Rev. Carolyn Weber
Mission co-worker in Ethiopia since 2010
Serving at the invitation of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY)
Carolyn ended her mission work in Ethiopia in fall 2014.
Thank you for your support of Carolyn's ministry.
About Carolyn Weber's ministry
Carolyn Weber began her appointment in January 2010 with the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she teaches English and serves as a library advisor and a curriculum specialist. The seminary, a long-standing partner of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), prepares leaders for the fast-growing Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, which has more than 5 million members and congregations all across Ethiopia.
Country context
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. It has been an independent country since ancient times, and unlike other African countries, it maintained its freedom from colonial rule except for a brief period of Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941. Its monarchy was overthrown in 1974 and the country is now a democratic republic. More than half of the population is Christian and a third is Muslim. While Ethiopia has struggled with severe poverty and hunger issues, it currently boasts one of the fastest-growing economies on the African continent.
About Carolyn Weber
After 20 years of parish ministry in Illinois and Nebraska, Carolyn sensed that God was leading her to a new area of service. She has described her calling as being “like a pencil in the hand of God.” In February 2008 Carolyn spent a month in short-term mission work in Liberia, which included leading a Sacred Journey of Healing retreat for 150 Liberian women who had experienced huge losses during the country’s 14 years of civil war. Responding to a call to serve in Ethiopia seemed like a logical next step. In fact, ever since she was 8 years old, Carolyn has dreamed of being a missionary in Africa.
Download a prayer card that lifts up Carolyn's work in Ethiopia.
Meet Carolyn in a video
Carolyn brings gifts and experience in teaching and has certifications in teaching English as a second language and in spiritual direction. At the Mekane Yesus Seminary Carolyn believes that her gift of listening enables her and others to “hear the voices of those long silenced.” Her gift of hospitality enables the stranger to find a welcome. Teaching English is an avenue for ministry. “I pray that seminarians will be equipped to read and write and speak English so that they can better use the 80 percent of their library that is in English and will be empowered to be and become all that God created them to be.”
Carolyn's students come from a country that is now a democratic republic. More than half of the population is Christian and a third is Muslim. Ethiopia continues to struggle with severe poverty and hunger issues, yet it currently boasts one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and is the second most populous country in Africa. While Carolyn has experienced Africa as a land of vast resources, she has also seen its deep need and has been touched “by the deep faith, generosity and inspired worship of these brothers and sisters.”
Carolyn is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up in Florence Presbyterian Church, where she was a member until 1989 when she was ordained to the ministry by Central Nebraska.
Birthday: July 12
