Living Parchment Ministry Honored with a First Place Award by the Great Ethiopian Run
Reading Time: 4 minutesIt was a day filled with gratitude, excitement, and praise as Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) took home First Place in the Beginners Category at the Great Ethiopian Run Wellness Award ceremony. The award was personally presented by legendary runner Haile Gebrselassie. Before announcing the winner, Haile noted that while all five final nominees in the category were outstanding, they had to choose just one to receive the top honor, before proudly calling out Living Parchment Ministry! The annual Wellness Awards honor participation across a wide range of sectors, including Business, Schools, Influencers, Women, Men, Embassies, Government, NGOs, and Beginners. News of the win was also featured across the Great Ethiopian Run’s social media channels, giving Living Parchment wonderful visibility and reach. A Simple Idea with Lasting Impact LPM’s involvement in the Great Ethiopian Run goes far beyond staying active. Over the past year, our team has taken part in training activities, the Women’s Run, the Children’s Run, and the main Great Ethiopian Run itself. For LPM, these gatherings aren’t just fitness events, they are a prime opportunity to share books with fellow participants and spectators. This whole effort was sparked by Lizibie Fentaw, LPM’s Head of Circulation. Even before joining Living Parchment Ministry, Lizibie was already participating in the Great Ethiopian Run on her own initiative and using the event as a space to hand out books. Once she joined LPM, she faithfully brought that same vision with her, carrying out the book distribution under the ministry’s banner. “Totally Unexpected” While simply being named among the top five nominees was already a huge milestone, coming in first place came as a complete surprise. “To be selected as a nominee was a big deal for us, but to be the first was totally unexpected. I never expected that we would be first and get the award,” shared Lizibie, who admitted feeling a mix of nerves and pure delight as the announcement was made. Reflecting on what the recognition means for the ministry, she added: “Having LPM’s name mentioned at an event like this is a big deal for recognition. It’s not because we’ve done anything special, but because God made it happen so we will have even more opportunities to serve Him and distribute books with energy.” Sharing the Joy & Giving Thanks When called up to receive the award, Lizibie shared a few heartfelt words about what the moment meant to her and the ministry. She also made the most of the occasion by handing out books to several attendees and notable figures in the room, including Ethiopian singer and public figure Chachi Tadesse and fellow award winners. Living Parchment Ministry extends its warm thanks to the team at The Great Ethiopian Run for this wonderful recognition and platform. Above all, all honor, praise, and glory belong to God, who makes every step possible and continues to open doors for His word to spread.
Literature Distribution Brings Joy to Huge Crowds at the Irreecha Celebration
Reading Time: 4 minutesAs we have done in the past, the Living Parchment Ministry team took to the streets again for an incredible day of literature evangelism. Our dedicated circulation head, Lizibie Fentaw, led a passionate group of volunteers to share life changing books with the massive crowds gathered for the Irreecha celebration on Saturday, October 3. It was a beautiful sight to behold. We handed out hundreds of powerful books to the attendees, including Christ’s Object Lessons, The Great Controversy, The Bible Speaks, and Steps to Christ. These books were provided in both the Amharic and Oromiffa languages. We also distributed many copies of our popular Giziew magazine. The reaction from the public was deeply moving. As you can see in these beautiful photos, the people who received the literature were genuinely thrilled to get such a meaningful gift. Many expressed absolute surprise and wonder. They could not believe that books of this exceptionally high quality were being handed to them entirely free of charge. You could clearly see the pure excitement and gratitude on their faces as they accepted their new books. This vital public ministry is only possible because of your incredible generosity. We want to extend our deepest, most heartfelt thanks to every single one of our supporters. We cannot thank you enough, both those of you here within Ethiopia and our partners abroad. Your financial sacrifices and your faithful prayers are the fuel behind everything we do. Thank you for partnering with us to plant these precious spiritual seeds.
