January 10–14, 2009
God has started the year 2009 with a shower of blessing particularly in the area of EECMY-Children and Youth ministry. One of this significant achievements is about 300 youth were gathered to celebrate this historic event from all regions, nation and nationalities of the country to deal with one fundamental and crucial issue of the church, namely, leadership.
EECMY-Youth Leadership Development Program is designed to raise bunch of youth leaders with deep sense of belongingness, commitment and engagement to/in the life and ministry of the church. The program says "NO" to the "I do not care mentality" and promotes "it concerns me mentality". It also dreams to raise young leaders knowledgeable of their Lutheran identity in depth.
We were also privileged and honored to have prominent guest speakers from USA, Switzerland, and Ethiopia. The speakers of the Seminar were:
- Rev. Dr. Gemechis Desta, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Director for African Ministries, USA
- Dr. Ezekiel Gabissa, History professor at Kettering University, USA
- Dr. Aynalem Abaynh, EECMY-Pension Board Director, Ethiopia
- Rev. Roger Schmidt, Lutheran World Federation-Youth Desk Secretary, Geneva
- Mr. Gaylord Thomas, Africa Desk Secretary, ELCA, USA
The Seminar covers the following topics in order to achieve the intended goal:
- Identity formation (by Rev. Dr. Gemichis Desta)
- Holistic Personality Growth (by Rev. Roger Schmidt)
- Leadership Character Formation (by Dr. Ezekiel Gabissa)
- Stretching into the future, being a visionary in the midst of crisis (by Mr. Alemaw Gari, EECMY-Treasurer)
- Action Formation — "Act locally and think Globally" (by Dr. Ayenalem Abyneh)
EECMY- Youth Leadership Development Seminar was officially opened by the Rev. Iteffa Gobena, EECMY- President Emeritus. Other invited gusts including the General Secretary and Department directors, also took part on it.
All lectures were so inspiring and participatory. At the end of the seminar each synod presented its action plan based on lessons gained from the seminar. About 300 participants including key youth leaders, young professional and youth ministers gathered to celebrate this historic event from every corners of the country.
One of the most unique features of the seminar was Life/Experience Sharing. Accordingly, the following prominent persons, (EECMY-members) were the special guests of the seminar
- Dr. Fasil Nahome, Advisor to prime Minster
- Dr. Dereje Gulelat, Prominent Surgeon
- Mr. Beka Melkamu, Accountant Manager, residing in Nairobi.
These people shared their experience on how their Lutheran faith helped them and impacted the process of their career development. This sparked hope and future on participants as they continue exercise their Lutheran faith within a given context.
Also a panel discussion "is Ethiopian youth unwilling to work or searching for work?" was a part of this seminar. Invited panelists Rev. Geleta Simesso and Mrs. Lense Gobu addressed this debatable issues in a way it drew the attention and educate participants. It was indeed a helpful discussion to bring attitudinal transformation to participants.
The closing session was so colorful where most participants dressed with respective cultural dress as an indicator to the multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic identity of EECMY, which further witnesses to our unity in Christ. CMCR participants also joined the Youth Leadership Development Seminar for Campfire.
Our indescribable and especial appreciation goes to ELCA who covered all expense and made this historic event a reality.
