Mekane Yesus Seminary

Merry Christmas from Mekane Yesus Seminary!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the boundless grace and love of God, who came to dwell among us and bring salvation to all through His Son.

From all of us at Mekane Yesus Seminary, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed and Christ-centered Christmas!

Happy New Year from Mekane Yesus Seminary!

As we enter 2025, we give thanks to God for His steadfast love and guidance. May this new year be filled with faithfulness to His Word, trust in His promises, and joy in Christ alone.

'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.' – Hebrews 13:8

We pray for God’s blessings upon our students, faculty, and the entire community. May we continue to grow in grace and truth, standing firmly on the foundation of God’s unchanging Word.

Joins us for an insightful academic seminar! Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and engage with fellow scholars.

MYS - GTRC academic Seminar

Join us for an Academic Seminar hosted by the Mekane Yesus Seminary Gudina Tumsa Research Center!

Topic: Pre-Tribulation Rapture: A Scriptural Perspective - Exploring Historical and Theological Contexts
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Tibebu Teklu
Date: Friday, 20th December
Time: 2:00 PM

📍 Venue: Helges center, 5th Floor, Emmanuel G/Selassie Hall

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding!

MYS - GTRC academic Seminar

Join us for an Academic Seminar hosted by the Mekane Yesus Seminary Gudina Tumsa Research Center!

Topic: Pre-Tribulation Rapture: A Scriptural Perspective - Exploring Historical and Theological Contexts
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Tibebu Teklu
Date: Friday, 20th December
Time: 2:00 PM

📍 Venue: Helges center, 5th Floor, Emmanuel G/Selassie Hall

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding!

We thank God for everything He is doing in our Seminary and the Church at large.

One of the great things that happened this week was the release of Rev. Dr. Staffan Grenstedt’s new book titled Longstanding Relations in a Process of Change: The Swedish Evangelical Mission in Ethiopia 1898 – 2015, providing a comprehensive scholarly overview of the Swedish Evangelical Mission's (SEM) impact in Ethiopia over more than a century. The narrative emphasizes the enduring connections between Ethiopian Evangelical Christians and SEM, detailing how missionaries facilitated outreach to the Oromo people in Western Wollega and fostered the development of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). The book underscores the importance of these relationships in promoting unity across ethnic and social divides, drawing from extensive archival research and interviews. In a generous gesture, Dr. Grenstedt donated 500 copies of the book to various Ethiopian institutions, including the EECMY and Addis Ababa University, aiming to encourage further research and scholarship within the country.

MYS this week

This week has been truly remarkable for Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS), filled with blessings, spiritual growth, and progress in many areas of our seminary life. Here's a glimpse of all the wonderful things happening on our campus this week:

Our ongoing campus development projects continue to make great strides! The construction of new dormitories, as well as other much-needed facilities, is moving forward at a steady pace. These efforts are part of our commitment to creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for learning and spiritual growth. Additionally, campus beautification projects are transforming our seminary into an even more welcoming and inspiring place for students, staff, and visitors alike.

This week’s chapel program was nothing short of extraordinary! Students, professors, and the entire seminary community gathered together to immerse themselves in the Word of God and spend time in heartfelt prayer. These moments of worship and reflection were a source of deep spiritual nourishment and growth for everyone involved. It’s always a blessing to see our community united in faith, seeking God’s presence together.

A highlight of the week was the practical evangelism training for our third-year missiology students. This hands-on training equipped our students with the skills and confidence to share the gospel effectively within their communities and beyond. As part of their preparation for ministry, they learned practical strategies for evangelism and were encouraged to carry the message of Christ wherever they go. What a joy it is to see future leaders of the church empowered to fulfill the Great Commission!

This week, we were honored to welcome leaders from FELM and the ACTEA team. These visits were significant moments for our seminary, On 25th-26th November 2024, MYS had the honor of hosting two guests from Felm: Rev. Katri Härkönen, Senior Adviser for Theological Education, and Janne Juhaninmäki. Their visit was marked by meaningful discussions on several important topics, including the MYS and Felm strategy, the theological foundation of EECMY and Felm, our curriculum, project planning processes for 2024-2025, and the development of MYS's concept note for 2025-2029. Conversations also touched on annual and financial reporting, further strengthening our partnership. Beyond these discussions, Katri and Janne engaged directly with our students. They visited BTh, MA, and PGD classes, where Katri shared inputs through brief teaching sessions and discussions on subject matters that enriched the students’ learning experience. They also had the chance to explore the MYS campus.

We are truly grateful for this visit, Thank you, Katri and Janne, for your time, wisdom, and partnership!

We thank God for His guidance and blessings throughout this week and look forward to all He has in store for us in the days to come.

MYS this week.

We are thrilled to share that our corridor projects are making significant strides in enhancing road infrastructure, ensuring better access and connectivity for everyone. The dorm reconstruction is progressing smoothly, providing our students with modern and comfortable living spaces. Additionally, the new homes being built for our professors are taking shape beautifully, reflecting our commitment to creating a supportive environment for our faculty.

