A Milestone Achieved: BLESE Celebrates Its First Graduation!
Reading Time: 3 minutesLiving Parchment Ministry (LPM) celebrates a historic and joyous milestone with the first-ever graduation of BLESE – The Bible, Leadership, and Evangelism School of Ethiopia (formerly ESEL). The journey began on November 4, 2022, and concluded on May 24, 2025, and faced unique challenges that extended its timeline. The classes were held at the Filwoha SDA Church, located in the heart of the city. This central location, while convenient, presented a significant obstacle. The nearby Meskel Square is a hub for major national events such as The Great Run, religious assemblies, and political rallies. These events frequently led to road closures, specifically blocking the main access route to the church and halting public transportation, forcing classes to be cancelled. Coupled with the challenges of teacher availability on hectic Sundays, the program navigated a difficult path, leading to the extended duration and, unfortunately, the dropout of some students. On graduation day, May 31, 2025, six students received diplomas, and seven students who completed at least 75% of the course were recognized with gifts. Pastor Truneh, a lifelong educator and one of the teachers, proudly handed over the diplomas. Dr. Yacob Alemu, Director of BLESE, reflected on this milestone: “This is quite an achievement regardless of the challenges we faced.” Looking ahead, BLESE is preparing for the second round of classes. To overcome past difficulties, the program will now offer a hybrid format—online and in-person twice a week. This ensures that Sunday closures and other interruptions will no longer delay learning. “We are ready and have done the preparation to do a hybrid class,” confirmed Dr. Yacob. “By God’s grace, we plan to start on time and complete the course within the expected schedule. Registration will open in the coming days—don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith, leadership, and evangelism!“ Lessons Offered in the First Cohort: Fundamental Beliefs, Hermeneutics, Life of Paul 1 & 2, Sanctuary, Book of Daniel, Book of Revelation, Book of Romans, Church History, Effects of Hellenism on the New Testament World, Leadership & Excellence, and Health. BLESE continues to equip God’s servants to lead, teach, and serve with excellence. Be part of the next class and join this transformative journey! Stay tuned to the Living Parchment Ministry website and social media channels for the official registration announcement.
Living Parchment Ministry Expands Prison Outreach as Sixteen Join the SDA Church
Reading Time: 5 minutes* “Even behind prison walls, the gospel is setting people free.” Living Parchment Ministry (LPM), under the leadership of its prison chaplain Pastor Wakuma Wakgari, conducted the fourth baptism at Sheger Prison on Sabbath, August 23, 2025. Fifteen inmates were baptized, and one was received into fellowship by profession of faith — making a total of sixteen new members who joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a service filled with praise and thanksgiving. This baptism was unique because, for the first time, strict attendance was required during lessons, and candidates were given a written test to confirm their understanding before baptism. Pastor Wakuma, who directs the prison ministry, personally examined their readiness. Since taking charge of Sheger Prison’s ministry, LPM has welcomed nearly 100 prisoners into the church through baptism and profession of faith. The prison houses over 3,000 male and about 300 female inmates. LPM also oversees the prison’s preschool nursery for children of female prisoners, where a full-time teacher is hired by LPM. Thanks to recent donor support, the ministry is preparing to begin providing simple lunches so the children can attend full-day school instead of just the morning. The meals will not be large, but it will nourish the children and help them stay alert for learning. At present, the prison allocates only about 1,300 birr ($9) per month for each child’s food — far from enough to meet their needs. The day of the baptism was marked by a spirit of joy and fellowship: Reflecting on the day, Pastor Wakuma said, “This is the rainy season in Ethiopia, and it rains almost every day. We were worried the baptism might be ruined, since it was held outside in an open-air rented bathtub. But the Lord heard our prayers and held back the rain. He made all the circumstances suitable for us, and for that we give Him thanks. Because even behind prison walls, the gospel is setting people free.” Living Parchment Ministry thanks all who participated and continues to welcome support for its prison and preschool ministries. (https://livingparchment.org/donate/) ✨ With each baptism, hope is reborn within prison walls, reminding all that the power of the gospel can never be locked away.
