AFLC ordains first Ethiopian pastor
The Rev. Ebassa Berhanu (left) stands with AFLC President Elden Nelson after his ordination. Photo provided by the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations
September 26 was a milestone Sunday in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota for a couple of reasons. First, it was the ordination day for the Rev. Ebassa Berhanu (above left), the new pastor of Maranatha Free Lutheran Church. Second, the day marked the ordination of the first pastor of Ethiopian descent in the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC).
Officiating at the festive service was AFLC President Elden Nelson. The Rev. Berhanu Wedajo, father of the newly ordained pastor, also participated by reading scripture and joining in the laying on of hands.
Born in Ethiopia, Rev. Ebassa graduated from high school and college in the United States, and completed pastoral studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul.
Tags: AFLC, Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, Berhanu Wedajo, Ebassa Berhanu, Elden Nelson, Luther Seminary, Maranatha Free Lutheran Church, Rev. Berhanu Wedajo, Rev. Ebassa Berhanu
