Companion Synods

Ethiopia Project Task Force (a.k.a. Chicken Hatchery in Ethiopia)
of the Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA

View an informational video.

Chicken Hatchery in Ethiopia1. Introduction

Chicks For Ethiopia

by The Rev. Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop (reprinted from the January 2011 issue of The Spirit)

For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints-- and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us,
(2 Corinthians 8:3-5)

I have commented before that we need to be on guard to avoid the conflict between sharing the Gospel of Jesus and sharing God’s compassion in acts of kindness.

I do hear people criticize the church either for only focusing on the physical needs of others or only focusing on the spiritual needs of others. This is a false dichotomy. We are called to do both. Now we have a project that allows us to do both at the same time. Our Global Missions Committee is working to raise funds for a chicken hatchery in Ethiopia. This project will be built on the grounds of the former Haik Orphanage that we have supported in the past. It is another example of what our ministry of accompaniment can do in a sister church.

The project will accomplish the primary task of providing a sustainable food source to the people of this area. That is a reason for us to support this project with our companion synod in Ethiopia. The uniqueness of this project is that it will also provide funds for training lay evangelists for the church. Our companion synod has grown through the work of the trained evangelists. They need funds to continue this training. The "profits" from the hatchery will provide a sustainable income for this training.
One of the strengths of our culture is that we like to think big. We want projects that will do big things and fix major issues. That strength can be a weakness when we overlook the little things. that the rest of the world depends upon.

The Chicken Hatchery is one of those "little things" that often are overlooked. Our relationship with this companion synod and the good work of the members of our Ethiopian work group has made us aware of this possibility.

I want to commend this project to you. If God has called you to help feed those who are hungry, here is an opportunity. If God has called you to help raise up workers for the harvest, here is an opportunity. I invite your support of this unique and yet simple project for reach out with food and with the Gospel.

(Spirit Editor’s Note: Packets of information were delivered to each congregation in the Northwest Washington Synod containing a DVD and other materiel that explains how to participate in the Chicken Hatchery Project in Ethiopia. Please consider how you can be a part of this ministry. For more information contact Ken Halvorson at halvorson7@frontier.com)

2. Project

How did the chicken hatchery project in Ethiopia get started?

A team from our NW Synod went to Ethiopia in 2009 for the purpose of renewing relationships with our Mekane Yesus companion synod. At that time we requested a proposal from the Ethiopian Synod for a business plan to raise funds for lay leadership training. Our Synod had set a goal of sending $8,000 per year to the Ethiopian Church for lay leadership training. We had not been meeting this goal. The hope was that a business project would allow the Ethiopian Church to fund their leadership training needs.

On June 2, 2010 we received a proposal from the North Central Ethiopian Synod of the Mekane Yesus Church asking our Synod to participate prayerfully and financially.

What is the purpose of the project?

The purpose is to raise funds for lay leadership training in Ethiopia as well as to fill a humanitarian need for protein, jobs and animal husbandry training.

Who will own and manage the project?

The project is owned and managed by the North Central Ethiopian Synod of the Mekane Yesus Church. Funds from our Synod are given as gifts.

Is it possible to build God’s Kingdom through a Chicken Hatchery?

Yes! Matthew 25:34-40. We have seen The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (Dwelling Place of Jesus) grow from 20,000 people in 1959 to over five million today! They have a deep concern, not only for the spiritual needs of a person, but also for their physical needs. Their motto of service is “Serving the Whole Person” which is holistic ministry.

Development projects are connected to Evangelism. Providing chickens, eggs and work to a community is an integral part of the great commission to go and tell. The care and love shown through the work of the chicken hatchery is a witness to the community of the love of Jesus. This love attracts them to the Savior and the church representing him.

Everyone who has prayed or given in any way to this chicken hatchery is part of God’s kingdom building project. We are standing in support of our Ethiopian brothers and sisters as they share the love and grace of Jesus Christ in their own country.

3. Hatchery Details

How does a chicken hatchery operate?

