that played, sponsored or volunteered to help with the Scramble for Ethiopia this year. We hope to see you again next year because truly, you are an answer to prayer. And we celebrate friends like Stan who have chosen to use their influence and resources to make a difference for those who have no influence and no resources. In addition to starting a golf tournament, Stan has won grants for our Self-Help Groups through his affiliation with the Million-Dollar Round Table and he has personally sponsored many of our students in honor of his clients to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries.
Yes, we believe golf is an answer to prayer! So get your team together and put the Scramble for Ethiopia on your calendar for Friday, June 5th, 2020. Watch for more details on social media and our website at adamshermalfoundation.org. If you'd like to sponsor the event or contribute something to the Silent Auction, contact us at 877-678-1099, ext. 104 or email us at info@adamsthermalfoundation.org.