Our chapel services have been truly uplifting, providing a space for spiritual nourishment and growth. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students and the entire seminary community to gather, learn the Word of God, pray together, and worship as one body.

This past Saturday, in the our seminary chapel, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association provided evangelism training to 234 students, supported by various materials. The session ran from 2:30 AM to 7:00 AM, and the training was led by coaches Brother Yared and Andualem. May God bless them for their dedication and service!

This week our community celebrated a significant milestone as our Academic Vice President was ordained in a heartfelt ceremony. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in his leadership journey, and we are filled with gratitude for his commitment and dedication to our institution. As he takes on the responsibilities of his calling, we pray for God to bestow His abundant grace upon him.

This week our film and media students had an incredible privilege of learning from the renowned Ethiopian director Sewmehon Yismaw! A huge thank you to Sewmehon for sharing your invaluable insights and expertise during the inspiring workshop at Mekane Yesus Seminary. We are deeply grateful for the time and knowledge you imparted.

We thank God for everything HE is doing in our seminary.

MYS this week

This week has been truly remarkable for Mekane Yesus Seminary, filled with exciting and enriching events. Our campus is buzzing with activity, including ongoing projects like the construction of dormitory buildings, a housing complex for professors, and campus beautification efforts.

A highlight of the week was our extraordinary Chapel services, crucial for the spiritual health and nourishment of students, professors, and the entire seminary community.

We also hosted our monthly academic seminar, organized by the Gudina Tumsa Research Center. This month's topic was "Tapping the Potential of Religious Actors in Formal Peace Process," presented by Rainer Gude, Peace Process Support Advisor from the Association for Inclusive Peace. The seminar offered deep insights and will significantly contribute to our educational endeavors.

Additionally, the Mekane Yesus Seminary Film and Media School launched a transformative 3-month course in Photography, Cinematography, Creative Graphics, and Video Editing. This is a fantastic opportunity to unleash your creativity and learn from experts in the field. Interested? Call us at 0935041913 or 0945348599 for more information.

We thank God for everything he is doing in our seminary.

Mekane Yesus Seminary Film and Media School

Join the Mekane Yesus Seminary Film and Media School for a transformative 3-month program in Photography, Cinematography, Creative Graphics and Video Editing! Unleash your creativity and learn from the best. Interested? Call us at 0935041913 or 0945348599 for more info!

Your journey in film starts here!

MYS - GTRC Academic Seminar

The academic seminar on "Tapping the Potential of Religious Actors in Formal Peace Process" has started. If you haven't joined yet, you are still welcome to attend.

The event is being hosted by the Mekane Yesus Seminary Gudina Tumsa Research Center and features Rainer Gude, the Peace Process Support Advisor from the Association for Inclusive Peace.

Don't miss this valuable opportunity!

MYS this week.

This week has been a remarkable one for Mekane Yesus Seminary, filled with progress and excitement. Our campus is buzzing with activity as we continue our ambitious development projects. From the construction of new dormitories to the beautification efforts, every aspect of the seminary is evolving. These enhancements are not just about infrastructure; they symbolize our commitment to providing an enriching environment for our students.

Our Chapel services have been a source of spiritual nourishment, greatly impacting the lives of our students and the entire seminary community. These gatherings are fostering a deeper spiritual journey, complementing the theology, music, and media studies our students engage in.

An interesting development this week was the initiation of the government corridors project, which reached our seminary grounds. Although it required us to shift our fence inward and relocate our music classes, we see this as a positive step forward. This project contributes to the overall development and beautification of our community, aligning with our vision for the seminary.

We are truly grateful for the changes happening at our seminary and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and transformation.

MYS - GTRC Academic Seminar

Join us for an insightful academic seminar on 'Tapping the Potential of Religious Actors in Formal Peace Process' on November 12th at 2:30 pm. The event features Rainer Gude, Peace Process Support Advisor at the Association for Inclusive Peace. Hosted by the Mekane Yesus Seminary Gudina Tumsa Research Center. All are welcome!

For More information visit us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mekaneyesusseminary/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mekaneyesusseminaryofficia6579
Website: https://mys.edu.et/
Mekane Yesus Seminary Thanks' you!

Finnish Evangelical Mission (FLM) international mission personnel paid a visit to the MYS. Rev. Markus Alajoki and Ms Sanna Sutari from the international office and Ms Mirjami Uusitalo from the national office visited, where Rev. Alajoki brought greetings and message of mission on Great Commission as a common ground and a bond ties us together. Besides other mission work at some synods of the EECMY, FLM supports scholarships for a number of MA students at MYS.

We are thankful for what God is doing in our seminary.

