A relief fund has been established to help Christians in western and southwestern Ethiopia who have recently experienced persecution by Islamic radicals. The Ethiopian Church Relief Fund is a joint effort by Lutheran CORE, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC).
The Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idossa, President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (the Lutheran church in Ethiopia), has reported that 57 churches and 45 individual homes have been destroyed. More than 3,600 people have been displaced from their homes and some have been badly beaten and killed.
The Rev. Dr. Gemechis D. Buba, Missions Director for the North American Lutheran Church and a native of Ethiopia, reported that these brutal acts are not the first of their kind. Three years ago Muslim fundamentalists burned down several churches, killed evangelists, pastors and lay leaders. They are now repeating the same attacks. Today thousands have lost their homes, churches, family members and their rights to safely worship and conduct their ministries.
Persecution is not new to Lutherans in Ethiopia. “However, every time it happens it opens up old wounds and breaks the hearts of many. In the middle of all this our brothers and sisters are walking into this holy Lenten season not with ashes on their forehead but carrying the cross of Christ and confessing their faith in the words of Psalm 23:1, ‘The Lord is my shepherd!’” Dr. Buba said.
“The violence and destruction against churches of the Mekane Yesus Church and individual Christians have largely subsided. However, the task for rebuilding and relief is beginning,” said NALC Bishop Paull Spring. “The Mekane Yesus Church is providing emergency assistance — food, blankets, and other necessities — for those who have experienced loss. Still ahead is the reconstruction of churches that have been destroyed.
“The North American Lutheran Church has developed a close relationship with the Mekane Yesus Church,” Bishop Spring said. “Individuals and congregations of the NALC are urged to gather funds to assist our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia.”
“Our sisters and brothers in Christ in Ethiopia witnessed to our Lord at great cost for many years under the former Communist government, and now experience suffering from radical Muslims. Their bold witness to our Lord no matter the cost should inspire us in the West to be bolder in our witness. The very least we can do is to help the Ethiopians rebuild their churches and homes,” said Pastor Mark Chavez, director of Lutheran CORE.
“After having just been in Ethiopia with these brothers and sisters, seeing their faith, their courage and their obvious passion for the Gospel, it is overwhelming to consider what they have now had to experience in this persecution. But even in this, they see the Lord at work,” said Pastor Mark Vander Tuig, LCMC Service Coordinator.
“A seminary professor from Addis Ababa said the blood of the martyrs is the seed of evangelism. I pray that we too might someday have that kind of faith. I am hopeful that we can show our support for these believers by helping them to rebuild their churches and their homes,” Vander Tuig said.
Please send gifts to Ethiopian Church Relief Fund; 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220; New Brighton, MN 55112. Please make checks payable to Ethiopia Relief Fund. All funds received will be forwarded to the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. You may also give online.
“We are reminded by the apostle that it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since we are going through the same struggle we see (Philippians 1:29-30). I would like to thank God for God’s protection and the grace and courage that God is giving his chosen people to suffer for the sake of Christ! There is hope for them and for all of us. Christ is alive and will always remain Emmanuel for us in times of our joys and difficulties,” EECMY President Idossa said.
“We highly appreciate your concerns and prayers in such a difficult situation. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to pray and accompany us. May the almighty God bless you all!” he concluded.
A bulletin insert explaining the fund and the situation in Ethiopia is available for use in congregations.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Update on persecution in Ethiopia
The following update on the situation in Ethiopia is from the Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idosa, president of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus:
Dear Partners in Christ,
Thank you very much for your concerns and prayers in such a difficult situation. Many of you were and still are praying, calling us to know our situation and the magnitude of the violence against Christians that has taken place in the western part of our country during the last two weeks.
Rev. Yonas Yigezu, Director for Mission and Theology of the EECMY and I have been on a work visit in the West since March 1, 2011. It was on March 10 that we came back to Addis Ababa. We heard about the violence while we were in Western Synod and were following up on the progress of the violence daily; calling Addis and Jimma talking to leaders at different levels of the church. Every day was coming up to us with pain and hurt. We were hearing about church buildings and individual homes being burned and pulled down, properties looted, people displaced, beaten and terrified.
