A new ministry is growing in Denver and desires to become affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Rocky Mountain Synod. This ministry is with a new group of Oromo immigrants to the United States and Denver, people whose native country is Ethiopia. Initially gathering for prayer in homes just four years ago, the group now meets on Sunday afternoon for worship on Denver's east side. Lay leadership has met with Bishop Bjornberg, Pastor Jim Hytjan, and Pastor Gemeches Bubba who leads African National Ministries for the ELCA and is requesting the presence of a mission developer to grow this community.

A mission developer, who is Oromo, has been identified by Pastor Bubba and is ready to move to Denver to begin this work. With all new ministry development, local support from area congregations and the synod is needed. The synod's Mission Outreach Board New Ministry Team fully supports the start of this new ministry and has committed financial support. The Metro East Conference leadership is considering ways to support this new ministry.

Are there other mission partner congregations in the Denver area and throughout the synod who could financially support this new start? If there is interest, please contact Pastor Jim Hytjan at the synod office at 303.777.6700 (800-525-0462) for more information in partnering with the Oromo community in starting the first ELCA African National ministry in the Rocky Mountain Synod.

If you are curious about the Oromo people and their culture, visit this website for information.