In addition, MYS signed a Protocol Agreement with Sophos Africa (SA) where SA have formed this relationship to facilitate educational and transformational Module-Based-Discussion-Groups or Praxis Program for 25% of the staff in the Mekane Yesus Seminary. MYS recognizes that societal factors such as corruption, ethnic-based division and extremist behaviors in religion can undermine social capital and institutional culture, negatively influence political and economic systems and contribute to poverty. MYS, therefore, wishes to engage its leadership and staff in SA’s program whose goal is producing a critical mass of women and men with transformed mindsets, value systems, behaviors and actions, and advancing institutional change towards a resilient and flourishing society with strong moral and ethical foundations.

We celebrated the Reformation's 507th anniversary, featuring a screening of the documentary "Martin Luther, the Reformation and the Nation." This event was a meaningful way to honor the legacy and impact of the Reformation. It was a vibrant program featuring praise and worship. Organized by the MYS Gudina Tumsa Research Center in collaboration with the MYS Student Fellowship, the event was a meaningful tribute to this historic milestone. Our Seminary president Reverend Dr. Bruke Ayele gave an inspiring and insightful speech and Reverend Dr. Ayalew Tesema, delivered a wonderful presentation. It was truly a great Reformation Day celebration.

Our seminary was vibrant with the Community Day celebration! The day was filled with Songs of Praise and the powerful preaching of the Word of God. Reverend Dr. Bruke Ayele delivered an inspiring speech that brought our community together in worship and unity. This full-day event was packed with excitement and fun, beautifully showcasing our unity and togetherness.

MYS - Reformation Day!

Join us for a screening of the 'Martin Luther, the Reformation and the Nation' documentary on October 31st from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Helges Center, 5th Floor, Emmanuel G/Selassie Hall.

#ReformationDay #ChurchHistory

The School of Music and Media inaugurated a new degree program in collaboration with the Mahlet Institute of Worship and Music. As the Seminary is working intensively on integrating music with theology and media and theology, the new program is known as BA in Music and Worship. This partnership promises to enrich our educational offerings and inspire future leaders in worship and music. We are thrilled to see the creativity and passion this program will ignite!

We were honored to welcome members from Redeemer Lutheran Church. They toured our campus, with special attention to the newly built dormitory, generously supported by their congregation. The block is named in memory of that partnership, namely: “MYS - Redeemer Lutheran Church Partnership”. It was a joy to showcase the impact of their contributions and strengthen our bonds of fellowship. Besides the construction of this dormitories block, RLC supported several other projects since 2019.

On Thursday, Pastor Tim Runtsch, the Lead Pastor of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, delivered a powerful sermon during our Chapel service. The central message of the sermon was: “Our ultimate and common mission is connecting people to Jesus!” It was truly a blessing to have him with us.

Our seminary community united for a successful Cleaning Day! Employees and members worked side by side to beautify our campus, demonstrating teamwork. This effort not only enhanced our surroundings but also strengthened our sense of community.

We thank God for His continued blessings on our seminary. Stay tuned for more updates.

MYS this week.

What an exciting week for the Mekane Yesus Seminary community! We celebrated some incredible milestones:

MYS this week!

This week at Mekane Yesus Seminary was filled with joy and meaningful events. Our vibrant chapel programs brought students together in worship, strengthening their faith through praise and the Word of God. We gathered for the Lord’s Supper, where the Word was preached and hymns were sung, enriching our spiritual journey.

In academic news, students are gearing up for their Block A exams, with dates now announced. MA2 students reached a significant milestone by submitting the first chapter of their thesis papers. Adding to the intellectual excitement, Professor Abjar Bahkou from Concordia Seminary delivered an insightful lecture to our MA2 systematic theology students, sparking engaging discussions and deepening their understanding.

We were delighted to welcome Promissio director, Lisbeth Benthin Plougmann who is the coordinator for international mission and global discipleship training. they met with our Seminary President Reverend Dr. Bruke Ayele and discussed on various issue. Their discussion and visit aimed to strengthen our partnership and continue their support and collaboration on future projects.

Our community also celebrated the generosity of Sifen Amelu, a dedicated music student who donated a beautiful new drum from China. May she be abundantly blessed for her contribution.

In addition, representatives from PAAD, DASSC, and MYS held a joint meeting and toured our dormitory blocks, further strengthening our community bonds. A significant part of this meeting included a site visit and discussion regarding the G+3 MYS Dormitory Construction. This co-funded project, supported by MYS, BftW, and LWF, is being directly implemented by EECMY DASSC, with MYS as both the project end beneficiary and co-financer. On October 10, 2024, Reverend Dr. Bruk, MYS President, led the joint meeting where participants discussed the construction progress, identified challenges encountered, and explored pathways forward.

A major highlight was the arrival of eight containers of finishing materials from China for our G+5 residential twin buildings, now nearing completion. These materials include aluminum, wooden doors, sanitary equipment, electric components, ceramic, and glass stair handles. This marks a significant step in ensuring the buildings meet top standards.

We are thankful for God’s guidance and the blessings in our seminary. Thank you for being part of our journey!