The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus leaders during the inauguration of MY TV in Addis Ababa; from left, Rev. Dr Kiros Lakew (Vice-President), Rev. Teshome Amenu (General Secretary), Rev. Yonas Yigezu (President) and Mr Girma Borishe (Commissioner, Development and Social Services Commission). Photo: EECMY/Ruth Osmundsen
Lutheran church inaugurates its first TV station
(LWI) – The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) has officially launched its first national television station, seeking to expand its outreach in sharing the gospel, providing holistic education and serving people in need.
Mekane Yesus TV or MY TV currently broadcasts in the two widely spoken languages, Amharic and Afaan Oromo, with a long-term vision of including more languages in the future. [https://www.facebook.com/MekaneYesusTV]
EECMY President Rev. Yonas Yigezu described the 1 December inauguration as historic for a church that is committed to providing sound biblical teaching. “We see every member as a disciple, with a responsibility to share the gospel with others.” The goal is to reach more than 30 million people over the next five years, with members providing the resources to run the station, he noted.
“In a country with people of different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, we are going to use [MY TV] to promote peace and cohesion and take part in national development through educational activities,” the EECMY president added.
In a country with people of different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, we are going to use it [MY TV] for promoting peace and cohesion, and also taking part in national development through educational activities
The satellite channel has been on a trial run since September, and is part of EECMY’s multi-media ministry, including radio and printing under the Yemiserach Dimts Communication Service (YDCS). The church’s Radio Voice of the Gospel, initially a joint venture with The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), broadcasts in more than 20 languages in Ethiopia and beyond.
Hundreds of guests attended the inauguration in the capital Addis Ababa. As a majority of the 32 EECMY synods can pick up the TV signal, many more could follow the transmission live.
The LWF member church has more than 9 million members in over 9,000 congregations throughout the country.
Ruth Eva Osmundsen, EECMY Communication Officer, contributed to this story, edited by LWF Communications.
