we are Oromo Speaking Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. . The Oromo Evangelical Church of Washington DC at Christ Lutheran Church, the former Oromo Mission at Grace Lutheran Church, traces its origin in the desire and activities of immigrant Oromo Christians. In the early 1990s, these Oromos organized small fellowships to remain in the faith and also reach out to the continuing influx of Oromo immigrants into the Metro DC area.
An Oromo Christian fellowship eventually took shape when few Oromo Christians and others like Martha Nemera from ! Minneapolis, MN encouraged Pastor Waaqtola who was undertaking his theological studies in Philadelphia to move to the Washington DC area to serve the fellowship. Already in 1992 the Gumaa family invited Pastor Waaqtola, , to conduct a baptism in Afan Oromo at Grace Lutheran Church.. Eventually, the outcome was the inception of the Oromo Mission in May, 1995.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Outreach Office for Region 8, which was all along fully supporting the initiative, placed the Oromo mission at Reformation Church, on E. Capitol Hill St., Washington, DC.
In April 1996, the ELCA Region 8 Outreach Division and Grace Lutheran Church made an arrangement for Grace Lutheran Church to be the home for the Oromo mission. With the immeasurable help of Grace Lutheran Church, the Oromo mission started to experience a speedy growth. The Peace Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, also supported this mission by providing support for the pastor at this initial stage.
Under the care and guidance of Grace Lutheran Church, the Oromo mission started to function in full capacity, developing its own worship life, administration, constitution and bylaws, outreach and partnerships. Eventually, the mission established its 'office in the Church premises.
By 2000, the church already had over one hundred confirmed members. The mission was also rendering spiritual and social services which benefited a large number of Oromo immigrants. In conjunction with the Office for UOEC (United Oromo Evangelical Churches), the mission has been facilitating immigration and asylum issues and providing temporary shelter and other basic living needs for newly arriving immigrants. Consequently, the Washington Metropolitan became the primary destination for many new immigrants.
Our Mission & Objective
Rooted in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 to "Go into the world and make disciples from all nations...", the mission of the Oromo church is to bring the Gospel of Christ to all people and also address their spiritual and social need. In order to fulfill this wholistic mission, the Oromo church has set for itself specific objectives to develop its financial capacity, extend its outreach ministry, and revitalize its social services.
Our Vision
The Oromo mission has come a long way, literally and figuratively, but there remains a challenging task of implementing its visionary undertakings. We also have a goal to develop spiritually-equipped and able leaders and volunteers who would contribute to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Integral to this vision is the desire and need to collaborate with partner churches and organizations that share our goals.
Partnership
It is with great joy and enthusiasm that the Oromo church invites individuals, churches, and organizations to support its ministry in every possible way they can. Please contact us any time for more information.