Over Fifty Adults and Children Graduate from Sheger Prison Vacation Bible School
Reading Time: 5 minutesThis past mid-August, Living Parchment Ministry witnessed a beautiful season of spiritual growth inside Sheger Prison. For two weeks, the prison environment was deeply impacted by the warmth of community, the energetic sound of children learning, and the profound truths of the Gospel through our Vacation Bible School programs. Organizing these programs is never simple. Every single day, the journey from the heart of Addis Ababa to Sheger Prison, located in Daleti on the way to Sebetta on the outskirts of the city, presents a massive challenge. Between grueling traffic congestion and unpredictable transportation hurdles, just getting to the prison grounds requires deep patience and determination. Yet, driven by a passion to serve, our team made the journey faithfully. Led by LPM’s dedicated Head of Circulation and Prison Ministry leader, Lizibie Fentaw, who prepared and delivered all the lectures and presentations, the team brought two distinct, life-changing curricula to life. Alongside her, volunteers like Mulumebet and several others poured out their hearts, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every single detail ran smoothly. The impact was felt deeply by two very different groups of people. “Called to Serve” — Light and Joy for the Children For the children’s program, there were 28 kids who attended the VBS. While the regular school that LPM operates inside the prison for children has fewer than 28 students enrolled, this special summer program drew in a larger group of little ones who live in the facility alongside their incarcerated mothers. Every morning at 9:00 AM, the children gathered for an immersive, deeply interactive program that ran until noon. Far from a dry lecture, the curriculum, titled “Called to Serve,” brought major Bible characters to life. The kids didn’t just listen; they learned the values of faith, resilience, and obedience through the stories of John the Baptist, Abraham, Deborah, Joseph, and Jesus. The mornings were packed with laughter, themed games, creative coloring exercises, and hands-on activities. Because physical nourishment is just as vital as spiritual food, LPM provided nutritious daily lunches to ensure every child ate well. A Practical Study of the Sanctuary Service for Adult Men Simultaneously, a powerful VBS program was unfolding for the adult population, where 25 male prisoners dedicated their time to deep spiritual study. The central theme for this group was the Sanctuary Service, a topic focused on understanding God’s plan of salvation. Rather than focusing purely on abstract theological concepts, the team taught the material in a highly visual and practical way. Using a detailed pictorial guide alongside a physical, real-life model design, the students were able to closely study both the inner and outer parts of the sanctuary. The lessons bridged ancient scripture with modern reality, mapping out exactly how the sanctuary service applies to the daily walk of a Christian today. The men engaged deeply, asking questions and reflecting on their own lives. At the conclusion of the two-week program, a combined graduation ceremony was held for both groups. Sr. Zewdnesh Mengistu, representing LPM, stepped forward to honor all the participants. For the children, she handed over official certificates and a little piece of chocolate, which brought great smiles to their faces. For the 25 male prisoners, she awarded certificates alongside copies of the book Steps to Christ, provided in both the Amharic and Oromiffa languages to serve as permanent spiritual companions in their cells. Celebrating the Collective Effort Behind Our Prison Ministry An outreach of this scale is a collective effort, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the Sheger Prison Administration. We are profoundly grateful to the prison leadership and staff for opening their doors, cooperating with our team, and allowing us to bring these vital lessons, spiritual resources, and care programs to both the adults and children under your watch. We are also incredibly thankful to our dedicated supporters who made this possible, including Lelissie Buli from the USA, who fully covered the expenses for the books; our diligent college students abroad, who have no personal income but still support this ministry, sacrificing what little they have; and the many silent donors, both within Ethiopia and abroad, who choose to remain anonymous while consistently funding our work. While you might prefer to keep your names hidden from the public, please know that we see you, we value you, and we know each of you by name. Most importantly, God knows your heart. He sees your quiet obedience and your sacrificial generosity, and He will reward you according to His riches. Thank you for helping Living Parchment Ministry turn prison cells into places of praise!
