Over Fifty Adults and Children Graduate from Sheger Prison Vacation Bible School
Reading Time: 5 minutesThis 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!
LPM Celebrates Sheger Prison’s Very First Class of Little Learners
Reading Time: 8 minutesOn Friday, July 10, Sheger Prison hosted a milestone celebration that brought immense joy to many hearts. Six bright children, aged 4 to 6, celebrated their very first graduation from the early childhood education program run by Living Parchment Ministry (LPM). It was a day filled with proud mothers, encouraging words, and a shared sense of hope for the future of these little ones. Light in a Dark Place: How the School Began Sheger Prison is a large facility housing about 4000 male and 250 female prisoners. Living among the female population are children who were either born in the prison or joined their mothers there. Before we stepped in, these little ones faced a quiet tragedy. Growing up behind bars, they had no access to basic learning. They were on a path to illiteracy, unable to learn their alphabet, basic math, shapes, or colors. To change their story, we worked with the prison administration to completely renovate an old building they generously provided for us. We brought in a full-time teacher to offer nursery and pre-K classes, starting this little school over two years ago. About one year ago, we also began feeding the children lunch so they could have the energy to stay longer and learn. A Graduation to Remember The graduation ceremony was a beautiful milestone for these children. Our six graduates received brand new backpacks and special gifts, while the other 36 children who joined the celebration were blessed with toys of their own. The ceremony was followed by a lunch for more than 50 guests. Some visiting officials from the Oromiya regional prison administration happened to be visiting Sheger Prison that day. When they were informed about the graduation, they came to witness it and were amazed by what they saw. They shared that in all their experience working with prisons, they had never seen such a ceremony or program for children. Inspector Konjit, the head of children and women affairs at Sheger Prison, was also there. She was highly impressed by the education, the lunch program, and the great work being done. She asked us to share our future plans so the prison could help where possible. The mothers of the children were incredibly happy and excited. Seeing their children get both an education and good food brought them immense joy. The Prison Commissioner, Wakgari Challa, attended briefly despite his busy schedule. He signed a certificate of recognition for the ministry, which Inspector Konjit presented to our representative Dr. Gutu Amanuel. During the event, Daniel Nigussie gave a short sermon that lifted everyone’s spirits. Looking Ahead: A Call for Room to Grow As beautiful as this day was, it also reminded us of how much work is left to do. Our coordinator, Lizibie Fentaw, who manages our prison ministry alongside her many other responsibilities, shared that we are already outgrowing our space. Right now, the children do everything in a single room. To run this program the way these kids deserve, we need at least two rooms: one dedicated solely to classroom lessons, and another where they can sit down and eat their lunches. We are praying for the doors to open for this expansion. Sharing the Blessing with the Youth After the graduation, there was some food left over. Lizibie and her group took it to a new section of Sheger Prison that houses youth prisoners between the ages of 13 and 18. About 100 young people gathered for a short program. They were so happy to receive the special meal. During the gathering, Gutu and his group sang some songs and taught the youth how to sing along with them. Lizibie shared the word of God with them, encouraging them to build their relationship with God and hold onto hope for their future, no matter their current situation. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Village We say this often, but it is the absolute truth: we cannot do this work alone. This graduation happened because a beautiful village of compassionate people chose to care. We want to extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to the Sheger Prison Administration. Your willingness to collaborate, your help in securing the compound space, and your consistent encouragement have made this life-changing work possible. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership. We also send our warmest thanks to the wonderful individuals who stand with us. We are deeply grateful to the members of the Ethiopian SDA Church in Kansas City, who diligently send financial support every single month to keep our lunch program running. Our thanks go to Medina Hussien, who has been a constant blessing by consistently providing toys and children’s items over the years, and to the Filwoha health professionals, Sister Zewdnesh, the family of Daniel Nigussie, and Muluemebet for supporting this graduation. Finally, we thank Amran for beautifully capturing the smiles and memories of this day. To the many others who support this school through your financial gifts, daily prayers, and hands-on labor but are not mentioned here, please know we are deeply grateful for you. Your prayers and support are changing lives, one tiny graduate at a time.
