By Gemedi Geleto

It was during a beautiful July 2023 outdoor Sabbath worship hour; Pastor Bill McClendon of North Pacific Union Conference preached and challenged the Oromo Congregation to “reach one more for Christ.” McClendon said, “Wouldn’t it be sad to get to Heaven and find out there was more”. The Oromo congregation took the challenge seriously and started to pray, fast, and plan to reach one more soul for Christ. Members met and prayed every Wednesday at 5:00 AM for several weeks. They invited community members, former church members and friends to attend March 2024 evangelistic meetings.


Night after night before every meeting, Elder Randy Skeete promised to share from the Word of God alone and keep his opinions to himself. Elder Skeete presented powerful Biblical messages that inspired, challenged, convicted people’s hearts, and led many to repent and re-dedicate their lives to God’s service. He also engaged both young and old with the Word of God and people responded. A dozen of people responded to an appeal for baptism and will be studying the Bible to get baptized very soon. When the word of God was preached, people continued to respond. Many attendees shared tears of joy, repentance, and tears of liberty from sin after each meeting.


The rented church that seats 500 was packed to its maximum capacity on Sabbath days. Many people didn’t want to miss evening messages during weekdays, and they rushed to church trying to beat evening traffic.


There was an atmosphere of peace and reverence during and after the meetings. People stayed behind to reflect and pray after every presentation. The Oromo Adventist Church Pathfinders, choir, and Tsikiri family led the attendees with uplifting songs.



People didn’t want the 9-day evangelistic meetings to end. Many stayed behind and prayed and encouraged each other.



Praise God for His faithfulness and for honoring the prayers of the Oromo congregation to reach one more. Evangelism is not a one-time event, but it is a way of life for the Oromo congregation. The Oromo members have been busy with a new church construction in Gresham, Oregon area. However, evangelism is a top priority for the congregation and no construction work will take the place of evangelism. Please continue to pray for Oromo congregation as they reach out to their brothers and sisters in Pacific Northwest and beyond.



Thank you for supporting evangelism at Oromo Adventist Church!