This post continues the Mission Table’s “Year of Partnership” highlighting the new and strategic ministries of the Minneapolis Area Synod. Our Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church is one of the strategic ministries and worships in Minneapolis.
By Pastor Asefa Wakjira
Our Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church, Minneapolis
There is a 28-second video on YouTube where a journalist asked famous reggae singer Bob Marley about his incredibly successful music career. Here is an exact transcript from the video:
Journalist: Are you a rich man?
Bob Marley: What do you mean rich?
Journalist: You have a lot of possessions? A lot of money in the bank?
Bob Marley: Possessions make you rich? I don’t have that type of richness. My richness is life.
Reflecting on my journey through the candidacy process to become a rostered leader in Minneapolis Area Synod, I feel like Bob Marley. I believe I’m rich in life. What has made me feel rich in life is the gift of friendship. I found pastors, chaplains, and spiritual directors who were genuinely eager to show me the way and cheer me on in my candidacy journey. They were generous with their time and attention. I believe this comes from God. After my candidacy was approved, the Synod worked with me to make my ordination day special. The ordination day was beautiful. Many pastors and ministry friends in our synod showed up. There were also friends from the chaplaincy world who participated in amazing ways. My parents even came from Ethiopia, despite the challenging visa process these days. Many people from different Oromo Churches in the Twin Cities gathered, and a few friends and family members travelled great distances to Minnesota.
Pastor Asefa with the Our Redeemer Oromo Council Members: Obbo Aaron Abdissa, Adde Wubitu Sima, Obbo Deresu Taressa, and Adde Lydia Ashana (L to R)
The Apostle Paul said, “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). God uses people who show up in a meaningful way to meet our needs. For me and my Church, Our Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church, God blesses us richly with the accompaniment of our synod and other local partners. Life and ministry flourish when we walk together.
I’m grateful for the journey and accompaniment I have been provided with. It may not be easy to step out of the circles that we know and are comfortable with. But we are called to reach out to help individuals and communities who are in need. That is how we become rich in life. Jesus said, ‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10). Irrespective of the environment that tears community and country apart, we are called to be together. Abundance and rich life is found in community.