Our New Recognitions: A Big Thank You to Our Donors
Reading Time: 4 minutesAt Living Parchment Ministry, we believe books are silent evangelists. Over the last year and a half, God has moved powerfully through this ministry in both public libraries and prison walls. Today, we are overjoyed to share two major milestones that celebrate how your support is changing lives in Ethiopia. Spreading the Word Through Public Libraries We are thrilled to announce that LPM recently received a formal Certificate of Recognition from the Ethiopian Archives and Library Services, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Even though the certificate mistakenly lists 24 books for both titles, we actually donated 20 copies of the Amharic translation of Christ’s Object Lessons and 24 copies of Pastor Truneh’s autobiography, Tarikie, (My Story). This follows a donation we made some months ago to the Abrehot Library, where we gave 20 copies of Christ’s Object Lessons along with other books like Steps to Christ. While a piece of paper from these institutions is a wonderful encouragement, the true value of these books is found in the quiet, unseen moments where they change a single life. The Book Finder: A Story of Answered Prayer A few months ago, a man visited the Abrehot Library and checked out Christ’s Object Lessons. He was so captivated by its message that he desperately wanted a copy of his own. He searched local bookstores far and wide, but none of them carry it. One day, he checked the library book out again. As he turned the pages, he noticed something he had not seen before: a phone number stamped inside. He dialed the number and reached Lizibie Fentaw, LPM’s Circulation Head. Lizibie set up a time for them to meet at a convenient spot to hand him the book. The man explained that he could not afford the full price all at once. He assumed it would cost over 1000 Birr, so he offered to pay a small down payment and bring the rest later. Lizibie smiled and told him that the actual price of the book was only 200 Birr. The man could not believe that 200 Birr is the price it deserves for such a book. Then, she handed it to him completely free. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the cost had already been covered. The man was utterly speechless. He could not believe that the very book his heart longed for was given to him as a free gift of grace. This is just one story we know of, but we believe there are countless others discovering God’s love through these library shelves. These books truly are doing the work of evangelism. Bringing Hope, Education, and Bright Smiles to Sheger City Prison Our second Certificate of Recognition comes from a place where hope is often hard to find: the Sheger City Prison, under the Oromiya Prison Commission. For well over two years, LPM has been operating a special program inside the prison to care for the young children living there with their mothers. We believe every child deserves a childhood and a future. To make that a reality, LPM covers all the expenses to employ a dedicated teacher, providing these little ones with a proper Kindergarten education. We also step in to provide nutritious lunches and essential hygiene supplies. We are proud to announce that our first batch of kindergarten students officially graduated with a beautiful ceremony inside the facility. The journey continues with up to 20 nursery-level children now preparing for their own graduation day. A comprehensive report about the graduation ceremony will be shared soon. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors None of this, not a single book on a library shelf, nor a single warm lunch for a child in prison, happens without you. To our supporters: you are the backbone of Living Parchment Ministry. Whether you lift us up through your good thoughts, sincere prayers, love, or financial gifts, you are answering the prayers of a man searching for God in a library and putting a graduation cap on a child who deserves a chance at life. Even though these two beautiful certificates of recognition bear the name of Living Parchment Ministry, we know the truth: these honors belong to you. Your generosity, love, and constant prayer made this recognition possible. Thank you for standing with us and making this kingdom work a reality. We look forward to turning many more pages of this beautiful story together.