On March 10, on our way back to Addis, we visited Jima and some of the areas of the violence. We visited Dimtu, a district town where we meet with members of our church who were displaced. we prayed with them and encouraged them with the Word of God. We were told that there were 104 people sheltered in one of the NGO buildings. The buildings are used as a shelter for the displaced and transit prison. We also continued further into a small town called Akoo and again met with those displaced. In this place all members of different evangelical churches are gathered. We were told that there were over 3,000 most of them are children and women. We saw church buildings destroyed, trees and coffee plantation devastated.
When we arrived at the place all displaced persons were on a meeting. Government officials, members of the Islamic supreme council from the Federal and regional state of Oromiya were there to hear the stories of the violence made against Christians. It was heart breaking to listen. All of us were in tears. We also visited Asendabo town where the violence was initiated, had discussion with the Mayor of the town. He told us that Pages of the Holy Koran was torn and used at a toilet in the compound of one of the evangelical churches; of course not EECMY congregation. Someone reported the incident to the Mosque in the town and from there violence broke out.
Just for your information those displaced as reported to us were over 3,644. There were other displaced persons who sheltered in the homes of their relatives when they fled from the rural to Jimma city. Up until now it was reported to us that 55 church buildings were burned and destroyed. Yesterday it was reported that two churches of the Full Gospel were burned which makes the number to rise to 57. Out of these, 12 belongs to the EECMY. It was reported to us that 4 residences of the EECMY members were burned; and report received from other evangelical churches states that 41 houses were burned. This makes the number of burnt individuals houses 45.
The Government is taking drastic action following up and identifying the cause and the causers. Every place in the village, residents were on meetings. Many who involved in the violence we caught and put in jail, and still the process is continuing. In every small towns on our way there were security persons to protect the residents.
On Friday we have sent some food items, blankets, plastic sheets for shelter and kitchen utensils. We are continuing to make assessments and plan on how we can help the displaced persons to rehabilitate. It is our hope that peace will be maintained in the area and the government also promised to continue protect the people and bring to justice those who involved in the violence.
Dear friends,
We are reminded by the apostle that it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since we are going through the same struggle we see, Phil 1:29-30. I would like to thank God for God’s protection and the grace and courage that God is giving his chosen people to suffer for the sake of Christ! There is hope for them and for all of us. Christ is alive and is always remain Emanuel for us in times of our joys and difficulties.
We highly appreciate your concerns and prayers in such a difficult situation. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to pray and accompany us. May the almighty God bless you all!
Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idosa
President
Dear Partners in Christ,
Thank you very much for your concerns and prayers in such a difficult situation. Many of you were and still are praying, calling us to know our situation and the magnitude of the violence against Christians that has taken place in the western part of our country during the last two weeks.
Rev. Yonas Yigezu, Director for Mission and Theology of the EECMY and I have been on a work visit in the West since March 1, 2011. It was on March 10 that we came back to Addis Ababa. We heard about the violence while we were in Western Synod and were following up on the progress of the violence daily; calling Addis and Jimma talking to leaders at different levels of the church. Every day was coming up to us with pain and hurt. We were hearing about church buildings and individual homes being burned and pulled down, properties looted, people displaced, beaten and terrified.
On March 10, on our way back to Addis, we visited Jima and some of the areas of the violence. We visited Dimtu, a district town where we meet with members of our church who were displaced. we prayed with them and encouraged them with the Word of God. We were told that there were 104 people sheltered in one of the NGO buildings. The buildings are used as a shelter for the displaced and transit prison. We also continued further into a small town called Akoo and again met with those displaced. In this place all members of different evangelical churches are gathered. We were told that there were over 3,000 most of them are children and women. We saw church buildings destroyed, trees and coffee plantation devastated.
When we arrived at the place all displaced persons were on a meeting. Government officials, members of the Islamic supreme council from the Federal and regional state of Oromiya were there to hear the stories of the violence made against Christians. It was heart breaking to listen. All of us were in tears. We also visited Asendabo town where the violence was initiated, had discussion with the Mayor of the town. He told us that Pages of the Holy Koran was torn and used at a toilet in the compound of one of the evangelical churches; of course not EECMY congregation. Someone reported the incident to the Mosque in the town and from there violence broke out.
