Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia
Mehari Korcho (photo provided)
By Bob Holmes
The 2019 recipient of a full-tuition Ƶ scholarship desires to mobilize and equip diaspora churches in America so they can increase their engagement in the mission of God beyond their own community.
Mehari Korcho is an immigrant from Ethiopia who came to the United States to be a CIU student and a missionary in American after completing his studies. He was named the 2019 Billy Graham Lausanne Scholar, an award established in partnership with the . Korcho, who is pursuing the online , says he was “so happy” when CIU Dean of Dr. Ed Smither contacted him about the scholarship.
“I first knelt down to thank God for the opportunity He has given me and prayed that He would use it for His glory, then shared the news with friends and family members who have been praying for me,” Korcho said in an email from Denver where he currently lives.
Smither says the scholarship is given to a student with the academic abilities to complete a CIU graduate or doctoral program. But there is more.
“We look for a global church leader with a proven track record of affirming the authority of Scripture and a passion to make Christ known among the nations,” Smither added.
Korcho, who already holds a Master of Arts degree in Global Studies from Ƶ, works with the missions organization as mission strategist for diaspora churcheswhere he promotes partnerships between local American and diaspora churches through joint consultations and conferences. He also reaches out to non-believing immigrants and refugees around Colorado.
He says he would like to use the Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies to do more research in diaspora ministry.
“The program will help me to deepen my understanding on the subject and thereby assist me to prepare training materials and train people at a seminary level or in various other venues where I have a chance to contribute,” Korcho said.
The Billy Graham Lausanne Scholarship Program awards a CIU full-tuition scholarship to students enrolled in agraduate online programoffered in the colleges ofIntercultural Studies,ǰColumbia Biblical Seminary. Because these programs are offered completely online, the student may pursue them in their context of ministry without relocating to South Carolina.
Discover how andegree from Ƶ can advance your career or ministry opportunities, including an.on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call(800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.