Fertilized eggs are purchased from a government hatchery 33 miles away in Kombolcha. Eggs are placed in an incubator in a secure facility and later hatched. The intent is to sell day old chicks to people in the surrounding community. There is a great need for chickens & eggs (protein). The hatchery will also need to “grow its own chickens” which will produce more eggs for incubation.

Who is purchasing equipment in Ethiopia?

The Ethiopian Church has hired a manager with hatchery experience. They are also employing the consultation services of the government chicken hatchery manager at Kombolcha, Mr. Tesfaye. Ethiopian Synod staff is working with these two people plus Dr. Lemma, the Ethiopian Director of Lutheran World Federation in Addis Ababa to purchase equipment.

Where will they purchase fertilized eggs?

Fertilized eggs will be purchased for the first four months of operation from the Government Hatchery in Kombolcha, 33miles away. Because of the high need for eggs in Ethiopia, however, it is expected that the Haik chicken hatchery will also be growing its own chickens which will later produce fertilized eggs for the hatchery.

How long does it take for eggs to incubate, i.e. hatch?

We are not hatchery experts. As we understand it, eggs are placed in a “Setter” for 17 days, and then moved to a “Hatchery” for 3-4 days where the eggs actually hatch. Not all eggs hatch.

Who will purchase the chicks?

Local people living in the Haik area which has a population of about 40,000 plus others living nearby in the surrounding communities. Many of these have had to travel to Kombolcha to purchase chicks. Now they will have a hatchery closer by.

4. Hatchery Location

Where is the chicken hatchery project located?

At the former site of the Haik Orphanage Compound. Haik is located about 20 miles from Dessie, the Synod headquarters.

What happened to the children in the Haik Orphanage?

The Haik facility was used as an orphanage due to a severe famine many years ago. In recent years, some of these children have grown, others are in vocational school, and others are living in homes of relatives. Money is still needed for their care.

Can I still send support for the Haik orphans?

Yes. Money may be sent to the NW Washington Synod Office in care of Haik Orphans, Fund # 02-346-05002. When we were there in March/April 2011, this need was brought to our attention.

5. Buildings and Grounds

How many buildings and how much land are we talking about?

The compound itself is 6.3 acres with fencing all around. The compound has one manager’s house, one office, one large meeting hall, a kitchen, s storage building, a shop along with 10 living quarters that are 25 feet by 40 feet, divided into 4 sleeping rooms and a living room. All of these structures are slab on grade, block buildings with metal roofs. Within the budget is 50,000 Ethiopian Birr or $2,933 to “Modify the buildings to fit [to] the work.”

What is the condition of the buildings at the Haik Orphanage Compound?

There is some wear and tear on these buildings but they seemed to be sound. They are nearly 25 years old which is when the orphanage was built.

Where will water and electricity come from?

The Haik Orphanage Complex is supplied with both city water and well water. There is a well on the property and an electric transformer. Water lines will need to be brought to the buildings as needed as well as the electricity. The generator also will have to be wired as needed to maintain power to the equipment. There is 3,700 Ethiopian Birr or $217 in the budget for this work. Note: $1.00 USD is equal to 17.0487 Ethiopian Birr as of mid-September 2011.

6. Ethiopian Government Requirements

Why did the Government require a Letter of Intent?

Pursuant to negotiations with the Government, the North Central Synod had submitted a proposal and budget for the Haik chicken hatchery. This budget is in the amount of $102,000 for capital and operating costs over six years. This budget had been submitted to the government before review by the Global Mission Committee. The Government then prepared a proposed contract with the North Central Synod for a chicken hatchery on the Haik property based on this proposed budget. As is apparently customary for a project of this size, the Government required evidence of financing before it would enter into this agreement. In this case, the Government indicated it would accept a Letter of Intent from our Synod in the following format:

"The North West Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has planned to provide financial support to the Haik poultry production project which will be implemented by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus North Central Ethiopian Synod (EECMY-NCES), for Six Years with a total budget of $102,000 (One Hundred and Two Thousand US Dollars).

