Reading Time: 7 minutes

The Bible, Leadership, and Evangelism School of Ethiopia (BLESE) recently concluded its 4th Winter Bible Study, which was held from July 6 to July 25, 2025. When the program starts, a total of 49 students registered, with 28 successfully graduating after meeting the attendance requirement of 55% or higher.

This year’s program marked an exciting shift for BLESE, a program under Living Parchment Ministry (LPM). Building on lessons from previous winter studies, LPM refreshed both the teaching approach and course content—a change reflected in the students’ enthusiastic feedback about its practical ministry value.

Lectures and Topics Covered

The Bible study meetings took place every day except on the Sabbath, with deep and engaging lessons from different teachers:

One of the instructors was Pastor Mesfin Mandefro, an Assistant Professor at Ethiopian Adventist College and an expert in the New Testament. He covered:

1.      Biblical Foundations & History

• Unveiling Scripture: Introduction to Biblical Background
• Biblical Chronology: Flow of Sacred History
• The Intertestamental Period & Its Literature

2.      Prophecy & Spiritual Insights

• The Gift of Prophecy: Parameters of a True Prophet
• Biblical Insight on Types of Love
• Four Types of Intelligence

3.      Society & Culture in the Bible

• Daily Life in Biblical Society
• Economic & Social Structures in Biblical Context
• Cultural Syncretism in Scripture

4.      New Testament Studies

• The Book of Acts: Significance & Insights
• New Testament Letters: Overview & Themes
• Pauline Epistles Deep Dive (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians)

Zewdu Seblework, LPM Country Representative, taught on:

1.      Adventist Identity & Foundations

• Why the Seventh-day Adventist Church? (The five pillars of Adventism)
• Church History (Key developments, the concept of remnants & distinct beliefs)

2.      Biblical Interpretation & Theology

• Hermeneutics (Principles of biblical interpretation)
• General Revelation & Natural Theology (God’s timeless truth in nature and reason)

3.      Prophetic & Exegetical Studies

• The Book of Daniel (Themes, prophecies, and end-time relevance with special emphasis on Daniel 8:14 and Pre-Advent Judgement)

4.      Practical Ministry & Growth

• Leadership (Biblical principles and Adventist perspectives)

Additional Instructors:

• Abenezer Worku taught about the sanctuary service, showing its connection to salvation. He carefully explained each section – the courtyard, holy place, and most holy place – tying them to different phases of spiritual growth: repentance, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

• Dr. Yacob Alemu, Director of BLESE, lectured on the gift of prophecy, how to discern true prophets, and key aspects of Ellen G. White’s ministry.
• Students also studied Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings by Ellen G. White.

Nimona Abaya did an excellent job of handling class attendance and keeping all the admin work organized. Thanks to her efforts, everything ran smoothly throughout the program.

Graduation and Student Feedback

We celebrated our graduates on July 26, 2025, in a special ceremony led by Pastor Daniel Alemu from Filwoha SDA Church. He handed out certificates and thoughtful gifts to each graduate. The event was particularly meaningful as we honored three outstanding students – Betselot Alemayehu, Kidus Henok, and Rediet Berhan – who achieved perfect attendance throughout the program.

During the daily lunch breaks, the students didn’t just eat—they laughed, fellowshipped, and formed real friendships. What made this year’s winter Bible study special wasn’t just the powerful lessons, but the participants from other local churches in Addis. For the first time, we had participants from Kebena, Akaki, Kotebe, and Bihere Tsigie SDA churches all studying together.

Many participants shared how valuable the program was for their biblical understanding. Several students mentioned gaining new insights into Scripture that deepened their faith. Others were particularly grateful for how the teachings helped them see familiar passages in fresh ways.

One student shared, “I felt like I met Paul in person through these studies. The Book of Daniel used to intimidate me because it seemed complicated and as a result scared me, but not anymore after this program. Also, learning about the origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has significantly shifted my perspective.”

Another longtime attendee noted, “I’ve attended all previous winter classes, but this one stood out. I was expecting a pretty similar thing, but not so at all. Every day brought new insights—things I’d never known or heard before. I found that I have a lot to learn and dig into. Above all, I have learned that in all aspects, be it history or prophecy or even our time or the past, that God is always love.”

Several students emphasized the value of contextual study. “Understanding the Bible’s background completely changes how you read it,” one participant explained. “The concepts of ‘power to think’ and ‘power to do’ particularly helped me examine my own spiritual journey.”

Others overcame longstanding fears about certain scriptures. “In previous Bible studies, I avoided Daniel and Revelation,” admitted one graduate. “Now I feel confident to study them and especially the material provided for us – Giziew Magazine – was very helpful to me. The historical context of Paul’s letters was especially helpful, and I finally was able to grasp the significance of the 1844 message through all these lessons.”

A first-time attendee was equally impacted as well. As someone who has never attended this program before, I didn’t know what to expect. One of the most outstanding things I have learned is that I was reading/studying the Bible at a surface level. I have read the book of Romans for quite a number of times but now with the lessons I’ve got and its historical context I’ve learned, I’ll never read it the same way again.”

The Way Forward

Participants shared hopeful ideas—like bringing the program online to welcome more attendees, especially youth from other churches.

This year’s Winter Bible Study went beyond surface-level learning which helped students delve deep into Scripture and come away with both understanding and practical tools they can actually use in their lives. The experience reaffirmed yet again how powerfully God’s Word transforms lives, and why investing in these emerging leaders is so crucial for carrying the Gospel forward.

Living Parchment Ministry covered all costs—approximately 100,000 ETB—including daily lunches that allowed students to remain on-site and fully engaged in their studies.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). If you feel led to support this vital ministry, we gratefully welcome your partnership through our donation link [https://livingparchment.org/donate/].

BLESE: Equip, Empower, Evangelize.

---