LPM Celebrates Sheger Prison’s Very First Class of Little Learners
Reading Time: 8 minutesOn Friday, July 10, Sheger Prison hosted a milestone celebration that brought immense joy to many hearts. Six bright children, aged 4 to 6, celebrated their very first graduation from the early childhood education program run by Living Parchment Ministry (LPM). It was a day filled with proud mothers, encouraging words, and a shared sense of hope for the future of these little ones. Light in a Dark Place: How the School Began Sheger Prison is a large facility housing about 4000 male and 250 female prisoners. Living among the female population are children who were either born in the prison or joined their mothers there. Before we stepped in, these little ones faced a quiet tragedy. Growing up behind bars, they had no access to basic learning. They were on a path to illiteracy, unable to learn their alphabet, basic math, shapes, or colors. To change their story, we worked with the prison administration to completely renovate an old building they generously provided for us. We brought in a full-time teacher to offer nursery and pre-K classes, starting this little school over two years ago. About one year ago, we also began feeding the children lunch so they could have the energy to stay longer and learn. A Graduation to Remember The graduation ceremony was a beautiful milestone for these children. Our six graduates received brand new backpacks and special gifts, while the other 36 children who joined the celebration were blessed with toys of their own. The ceremony was followed by a lunch for more than 50 guests. Some visiting officials from the Oromiya regional prison administration happened to be visiting Sheger Prison that day. When they were informed about the graduation, they came to witness it and were amazed by what they saw. They shared that in all their experience working with prisons, they had never seen such a ceremony or program for children. Inspector Konjit, the head of children and women affairs at Sheger Prison, was also there. She was highly impressed by the education, the lunch program, and the great work being done. She asked us to share our future plans so the prison could help where possible. The mothers of the children were incredibly happy and excited. Seeing their children get both an education and good food brought them immense joy. The Prison Commissioner, Wakgari Challa, attended briefly despite his busy schedule. He signed a certificate of recognition for the ministry, which Inspector Konjit presented to our representative Dr. Gutu Amanuel. During the event, Daniel Nigussie gave a short sermon that lifted everyone’s spirits. Looking Ahead: A Call for Room to Grow As beautiful as this day was, it also reminded us of how much work is left to do. Our coordinator, Lizibie Fentaw, who manages our prison ministry alongside her many other responsibilities, shared that we are already outgrowing our space. Right now, the children do everything in a single room. To run this program the way these kids deserve, we need at least two rooms: one dedicated solely to classroom lessons, and another where they can sit down and eat their lunches. We are praying for the doors to open for this expansion. Sharing the Blessing with the Youth After the graduation, there was some food left over. Lizibie and her group took it to a new section of Sheger Prison that houses youth prisoners between the ages of 13 and 18. About 100 young people gathered for a short program. They were so happy to receive the special meal. During the gathering, Gutu and his group sang some songs and taught the youth how to sing along with them. Lizibie shared the word of God with them, encouraging them to build their relationship with God and hold onto hope for their future, no matter their current situation. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Village We say this often, but it is the absolute truth: we cannot do this work alone. This graduation happened because a beautiful village of compassionate people chose to care. We want to extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the Sheger Prison Administration. Your willingness to collaborate, your help in securing the compound space, and your consistent encouragement have made this life-changing work possible. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership. We also send our warmest thanks to the wonderful individuals who stand with us. We are deeply grateful to the members of the Ethiopian SDA Church in Kansas City, who diligently send financial support every single month to keep our lunch program running. Our thanks go to Medina Hussien, who has been a constant blessing by consistently providing toys and children’s items over the years, and to the Filwoha health professionals, Sister Zewdnesh, the family of Daniel Nigussie, and Muluemebet for supporting this graduation. Finally, we thank Amran for beautifully capturing the smiles and memories of this day. To the many others who support this school through your financial gifts, daily prayers, and hands-on labor but are not mentioned here, please know we are deeply grateful for you. Your prayers and support are changing lives, one tiny graduate at a time.
