Through the generous support of the women of the LWML – Gulf States, Lutherans in Ethiopia (and Ethiopian immigrants here in the United States) now have a new book to deepen and bolster their faith: The Hammer of God, a book of Christian fiction that follows three pastors who learn the necessity of relying on God’s grace.
The Hammer of God was translated into the Amharic language by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), a recognized service organization of the LCMS dedicated to publishing Lutheran books in the languages of people around the world.
“This book was translated at the request of Lutheran seminary professors in Ethiopia, who wanted to teach their students how to be better pastors of their people,” said Dereje Tilahun, who oversaw the project. “The book has been very well received in Ethiopia, because Bo Giertz (the author) wrote this book in 1941 when Communism was starting to gain ground in Europe and Russia.
“Ethiopia also suffered under Communism for a time, and many of our pastors relate to this book for that reason,” Tilahun continued. “We have a similar history; we can read Hammer of God and apply it to our own lives. Many Ethiopians who were Communist are coming to faith in Christ, and they want to read Christian books that reflect their lives. Hammer of God is very good Christian fiction from a Lutheran perspective.”
The LCMS has strengthened its relationship with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) in recent years. One of the most basic resources the EECMY needs assistance with is Lutheran education at all levels: for children, families and pastors.
At their 2014 convention, the Gulf State LWML voted to lend their assistance in pastoral education by giving a $3,000 grant to LHF to provide books like The Hammer of God. Several Lutheran pastors’ conferences will be held in Ethiopia in the coming months, where 1,000 copies of the books will be distributed.
“The Hammer of God in the Amharic language will help pastors and seminarians in Ethiopia to become better shepherds of their own people,” said Rev. Matthew Heise, executive director of LHF. “The Lutheran Heritage Foundation is deeply grateful to the women of the LWML – Gulf States for their assistance that will touch the hearts not only of Ethiopian pastors, but also of lay people wanting to read Christian literature to help strengthen their faith.”
Only with your help can this important work continue. Prayerfully consider how you can help support LHF projects.
