Joshua loved the Lord deeply. He was gifted in many ways and expressed his creativity through art, and he used every opportunity he had, at school, on the street, wherever a door opened, to share the Gospel and tell others about the God he loved.
His dream was simple: invite people into the Kingdom of God. He was courageous, unashamed of the Gospel, and he loved preaching. Those who knew him remember him as hopeful, faithful, hardworking, and deeply loved by everyone who grew up around him.
At twelve years old, Joshua suddenly passed away following an accident and went home to be with the Lord he loved. His story reached far beyond our family. Al Jazeera, Fox, BBC, and CNN covered it, along with many media organizations and television channels in Ethiopia. Through that difficult season, we believe God opened the hearts and ears of many people to hear the Gospel.
Our grief was deep, but we came to understand that God had a purpose even in the midst of our sorrow. By His grace, we trusted Him, proclaimed His goodness, and entrusted Joshua into His eternal home.
The Gospel that burned in Joshua's heart continued to inspire us. We came to understand that God desired to continue the work Joshua had begun. Joshua used the words Keep Shining as he carried out his Gospel work, and we received his legacy with the desire to continue it around the world.
From Denver, where the foundation began, we have worked to encourage young people not to be ashamed of the Gospel, but to boldly testify about the saving power of Jesus Christ whenever they have the opportunity. For the past four years, we have partnered with churches in Denver, Addis Ababa, and Hamer to organize street evangelism and outreach programs, and we are continuing to prepare for outreach in new communities and nations.
In Ethiopia, we have also sought to fulfill our son's dream through practical acts of service. Each year, we provide food, clothing, and essential supplies to charitable organizations and communities in need. Today, guided by the principle “I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” we continue to encourage young people to receive the Gospel as a sacred responsibility and boldly carry it forward without shame.
We are especially grateful to have met joyful young people in Helsinki, Finland, who understand that Christ alone is the light by which we shine in every darkness, and who desire to work alongside us. Our greatest longing is to see Joshua's dream alive in the hearts of many young people, using the gifts God placed in them to share His love with others.