Our New Recognitions: A Big Thank You to Our Donors
Reading Time: 4 minutesAt Living Parchment Ministry, we believe books are silent evangelists. Over the last year and a half, God has moved powerfully through this ministry in both public libraries and prison walls. Today, we are overjoyed to share two major milestones that celebrate how your support is changing lives in Ethiopia. Spreading the Word Through Public Libraries We are thrilled to announce that LPM recently received a formal Certificate of Recognition from the Ethiopian Archives and Library Services, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Even though the certificate mistakenly lists 24 books for both titles, we actually donated 20 copies of the Amharic translation of Christ’s Object Lessons and 24 copies of Pastor Truneh’s autobiography, Tarikie, (My Story). This follows a donation we made some months ago to the Abrehot Library, where we gave 20 copies of Christ’s Object Lessons along with other books like Steps to Christ. While a piece of paper from these institutions is a wonderful encouragement, the true value of these books is found in the quiet, unseen moments where they change a single life. The Book Finder: A Story of Answered Prayer A few months ago, a man visited the Abrehot Library and checked out Christ’s Object Lessons. He was so captivated by its message that he desperately wanted a copy of his own. He searched local bookstores far and wide, but none of them carry it. One day, he checked the library book out again. As he turned the pages, he noticed something he had not seen before: a phone number stamped inside. He dialed the number and reached Lizibie Fentaw, LPM’s Circulation Head. Lizibie set up a time for them to meet at a convenient spot to hand him the book. The man explained that he could not afford the full price all at once. He assumed it would cost over 1000 Birr, so he offered to pay a small down payment and bring the rest later. Lizibie smiled and told him that the actual price of the book was only 200 Birr. The man could not believe that 200 Birr is the price it deserves for such a book. Then, she handed it to him completely free. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the cost had already been covered. The man was utterly speechless. He could not believe that the very book his heart longed for was given to him as a free gift of grace. This is just one story we know of, but we believe there are countless others discovering God’s love through these library shelves. These books truly are doing the work of evangelism. Bringing Hope, Education, and Bright Smiles to Sheger City Prison Our second Certificate of Recognition comes from a place where hope is often hard to find: the Sheger City Prison, under the Oromiya Prison Commission. For well over two years, LPM has been operating a special program inside the prison to care for the young children living there with their mothers. We believe every child deserves a childhood and a future. To make that a reality, LPM covers all the expenses to employ a dedicated teacher, providing these little ones with a proper Kindergarten education. We also step in to provide nutritious lunches and essential hygiene supplies. We are proud to announce that our first batch of kindergarten students officially graduated with a beautiful ceremony inside the facility. The journey continues with up to 20 nursery-level children now preparing for their own graduation day. A comprehensive report about the graduation ceremony will be shared soon. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors None of this, not a single book on a library shelf, nor a single warm lunch for a child in prison, happens without you. To our supporters: you are the backbone of Living Parchment Ministry. Whether you lift us up through your good thoughts, sincere prayers, love, or financial gifts, you are answering the prayers of a man searching for God in a library and putting a graduation cap on a child who deserves a chance at life. Even though these two beautiful certificates of recognition bear the name of Living Parchment Ministry, we know the truth: these honors belong to you. Your generosity, love, and constant prayer made this recognition possible. Thank you for standing with us and making this kingdom work a reality. We look forward to turning many more pages of this beautiful story together.
Choral Performances and Book Distribution Expand to Non-SDA Venues
Reading Time: 6 minutesThe Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) literature distribution team, distributed literature included Steps to Christ, Christ’s Object Lessons (COL), Giziew Magazine, and …
Filwoha Adventurer Club Kids Share Literature Around the Church
Reading Time: 5 minutesOn Sabbath, May 16, the Filwoha Seventh-day Adventist Church Adventurer Club held a special literature distribution day. The idea for the outreach came from Adventurer leader Israel Getachew. To make sure everything went smoothly, Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) Circulation Head Lizibie Fentaw and Rebeka Bayissa helped manage the children throughout the day. In total, 17 to 20 kids between the ages of 6 and 12 took part in the event. The children distributed a variety of books and magazines, including tracts on the State of the Dead, Christ’s Object Lessons, and Preparing for the Final Crisis. They also handed out copies of Giziew Magazine and older issues printed under its previous name, Parousia. The group started by giving out tracts right outside the church. After that, they walked from the church toward the Ghion Hotel, singing songs together along the way. The children were very energetic and stayed happy and enthusiastic during the whole walk. Like the stories in the Bible where disciples tried to send children away from Jesus, a few people on the street rejected the materials. However, most people were very glad to receive the literature from the kids. After finishing the distribution, the children said they were very happy they got to participate and that the experience was fun for them. This outreach was made possible by the generous support of Living Parchment Ministry donors. The ministry is very grateful for your continued help in making these programs happen.
