Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia

By Bob Holmes

The 2019 recipient of a full-tuition Columbia International University 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 Lausanne Younger Leaders Network. Korcho, who is pursuing the online Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, says he was “so happy” when CIU Dean of Intercultural Studies 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 CIU, works with the missions organization Near Frontiers as mission strategist for diaspora churches where 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 a graduate online program offered in the colleges of Intercultural Studies, Education or Columbia 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 an online degree from CIU can advance your career or ministry opportunities, including an online MBA. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.