The work of sharing the Gospel within the walls of Sheger Prison reached a new peak on April 4, 2026, as Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) conducted its fifth baptismal ceremony since beginning its outreach at the facility in 2024. This historic day saw 7 male inmates dedicate their lives to Christ through baptism, bringing the total number of individuals who have joined the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church from Sheger Prison to 104, including five women.
A Legacy of Witnessing
The ceremony was a testament to the power of inmate-led ministry. The baptismal class was taught by Lelissa Kenea, a fellow prisoner who was baptized in a previous LPM ceremony. A former Adventist who rediscovered his faith behind bars, Lelissa has dedicated his life to witnessing to his peers. Alongside Lizibie Fentaw, LPM’s Circulation Head, Lelissa’s mentorship proved vital in preparing the candidates for this sacred step.
One of the newly baptized, Isayas (name changed for privacy), shared a moving testimony. Despite growing up in a Protestant household, he admitted he lacked true biblical knowledge until Lelissa reached out to him. “I feel a joy I have never experienced before,” Isayas remarked. He shared that he feels completely relieved, as his burdens have been lifted by the biblical knowledge he received, allowing him to see a future filled with bright hope.
A Day of Worship and Fellowship
The event was marked by powerful music and spiritual nourishment. Pastor Mekete Tesfaye of the Asko SDA Church officiated the baptism, while Bereket Feleke from the CMC SDA Church delivered a stirring sermon.
The atmosphere was elevated by more than 40 singers from the CMC Church, whose songs of praise resonated through the prison. Following the ceremony, a fellowship lunch was provided for 150 attendees, with the CMC Church generously covering all meal and transportation costs.
Gifts and Outreach
To support their new journey of faith, each of the seven men received a baptismal certificate and a Bible. Special thanks go to Abiy Mulugeta, who donated five Bibles in the Oromiffa language to ensure the word of God is accessible in the inmates’ heart language.
The ministry extended into the afternoon as the CMC singers visited the female prison ward. They shared a sermon, sang songs of hope, and offered prayers for the women. Demonstrating the practical side of Christian love, LPM provided hygiene supplies, including soap and sanitary pads, to all 200 female prisoners in attendance.
Heartfelt Gratitude
Living Parchment Ministry extends its deepest gratitude to the CMC SDA Church for their overwhelming financial and spiritual support in making this day possible. We are also deeply grateful to Wubet and Desalegn, who generously covered their own expenses and provided us with these lovely pictures, saving these wonderful memories for our ministry. We also thank our dedicated donors whose consistent contributions allow LPM to continue breaking chains and bringing the light of the Gospel to those in darkness.
