Our Story
In 2006, Living Word Community Church, in Red Lion, Pennsylvania developed a vision to adopt a village in Ethiopia in order to enhance quality in multiple areas of the lives of the people there. Project Adopt a Village (PAAV) was established as a partnership with Ethiopian nationals to address several key areas: improve medical care, improve public health, improve educational opportunities, and foster economical growth in Sendafa, Ethiopia.
An alliance was developed with an already established non-government organization, Yenoh Merkeb (Noah's Ark), which had been working in Addis Ababa for three years to educate about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, provide medical care and treatment to patients with HIV/AIDS and other medical problems, empower under resourced people, and rescue victims of commercial sex trade.
Significant accomplishments have been achieved in all of the areas of focus, but more can and needs to be done. Friends of PAAV was formed in 2018 to connect global partners with the Ethiopian nationals of the PAAV team and the people of Sendafa.
Friends of PAAV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity founded and incorporated in order to raise funds and seek partners to support the ongoing efforts of Project Adopt A Village (PAAV).
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Who We Are
Ethiopian PAAV Team
Dr. Frew
Ethiopian medical doctor and founder of NGO, Yenoh Merkeb.
Eshete
Financial admistrator of PAAV with a master's degree in finance.
Salem
Health officer who provides in-home care and public health education.
Seble
Community health worker who provides compassionate in-home care.
Birhanu
Provides logistical support for the PAAV team.
Dawit
Ethiopian lawyer currently serving with the PAAV team under various roles and aspects.
Bekele
Key volunteer supporter of PAAV.Friends of PAAV Board
Edward Nelson, MD
American family doctor and founder of Friends of PAAV with global medical missions experience.
John Hilliard
Pastor at Living Word Community Church who works with the PAAV team to support their efforts.
Dennis Delp, OD
Doctor with a history of many missions and a love of all his brothers and sisters less fortunate.
Valerie Hardy-Sprenkle, RN
Nurse with 40 years of professional experience and multiple global mission trips.
Joseph Uwazota, MD
A family physician with a special interest in international health in low income countries.
Jeff Fisher
Retired pastor with a passion for global ministry and seeing God's grace and mercy transform individuals' lives.
Rena Prowell
Leader on multiple mission trips with a special love for Ethiopian brothers and sisters and for those in need.
Kim Rudisill
Facilitator on multiple mission trips to Liberia and Ethiopia, and a leader in prayer for the people of Sendafa.
Dave Becker
Marketing professional who has served both non-profit and corporate clients all over the world.