Why did the Government require care for 200 children and/or disabled people?

The Ethiopian Government required the project to benefit up to 200 disadvantaged persons (children, the aged, or disabled) living in the community. This requirement is based on the previous number of orphans cared for at the orphanage. It is not the intent of the Government that these people receive cash payments. Rather these needs are to be met by reduced prices for chickens or with gifts of clothing or other necessities, and by skill training. All income produced by the chicken hatchery will be retained by the North Central Synod. A church official said “the priority objective is to generate income for evangelism. To get this accomplished we need to meet certain conditions.”

Was the Government insisting on a larger hatchery?

Due to the size of the Haik property, and the number of buildings on the property, the Government insisted that a substantial chicken hatchery be established there to make full use of the facility. The North Central Synod was therefore required to submit its expanded budget of $102,000 in order to retain possession of the Haik property.

Does the Government require periodic reports?

Yes, we understand that the agreement with the Government requires that quarterly reports be submitted from the North Central Synod.

7. People Involved

Who is involved in Ethiopia?

here are 46 places of worship in the North Central Ethiopia Synod of the Mekane Yesus Church. Headquarters are located in Dessie, Ethiopia. The Synod office has appointed people to be on a monitoring board to oversee the chicken hatchery. The hatchery manager will be under their supervision.

Who is involved in our Synod?

The NW Washington Synod Global Mission Committee has played an active role. In concert with our Synod office we have asked both clergy and lay people to either be on Working Group or an Advisory Board. See Addendum II (former members).

Has our Bishop, Executive Committee and Synod Council approved of the Project idea?

On June 23, 2010, Ken Halvorson, Synod Global Mission Committee Chair, met with Bishop Chris Boerger. He was supportive of the idea but encouraged synod-wide participation rather than a small number of congregations doing this project on their own.

On July 10, 2010, John Worthy & Ken Halvorson gave a presentation to the Synod Council for approval to raise funds for the project. This was approved.

In April 2011, when our Mission Team to Ethiopia learned that a Letter of Intent was needed, our Bishop and Executive Committee became involved. A Letter of Intent was signed by Bishop Boerger and sent to Ethiopia.

8. Expectations of the Task Force

See Description of Position in Addendum I at the end of this report.

Why am I being asked to serve on the chicken hatchery Task Force?

We are looking for representation across the Synod. You are representing congregations in your Cluster Group.

Who will on the Task Force?

Our goal is to have a representative from each of our 12 clusters. Thus, all 104 congregations will be represented. In addition, a few former Task Force members will continue on to provide continuity.

What will our Task Force be doing?

The Task Force will explore ideas for fund raising within our Synod and beyond. We will be monitoring activity of the chicken hatchery in Ethiopia. A primary function will be to inform follow congregation members what is happening.

What are the expectations of its members?

Hopefully, all of us will consider this an honor to serve. We plan to meet monthly (or as the group decides). If schedules conflict, please ask an alternate to fill in for you. Bishop Boerger’s intent is to have synod-wide participation.

 Could I visit Ethiopia if I wanted?

We are looking to include youth, pastors and lay persons. We hope to make frequent trips, 1-2 per year. Conditions (squatty potties) make it an adventure. People living there are wonderful. Their faith is strong. They welcome visitors and are very hospitable. Please pray about going.

9. Monitoring/Reports

How will we be monitoring progress?

Through email reports and telephone calls. Communication can occasionally become challenging when circuits are crowded or email is down.

When will we receive reports from Ethiopia?

We have been requesting frequent, informal reports, e.g. “This is what we’ve done this week; this is what we hope or expect to do next week.”

Is there an Advisory Committee in Ethiopia?

Not yet. The plan is for an Advisory Committee to be formed in Ethiopia to give support, consultation and report suggestions. Such a group gives high visibility to the program for future expansion. Dr. Lemma, Director of Lutheran World Federation, said he would be on an advisory committee, and has lent his assistance in purchasing hatchery equipment in Addis Ababa. A representative from World Vision many be interested.