Just for your information those displaced as reported to us were over 3,644. There were other displaced persons who sheltered in the homes of their relatives when they fled from the rural to Jimma city. Up until now it was reported to us that 55 church buildings were burned and destroyed. Yesterday it was reported that two churches of the Full Gospel were burned which makes the number to rise to 57. Out of these, 12 belongs to the EECMY. It was reported to us that 4 residences of the EECMY members were burned; and report received from other evangelical churches states that 41 houses were burned. This makes the number of burnt individuals houses 45.
The Government is taking drastic action following up and identifying the cause and the causers. Every place in the village, residents were on meetings. Many who involved in the violence we caught and put in jail, and still the process is continuing. In every small towns on our way there were security persons to protect the residents.
On Friday we have sent some food items, blankets, plastic sheets for shelter and kitchen utensils. We are continuing to make assessments and plan on how we can help the displaced persons to rehabilitate. It is our hope that peace will be maintained in the area and the government also promised to continue protect the people and bring to justice those who involved in the violence.
Dear friends,
We are reminded by the apostle that it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since we are going through the same struggle we see, Phil 1:29-30. I would like to thank God for God’s protection and the grace and courage that God is giving his chosen people to suffer for the sake of Christ! There is hope for them and for all of us. Christ is alive and is always remain Emanuel for us in times of our joys and difficulties.
We highly appreciate your concerns and prayers in such a difficult situation. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to pray and accompany us. May the almighty God bless you all!
Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idosa
President
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Call to Prayer for Christians in Ethiopia
The following prayer request has been received from the Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idossa, President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus via the Rev. Dr. Gemechis D. Buba, Missions Director of the NALC:
In the last few days over 41 churches and several evangelical mission stations or mission congregations were burned down. There are thousands of people expelled from their homes and some who are even badly beaten and killed. The perpetrators are Radical Islamist and Jihadist elements who are now operating in the western and south western parts of Ethiopia.
I have spoken with Rev. Wakseyoum as he was visiting Mekane Yesus Churches and Synods close to the border of Sudan. The Voice of America (VOA) called, got in touch with him and interviewed him today and he spoke to the world from that remote spot through this international VOA radio streamed out of Washington D.C.
In that interview he stated that, the Mekane Yesus have intentionally worked hard to establish good relationships with Muslim Ethiopians and that work has resulted in so much good and a positive relationship. However, he is shocked and saddened by this outbreak lashing out in heartbreaking atrocities.
These brutal acts are not the first of their kind. Three years ago Muslim fundamentalists burned down several churches, killed evangelists, pastors and lay leaders. They are now repeating the same attacks. Today thousands have lost their homes, churches, family members and their rights to safely worship and conduct their ministries.
The Ethiopian government officials and security forces have intervened. The outcome of their work is yet to be known. Some leaders from the central office of the Mekane Yesus Church in Addis Ababa have traveled to the area today to start getting help to the victims. There are many people who are now waiting to get some emergency aid in a camp. President Idossa is going to release another statement in the next few days as the investigation continues and as the government tries to bring these acts under control and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Please pray about this!
Persecution is not new to Lutherans in Ethiopia. However, every time it happens it opens up old wounds and breaks the hearts of many. In the middle all these our brothers and sisters are walking into this holy Lenten season not with ashes on their forehead but carrying the cross of Christ and confessing their faith in the words of Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd!"
May God renew our world in this Lenten season through the Holy Word of God and through power grace of God through Christ, Amen!!
I have spoken with Rev. Wakseyoum as he was visiting Mekane Yesus Churches and Synods close to the border of Sudan. The Voice of America (VOA) called, got in touch with him and interviewed him today and he spoke to the world from that remote spot through this international VOA radio streamed out of Washington D.C.
In that interview he stated that, the Mekane Yesus have intentionally worked hard to establish good relationships with Muslim Ethiopians and that work has resulted in so much good and a positive relationship. However, he is shocked and saddened by this outbreak lashing out in heartbreaking atrocities.
These brutal acts are not the first of their kind. Three years ago Muslim fundamentalists burned down several churches, killed evangelists, pastors and lay leaders. They are now repeating the same attacks. Today thousands have lost their homes, churches, family members and their rights to safely worship and conduct their ministries.
