Yordanos Tekeste

My name is Yordanos Tekeste, I was fortunate to be part of MK campus ministry for the past 4 years. Throughout this time, the courses, Conference, and numerous programs offered helped me have a better understanding of my faith and grow spiritually .Campus ministry is a unique environment where you meet individuals who genuinely aspire to help you grow. Here, I have met mentors and spiritual fathers who are always ready to offer guidance and support. Their willingness to be there for us, to share their experience, and to provide advice have been invaluable.

One of the most significant lessons I have learned through my time in campus ministry is the importance of service. I have been inspired by people who tirelessly dedicate their time and effort to create exceptional works for the benefit of others. One example is the MK Campus Ministry English album, in which I had the privilege to participate. Through MK Campus Ministry, I have not only grown spiritually but also learned the true essence of serving others with dedication and love.

Hibiste Demile:

My name is Hibist Demilie, and I currently serve in the US campus ministry. I am from northern Virginia and a member of Mistrake Tsehay Kidus Teklehaymanot Church.

I first became involved in Campus Ministry when I attended college in Michigan. My school was in a remote area, over an hour away from the nearest church, and I didn’t have a car. I also attended a Protestant school where people knew little about Orthodoxy and often questioned me. I felt unprepared to handle the challenges and lacked the knowledge to provide adequate answers to my Protestant classmates and friends. This sparked a strong desire to learn more about my faith so that I could defend it.

During this challenging time, Campus Ministry was there for me. I started by taking classes on weekends and soon began to form relationships with the fathers that taught the classes, using them as resources to answer my questions outside of class. My father is a priest who also serves in MK and has been a source of knowledge for me. Both my parents were involved in MK during their college years as well and I grew up hearing about how it molded their spiritual journeys. 

Through my involvement in campus ministry, I met other Orthodox Habesha peers in similar situations—attending schools in areas with no accessible church. Together, we developed a virtual community where we could relate and support each other.

With this community, we began working on support groups for people our age and younger. We created initiatives like monthly conferences about topics not usually brought up in church or programs for girls, where they could connect and learn from older women in the campus ministry. 

Campus Ministry became an outlet for me to learn about my faith and a way for me to serve my church virtually. It provided the community I was missing and built the foundation for my spiritual life today. Because of the connections I made through Campus Ministry, my spiritual life has improved and continues to grow through God’s grace and mercy. This ministry has been instrumental in my journey, offering both the knowledge and the community I needed to strengthen my faith.

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