10. Money Raised

How much money has been raised to date? Future budget?

Like the little engine that could, the start was slow, but has since gained speed. The NW Washington Synod has raised $45,157.94 (as of August 31, 2011) through the generosity of individuals, Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools and congregations. Creativity has been in abundance in our Synod as people have backed the project. Our goal is to send $35,440 this year, $14,400 next year and $12,000 in 2013.

In two to three years, we expect the Ethiopian chicken hatchery to begin paying for itself and start producing income. When this happens we will reduce our contributions except to buy additional equipment as needed. Our long range goal and theirs is to make this project stand on its own and be productive in protein, jobs, community helps, and money for Ethiopian Church leadership training.

Do you have tips for fund raising?

Congregations have really been creative. Here are a few examples:

  • Gospel singing event with lots of donated pies. Free will offering.
  • An announcement in the newsletter: If the congregation donated $1,000 for the chicken hatchery, the two pastors would clean out a chicken coop. [The congregation raised over $3,000. Did the pastors need to clean out three chicken coops, we wonder?]
  • A congregation was told: Donate $1 for per each year of age on your birthday. One couple donated $151!
  • Matching gifts from a congregation endowment fund.
  • Vacation Bible School offerings.
  • Doing the chicken dance every time at least $10 is donated in the Sunday School offering.
  • Putting out a large glass bowl in the narthex and calling it “Chicken Feed.”
  • 50th Anniversary of the congregation (1/3rd of offerings going to the chicken hatchery).

Have community grants been applied for and received?

We have submitted eight grant requests to community foundations located in the Seattle area or in the State of Washington. These foundations are:

Babare Foundation; Dium Family Foundation; Larson Family Foundation; Nehemiah Ventures Fund; Roma Foundation; Seattle International Grant; Stewardship Foundation; Teel Charitable Foundation. We are still waiting to hear from these community foundations. We are learning that these foundations do not send acknowledgement or rejection letters. They simply don’t respond at all. Please pray that God’s angels will move our requests higher in the stack of priorities. These foundations must receive bunches of requests.

In addition we have submitted two grant requests to ELCA churches out of the area (one congregation in Minnesota and one congregation in Illinois). Both of these have wonderful track records of generosity, in one year each giving over $400,000. They were written up in the Lutheran which is where we got their names. They were sympathetic to our requests, but we didn’t receive a grant this year. We can apply again next year they said. The request to Gethsemane Mission Endowment Fund in Seattle was successful. We received a $3,500 grant for which we are very grateful. If you know of foundations we haven’t contacted or other endowment funds, please check these out.

11. Comments and recommendations from people who have visited Ethiopia recently or in the past

Pastor Berhanu Waldemariam, Bethel Ethiopian Church of Seattle makes regular trips to Ethiopia (twice per year). He was born and raised in Ethiopia. He was a member of our visiting team in Oct/Nov 2009 and again in March/April 2011. The need for a chicken farm at Haik:

  • If nothing is done with that property, the property will be taken by the government and passed to an investor.
  • A chicken farm is one of the profitable investments in Ethiopia, so it can generate income for the North Central Synod. It means part of the money will go to a leadership training program.
  • It creates jobs.
  • Children will benefit from it.

Ken Halvorson, Chair of the NW WA Synod Global Mission Committee has visited Ethiopia twice, in 2009 and again in 2011. Member of Trinity Lutheran Church (Freeland).

“Ethiopia is a beautiful country with lots of space and distance. Outsiders think of poverty & famine when they think of Ethiopia, and they are mainly right especially in the east and southern parts of the country. The people we met are very attractive both inside and out. Their inner beauty and character, especially the love of Christ, shines through. It is a joy to call them friends. They are greatly helped through our kindness and generosity.”

John Purcell, retired lawyer, active member of Lions Club, Coupeville, WA, made his first visit in 2011.