Personal Testimonials from the Sheger Prison Baptism
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen seven men stepped into the baptismal water at Sheger Prison on April 4, it was more than a religious ceremony. It marked the end of a long, often violent road and the beginning of a life they never thought possible. While the world may see “prisoners,” these stories reveal that behind prison walls, hearts are being completely rebuilt for the kingdom of God. A Fighter’s Rescue One of the men baptized had spent years being a source of deep heartache for his Seventh-day Adventist wife. He was lost to the world, drinking heavily and bringing chaos into their home. It took a violent fight and a sentence at Sheger Prison to finally snap things into focus. But instead of seeing the bars as a punishment, his perspective shifted completely. He began to see his time behind bars as divine intervention. “God got me to prison to change me,” he now believes. Freedom from the Streets There is also the story of a man who spent five years living on the streets, having been on his own since he was a small child. He survived by stealing and pickpocketing mobile phones or whatever else he could grab. Trapped in a cycle of petty crime and a heavy cigarette addiction, he was eventually arrested and sent to Sheger. It was there, behind prison bars, that he truly found Jesus. He spent long hours in Bible study and constant prayer, waging a war against his old habits and his past. By surrendering his life to Christ in this way, he finally found victory over his addictions. When he finally stepped into the baptismal water, he emerged with a new and vibrant life. He is a living proof that a person’s past never has to dictate their future. A Dream That Felt Like Home Life on the streets started early for another young man who had been surviving on his own since he was a boy. Even though his mother was an Adventist, his father was not, so he grew up knowing nothing of God. He survived on the streets through petty crime and pickpocketing while struggling with a heavy addiction to cigarettes. After an arrest for theft landed him in Sheger Prison, he crossed paths with Lelissa Kenea. Lelissa is a fellow inmate who had found Christ behind bars and is now serving as a Bible teacher for the other prisoners. At first, Lelissa hesitated to even speak with him, but he eventually decided to reach out and offered the young man a spiritual book. Although the young man had zero interest in reading anything religious, Lelissa refused to give up on him. Everything changed with a dream. One night, this young man saw himself clearly attending the Adventist church located inside the prison walls. The very next morning, he walked into that same church and happened to find Lelissa and another believer just sitting there. That encounter was the spark that started his transformation. Today, his life is completely unrecognizable from the one he once led on the streets. A Mother’s Prayer and the Prodigal Son Decades ago in the Ethiopian countryside, a Protestant mother suffered the heartbreaking loss of her twin babies. Traumatized and fearful, she eventually became pregnant again but lived in terror that this child would not survive. One day, while searching for a lost sheep, she prayed desperately for a sign from God. When she finally found the animal, it had just given birth. Seeing the newborn lamb with its mother, she took this as a divine sign: “As this sheep gave birth, I will also give birth.” She praised God and vowed, “I will have my baby in my bosom, and I will dedicate the child to God.” When her son was born, she joyfully brought him to church for his dedication. However, as the boy grew, he became spoiled, quarrelsome, and prone to violence. He fell in love with a girl, but one day he saw his friend with his hand on her. Enraged, he took a knife and stabbed him. Fearing what his son might do next, his frustrated father handed him over to prison but worked behind the scenes with the victim’s family toward reconciliation. Eventually the charges were dropped, and when he was released, local pastors celebrated his return as if he were the prodigal son. But the change did not last. He quickly fell back into his old life, joining the Oromo Liberation Army (Shene) and sinking deeper into a heavy cigarette addiction. After being arrested again and sent to Sheger Prison, he began scheming to smuggle and distribute cigarettes inside the walls. He attended various religious services only to hustle for money, even becoming a Muslim for financial gain. However, everything shifted when he met Pastor Wakuma, the chaplain with the Living Parchment Ministry, who encouraged him to start studying the Bible. He began learning with our Bible teacher, Lelissa. Now baptized, he reflects on his journey with a new perspective. “With the SDAs, I didn’t get any money,” he shared, “but I got Jesus.” Changing Lives Together These men are now part of a growing family of 104 believers at Sheger Prison. While we have only shared four of their journeys here, each of the seven men baptized on April 4 represents a life transformed by grace. Their stories remind us that no matter how far someone has run, whether into addiction, violence, or despair, the light of the Gospel can still find them. We thank our dedicated donors, whose consistent contributions allow Living Parchment Ministry to continue breaking chains and bringing the light of the Gospel to those in darkness.
Living Parchment’s 5th Sheger Prison Baptism Brings Total Members to 104
Reading Time: 8 minutesThis historic day saw 7 male inmates dedicate their lives to Christ through baptism, bringing the total number of individuals who have joined the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church from Sheger Prison to 104, including five women.
