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.
Sheger Prison 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool Opens to Support Children and Mothers
Reading Time: 3 minutesAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – January 16, 2025 – In a groundbreaking initiative to improve the lives of children and their mothers incarcerated at Sheger Prison, the Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) has officially opened the Sheger Prison 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool. Located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the facility aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 1.3 to 6 years, offering them access to early childhood education and development opportunities that were previously unavailable. Background: A Unique Challenge Sheger Prison, which houses over 3,500 male and approximately 300 female prisoners, is also home to around 45 children who reside within the prison with their mothers. Many of these children were born in the prison, while others remain with their mothers due to strong emotional bonds and a lack of alternative care options. The prison environment poses significant challenges for these children, including limited access to education, insufficient nutrition, and restricted opportunities for physical and emotional growth. Through LPM’s efforts, 59 prisoners have already been baptized, and the ministry has now expanded its focus to include the youngest and most vulnerable members of the prison community. The Nursery/Preschool Initiative The newly opened 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool, which underwent major renovations funded by LPM, currently enrolls 13 children aged 1.3 to 6 years. The facility provides a safe space for learning and play, significantly improving the children’s physical and emotional well-being. It also supports the mental and emotional health of their mothers, who face the difficult reality of raising children in a prison environment. The prison administration provides a small stipend of $9.60 per child per month for food, but this amount is insufficient to meet the children’s basic nutritional needs. The nursery/preschool aims to address this gap by providing at least one nutritious meal each day, ensuring that the children receive the sustenance necessary for healthy development. Dual Role of the Full-Time Teacher To further support the educational needs of children at Sheger Prison, LPM is in the process of hiring a full-time qualified teacher who will play a dual role. The teacher’s primary responsibility will be to educate the younger children enrolled in the nursery/preschool. However, when older children who attend school outside the prison return to visit their incarcerated mothers, the teacher will also assist them with their homework and provide tutorials. This dual role ensures that all children, regardless of their age or circumstances, receive the educational support they need to thrive. A Beacon of Hope The opening of the Sheger Prison 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by children growing up in prison. By investing in their education, health, and emotional well-being, the Living Parchment Ministry is not only transforming the lives of these children but also offering hope and support to their mothers. Future Goals and Community Support The Living Parchment Ministry has outlined ambitious goals for the future, including expanding services to reach more children within the prison, implementing a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum, and providing additional nutritional support. The ministry also plans to collaborate with community organizations to secure more resources and support for the program. To achieve these goals, LPM is seeking support from the public through tax-deductible donations. Contributions will directly impact the lives of the children by supporting a safe and nurturing environment for learning, ensuring access to nutritious meals, and enabling the purchase of educational materials. Donations can be made through the following methods: For those who want to see amazing pictures of the children and the work being done, please refer to the PDF provided below, which showcases the transformative impact of this initiative. LPM extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters for their generosity and commitment to this cause. Your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their mothers. We also ask for your prayers as LPM continues its ministry, bringing hope and transformation to those in need.
Sheger Prison Baptism: 28 Lives Changed as Prisoners Give Their Lives to Jesus
Reading Time: 5 minutesSheger Prison Celebrates Second Baptism On October 12, 2024, Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) held its second baptism ceremony at Sheger Prison, where 28 prisoners embraced a new life by giving their hearts to Jesus. Pastor Wakuma Wagari, hired by LPM for the prison ministry, led the baptism. Some of those baptized were formerly involved in witchcraft and traditional worship, underscoring the depth of change this new commitment represents. Each of the baptized prisoners received a Bible and other meaningful gifts to support their spiritual journey. Of the 28 individuals baptized, 19 were baptized by immersion, while 9 renewed their covenant by Profession of Faith. Following the baptism, 18 additional prisoners expressed a desire to study the Bible and prepare themselves for baptism, inspired by the commitment they witnessed. Fellowship and Celebration The baptism was followed by a special lunch, attended by around 150 people, including other prisoners who joined the celebration. This sense of fellowship encouraged several others to seek Bible study classes, motivated by the transformation evident among their peers. Focus on Character Transformation LPM’s primary mission is to work toward genuine character transformation among prisoners. The focus is not only on baptism but on deep, ongoing development of character traits such as honesty, patience, kindness, and respect for others. Pastor Wakuma, along with his wife Ayantu Abera, will guide prisoners through this journey, encouraging them to live out these values in their daily interactions and relationships. LPM believes this inner transformation is the key to lasting change, helping each individual live a life of purpose and integrity within the prison and beyond. Ongoing Spiritual Guidance Pastor Wakuma teaches baptismal classes twice a week at Sheger Prison and is currently leading a study on the Book of Daniel. He also conducts full Sabbath worship programs. A new baptismal class for women has resumed, with Ayantu working alongside Lizibie Fentaw, a dedicated lay evangelist who has felt a deep burden for prisoners and prison ministry for years. Lizibie brings her experience and compassion to the women’s Bible and baptismal classes, while Pastor Wakuma also supports these efforts, nurturing the spiritual growth of the women as they prepare for baptism. Expanding the Ministry LPM aims to extend its prison ministry to other facilities, bringing hope and transformation to more lives. The Sheger Prison baptism, which cost 40,000 birr (around 350 USD), was made possible thanks to generous donations from supporters. LPM expresses deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. How to Support To support Living Parchment Ministry’s work, tax-deductible donations can be made via Zelle at 972-876-9135 or through PayPal here. Donations to LPM accounts in Ethiopia can be made through Abyssinia Bank (148851174). Every contribution helps expand the ministry’s reach. For more information, visit LPM’s official page at Living Parchment Ministry. To read this report in Amharic, click here.