“The mission trip to Dessie changed my perspectives in many ways. A beautiful, green 8,000’ high plateau with weather much like Northern CA. People walking everywhere! Bishop Mulugeta welcomed us to his Synod, and to his home where we met his lovely wife and four children. I was impressed with him as a man of integrity and business sense keeping his Synod operating during difficult times. I was also impressed with his two key assistants, Dawit and Mogus. I believe the project to be in good hands.”

Rocky Knickerbocker, private contractor, member of Trinity Lutheran Church (Freeland). Active in global missions. First visit in 2011. See Rocky’s comments in the Buildings and Grounds section of this report, Section E.

Susan Knickerbocker, people person extraordinaire, member of Trinity Lutheran Church (Freeland). Active in global missions. First visit in 2011.

“The Ethiopian people are honest, real and hard working with a refreshing non-entitlement attitude. They are willing and do work for what they receive and need. They live on little yet are grateful for what they have. They are more trusting than our Western counterparts. Also, they are most gracious. Everyone we met just about would invite us to their homes, or offer to take us out for a meal, people we hardly knew even. When we did go to their homes, we were treated special, cared for and welcomed.”

“My first thoughts about the country are beautiful. I love the countryside, the animals and people that share the roads. The natural terrain and undeveloped lush portions are natural and unspoiled for the most part.”

“Even walking on the streets, I found most everyone to have a strong belief in Jesus, most all being Christians. Their Faith is evident in their walk, talk, and worship services. I came home thinking how much we could all learn from them as regards to faith in action and word.”

John Worthy, member of Synod Global Mission committee, member of Christ the King Lutheran Church (Snohomish). First visit in 2010.

“This project is the best suggestion of the North Central Ethiopian Synod to help alleviate the issue of food security in the North Central region. With a secondary benefit of easing the dependence on the Kombolcha region’s hatchery while less impacted by infrastructure – road – conditions. Thirdly, yet no less important, is to put the living gospel message directly into the hands – mouths and ears – of many at risk individuals in Haik and the surrounding region.”

Pastor Don Maier, former Bishop of the NW Washington Synod; temporary Bishop of the Alaska Synod for 9 months beginning September 1, 2011. Pastor Don also served as Chair of the Chicken Hatchery Task Force for four months on a pro tem basis. Here are his comments. Pastor Maier writes:

“This project ‘fits’ with the ELCA global mission strategy.”

“The ELCA sees global mission as a two way street. Not a patriarchal arrangement where one party guides and supplies the other, but a companionship of two parties moving hand in hand while encouraging and strengthening each other. There are not “givers” and “receivers”; there are “partners and companions”. This strategy is called accompaniment”

“One strategy within the larger accompaniment strategy is known as capacity building. Rather than stepping in and doing things for our partners, we help our partners to do build the capacity for meeting the challenge before them.”

“The Hatchery Project is a beautiful example of building means for sustaining two different mission undertakings of our Ethiopian companions: feeding the hungry with good things (affordable live chickens for eggs and /or protein) and the training of pastors and leaders for their local congregations (seminary scholarships and training events for local leaders.)”

“Our synod’s part in the project may last three to five years. For our Ethiopian companions it will continue to develop and bear fruit for years to come under their own leadership and control. And we will rejoice with them!”

People contributing to this report:

Ken & Linda Halvorson, John Purcell, Rocky & Susan Knickerbocker, Pastor Don Maier, Pastor Berhanu Waldemariam, John Worthy, Fred & Yvonne Robbins

Addendum I

Task Force Job Description; Conversation Guide with Cluster Deans
NW WA Synod Ethiopian Project Task Force (AKA Chicken Hatchery Project)
August/September 2011

Seeking advice from Cluster Deans: On behalf of the Task Force working on this project, we want to ask your advice in identifying a person from your cluster to serve with the Ethiopia Project Task Force during the next program year.

