“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” – Proverbs 19:17
Our Vision
Ekklesia Oromia, in collaboration with partnering churches, organizations and diaspora communities abroad, strives to provide for the needs of vulnerable communities in Oromia. It envisions orphans, widows, the disabled and elderly living with dignity and actualizing their God-given potential to further contribute to their communities and country.
Our Mission
Ekklesia Oromia exists to support vulnerable communities, such as orphans, widows, the disabled and elderly, in rural Oromia through the means of charitable donations. While our short term goal is to support the needs of fifty orphans through the establishment of the Ekklesia Oromia Bojjii Orphans and Elderly Village, our long-term vision is to enable the community toward self-reliance through revenue generating activities taking place at the Village center.
Our Values
Ekklesia Oromia is deeply rooted in the values of:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Affection
- Community
Meet the Board Members
Mr. Tsegaye Sombo
In 2019, the Lord gave Tsegaye Sombo, founder and executive director of Ekklesia Oromia, repeated dreams concerning the Igguu Bojjii community in Western Oromia, Ethiopia. This dream prompted him to make inquiries about the living conditions of the people in the area. In February 2020, when he visited Oromia, he had the unique opportunity to fellowship with members of the Igguu Bojjii church. Inspired by their resilient hope, he decided to bring hope to the hopeless through the founding of Ekklesia Oromia.
Tsegaye Sombo has had two decades of experience in human resource management. Before moving to the United States, Tsegaye worked at the Ethiopian pharmaceutical corporation and served as a project coordinator at the East African holding company in Ethiopia. In his most recent position, Tsegaye worked for the City of Minneapolis Convention Center in different capacities. During his tenure at the convention center, Tsegaye gained trust from the company and received various awards for his dedication and excellent work. Tsegaye is a passionate entrepreneur, previously owning and operating different businesses ranging from financial services, real estate, a grocery store and a local coffee shop in Minneapolis. Tsegaye is a graduate of Addis Ababa university in-law and received a business entrepreneur certificate from the Neighborhood Development Center and a master certification from the International Institute of Event Management USA. A native of Western Wollega in Oromia, Tsegaye hopes to contribute to his native country by assisting the most vulnerable through the establishment of Ekklesia Oromia. Tsegaye is dedicated to serve his community and assist those in need. Tsegaye is married with two kids.
Lyle Alexson
Lyle Alexson is a highly experienced accountant and management professional. He currently works as an accounting supervisor for the City of Minneapolis, specializing in capital assets and financial reporting. With 25 years of experience, Lyle has held various roles, including internal auditor, accounts payable manager, controller, and business manager. He graduated with top honors from Augsburg University with a degree in accounting.
Wagari Iticha
Wagari Iticha is a Registered Nurse in Tigard, Oregon, and owns/operates an adult foster care home for vulnerable adults with medical needs. He has organized and participated in four medical mission trips to Oromia, providing medical treatments and surgeries. Additionally, he has mobilized the Oromo Diaspora to support the Bojji School and sponsors the education of over 100 students. Wagari is an active member of the Oromo Seventh Day Adventist Church, and he remains grateful for the opportunities he received and is dedicated to helping others in need.
Girma Hassen
Mr. Girma Hassen, also known as Girma Oromo, is a prominent advocate for social justice in Minnesota. He currently coordinates employment counseling and community outreach services at the Oromo Community of Minnesota and works as a Community Health Worker program coordinator at Welshare International. Girma holds a BA in International Business Management and is pursuing an MBA. He is recognized for his problem-solving abilities and creating inclusive environments. Girma is passionate about supporting disabled individuals through his involvement with Ekklesia Oromia, an organization that brings hope to those in need.
