Eastern Mennonite Missions and the Lancaster, Pa.-based Anabaptist fellowship LMC are inviting contributions to respond to a humanitarian ­appeal from the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia.

Since 2020, Borena zone of Oromia state has experienced severe drought due to five failed rainy seasons.

EMM has committed $5,000 of emergency relief funds and invites others to join financially.

“MKC has been trying to respond to the drought, displacement and other socioeconomic challenges on the surface. But the need has been growing,” said Abayneh Anjulo Wanore, MKC division director for evangelism and church planting, in an appeal to church and mission leaders.

“The Borena drought affected the pastoralist community of Borena and our churches. . . . Also, the missionaries have been affected badly.”

UNICEF reported that in Borena alone, 3.3 million livestock have died due to the drought. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates 6.85 million livestock have died throughout the country since 2021.

The impacts have gone beyond the Borena zone. Elsewhere in Oromia and in neighboring states, an estimated 11 million people are experiencing food insecurity, and 24 million have been affected by the drought.

MKC has five churches and 40 church-planting centers in the Borena zone. It has more than 45 ministers and their families in the Borena zone. MKC is hoping to raise $4,500 per month to meet the needs of these 45 leaders. MKC also estimates it needs to raise $13,500 per month to meet the needs in the communities where these churches are located.

Contributions can be made at emm.org/ethiopia or by check to EMM, PO Box 8617, Lancaster, PA 17604, indicating “Ethiopia relief.”