A Glorious Celebration: Light of the World Dedicates Building
On a beautiful day and with a glorious celebration the of Light of the World Evangelical Church dedicated their own church building to the honor and glory of God. Having long searched for their own facility, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian congregation that met at LCOB for nearly five years has settled into a former Baptist church building at 4001 Marietta Ave., Columbia, which became available when the congregation there dissolved.
Representing LCOB, it was my privilege to attend their Dedication Service on Sunday afternoon, August 13, when Light of the World Evangelical Church officially “opened” and celebrated God’s hand in leading them to their own church building. Everyone stood outside in front of the building as a blue ribbon was cut, after which we all processed into the church with much singing, clapping of hands, and praising the Lord’s faithfulness to his children.
During the dedication service many people were thanked for their role in making this day possible—building committee members, fundraising committee members, a realtor, a banker, a lawyer. In addition, Ed Moran was called forward to receive an appreciation certificate. When Ed was a member at LCOB, he was instrumental in connecting our church with Light of the World. He continues to serve the LOTW congregation by teaching Bible classes in English and assisting with the many maintenance duties associated with owning a building.
Lancaster Church of the Brethren received high praise during the program for providing a home to Light of the World when they were without a place to worship from late 2018 to May 2023. This included the pandemic years when they worked hard to keep the church together. It was my pleasure to walk forward and accept on behalf of LCOB the honor and citation they presented.
Light of the World Evangelical Church is now well situated and growing in their own facility, which is quite beautiful and efficient for their ministry to the Ethiopian community in Lancaster County and beyond.
–Dave Hosler