Tegne Nemera Disassa
Born in 1969, Tegne began his career in education after graduating high school in 1987 and attending the Nekemte Teachers Training Institute. He taught for 14 years while pursuing further studies, earning diplomas in Theology and English. Active in church service, he served as a preacher, youth leader, solo singer, and elders’ chairperson before becoming a full-time pastor in 2003 for a 7,000-member congregation. He earned a Bachelor of Theology in 2007 and later an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Addis Ababa University. Tenge also served as a chaplain at Gudina Tumsa Foundation and was senior pastor of the Finfinnee Oromo Congregation until 2023. He now coordinates the Western Synod Support Group NGO and teaches part-time at the Mekane Yesus Bible College. His life reflects deep dedication to ministry, education, and community service.
Dr. Tilahun Denu Wollega
Tilahun Denu Wollega holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and multiple advanced degrees in law, public administration, religious education, and geography. He has completed extensive professional training in leadership, law, human rights, project management, and research, earning numerous certifications from institutions such as UNODC, Addis Ababa University, and the Ethiopian Management Institute.
With over 34 years of experience, Tilahun has served in various leadership roles, including Deputy Board Director at I for Human Rights and SSR and Director of Law Instructors Competency Assessment at the Federal Justice and Law Institute. His past roles include Senior Training Expert, NGO Relations Coordinator, HR and Finance Head, teacher, and part-time college instructor. He is also engaged in community service and currently works as a part-time Grant Officer for the Good Samaritan Poor Family Support Organization and Zsecured Tech, demonstrating expertise across law, governance, training, and social impact.
Desta Bekele Yadeta
Desta is a highly experienced nonprofit finance and grant management professional with over 15 years of proven success in budgeting, financial oversight, and grant compliance. He has a strong understanding of nonprofit fiscal policies and frameworks, with demonstrated expertise in developing accurate project proposal budgets, managing partner contracts, and securing funding to support organizational goals. Desta is known for his ability to handle multiple projects, adapt to new environments, work collaboratively in teams, and perform under pressure by effectively prioritizing tasks.
He has held key roles at respected organizations including Save the Children International, where he served as a Senior Budget Development Specialist, and Plan International Ethiopia, where he worked in various finance and grants coordination roles for over a decade. He also spent more than six years as a Senior and Program Accountant at CCRDA. Academically, Desta holds an MBA from Jimma University (2020) and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting from Adama Science and Technology University and Unity University, all earned with Great Distinction. He has also completed SAP training organized by PIE in collaboration with RESA.
Elias Fincho
Elias Kebede Fincho is currently an Assistant to the President for academic affairs with a decade of successful experience in Academic administration at Adama Science and Technology University, a leading University in Science and Technology in Ethiopia. Elias graduated from Addis Ababa University in the year 2006 G.C with Master of Art (MA) in Geography and Environmental Studies. Elias has rich experiences in Educational administration at different levels and water resources office and project management. As a strong leader and achiever, Elias strives to use his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others and care for the needy. In addition to his career activities, Elias is highly motivated in participating in various welfare activities. Elias’s life motto is “walk the walk of Jesus” who is a father to the fatherless and defender of the widowed. Elias is happily married and father of two children. Elias enjoys physical exercise, gardening and reading during its leisure time.
Yadani Shifera
Yadani Shifera serves as an inspiring ambassador for Ekklesia Oromia, bringing her powerful voice—both in music and in advocacy—to shine a light on the needs of the most vulnerable. As a dedicated representative of our mission, she uses her platform to amplify the cause, encouraging others to stand with the poor and needy. Her passion and artistry unite to drive meaningful change, making her an integral part of our journey.
Donate to our cause!
The Orphans Village will mainstream orphans, widows, the disabled and elderly communities without proper care and attention in the Ekklesia Oromia Bojjii Elderly and Orphan Village, located in Western Oromia at Billaa Town. Based on its short term goals, the Village aims to provide care, support and protection for 50 orphans & street children. The long-term vision of Ekklesia Oromia is to create a self-sustaining community that will continue to maintain the services of the Village and expand to reach more vulnerable populations in Oromia.
