One of the most common topics we are asked about by missionaries as they prepare for their time in Ethiopia is regarding food; specifically, what will they eat and where will they find it?
We are excited to take you on a tour of Bize Supermarket – a popular grocery store near our ministry site in Debre Zeyit. You’ll see that it’s not all that different from a typical grocery store at home. You might even spot some brands you recognize!
Nathenael “Nati” Mulugeta is a 13-year-old boy who has been in the BCI program longer than he can remember. He credits BCI for introducing him to his best friend, Surafel Tefera, whom he has grown up with and enjoys playing with. He attends the BCI Academy, where he is a Grade 7 student.
Nati’s mother tragically died during childbirth, and his father abandoned him at birth. Nati has been raised by his older sister who provides for Nati, his brother, and two other sisters. By all accounts, his story is that of a typical Ethiopian orphan, except that beneath his humble exterior, Nati is a young man blessed with extraordinary talent. His name means “God has given”, and it’s quite clear that his ability has been given by God.
Last year, Nati’s talent was discovered during a church service in Debre Zeyit. Talent scouts from the capital city of Addis Ababa were in the audience and heard Nati singing worship songs. They immediately identified his exceptional singing ability, and brought him to Addis to film a music video, which is now the 5th most watched video out of 246 videos on the talent scout’s YouTube channel. The video of Nati singing an Ethiopian worship song has garnered more than half a million views, and an outpouring of support from viewers.
“This little baby boy has a unique spirit from God.”
“Nathenael has been chosen to do many great things by God.”
“I have two kids. I want them to follow your footsteps. God bless you more and I love you from the bottom of my heart.”
Shortly after his video came out, we sat down for an interview with Nati and asked him why he made the video. His response? “God helped me.” While his favorite subject at school is geography, Nati dreams of becoming a professional singer when he grows up and praising God through music.
Nati receives excellent marks at school, and when he is not attending school or church, he is helping his siblings by performing chores at home. His favorite food is Shiro, a stew made of chickpeas, onions and garlic. He looks forward to eating his favorite meal once a week.
When asked “how do you know you are a Christian?”, Nati responded in his typical matter-of-fact style: “Because I am Jesus Christ’s son.”
We lost count of the number of viewers who commented on how blessed Nati is, and what a blessing it was to listen to his song. Praise God for using this young man to reach so many
people. His heart burns for Jesus and this shines through his
music. We could not be more proud of Nati and awed by
God’s hand in his life.
We invite you to check out Nati’s music video and be blessed:
Blessing the Children International 