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The fruits of service: Latter-day Saint youth in Ethiopia plant 200 fruit trees

About 70 young men and young women spent several weeks planning and planting apple, lime, mango and avocado trees to feed others in need

Hoping to follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ and serve others, youth in Ethiopia spent several weeks working on a project to leave a lasting effect in their communities — planting fruit trees that will benefit the homeless and other people in need.

Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission President Robert J. Dudfield said the effort came about after he and Meganagna Branch President Birhanu Molla spoke to local government authorities.

“We reached out to see if there was a service opportunity in the local area, and they came back with the desire [for us] to plant fruit trees,” President Dudfield told the Church’s Africa Newsroom.

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President Dudfield and President Molla then organized a youth conference with youth, full-time missionaries and local Church leaders from branches in Addis Ababa — and for six weeks, they planned for and planted 200 fruit trees, including apple, lime, mango and avocado trees.

“[With] fruit much harder and much more expensive to get in Addis Ababa, the local government met our efforts with delight and gratitude. The fruit trees will feed the homeless in the local community,” President Dudfield said.

Youth in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, plant fruit trees
Youth in the Addis Ababa Ethiopia District plant fruit trees in an effort ending in September 2022. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The young men and young women said the project blessed their lives. Hana Debebe Hailu from the Megenagna Branch appreciated working together in a group.

“I met a lot of people and saw my friends. I was very happy about the experience and lessons too,” Hailu said. “The lessons made me feel great because it was about God, serving and loving one another. I will never forget this experience.”

Moti Tegegn Lemma from the Summit Branch said the service project helped him grow socially.

“I have learned a lot of things, I can’t count how many. I have been able to meet many friends, and I am very grateful to God for helping me to be able to spend time doing service and helping others,” he said.

And Elder Dylan Gilman, a full-time missionary serving in Addis Ababa, felt that the service opportunity helped unify the youth.

“It was amazing to see the youth come together to help the community. Planting fruit trees was [such] an uplifting experience, particularly seeing the youth have an opportunity to be united while serving others,” Elder Gilman said. “Ethiopia is truly blessed with an amazing group of youth.”

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