From Bread to Balanced Meals: Donors Boost Sheger Prison Preschool
Reading Time: 5 minutesLiving Parchment Ministry (LPM) is excited to announce a significant expansion of its crucial feeding program at the Sheger Prison Seventh-day Adventist Nursery/Preschool on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Thanks to generous donations from supporters both in Ethiopia and abroad, the school has successfully transitioned from providing simple baked bread to offering a full, nutritious lunch twice a week for its 20 young students. This initiative marks a new chapter in LPM’s mission to support the children of incarcerated mothers, addressing the critical need for proper nutrition that is essential for healthy physical and cognitive development. From Bread to Balanced Meals: A Step Forward in Childcare The school’s original feeding program, which involved baking multi-grain bread on a small grill purchased through donations, laid a vital foundation. The new phase builds directly upon this success. With the recent influx of donations, LPM has acquired dedicated child-friendly plates and cups and has now implemented a plan to provide a complete lunch service. “We started by ensuring the children had fresh, wholesome bread,” explained Lizibie Fentaw, who oversees the school. “Now, with the incredible support of our donors, we can offer them a nutritious lunch twice a week. This food is vital—it helps them grow, focus, and thrive in the classroom.” The cost to sustain this enhanced program is $139 per month. This investment directly translates into regular, balanced meals for the 20 children, aged 2 to 6, who attend the preschool. Joy and Gratitude Inside the Prison Walls The expansion has been met with profound gratitude from the children’s mothers, who face the immense challenge of raising their young ones within the prison environment. The mothers are overjoyed and deeply thankful. Their relief stems from two key areas: first, their children are receiving an early childhood education in a safe, stimulating environment—a rare opportunity. Second, they now have the assurance that their children are receiving consistent, nutritious meals through the school’s lunch program. LPM also extends its sincere appreciation to the Sheger Prison administration for their ongoing cooperation and for allowing this transformative work to continue within the facility. Effective Leadership and a Vision for the Future Since Lizibie Fentaw assumed responsibility for overseeing the preschool in addition to her role leading LPM’s circulation efforts, the program has seen marked positive changes. Her dedication has been instrumental in effectively utilizing donations to improve the children’s daily lives and educational experience. The ministry expresses its immense gratitude to all the donors whose generosity made this progress possible. LPM greatly appreciates its donors and humbly asks for more support. With additional contributions, the ministry can increase the days it is feeding these precious children, moving from twice a week toward a more regular schedule. Every donation directly nourishes a child in need. About Living Parchment Ministry and the Sheger Prison Preschool The Sheger Prison Seventh-day Adventist Nursery/Preschool, operated by LPM, provides a safe haven and early education for children living with their mothers at Sheger Prison. Some of these children were born in prison or have no alternative care. The program focuses on holistic development—offering education, spiritual support, and, critically, nutrition to a vulnerable population often overlooked. Your support can help provide more lunches each week. To help LPM expand this vital program and reach the goal of feeding the children three days a week, please visit the donation page at https://livingparchment.org/donate/. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” — Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)
Filwoha Adventurers Deliver Genna Joy to Sheger Prison Nursery/Preschool
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn a wonderful display of compassion ahead of Ethiopian Genna (Christmas), the Adventurer Club from Filwoha Seventh-day Adventist Church visited the children at the Sheger Prison SDA Nursery/Preschool on Sunday January 4, 2026. The Adventurer Club is a Seventh-day Adventist church-sponsored ministry open to all children ages 4-9. This spirit of unity was on full display as 21 club members, accompanied by their parents, traveled to the prison to share love and gifts with 44 children living there with their imprisoned mothers. The visit was coordinated by the club’s director, Israel Getachew, whose exceptional coordination and heartfelt organization created a seamless and impactful program. The club members, in full uniform, performed march drills, sang uplifting songs, and personally presented a gift to each child at the school, whose ages ranged from infants to 11 years old. “This Genna season, we wanted the children here to know they are not forgotten and that they are loved,” said Israel Getachew, who also inspired the children with a story. The program was further enriched by a meaningful sermon on the life of Joseph from parent Isayas Fufa and a group song performed by the parents. The generosity extended beyond companionship. The visitors distributed balls, toys, nutritious whole wheat bread, and fruits. Thanks to donations from Filwoha Church members, children’s