BLESE Holds Successful 4th Winter Bible Study
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe 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 2. Prophecy & Spiritual Insights 3. Society & Culture in the Bible 4. New Testament Studies Zewdu Seblework, LPM Country Representative, taught on: 1. Adventist Identity & Foundations 2. Biblical Interpretation & Theology 3. Prophetic & Exegetical Studies 4. Practical Ministry & Growth Additional Instructors: 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.
Hope and Health: First-Ever Prison Expo at Aba Samuel
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn a truly groundbreaking initiative, Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) successfully conducted a four-day health expo at the Federal Prison Commission Higher Security Center, also known as Aba Samuel Higher Security Prison in Gelan sub-city, from March 26-29. This marked the very first time such a comprehensive health outreach had been extended to the all-male inmate population of this higher-security facility, which houses approximately 5,000 prisoners across four zones. LPM secured permission from the Federal Prison Commission, paving the way for a remarkable week. The team, comprising 5 dedicated medical doctors, 4 skilled nurses, and 13 invaluable volunteers – a total of 26 participants – received a warm welcome from prison officials on the first day. Ahead of this four-day service, the team had engaged in a special program of prayer and fasting, submitting everything to God and earnestly seeking His guidance for the health expo and their interactions. Lizibie Fentaw, Living Parchment Ministry’s Circulation Head, meticulously organized and coordinated this entire effort from the very beginning. A Zone-by-Zone Impact The expo unfolded across different zones of the prison, reaching hundreds of prisoners. Each health check-up included blood pressure readings, blood glucose monitoring, a stress test with pulse at rest, followed by another measurement after a light stretch. BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat were also measured. These comprehensive services were paired with medical, spiritual, and psychological counseling. By the end of the four days, LPM had served a total of 605 prisoners with vital health check-ups and counseling, leading to an impressive 87 individuals registering for Bible study. Addressing Loneliness and Offering Spiritual Comfort Beyond physical health, the LPM team encountered a significant number of prisoners battling deep loneliness and distress, with some even contemplating suicide. The counseling sessions, combined with prayer and simply the genuine presence of the visitors, had a profound impact. Many prisoners expressed how deeply moved they were by the visit, noting that they often feel neglected and profoundly lonely. In addition to the medical and spiritual care, numerous books were distributed. For the Amharic-speaking prisoners, 176 copies of Christ’s Object Lessons, various other Spirit of Prophecy books, and many tracts were thoughtfully given. For the non-Ethiopian English-speaking prisoners, books like The Desire of Ages and other relevant titles were provided. These materials were given to individual prisoners and also left at the small library in each zone, ensuring ongoing access to spiritual nourishment. Notably, some well-known individuals imprisoned in the facility were also able to participate in and benefit from the services. The entire expo, including medical supplies, books, and other related expenses, amounted to close to 40,000 Birr, or about 300 dollars. This significant cost was covered through a combination of generous donations and LPM’s own resources. Living Parchment Ministry extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, especially the dedicated medical doctors and health professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to make this pioneering event a success.
Ethiopian Nurse from US Brings Health and Hope to Sheger Prison
Reading Time: 4 minutesA recent two-day health education program at Sheger Prison brought vital knowledge and renewed spirits to inmates, thanks to visiting Ethiopian nurse Tigist from the U.S. and her husband, Quffa. This impactful initiative was generously funded by an anonymous donor from the USA. The engaging sessions saw an impressive turnout, with 55 women, 150 men, and 40 children with their mothers eagerly attending. Even the prison’s police officers were among the attentive listeners. Tigist, with her hands-on and practical approach, taught vital lessons on a range of topics. Prisoners learned simple, accessible home remedies for common ailments, effective ways to prevent sickness, and proper food preparation techniques. For the mothers, a particularly eye-opening segment focused on the damaging effects of excessive candy and sugar on children’s health and eating habits. Tigist also emphasized the importance of personal and child hygiene, and even shared the benefits of hydrotherapy (drinking water effectively). Learning for Life Inside and Out The lessons resonated deeply with the participants. “We used to give our kids cookies and candy when they cried, but now we’ve learned how that actually causes more problems and hurts them,” shared one mother. She added, “We will really try to reduce sugar for our