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.
