Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Travels With All God's Children International to Ethiopia

Contact: Frank Betzer, All God's Children International (AGCI), 503-927-5051

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 18, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- When Extreme Makeover: Home Edition knocked on the Watson family's door in Knoxville, Tennessee, a week ago, one of the show's producers was half-way around the world with All God's Children International (AGCI). Traveling with AGCI's orphan care mission team, he discovered what life is like in the birth country of Silas, the Watson's two-year old son who was adopted through AGCI, and joined the team in their work to improve local school facilities.  

"We are honored that the first international trip to Africa by an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producer has been with our orphan care team," said Frank Betzer, Orphan Care and Development Director for AGCI. "One of our projects at the Hedase Elementary School in Ethiopia is to improve the facilities where 1,300 children are currently sharing one pit toilet." 

The 17 person team addressed the school's needs by building a new soccer field, basketball court and volleyball court. The team also began construction of eight new latrines and a library building. These projects will be completed by local contractors in the next few weeks with materials provided by AGCI donors. The team also spent time visiting with the children at AGCI's Hannah's Hope transition home, where Silas was cared for prior to the completion of his adoption by the Watson family.

The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now in its 9th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs as holiday specials on ABC.

About All God's Children International:  Founded in 1991, All God's Children International passionately serves the world's orphan and vulnerable children by offering hope through the life-changing ministries of adoption, orphan care and missions. Over the past two decades, AGCI has had the privilege of uniting over 2,500 orphans from around the world with their forever families.  Through AGCI's Hannah's Hope orphan homes, children are provided medical care, education, ministry and safety while waiting to be placed in loving homes. Additionally, AGCI impacts an average of 10,000 lives annually by providing orphan care for the unadoptable, family preservation projects, and short-term mission trips to help provide shelter, care, and love for children in need.  www.AllGodsChildren.org