children. It has affected their eating habits so much.” The mothers also expressed immense relief and happiness about LPM’s prison preschool and nursery. “We are so relieved now because our kids are finally getting an education they never had before inside the prison,” another mother explained. This education not only benefits the children but also empowers the mothers, enabling them to work and earn some money, knowing their children are safely cared for at LPM’s nursery. “It’s so hard,” shared one mother. “I’m separated from my husband and will be here for two years. I have my twins with me, and breastfeeding just isn’t enough; we simply don’t have enough food. I desperately want to send them to the nursery, but I can’t even get diapers for them. Plus, I have two more children outside that I worry about constantly.” For the men, the health lessons covered essential topics like maintaining personal cleanliness and keeping their living spaces hygienic. Many expressed that these were vital skills they would carry with them even after leaving the prison. “We’ve received lessons that will truly benefit us when we leave,” one male prisoner noted. A Community Effort, Fueled by Compassion Pastor Wakuma Wakgari, the Seventh-day Adventist church pastor for Sheger City Prison, played a crucial role in coordinating the entire event and diligently interpreting the lessons into Oromiffa, ensuring everyone understood. All the expenses for this remarkable two-day health lesson, including nutritious whole wheat bread and hygiene supplies for both women, children, and men prisoners, were fully covered by a truly heartwarming gesture. An anonymous donor from the USA facilitated the entire initiative by helping his son prepare and sell bread to raise the necessary funds, which were then sent to Ethiopia. This unique and touching act of compassion made everything possible. Living Parchment Ministry extends its profound gratitude to this anonymous donor and the young boy whose efforts brought such practical blessings to Sheger Prison. Their selfless example inspires us all. LPM encourages others who feel moved to support similar life-changing initiatives to join their mission. How You Can Help If you feel moved to support Living Parchment Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring hope, education, and basic necessities to those in need at Sheger Prison, you can learn more about how to contribute by visiting our donation page: https://livingparchment.org/donate/. Every contribution helps us continue bringing vital programs and compassionate care to those who need it most.
Ethiopian Easter Brings Joy and Nourishment to Sheger Prison
Reading Time: 3 minutesLast Ethiopian Easter, Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) truly brought a beacon of hope and happiness to the mothers and children at Sheger Prison. It was a beautiful effort to make sure an often-overlooked group felt remembered and cared for during the holiday. A truly wonderful holiday feast was prepared with so much love by Ayantu Abera (Pastor Wakuma Wakgari’s wife) and Negassie, one of the women prisoners herself! Their hard work resulted in a delicious lunch that brought smiles to the faces of 42 mothers and their 44 children. Pastor Wakuma even shared a heartfelt devotional before the meal, setting a truly special tone for the day. And because there was so much food, extra portions were offered to other prisoners who needed it, ensuring that more people could enjoy a holiday treat. Even six of the prison’s police officers joined in the meal. More Than Just a Meal: Ongoing Support LPM’s care didn’t stop there. About 100 male prisoners also received essential hygiene items and fresh bread, addressing some everyday needs in their section of the prison. The Easter lunch was held right at LPM’s own preschool and nursery, a place that’s growing! It now provides a nurturing learning environment for 16 students, with a dedicated full-time teacher whose salary is covered by LPM. The mothers couldn’t express enough how much this meant to them. They shared how holidays can be incredibly tough, often bringing feelings of loneliness and a deep longing for home. This special Easter celebration, however, truly lifted their spirits, allowing them and their children to share in some genuine happiness. It’s heartbreaking to know that these children in the prison often get very little to eat, only $9.60 per child per month for their meals from the prison. That’s why LPM is working so hard to provide them with at least one nutritious lunch every day. This simple meal makes a huge difference, helping them concentrate better in school and feel more secure. How You Can Help Us Keep Going This particular Easter meal was entirely funded by a kind, anonymous donor from the USA – their generosity truly created a moment of immense joy. Living Parchment Ministry is profoundly thankful for every single person who supports our vital work. If you’d like to help Living Parchment Ministry continue bringing hope, education, and basic necessities to those in need at Sheger Prison, making a tax-deductible donation is easy: For our friends in Ethiopia who wish to contribute directly, donations can be made through: Together, we can bring hope and dignity to those who need it most.
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.
