story of merigeta

Merigeta Lisanework Kassabel was born in the Lalibela district of Wollo. He received his education to the level of Merigeta (a respected religious teacher) and became a beloved and admired figure in his community for his unwavering faith and kindness.

For more than ten years, Merigeta Lisanework has been confined to his bed.

While his story is long and profound, here is a brief overview:

As a young man, Merigeta Lisanework encountered the message of the gospel, which led to a life-changing calling to serve. Filled with courage, he began preaching and teaching the gospel in his parish. His boldness in proclaiming the truth brought persecution not only to him but also to fellow believers. At one point, his opponents bound his hands and feet and threw him from a high cliff. Against all odds, he survived and was discovered alive after two days of searching.

He was taken to a Korean hospital, where he received treatment for severe nerve and bone injuries. When his condition required more specialized care, he was referred to a hospital in Germany for advanced treatment. For the past ten years, Merigeta Lisanework has been paralyzed from the waist down. During his time in treatment, he was also diagnosed with a heart condition, requiring ongoing intensive care. He shared that he spends approximately 5,000 birr each month on medication.

Despite everything he has faced, Merigeta Lisanework has never complained. His faith remains unwavering, and his wife and children continue to share the burden of his suffering. His wife, Tirunesh Demle, has been his pillar of strength throughout their 14 years of marriage. Together, they have two children—a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter—who bring joy to their lives. Tirunesh works tirelessly to provide for her family, balancing the responsibilities of caring for her husband and raising their children. .

Merigeta Lesanework for more than ten years on his bed.

However, the family now faces a new challenge: they have been asked to leave the home they have lived in for the past four years, a house generously provided by a benefactor.

Though they remain there for now, they urgently need a new place to call home. During this critical time, it is essential that we extend our support to Merigeta Lisanework and his family, helping them find stability and relief as they navigate these overwhelming challenges. We pray that God will guide them to a safe and stable place, where they can continue to live as a family, supported by their faith and love for one another.

After enduring eleven years of pain, Merigeta Lisanework was finally able to receive medical treatment in India. After three months of physiotherapy, he has made incredible progress and returned to Addis Ababa.

Today, he is able to walk with crutches, although he was once expected to be confined to a wheelchair.

Destiny Foundation and Shalom are currently supporting his family, as they do with other families, by providing for their monthly needs.

We invite you to join us in this journey and be part of the support and hope we are bringing to this family.