Background and Historical Development
Extending Christ's love through compassionate humanitarian service to those in need.
In the spring of 2021, the Pastor of Oromo Lutheran Church of Columbus, Ohio, shared a spiritual vision calling the Church to expand its mission beyond worship and fellowship by reaching out to people in need through compassionate humanitarian service. This vision was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the biblical principle of generosity and service, as reflected in Acts 20:35.
The congregation prayerfully received and embraced this vision. Members committed to supporting the ministry through voluntary contributions based on the simple and meaningful philosophy of "a quarter a day," reflecting the belief that small, consistent acts of generosity could become a source of hope for vulnerable children, elderlies and persons with disabilities.
To move the vision from idea to action, the Church established a three-member committee consisting of Dr. Abraham Nedjo, Mr. Wakgari Beti, and Mrs. Genet Kenene. The committee was entrusted with identifying a practical and accountable mechanism for using the contributions collected from the congregation to reach and support people in need.
During this early phase, the committee identified Ecclesia Oromia, a nonprofit charitable organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a temporary partner through which the Church could begin delivering assistance without delay. Through this partnership, the ministry began providing humanitarian assistance to fifteen children with disabilities in Ethiopia, including support related to food, health needs, shelter, clothing, and education.
From 2021 through January 2026, Oromo Lutheran Church of Columbus, Ohio, continued this humanitarian service through its partnership with Ecclesia Oromia, with coordination and oversight from the assigned committee. The partnership served as a transitional mechanism that allowed the Church to begin its compassion ministry while gaining experience in organizing, coordinating, and sustaining charitable service.
After several years of partnership-based service, the Church recognized the need to establish its own independent nonprofit charitable organization to provide assistance more directly, efficiently, and accountably. Accordingly, the Church decided to conclude its partnership with Ecclesia Oromia and establish Utubaa Global Compassion Services to carry forward and expand this blessed humanitarian mission in Ethiopia and other global communities as resources allow.