Published Wed, Aug 24, 22.
Written by Scott Chleborad.
On Sunday, August 21st, the Ethiopian Community in Sioux Falls, SD held their first ever Maedot Award Ceremony. Maedot means ‘the day to start over’ and is also the day after Ethiopian Easter. The Maedot Awards are the work of Daniel Gezahegn Wendemu, an Ethiopian journalist who has relocated to Sioux Falls. Wendemu, along with the local Ethiopian Community chose to honor those who have had a positive impact on Ethiopia and on Ethiopians who have migrated to the area. The ceremony was attended by Governor Noem, Dr. Samuel Getachew, the Director of African Operations for Adams Thermal Foundation, and other local leaders. Through the work of the Adams Thermal Foundation, Mike Adams was recognized as ‘the Father of many children in Ethiopia’. Mike and his wife, Kim Adams, attended the ceremony in garments produced by some of the mothers who have participated in the Foundation's Ethiopian job-training programs. Additionally, Adams Thermal Systems was recognized for providing jobs for many Ethiopians in the area and giving them the opportunity to be self-sufficient. "It was a great honor to be recognized by those that have been the beneficiaries of our ministry and charitable work", said Mike Adams regarding the Maedot Awards. “We give all the glory to God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.