Historic First: Women Embrace Faith in Sheger Prison Baptism Event
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn a powerful demonstration of God’s redeeming grace, Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) conducted its third baptismal service within the Sheger Prison complex on the outskirts of Addis Ababa in March 2025, bringing spiritual transformation and hope to numerous inmates. The significant event saw 17 male prisoners baptized by immersion and, in a historic first for LPM’s ministry at the prison, 5 female prisoners embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith through profession of faith. The service, officiated by Pastor Wakuma Wakgari, the Seventh-day Adventist church pastor for Sheger City Prison, marked a milestone in prison ministry, reaching even high-level offenders with the gospel’s transformative power. Zewdu Seblework, Country Director of Living Parchment Ministry (LPM), delivered an inspiring sermon that deeply impacted all attendees. His message offered particular guidance and encouragement to those baptized, strengthening their commitment to their new faith. A Day of Spiritual Milestones Breaking Chains of the Past Pastor Wakuma’s ministry within Sheger Prison goes beyond baptism, encompassing ongoing Bible studies aimed at fostering positive behavioral changes among the inmates, emphasizing rehabilitation through Scripture. Notably, those who were baptized came from diverse backgrounds, including former Seventh-day Adventists seeking recommitment and individuals who previously practiced witchcraft and traditional worship. This latest event brings the total number of conversions through LPM’s impactful prison ministry at Sheger, which serves over 3,500 male and 300 female inmates, to over 80. Pioneering Women’s Ministry The 5 female converts—a historic first for Sheger Prison’s Adventist outreach—were nurtured by Ayantu Abera (Pastor Wakuma’s wife) and Lizbie Fentaw, whose dedicated mentorship paved the way for their decisions. Ayantu and Lizbie created an environment of understanding and spiritual growth that resonated deeply with these women. Their commitment paved the way for these significant decisions, marking a new chapter in the impact of faith within the female inmate population of Sheger Prison. Around 3,500 male prisoners and 300 female prisoners are held in Sheger Prison, where many children and infants live alongside their mothers without separation. Among them are numerous children who lack access to basic services. In response, LPM has hired a full-time teacher who provides early childhood education for children aged 1.6 to 6 years, as well as tutoring for those above 6, ensuring they receive learning and nursery support. [Read more about the children here.] How to Support Living Parchment Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to all who have supported its ministry within Sheger Prison. It also warmly invites continued partnership from those who feel called to join in this vital work. To further support Living Parchment Ministry’s efforts, tax-deductible donations can be made conveniently via: For those in Ethiopia wishing to contribute directly to its local accounts, donations can be made through: Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in helping it expand the reach of its ministry and continue bringing hope and transformation. For more information, please visit LPM’s official page at Living Parchment Ministry.
