New American Of The Month - Rev. Eddie Mekasha
/New American of the Month - May 2013
Born and raised in Ethiopia, and baptized as a member of the Coptic Church of Ethiopia, Pastor Mekasha became a member of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekana Yesus (the Lutheran Church in Ethiopia) as the result of the Lutheran Hour sponsored Radio Voice of the Gospel (RVOG) broadcasts beamed throughout Africa from a powerful transmitter located in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.
During his early adult years, Eddie did some undergraduate study at the Mekane Yesus seminary, and also helped organize the first Christian Bookstore in Ethiopia. His first degree was received from a Commercial College located in Addis Ababa, after which he became employed locally.
In 2002 Eddie left for the USA to share information regarding mission outreach in Ethiopia with supporters here, and while doing so appealed for asylum which was granted by the US government. He subsequently became a member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Louisville, KY and shortly thereafter, enrolled as a student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. During his time at the seminary Eddie was supported prayerfully and financially by the members of Concordia, Louisville.
While in Louisville, Eddie helped organize a fellowship of East African believers, and also translated Luther’s Small Catechism into Amharic. It is interesting to note that Amharic serves as the official language of Ethiopia and is spoken by approximately 25 million people in Ethiopia and elsewhere.
Eddie graduated from Concordia Seminary and in August, 2007 and was ordained in the Holy Ministry at Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Louis (now closed). While at Redeemer, Pastor Eddie also served part time with CFNA, switching to full time service as Chaplain and Scholarship Assistance Facilitator in 2010. It should be noted that within the past three years 85 New Americans from nine birth nations in Asia and Africa have been baptized and/or confirmed either at the Peace Center or in five LCMS congregations located in the south St. Louis city area as the result of CFNA efforts. Pastor Mekasha played a large role in this ministry effort, and continues to do so.
Most challenging for Pastor Eddie have been the language and cultural hurdles to be crossed while engaged in dynamic multi-cultural ministry. His most enjoyable moments have been the times when those who did not know Christ have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, come to embrace Him as Lord and Savior. Encouraging also, have been the growing numbers New Americans who have enhanced their skill levels through the services offered by CFNA.
Pastor Eddie was joined by his lovely wife, Fantaye, and their two daughters in May, 2008. All are actively involved in mission outreach to New Americans.
(From information provided by Rev. Eddie Mekasha)
