Two floods leave new OC partner school damaged, tough decision ahead

OC partner Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary (MYTS) in Ethiopia has suffered damage to their campus after two back-to-back floods. Four junior staff houses and the dining hall were affected. Two floods took place during the first and second weeks of September. The school has only experienced two other floods in 20 years.

Cleanup had begun on the dining hall when the second flood happened. A creek runs behind the property, and it is believed the new road construction taking place, including a bridge being built over the creek, has altered the water’s dynamics and is causing the area to flood.

The seminary must now decide if the buildings should be rebuilt on another part of the school’s property (approximately $250,000) or if they should repair the damaged areas and invest in building up the levee that already exists (approximately $100,000). The Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development was taking place at nearby Evangelical Theological College (ETC) the week of the second flood, and the participants were able to tour the area and pray with the staff.

About MYTS – MYTS serves the 1 million+ members of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church - Mekane Yesus, as well as students from many other denominations in Ethiopia. MYTS, along with OC partner Evangelical Theological College (ETC), Ethiopia, were instrumental in the founding of OC partner Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) 10 years ago. All three schools maintain a close relationship that serves as a model of cooperation throughout Africa and beyond.

OC will be contributing to this effort. If you would like to contribute, please click here and select “MYTS Flood Support” under the second drop-down box (where it says "I want my gift to support this project in the region I chose above"). We appreciate your prayer support as well.