Dec 11, 2025 — Becky Kiser: Ethiopia & Trampled Rose

Bulletin for December 11, 2025

Featured Speaker: Becky Kiser

A 22-Year Non-Profit Journey in Ethiopia — Trampled Rose and the Fight Against Obstetric Fistula

OPENING

The meeting began with a prayer from Benny and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Skip.

"Your character is built one decision and choice at a time. And what you build will determine whether or not you find happiness."

— Joseph R. 'Bob' Kerry, US Navy Medal of Honor

CLUB BUSINESS

Board of Directors Update

The board met on November 9. Key items discussed: tabling a funding request, planning their 80th-anniversary party, a donation to the Empty Stocking Fund, switching to Venmo/Zelle for payments, and debating whether to switch speaker gifts from wine to olive oil or coffee.

Christmas Party — December 17

The Christmas party is Wednesday, December 17 at 6 PM at Patty Jewett's. Cost: $70 per person. As of December 11, 44 attendees are registered: Franzen (2), Marti (1), Paula (1), Wilhelm (2), Elliott (2), E. Scott (2), Jeff Gaddis (2), Larry and Barbara Gaddis (2), Brandon & Heidi (2), Benny & Katie Sauceda (2), Marlene (1), Skip Hale (2), Dalton and Alexa Houghton (2), Frank Ulrich (1), Boby and Kathy Lucia (2), Mike Cimeno (2), Randy Kruse (1), Dick and Karen Backsley (2), Kevin and Christine (2), Dan Fix and Anne Baldera (2), Ester and Reuben Yoder (2), Mike Brast (1), John LT Russ (1), Mark and Nikki Herman (2), Becky Langley (1), and band members (2).

KEYNOTE: BECKY KISER — 22 YEARS IN ETHIOPIA

Becky Kiser shared the remarkable story of founding and running a non-profit in Ethiopia over 22 years. The organization — initially named Upstate and later renamed Trampled Rose — began after a personal health crisis in which a tour guide saved her life. To repay him, Becky helped his sister, who suffered from obstetric fistula.

What Is Obstetric Fistula?

Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury that occurs when prolonged, obstructed labor causes a hole to form between the birth canal and either the bladder or rectum. The condition leads to young women being ostracized from their communities. This experience exposed Becky to the severe social issues of fistula, early marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The Organization's Mission and Evolution

Initially, Trampled Rose provided shelter, fistula treatment, literacy training, and business training to 1,500 women. As the Ethiopian government enacted strict laws that successfully eradicated early marriage and FGM, fistula cases dramatically decreased. The organization then shifted its focus to prevention — keeping at-risk girls in school.

The program now includes boys as well, to protect them from forced conscription. Children in remote areas — many orphans or disabled — receive housing near schools.

Impact and Model

100% of Trampled Rose's students qualify for full-ride university scholarships, compared to the national average of 4–6%. Graduates have become professionals who are now giving back to their communities. The non-profit is run by Becky and her Ethiopian husband with minimal overhead, ensuring donor funds have maximum impact.

Ethiopian Culture

Becky touched on Ethiopia's unique Orthodox Christian roots, its distinct calendar system, and the social motivations behind historical harmful practices — all providing rich context for understanding the transformation her work has helped enable.

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