The Ethiopian government officials and security forces have intervened. The outcome of their work is yet to be known. Some leaders from the central office of the Mekane Yesus Church in Addis Ababa have traveled to the area today to start getting help to the victims. There are many people who are now waiting to get some emergency aid in a camp. President Idossa is going to release another statement in the next few days as the investigation continues and as the government tries to bring these acts under control and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Please pray about this!
Persecution is not new to Lutherans in Ethiopia. However, every time it happens it opens up old wounds and breaks the hearts of many. In the middle all these our brothers and sisters are walking into this holy Lenten season not with ashes on their forehead but carrying the cross of Christ and confessing their faith in the words of Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd!"
May God renew our world in this Lenten season through the Holy Word of God and through power grace of God through Christ, Amen!!
Friday, March 04, 2011
February-March "CORE Connection" newsletter
CORE Connection - News from Lutheran CORE - February-March 2011 is now online.
Here is what you can read in this month’s newsletter:
+ NALC, LCMC leaders address International Theological and Mission Conference in Ethiopia.
+ Reflections on experience in Ethiopia by Pastor Mark Chavez.
+ NALC receives $1 million gift for missions, theological education.
+ "Salvation Today" is theme for August 2011 Lutheran CORE theological conference.
+ Midwest NALC Conference in Minnesota to feature Bishop Paull Spring, Professor James Nestingen.
+ "Common Convictions - Common Mission" NALC, Lutheran CORE event in Florida.
+ "Impact" national youth event is July 7-12.
+ Congregational mission and discipleship event will be May 13-14 in Fort Wayne, Ind.
+ ELCA leaders propose changing rules to make it harder for congregations to leave.
+ New congregation joins both NALC and LCMC. Area Lutherans come together to form new church in Brandon, S.D.
+ Frequently Asked Questions: What is the most common miscalculation among congregations that have pursued formal votes to end their affiliation with the ELCA?
+ In pursuit of the Great Commission: Small Groups by Pastor Don Brandt.
+ "Do I hear a second?" by Ringo Lanzetti.
The February-March issue of the NALC News is also now available.
In addition to some of the above articles, you can read:
+ Reflections on Ethiopian experience by Pastor John Bradosky, NALC General Secretary.
+ God & Ga-Ga Ball! God transforms crazy game into mission opportunity.
+ Nominations requested for NALC leaders.
+ Model Constitution for NALC Congregations.
+ Getting to know other NALC congregations featuring Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, Pennsylvania.
+ Updated list of NALC congregations.
Here is what you can read in this month’s newsletter:
+ NALC, LCMC leaders address International Theological and Mission Conference in Ethiopia.
+ Reflections on experience in Ethiopia by Pastor Mark Chavez.
+ NALC receives $1 million gift for missions, theological education.
+ "Salvation Today" is theme for August 2011 Lutheran CORE theological conference.
+ Midwest NALC Conference in Minnesota to feature Bishop Paull Spring, Professor James Nestingen.
+ "Common Convictions - Common Mission" NALC, Lutheran CORE event in Florida.
+ "Impact" national youth event is July 7-12.
+ Congregational mission and discipleship event will be May 13-14 in Fort Wayne, Ind.
+ ELCA leaders propose changing rules to make it harder for congregations to leave.
+ New congregation joins both NALC and LCMC. Area Lutherans come together to form new church in Brandon, S.D.
+ Frequently Asked Questions: What is the most common miscalculation among congregations that have pursued formal votes to end their affiliation with the ELCA?
+ In pursuit of the Great Commission: Small Groups by Pastor Don Brandt.
+ "Do I hear a second?" by Ringo Lanzetti.
The February-March issue of the NALC News is also now available.
In addition to some of the above articles, you can read:
+ Reflections on Ethiopian experience by Pastor John Bradosky, NALC General Secretary.
+ God & Ga-Ga Ball! God transforms crazy game into mission opportunity.
+ Nominations requested for NALC leaders.
+ Model Constitution for NALC Congregations.
+ Getting to know other NALC congregations featuring Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Abington, Pennsylvania.
+ Updated list of NALC congregations.
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