Click here and scroll down to see Aser Seifu Kasseye's view of the potential for digital media outreach for the gospel in Ethiopia and East Africa.
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About the presenter
Aser Seifu, after graduating as a biology major from Addis Ababa University, became the first enrolled student in the Film and Media Studies Program in the Mekane Yesus School of Jazz Music and Media, a school of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, a member of the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches. Three years ago he became an instructor at that school and then head of the program, specializing in teaching directing and cinematography. He says he is happy to see his world twice, in his eyes and in his camera lens.
Discussion
I love Aser a lot and all the work he's doing. He is a great man of God, pursuing his amazing vision of enabling people to share their stories through media in order to reach people with the Gospel in new and innovative ways. I'm very honoured to know him and call him my dear friend.
I really appreciated your slideshow that described the challenges that Ethiopia faces with their media outreach program and the progress that is being put into place in order to further better the program. What I found most interesting was when you stated in the presentation that “a Media production without content or message is a waste.” I firmly agree with that statement and the goals you are trying to achieve with this production. While we are trying to reach out to all nations in the fastest, most appealing way possible, the main focus needs to be on the message of Christ that we are trying to share with others.
When I was reading about the needs of the Ethiopian Christian Media, I noticed that a goal was to reach out to the youth through Digital Media. Because younger people more times than not have a great knowledge of social media, training them when they are young and teaching them ways to spread the gospel through digital media may be beneficial towards the growth of the production and the next generation of youth to spread the gospel.
After reading your article, I wondered if a political, social, and economic shift in Ethiopia could greatly affect the work being done. You stated that there was “relative peace in the Horn of Africa” and that “the role of Ethiopia (political, social, economic) both continental in general, and particularly regional). If these statements were to change in the future, I’m wondering if it would have a major effect on the Ethiopian Christian Media work being done.
Thank you for your contribution to the conference!
Yes, as currently Ethiopia is in huge political reformation, we have our first female president in this month, and also we have 50-50 gender balance in minister cabinet, this is the first in African history, and this tells a lot for us, to have balance and fairness in governance. Even we have seen some good initiatives in Medias, so hopefully Ethiopian Church should awake and work in digital media greatly. To import media equipment had been hard, and to work in collaboration with outside was also very bureaucratic, now we have seen lots of change.
I truly enjoyed reading about Ethiopia and the work of God being done there. It’s astonishing to see that “65% of the population in Ethiopia is under the age of 29.” This is evidence that if we share the Word of God with these young people while they are impressionable, it could have positive ripple effects through the culture and families. It’s interesting to see that through radio, television, and social media, the Gospel is being shared with millions.
A suggestion I have for helping people understand technology and media in general is holding classes/meetings to show how to use them. While doing so, you can guide them in the direction of Christian sources. As you know, media is a wonderful entry into learning more about the Lord and it’s very exciting to think that perhaps it could be the key to many individuals becoming believers.
As I was looking at your presentation, I was wondering why exactly is there a “gap between the producers/financers and directors/creative Professionals”? What do you mean by that?
Thank you for your contribution to the conference!
About the gap, People who have the message, the story are far from the producer/Church, in Ethiopian churches. The people who are doing the creative part/ like camera work, editing, directing, / even some, are non- believers. People who can do such thing fear the church politics. Church should work with people who have heart and skill. Or church should train people who have the message and the vision.
As I was reading your article I appreciated how you explained why we should try to use technology in this ministry. You did this by explaining in your power point how they was a, “High Participation in Social Media Facebook, YouTube” and also how “65% of the population in Ethiopia is under the age of 29.” It is really cool how you have thought about using this tool to share Jesus with other people. I also had a question when I read through your slides. You said that, “ The people who are now good in Ethiopian Christian Media lack content/Message.” I was wondering if this has ever had a negative effect at people at your church? If there are errors has it ever mislead people from within your church or is it just misleading other people? I’ll keep you and your ministry in my prayers! Thanks again for sharing your unique ministry!
As Paul said in Philip 1:18 “ What then? Not with standing, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” What I am really appreciate in Ethiopian Christian Media, we have many TV and Youtube channels that spread Christian message, But the problem is both for inside/ Believers and for non believers. The main problems, prosperity gospel, vary material oriented messages, high computation, division and many more. There are very few who work for the pure good news, about Jesus Christ.
I am a member of Mekane Yesus church. I learned (Sunday school) there for about 4 years. There are indeed a lot of young people with potential. The people are involved in a lot of things and are actively trying to spread the gospel. I believe that this generation would bring change as to how the media can be used as a tool for Christians. There are many situations that people should be aware of. The Christian community united should be able to overcome these problems and challenges.