Purpose: We are looking to reorganize our Task Force in the Fall of 2011. We are seeking representation from each of our 12 clusters. The purpose of the Task Force is to work with our companions in Ethiopia to develop a chicken hatchery there.

What the Task Force does: The Task Force operates under the Synod Global Mission Committee. It monitors the relationship with the Ethiopian Church, especially the chicken hatchery project. It also oversees the raising of funds for the project from among the people of our synod.

What will the Task Force Member do? Besides attending the monthly meetings, your cluster representative will be a conduit for information and appeal to the congregations in your cluster in a manner fitting the local situations. Task Force members may choose to serve for one or two years.

When does the Task Force meet? The Task Force meets monthly, probably on a Sunday afternoon each month. Date and time of meeting to be determined by the Task Force. First reorganized meeting to be held on Sunday, October 9, 2011 2-4 PM, at Central Lutheran in Everett.

The type of person we are looking for: A representative from each cluster of the NW Washington Synod Female or male, clergy or lay; Someone interested and passionate about the global mission of our church; Someone who can work in collaboration with others toward a common goal; Someone who is imaginative and also values the ideas of others; or someone who can communicate well orally and in writing.

Planning how to proceed: Does someone come immediately to mind? Will you call them? Shall I? Does the Dean need to consult with others? If so, when shall I get back to you? Thank you for helping us locate people willing to serve on this Synod-wide Task Force.

Pastor Don Maier, former Chair Pro Tem, Ethiopia Project Task Force, maierdh@yahoo.com
Ken Halvorson, Chair, NW WA Synod Global Mission Committee, halvorson7@frontier.com

Addendum II

Chicken Hatchery in Ethiopia Task Force – the first year

Advisory Board

  • Rev. Benyam Kassahun, ELCA Global Mission
  • Rev. Jim Lindus, Trinity Lutheran, Freeland
  • Rev. Kirby Unti, St. Matthew Lutheran, Renton
  • Rev. Don Maier, Phinney Ridge Lutheran, Seattle, Chair, Pro Tem
  • Rev. G. Lee Kluth, PLU Congregation Relations
  • Rev. John Halvorson, former director of ELCA World Hunger and former director of LWF for Ethiopia 2005-2009
  • Stacy Kitahata, Trinity Lutheran College, Everett

Working Group

  • Church of Steadfast Love, Seattle, Synod Council Representative, Rev. Kristy Daniels
  • Christ the King, Snohomish, John Worthy
  • Bethel Ethiopian Church, Seattle, Rev. Berhanu Waldermariam
  • Burlington Lutheran, Burlington, Rhonda Brown
  • First Evangelical Lutheran, Mount Vernon, Fred & Yvonne Robbins
  • Our Savior’s Lutheran, Bellingham, Mary Carlson
  • Peace Lutheran, Silvana, Mary Fuentes
  • Peace Lutheran, Silvana, Ashley Stoffel
  • Trinity Lutheran, Freeland, Stuart Munson
  • Ken Halvorson, (TLC), Freeland, Task Force Facilitator

Consultants

  • Kristie Neklason, Chair, NW Washington Synod Hunger Committee
  • Mr. Tesfaye, former Haik congregation president
  • Brenda Mendez, Haik Orphanage Contact Person
  • Rev. Eddy Fowler-Lindner, Dir. of Response Ability Builders, Wallingford
  • Claudia LaFolette, Paralegal, Fir-Conway Lutheran, Mt. Vernon
  • Jason Clifton, Heifer Project residential volunteer
  • Rocky & Susan Knickerbocker, Trinity (Freeland), Mission to Ethoipia
  • John Purcell, Retired Attorney, Coupeville, Mission to Ethiopia

Name and address of Chicken Hatchery in Ethiopia fund:

Ethiopia Business Venture, #02-346-03002

Contributions may be sent to: NW Washington Synod Office, 5519 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103-5299. For information contact Ken Halvorson, Chair, NW WA Synod Global Mission Committee, halvorson7@frontier.com, (360) 678-1856.