Choral Performance and Book Distribution at Yared Music School
Reading Time: 6 minutesYesterday evening, the Yared Music School hosted a performance of the cantata No Greater Love, presented by the Filwoha SDA Church Joint Choir. The music hall was packed to capacity, with an estimated audience of 150 people or more, including many local music professionals and students who came to appreciate the choral work. A Powerful Presentation of the Gospel The concert itself was a nonstop 50 minute presentation, seamlessly blending music, live narrations, and a slide show depicting the life of Jesus. The program beautifully illustrated how God has spoken to humanity through different means across history, ultimately revealing Himself through His son Jesus Christ, who came to live, die, and resurrect. It brought the evening to a powerful close by reminding everyone that there is final victory for all who follow Him, because He has defeated death and given us eternal life. Following the performance, the conductor, Zewdu Seblework, shared his joy, saying, “Praise the Lord! It was an excellent presentation.” He noted that the hall’s acoustics were excellent and added that the choir is already preparing and set to sing at other venues across Addis Ababa in the coming days. Literature Distribution and Ministry Impact Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) was present for the event, led by our Circulation Head, Lizibie Fentaw, and her team members, Israel Getachew and Isayas Denboba. Throughout the evening, the team shared a variety of spiritual resources with the attendees. The books distributed included Christ’s Object Lessons, Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, Preparation for the Final Days, and Giziew Magazine: America in Bible Prophecy, along with several tracts. The books were received with genuine gratitude. One particularly encouraging moment occurred when a man approached Lizibie’s team to share his experience. He had received a copy of Christ’s Object Lessons at a previous concert and told the team how much the book had helped him, describing it as a life changing book. He was eager to take home additional books that evening to continue his study. Everyone who was offered these books gladly accepted them. Recognition of Quality and Legacy The musical performance itself left a strong impression. Many guests commented that they had never heard music of this quality before. The music professionals in attendance specifically noted the high level of discipline and effort shown by the choir, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to perform such a piece. Yeshumnesh Taye, the Vice Executive Dean of the Yared School of Music at Addis Ababa University, made an opening remark highlighting that the choir has a rich history spanning over forty years, close to fifty years, and has endured through generations. She noted that the choir did not stop when earlier generations passed; instead, newer members join each time to continue the legacy. She emphasized that it is not simply a choir that sings, but a highly disciplined and determined group dedicated to rigorous practice. Supported by a Dedicated Community This book outreach was made possible by the incredible generosity of the donors of Living Parchment Ministry. We give special praise to our donors because it is through their financial support that we are able to provide these books to the public for free. We also acknowledge Zebib Gebremariam and other supporters who wish to remain anonymous for their specific contributions to this distribution effort. Observations on Strategic Outreach Concerned church members approached the LPM media team to share their reflections regarding the reach of the event. They noted that the concert was not promoted as effectively as it should have been, which limited its potential to attract a wider audience. In particular, they expressed surprise that the event was not even advertised on the church’s own Telegram channel or other media outlets. Furthermore, the advertisement was handled late, with a promotional poster appearing only on the day of the event through a third-party Telegram channel completely unaffiliated with either the church or the music school. These members expressed that such a high quality program is one of the most effective outreach methods available. One individual observed that the people in attendance were exactly the demographic that might not usually accept an invitation to a traditional church service. Because this event attracted a secular and professional audience, there was a strong consensus that the church and its media departments should have promoted it much earlier and more broadly to fully capitalize on the opportunity to share the gospel with the wider public. It was a successful night of sharing both music and literature, leaving the team with much to reflect on as we look for ways to grow our ministry’s impact. We remain deeply grateful to the donors of Living Parchment Ministry, whose unwavering support makes this vital outreach possible. Photography by Wubet Getachew
Personal Testimonials from the Sheger Prison Baptism
