Tigray Region in Ethiopia is emerging from two years of devastating conflict, leaving behind 1.8 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In the city of Shire alone, there are IDP camps sheltering 500,000 individuals. Amidst these challenging times, I was gifted local honey. Its taste is exquisite, but it serves as a reminder that even during the conflict, the bees continued to produce honey. The work of God’s Kingdom, especially when the harvest fields are ripe, must not falter. Much like the unwavering bees, God’s harvest workers are emboldened to reap the ripened crop in all circumstances.

Project White Harvest acknowledges that God is at work in Tigray. The Bible college, which had remained closed during the war, reopened in September 2023. Men and women from across the region are joining for two weeks every other month to be cultivated as workers for the harvest. A network of ministries and organizations have united as the Shalom Ethiopia Movement, aimed at fostering reconciliation, healing, and peace in areas scarred by conflict.

By supporting the development of Gospel workers as agents of reconciliation, these ministries are helping equip 25 church leaders in the English cohort and 25 leaders in the Tigrinya cohort. The curriculum and education philosophy are carefully selected to meet the context’s needs. A Gospel of reconciliation encompasses holistic elements such as trauma healing, teaching English to children, micro-economic development, sports, leadership inspired by Jesus, and more.

This project is dedicated to covering the expenses of training students and church leaders from Tigray Region in the Shire Ministry Training College, preparing them as workers in God’s harvest field in Tigray. The project includes costs for student transportation, accommodation, food, and the administrative operating expenses of the school. Students will travel to Shire from various areas in the Tigray region for two-week training sessions in biblical studies, theological studies, and ministry studies. They then return to their home regions to apply their learning through ministry practicums under the guidance of a church mentor, a ministry mentor, and an academic mentor.

In the post-conflict setting of Tigray Region, the economic resources of the few believers are limited and primarily directed towards the needs of their neighbors. Yet, the readiness of the spiritual harvest has never been more profound.

Sponsoring one module: $6,000 (CAD)

Sponsoring one student: $120 per month

Your support is instrumental in nurturing the spiritual harvest in Tigray and assisting those who work tirelessly for God’s Kingdom. By sponsoring a student, you provide not only the means to learn but also the chance to serve communities during times of need. Join us in making a lasting impact in Tigray, Ethiopia, and help these dedicated workers continue the work of God’s harvest fields.

Thank you for your support and for standing with Project White Harvest. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in Tigray, Ethiopia.

The day I arrived in Shire, Tigray in September 2023 reminded me of when I had come to Tigray as a 21-year-old to work in famine relief and water development. In between were many years of working in water development and theological education with SIM in other parts of Ethiopia. My three children were raised in Ethiopia as I had been. Returning to Canada, I served in missionary preparation and sending and in theological education consultation for SIM internationally. I am now the executive director for MentorLink Canada.