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Southeastern District LCMS staff members Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon and Rev. Dr. Yared Halche will travel to Ethiopia January 7-18, 2026, along with a small team of volunteers. This mission trip focuses on building renewed partnerships with churches and communities in the Global South, particularly through vocational creativity and intentional gospel witness.

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The team will engage with vibrant churches like Mekane Yesus, which has over 12 million Lutheran members—most under the age of 25. These young believers are eager to grow in faith and purpose, and this initiative aims to equip them to glorify Jesus through their vocations. The hope is that this collaboration will also bless our own District through growing connections with Ethiopians immigrants.

In addition to the mission work, the trip includes a guided tour of Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage, with visits to historic sites such as Aksum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, offering a powerful glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted spiritual legacy.

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Trip Schedule 

Jan. 7-8: arrival in Addis Ababa

Jan. 9-12: spiritual and cultural immersion tour of Lalibela &Axum

Jan. 13-14: training in Addis Ababa

Jan. 15-17: training in Hawassa

Jan. 18: wrap-up, return travel

 

Travel Expenses

$4500 per person includes Axum and Lalibela tours

$3000 per person without Axum and Lalibela tours

 

For information contact Dr. Halche (yared@se.lcms.org).