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen seven men stepped into the baptismal water at Sheger Prison on April 4, it was more than a religious ceremony. It marked the end of a long, often violent road and the beginning of a life they never thought possible. While the world may see “prisoners,” these stories reveal that behind prison walls, hearts are being completely rebuilt for the kingdom of God. A Fighter’s Rescue One of the men baptized had spent years being a source of deep heartache for his Seventh-day Adventist wife. He was lost to the world, drinking heavily and bringing chaos into their home. It took a violent fight and a sentence at Sheger Prison to finally snap things into focus. But instead of seeing the bars as a punishment, his perspective shifted completely. He began to see his time behind bars as divine intervention. “God got me to prison to change me,” he now believes. Freedom from the Streets There is also the story of a man who spent five years living on the streets, having been on his own since he was a small child. He survived by stealing and pickpocketing mobile phones or whatever else he could grab. Trapped in a cycle of petty crime and a heavy cigarette addiction, he was eventually arrested and sent to Sheger. It was there, behind prison bars, that he truly found Jesus. He spent long hours in Bible study and constant prayer, waging a war against his old habits and his past. By surrendering his life to Christ in this way, he finally found victory over his addictions. When he finally stepped into the baptismal water, he emerged with a new and vibrant life. He is a living proof that a person’s past never has to dictate their future. A Dream That Felt Like Home Life on the streets started early for another young man who had been surviving on his own since he was a boy. Even though his mother was an Adventist, his father was not, so he grew up knowing nothing of God. He survived on the streets through petty crime and pickpocketing while struggling with a heavy addiction to cigarettes. After an arrest for theft landed him in Sheger Prison, he crossed paths with Lelissa Kenea. Lelissa is a fellow inmate who had found Christ behind bars and is now serving as a Bible teacher for the other prisoners. At first, Lelissa hesitated to even speak with him, but he eventually decided to reach out and offered the young man a spiritual book. Although the young man had zero interest in reading anything religious, Lelissa refused to give up on him. Everything changed with a dream. One night, this young man saw himself clearly attending the Adventist church located inside the prison walls. The very next morning, he walked into that same church and happened to find Lelissa and another believer just sitting there. That encounter was the spark that started his transformation. Today, his life is completely unrecognizable from the one he once led on the streets. A Mother’s Prayer and the Prodigal Son Decades ago in the Ethiopian countryside, a Protestant mother suffered the heartbreaking loss of her twin babies. Traumatized and fearful, she eventually became pregnant again but lived in terror that this child would not survive. One day, while searching for a lost sheep, she prayed desperately for a sign from God. When she finally found the animal, it had just given birth. Seeing the newborn lamb with its mother, she took this as a divine sign: “As this sheep gave birth, I will also give birth.” She praised God and vowed, “I will have my baby in my bosom, and I will dedicate the child to God.” When her son was born, she joyfully brought him to church for his dedication. However, as the boy grew, he became spoiled, quarrelsome, and prone to violence. He fell in love with a girl, but one day he saw his friend with his hand on her. Enraged, he took a knife and stabbed him. Fearing what his son might do next, his frustrated father handed him over to prison but worked behind the scenes with the victim’s family toward reconciliation. Eventually the charges were dropped, and when he was released, local pastors celebrated his return as if he were the prodigal son. But the change did not last. He quickly fell back into his old life, joining the Oromo Liberation Army (Shene) and sinking deeper into a heavy cigarette addiction. After being arrested again and sent to Sheger Prison, he began scheming to smuggle and distribute cigarettes inside the walls. He attended various religious services only to hustle for money, even becoming a Muslim for financial gain. However, everything shifted when he met Pastor Wakuma, the chaplain with the Living Parchment Ministry, who encouraged him to start studying the Bible. He began learning with our Bible teacher, Lelissa. Now baptized, he reflects on his journey with a new perspective. “With the SDAs, I didn’t get any money,” he shared, “but I got Jesus.” Changing Lives Together These men are now part of a growing family of 104 believers at Sheger Prison. While we have only shared four of their journeys here, each of the seven men baptized on April 4 represents a life transformed by grace. Their stories remind us that no matter how far someone has run, whether into addiction, violence, or despair, the light of the Gospel can still find them. We thank our dedicated donors, whose consistent contributions allow Living Parchment Ministry to continue breaking chains and bringing the light of the Gospel to those in darkness.
Living Parchment’s 5th Sheger Prison Baptism Brings Total Members to 104
Reading Time: 8 minutesThis 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.