BLESE Concludes Successful Third Winter Bible Study
Reading Time: 4 minutesAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Bible, Leadership, and Evangelism School of Ethiopia (BLESE), a branch of Living Parchment Ministry, recently completed its third Winter Bible Study with great success. The three-week intensive program attracted 59 students, 40 of whom successfully completed the course and received their certificates. The graduation ceremony was held on August 17, 2024, at Filwoha 7th-Day Adventist Church in Addis Ababa. Pastor Agegnehu Wondim presided over the ceremony, distributing certificates and gifts to the deserving students. Two students were given the opportunity to preach on the Sabbath morning service, showcasing their newfound skills and reflecting on what they studied during the three weeks. Additionally, three students summarized and presented their key takeaways from the three-week study, while others shared their personal reflections on the transformative impact of the program. To assess their comprehension and application of the material, students were required to complete classwork, homework, and deliver a 10-minute evangelistic sermon. The curriculum for the Winter Bible Study included a deep dive into the book of Revelation, providing students with valuable insights into its prophecies and spiritual significance. Pastor Mesfin Mandefro, an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Ethiopian Adventist University, led the Revelation course. Many students expressed their initial fear of the book but now find it fascinating and inspiring. Living Parchment Ministry generously covered the participants’ lunch expenses which in turn facilitated social interactions among the students. In addition to Revelation, the students explored a variety of other essential biblical topics, including: A total of 10 instructors, including pastors and knowledgeable individuals, contributed to the teaching of these courses. The Winter Bible Study was a testament to the dedication and commitment of both the students and the Living Parchment Ministry. The program’s success highlights the Ministry’s ability to provide meaningful spiritual education and equip students to proclaim the Three Angels’ Message and prepare others for the glorious Second Coming of Jesus. BLESE: Equip, Empower, Evangelize.
Living Parchment Ministry Makes Debut at ASI Mid-America Convention
Reading Time: 2 minutesDenver, CO – Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) made a significant presence at the recent Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Mid-America convention, held in Denver, Colorado, from May 16-19, 2024. As a proud member of the ASI, LPM had a booth at the convention, showcasing its valuable resources and connecting with attendees. Notable personalities, including Doug Batchelor of the Amazing Facts, visited the LPM booth to learn more about the ministry and express his support. The booth featured a diverse range of materials, including pamphlets, brochures, magazines, and books, providing attendees with comprehensive information about the ministry’s work. LPM primarily serves Ethiopian Adventists both within Ethiopia and in various parts of the world. Just before the main Sabbath worship service, Deriba Olana, the president of Living Parchment Ministry, took the stage to deliver a captivating presentation. Accompanied by Vice President Tibebe Mengistu, Olana highlighted the ministry’s accomplishments and shared their vision for the future. The ASI Mid-America convention provided LPM with an excellent platform to raise awareness of its mission and connect with like-minded individuals. The ministry’s participation was a resounding success, demonstrating its commitment to serving the Ethiopian Adventist community and spreading the Gospel.
Living Parchment Ministry Makes History with First Baptism at Sheger Prison
Reading Time: 3 minutesOn April 27, 2024, Living Parchment Ministry achieved a historic milestone by conducting the first-ever baptism within the confines of Sheger Prison. In a remarkable display of faith and outreach, a total of 31 prisoners embraced the Seventh-day Adventist Church, out of which 20 of them joined the church through profession of faith and 11 received the sacred ceremony of baptism by immersion. Some of the 20 new members were former Adventists who had returned to the faith. Pastor Edossa officiated the baptismal ceremony, welcoming back those who had previously strayed from the Adventist faith as well as new believers. Notably, a Muslim convert who diligently studied the Bible independently and completed baptismal classes with the ministry’s evangelist was among those baptized. Each baptized individual received a certificate commemorating their special day, along with flowers and books as tokens of encouragement. The ministry’s commitment to holistic care extends beyond spiritual guidance, as it also provides tutorial and educational support for children of female prisoners, distributes essential hygiene products to women, and offers clothing and health screenings. Living Parchment Ministry’s dedication to serving the incarcerated community is evident in its multifaceted approach. With a new group of 35 prisoners actively participating in weekly baptismal class under the guidance of the prison chaplain, the ministry’s impact continues to grow. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the unwavering commitment of Living Parchment Ministry to reaching those in need.
