Ethiopia Update – October 2025

A Season of Transformation: Youth Finding Purpose Through Kalu’s Story and Ministry

In Ethiopia, the rainy season carries with it a unique blessing. As schools and universities close for the holidays, churches become vibrant gathering places for young people. This season provides a golden opportunity for churches to invest in their youth, equipping them to live with purpose and hope.

At the heart of this movement is Kalu, a remarkable young man whose life is a testimony of God’s transforming power. Once trapped in addiction and aimlessness, Kalu’s journey from darkness to light is widely known in his community. Today, his story resonates far beyond his hometown, inspiring thousands across Ethiopia.

Throughout this rainy season, Kalu has been invited to more than ten churches, where he passionately teaches young people what it means to follow Jesus in every area of life. His trainings cover vital topics such as managing time wisely, discovering one’s God-given purpose, responding to God’s calling, and using social media responsibly. His messages ignite hope and change, leaving lasting impact not only on the youth but also on their families.

Today, Kalu also mentors young people struggling with social media addiction, walking alongside them to show that real freedom and transformation are possible. Once lost in the darkness of drugs and despair, he now shines as a beacon of hope—pointing countless young lives toward a brighter future in Christ.

A Strategic Visit Strengthening Our Mission in East Africa

This month, we were greatly honored by the important visit of our President to the East Africa region. His time with us was purposeful and multifaceted, addressing the unique needs and opportunities of each country in the region.

The visit included vital follow-ups, continued mentoring and coaching of our leaders, and strategic conversations with the Africa Leadership Team—both individually and collectively. Together, we discussed new roles, shared updates, and prayed through the next steps as we prepare for the year ahead.

Dr. Okongo visited Kalu’s mother

We are deeply thankful to God for guiding us through Dr. Okongo’s leadership. His presence among us has been a source of encouragement and clarity, pointing us toward ways our outreach can effectively reach the unreached, while strengthening networks with like-minded partners in the Gospel.

Another key focus of the visit was reviewing our partnership with our denominational allies. We explored how, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can move forward with renewed energy and speed in today’s ever-changing world.

We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our President for his frequent visits, his steadfast encouragement, and his God-given wisdom. His leadership continues to inspire us to press forward in the vision the Lord has entrusted to us.

Conclusions

This month’s stories remind us of the transforming power of God at work in Ethiopia. Through the testimony of young leaders like Kalu, we see how the Lord redeems broken lives and raises them as vessels of hope for the next generation. His journey from hopelessness to purposeful ministry is a living picture of God’s grace, and it continues to ignite change in the hearts of youth across the nation.

At the same time, the strategic visit of our President has strengthened our vision, unified our teams, and renewed our commitment to pressing forward in our mission. These moments are not just organizational highlights—they are God-ordained steps in His greater plan for His Church in East Africa.

We move forward with gratitude, knowing that the seeds planted in this season will bear lasting fruit for God’s Kingdom.

Praise Items

1. Praise God for Kalu’s transformation and the way his testimony is inspiring and mentoring youth across Ethiopia.
2. Thank the Lord for the openness of churches to invest in young people during this season of opportunity.
3. Praise God for the successful and strategic visit of our President, bringing encouragement, clarity, and direction to our leadership teams.

Prayer Items

1. Pray for Kalu’s continued strength, protection, and wisdom as he ministers to young people, especially those struggling with various challenges in their lives.
2. Ask God to raise more youth like Kalu who will live with purpose and boldly follow Jesus in every sphere of life.
3. Pray for the Africa Leadership Team as they implement next steps from the President’s visit—that they may walk in unity, courage, and Spirit-led vision.
4. Pray for our partner churches in Ethiopia and beyond that they would understand the season by the Spirit so that they can move faster together with us for the work of the Kingdom.
5. Lift up the youth of Ethiopia and East Africa, that they may discover God’s calling and become Christ-centered leaders in their communities and beyond.

Samson Weldemariam /Rev./
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A