Sharing Facilities, Building Relationships

Don Friesen, pastor at Ottawa Mennonite Church, was intrigued when he was approached by Teferi Gifawossen and learned that an Amharic speaking congregation, with members from Ethiopia and Eretria, was seeking a place to meet. But more than just a location to rent, Teferi said that they wanted a relationship.

The Church of the Living Word in Ottawa had begun in 2005, initially meeting in homes and then in various rented facilities. As they considered finding a more permanent place of worship, someone with a connection to the Meserete Kristos Chruch (Mennonite Church in Ethiopia) suggested contacting the Ottawa Mennonite Church. And so, a new relationship was set in motion.

To strenthen the connection, elders from both congregations met regularly. Prayer requests were exchanged. When the church expressed a desire to become Mennonite, Don contacted Brian Bauman, MCEC Mission Minister.

The Church of the Living Word has a vision to help refugees come to Canada. It sponsored a family of five from Kenya and shared the responsibility of helping them resettle. To further this vision, the church is now connecting with Mennonite Central Committee Ontario.

As with many immigrant churches, language presents a challenge for members of The Church of the Living Word. It is difficult for members across generations to share in a worship service because some adults speak limited English, while children are more comfortable in English. At present, the children gather for Sunday School in English while the parents worship together in Amharic.

The Church of the Living Word has since relocated to a church building on the other side of the city, closer to where most members live. However, Teferi says "We are very thankful for the Mennonite Church in Ottawa who provided our church with a place to meet." That was the beginning of a much larger relationship. The Church of the Living Word in Ottawa will be welcomed as an emerging church within MCEC at the 2009 Annual Church Gathering.

"The Church of the Living Word was a gift to us," says Don Friesen. "Sharing a building with another congregation is not without difficulties, but we were able to work things out. It has been a positive experience and our hope is that the relationship will continue to grow."