From Health Expo to Baptismal Class: Building an Adventist Family Behind Bars
Reading Time: 5 minutesLiving Parchment Ministry (LPM) continues its expanding prison ministry work at the Federal Prison Commission Higher Security Center, also known as Aba Samuel Higher Security Prison, located in Gelan sub-city on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. This is a federal higher-security prison with an all-male inmate population of approximately 5,000 prisoners, divided across four zones. Foundation Laid Through Health Ministry Some months ago, LPM organized its first-ever health expo at this higher-security prison. The expo was conducted over four days, from March 26–29, 2025, and marked a historic moment of service. The team comprised 5 dedicated medical doctors, 4 skilled nurses, and 13 invaluable volunteers, making a total of 26 participants who devoted their time and expertise. By the end of the four days, 605 prisoners had been served with vital health check-ups and counseling. Following this health outreach, a number of prisoners expressed interest in studying the Bible. Since then, LPM has been conducting Bible study (baptismal classes) twice a week. These classes are taught by Temesgen Alemayehu from Goffa SDA Church, who is volunteering as a Bible teacher in collaboration with Lizibie Fentaw. Temesgen has already taught one quarter of the doctrines from the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To read the previous report on the Health Expo, visit:https://livingparchment.org/first-ever-health-expo-brings-hope-to-aba-samuel-higher-security-prison/ Ethiopian Genna Celebration at the Prison On January 13, 2026, a group led by Lizibie Fentaw, the tireless Head of Circulation for LPM, visited Aba Samuel Higher Security Prison to celebrate Ethiopian Genna (Christmas), which is traditionally observed on January 7. The entire program was organized by Lizibie and her dedicated team, who consistently support prison ministry through their time, energy, and personal resources. Present on this day were five women and two men from the Personal Ministries Department of Filwoha SDA Church, along with one participant from Lafto SDA Church. The group brought food (three loads of agelgil – baskets laden with traditional holiday foods), difo bread (large, round wheat bread), qolo (roasted grains and chickpeas), and cases of drinking water for the prisoners. Worship, Word, and Fellowship The sermon was delivered by Temesgen Alemayehu, who continues to volunteer faithfully with LPM. His message deeply touched the prisoners. The group also sang two spiritual songs, and later received heartfelt feedback from the prisoners about how meaningful the message and music were. Additionally, Estifanos Mengistu gave a short lesson focused on the theme of love, which further enriched the program. Literature Distribution A wide selection of spiritual and educational materials was distributed, including: A total of 129 books were freely given to prisoners and others who showed interest in reading. A Historic Gathering Across All Zones This higher-security prison is divided into four zones, and this was the first time prisoners from all four zones were invited together—in the name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—to gather in one hall and be served in this way. Those invited included prisoners already attending the baptismal class, as well as others who were invited by friends from the class. Nearly 60 prisoners, excluding additional participants, were served lunch. After the meal, around 20 prisoners responded with interest to begin Bible study. LPM’s mission and ongoing work were explained to all attendees. Restoring Dignity and Building Community The prisoners expressed deep appreciation, stating that they had never before been called respectfully from their zones, gathered together, and served lunch by the SDA Church. Many shared that this act restored their sense of dignity. They also rejoiced in meeting fellow baptismal-class members from other zones, saying they now felt like one Adventist family. Representatives from each zone were elected, and books were given to them so others in their zones could borrow and read—effectively establishing a small literature depository within the prison. During the meal, the group continued singing, which further touched the prisoners and left a lasting impression. Support, Gratitude, and Future Hope A portion of the day’s expenses was covered by LPM and an anonymous donor who contacted Lizibie directly. LPM is prayerfully working toward completing the current baptismal class within the next five months, with the hope of conducting the first Seventh-day Adventist baptism inside this higher-security prison. Special prayers were offered for Temesgen Alemayehu and the newly elected zone representatives. The program lasted the entire day. LPM expresses its deepest gratitude to: The prisoners described the day as one that restored honor, unity, and hope. Historical Note The Federal Prison Commission Higher Security Center (Aba Samuel Higher Security Prison) was formerly known as Kality Prison. The prisoners currently housed at Aba Samuel were transferred from Kality Prison, which is now designated exclusively for female prisoners. As this prison ministry continues, Living Parchment Ministry is grateful for every prayer and every act of kindness that helps sustain this work. For those who feel led to support Bible study, literature sharing, and simple acts of care for the prisoners, your partnership is deeply appreciated. Even the smallest gift makes a meaningful difference. To support this ministry, please visit https://livingparchment.org/donate/. Above all, we ask for your continued prayers for the prisoners and for those serving among them.
More Than a Concert: Christmas Eve Marked by Generous Book Distribution
Reading Time: 3 minutesJanuary 7 marks Ethiopian Christmas, widely known as Genna, a season celebrated with worship, music, and reflection across the country. For decades, Filwoha Seventh-day Adventist Church in Addis Ababa has upheld a cherished tradition of preparing a special music concert on the eve of this holiday. This year’s concert took place on January 6, 2026, continuing a legacy of praise and community engagement. On the same evening, a spirit of worship filled the area surrounding Filwoha Church as Orthodox brothers and sisters gathered at the nearby Meskel Square for a song service. Organized by a group known as the Ethiopian Jandereba Generation, this public worship event—called የአእላፋት ዝማሬ (The Melody of Myriads)—was held for the third time and drew many attendees who came to welcome Genna with songs and thanksgiving. Capitalizing on the large number of people in the vicinity, a dedicated team from Living Parchment Ministry (LPM), led by Lizibie Fentaw (Head of Circulation) and including Melaku Mesfin, Israel Getachew, and Tigist Kassa, set up a distribution table at the church’s front gate. Their mission was to offer free spiritual literature as a Genna gift. The selection included coveted titles such as Christ’s Object Lessons, The Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and The Bible Speaks (the latter two in Oromiffa). The response was overwhelmingly positive. A total of 132 books were freely given to a diverse audience—Protestant and Orthodox attendees, young and old. Several priests gratefully accepted the books, with one remarking, “I know the Adventist Church, and I have always admired your gentleness and orderliness. Thank you for these books—I enjoy reading them.” Many recipients expressed that these were valuable gifts, noting, “These are expensive books; we truly appreciate your generosity.” This generous act was funded by two key contributors. The joint choir members of Filwoha SDA Church covered the expense for most of the books. In a commendable modern touch, they also provided a QR code for attendees to access additional digital resources from Hope Channel and other platforms. Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) covered the full cost for the copies of Christ’s Object Lessons. A number of magazines and flyers were also distributed. The initiative successfully engaged passersby, many of whom were drawn from the Meskel Square area by the offer of free books and stayed to enjoy the church’s song service. They left carrying both musical inspiration and precious spiritual resources. Living Parchment Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the Joint Choir members of Filwoha SDA Church, to Lizibie Fentaw and all the individuals who worked alongside her, and to everyone who contributed time, resources, and effort to make this Genna Eve outreach a blessing to many. Through music, literature, and cooperation, the true spirit of Genna—peace, goodwill, and hope—was beautifully shared.
