On August 17, tragic flooding hit the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary in Ethiopia. Inundated by flood waters from monsoon rains that destroyed nearly all the campus also resulted in the tragic loss of many lives including those of children of the staff and students:
One of the pastors, spouse, grandchild, and two family members died by the flash flood.
A one-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl who were with their caregivers were killed by the flood. These were children of faculty who lived on campus.
Approximately twenty-one families, including five missionary families, lost their house.
Ninety-six dormitory rooms were destroyed along with computer labs, the library, about five cars and property on campus. The library was the largest library collection in any African seminary.
Two missionaries and their children barely survived the flash flooding and staying at the Lutheran Bible Translators offices
The Lord rescued seminary president, Dr. Bruk, who tried to rescue the one year child and baby-sitter as they were being washed away by the flood. Lord have mercy! Please remember these families, students, and the seminary in your prayers.
If so moved, please financially support Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary through your generous giving to assist faculty and staff who lost family members and possessions. Your donations will also support the rebuilding of this deeply wounded and grieving community and to rebuild the Seminary so that it can continue advancing the work of Jesus Christ in Ethiopia.
Request from Rev. Tilahun Mendedo:
The Master Builder Center (MBC), working with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the fastest growing Lutheran Church in the world, needs help to build a school. The school will be self-supporting through tuition and also educate the many children that MBC has taken in who were made orphans because of HIV/AIDS. They will be integrating the orphans into larger family groups through its "Feed His Lambs" program. MBC seeks to purchase land and build a school which will develop the Christian pastors and leaders of the future to continue to grow God's Kingdom in Ethiopia. Dr. Mendedo writes, "We are so thankful to Lutheran Church Charities to help us shepherd these lambs, this great church, and the nation of Ethiopia. Become a Builder through LCC with us today."