The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology is celebrating its ten year anniversary and thanking God for his faithfulness in its first decade of ministry.

First launched in 1997 out of a borrowed office, with classroom and library space spread over three locations, EGST has grown tremendously. Now offering three different degree programs and operating from its own property, EGST is launching a major campus development project.

The most important evidence of the school's success, however, is not in its buildings but in the quality of graduates who are serving the Ethiopian church in various capacities. EGST graduates serve in almost all of the English-language theological training programs in Ethiopia, and others serve as pastors, evangelists, or denominational leaders.

One Graduate's Story

	Simon Haile is thankful for the ministry preparation he received at EGST

Simon Haile is just one of over 80 graduates that have passed through the doors of the Ethiopian Graduate School for Theology since classes began in 1998. After graduation, Simon went to a remote area in Southern Ethiopia to minister to to a people who follow animistic, traditional religion.

Asked if his studies at EGST had affected his ministry, he quickly affirms, “Oh, in every way.” To complete his degree, Simon spent his last year at EGST writing a thesis entitled “Contextualization of the Gospel Message in Southwestern Ethiopia: The Case of Koore Traditional Religion.”

“To me, contextualization is everything.” Simon said. He has applied his findings to his ministry among the people who practice the Koore religion. Now, more people are responding to the Gospel and choosing to follow Christ.

Looking Towards the Future

In addition to the new facilities project, this tenth year of EGST will be marked with the completion of accreditation with the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa. A new Masters level program in HIV and AIDS ministries began this year, and a new program in Christian Leadership and Management will begin in August, 2008.