shoes, clothing, women’s apparel, and essential hygiene pads for 192 women prisoners were also provided. Filwoha SDA Church facilitated the trip by providing its minibus, with parents covering all other expenses for the day. The nursery/preschool itself, run by Living Parchment Ministry (LPM), has been operating since January 2025, providing formal education and essential care. LPM’s voluntary school administrator, Lizibie Fentaw, who also serves as a teacher in the Adventurer Club’s Helping Hand group, helped coordinate the visit. On this special day, LPM also donated a 43-inch television to the nursery/preschool through the generous support of its donors. This resource will help children learn songs and educational content and will also support the spiritual growth of the women at the prison. A full report on this and other developments related to the nursery/preschool will be shared in the future. The emotional impact of the school’s work was voiced by one mother during the event, who stated through tears, “Ever since my child started to attend the Nursery/Preschool, I have seen changes in him. I am very happy… I want to say thank you.” Like Filwoha, other churches are highly encouraged to participate in such acts of mercy and care for the Nursery/Preschool. Any church interested in organizing a similar visit is welcome to contact us at +251 91 191 8194. For individuals or groups moved to support this vital nursery/preschool work—including the crucial mission to cover nutritious daily meals for the children—please visit our donation page here. Living Parchment Ministry warmly thanks the parents, the Adventurers Club of Filwoha SDA Church, and the entire Filwoha Church family for standing with these children and mothers. Together, through shared love and service, we can continue to bring hope where it is needed most.
Sheger Prison Preschool Begins New School Year with 31% Growth and Feeding Program
Reading Time: 2 minutesA renewed sense of hope filled the grounds of Sheger Prison as the Sheger Prison Seventh-day Adventist Nursery/Preschool, operated by Living Parchment Ministry (LPM), officially opened its new academic year on Friday, October 17. This year, the preschool registered 17 children—an increase of 31% from last year’s 13 students. As more female prisoners are added throughout the year, additional children are expected to join the program. A Visit of Encouragement and Care Tessfom, a friend and supporter of LPM who was in Ethiopia for other engagements, visited Sheger Prison on October 15 and 16 after learning about the ministry’s work there. During his visit, he met with over 130 male prisoners, offering words of encouragement and prayer. He also brought 120 bars of soap, followed by a second visit where he shared a generous variety of fruits with 60 inmates. He also visited the women’s section, where 24 prisoners gathered to meet him, listen to his message of hope, and pray together. The gesture was deeply appreciated by both the women and men, who expressed gratitude for being remembered and cared for in such tangible ways. Tessfom later visited the prison church and held a discussion with Pastor Wakuma Wakgari, the prison’s chaplain. The male prisoners’ board members shared updates about their ongoing church building project and asked him to represent their concerns and hopes to others abroad. “Our hope is in God,” they told him, “and we will keep praying.” Visits to the Preschool and Children’s Joy Tessfom also visited the Sheger Prison Preschool twice—first to meet the children and pray for them, and later to deliver a colorful variety of fresh fruits for all the kids. He also ordered and delivered 25 new coloring books to help the children start their new school year with joy and creativity. The mothers of the children, who are prisoners there, expressed their heartfelt appreciation. They shared that their children had not eaten fresh fruits for a long time and said the visit brought both nourishment and emotional encouragement. New Feeding Program Launches with Donor Support This school year also marks the beginning of a new feeding program at the Sheger Prison Preschool, made possible through the generous support of LPM donors. Thanks to these contributions, the children are now served some nutritious meals—home-baked bread, bananas, eggs, and rice—three days a week. LPM also purchased a bread-making mitad (a baking griddle), allowing a mixed-grain bread to be baked fresh inside the prison. Both the equipment and the feeding initiative were made possible by donor contributions, ensuring that the children receive healthy and sustaining meals. Inspector Konjit, head of the Children and Women Affairs Department at the prison, attended the school’s opening ceremony and commended the program for its impact on the children’s wellbeing and education. Faith, Growth, and Gratitude Pastor Wakuma noted the spiritual growth among the children and their families, expressing gratitude for the positive changes taking place. “There is a very good spirit of devotion here especially amongst the male prisoners,” he said, “and all are deeply thankful.” LPM extends heartfelt thanks to all donors and friends who make such programs possible. Any continued support, by visiting our donation page here, to sustain the feeding initiative is greatly appreciated.
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.
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.
