Over Fifty Adults and Children Graduate from Sheger Prison Vacation Bible School

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This 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!

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