Ethopia Updates March 2026

1- Raising a Generation That Seeks the Lord

With a heart full of gratitude, I thank God for what He is doing within my own family. One of the greatest joys of ministry is seeing the fruit of discipleship begin at home. This month, I witnessed a powerful testimony of that truth.

During their February school break, my three teenage daughters sensed a deep desire to seek the Lord intentionally. Together with 11 of their cousins and other close relatives, they organized a four-day spiritual retreat in Bishoftu/Debrezeit—a peaceful town known as a refreshing place for rest and reflection. They stayed at the SIM guest house, setting aside dedicated time for fasting, prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.

What deeply moved me was that this retreat was not imposed by us as parents—it was initiated by the young people themselves. They longed to hear God’s voice and seek clarity about His purpose for their lives.

Throughout the four days, they fasted by eating one meal per day, intentionally creating space to draw closer to the Lord. They spent extended hours in prayer, personal reflection, group Bible study, and heartfelt conversations about faith, calling, and future direction.

I had the privilege of being with them on the first and last days, praying for them, encouraging them, and sharing my personal spiritual journey since my childhood. And it was so impacting. But, my wife, Addiskidan, faithfully remained throughout the entire retreat to provide spiritual guidance and oversight. We also invited Kalu to teach them practical biblical principles on stewarding their time wisely—helping them understand how their daily choices today shape God’s purposes for tomorrow.

This experience is a beautiful reminder that true ministry begins at home. Discipling our children to become genuine followers of Jesus is not separate from mission—it is central to it. Seeing our daughters and their relatives’ hunger for God gives us renewed hope for the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and partnership. Your faithful support strengthens not only the broader ministry but also the spiritual foundation of our family. Please continue praying that these young hearts will remain steadfast, rooted in Christ, and bold in living out His calling.

2 – Strengthening the Frontlines: Disciple-Making in Gambella and Beyond

Recently, I had the privilege of facilitating a disciple-making training in Gambella, a gateway city in western Ethiopia located about 715 kilometers from Addis Ababa. Gambella’s strategic location makes it easily accessible for leaders traveling from neighboring regions, including South Sudan.

This gathering brought together 12 key church and youth leaders from the northwestern part of South Sudan. What deeply encouraged me was that more than half of the participants were women. In many villages across this region, women are faithfully serving as church leaders, carrying significant spiritual responsibility within their communities because many men are affected by the conflict in South Sudan and they get involved in the war that is currently going on there.  Their presence at the training was a powerful reminder that God is raising up courageous and committed leaders—both men and women—to shepherd His people.

I am especially grateful to Pastor Peter Gatbel Kunen, General Overseer of the Maiwut Diocese in Upper Nile State, South Sudan for organizing this impactful training. His leadership and heart for equipping others made this time both fruitful and deeply meaningful. The hunger for spiritual growth among the participants was unmistakable. Their prayers for me were heartfelt and humbling.

God is clearly at work in this region. Many are coming to Christ—even from refugee camps. At the same time, the need for ongoing training is immense. Leaders are serving in complex and often dangerous environments, ministering to communities affected by conflict and displacement.

I invite you to pray for these courageous leaders who continue to serve in war and conflict-affected areas of South Sudan. They are walking alongside families who have been uprooted by violence, many of whom are now living in refugee camps with very limited resources. Basic needs such as clothing and essential supplies remain urgent concerns.

Please also pray for the churches within these camps. Believers are gathering faithfully despite significant hardship. There is a pressing need for Audio

Bibles so that people can hear Scripture in their own language. Access to God’s Word in their heart language can bring comfort, strength, and hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and partnership. Your faithful support strengthens leaders on the frontlines and helps advance the work of disciple-making where it is needed most.

PRAISE ITEMS (Thanksgiving to God)

• Praise God that my daughters and their cousins initiated a four-day retreat on their own, showing genuine spiritual hunger.
• Praise Him for their commitment to fasting, prayer, worship, and studying Scripture.
• Celebrate the evidence that discipleship is bearing fruit within my own family.
• Thank the Lord for raising young people from my family and relatives who desire clarity about His purpose for their lives.
• Praise God for the opportunity to facilitate disciple-making training in Gambella.
• Thank Him for bringing together 12 committed church and youth leaders from northwestern South Sudan.
• Rejoice that more than half of the participants were women faithfully leading churches in difficult contexts.
• Celebrate reports that many are coming to Christ, even in refugee camps.
• Thank God for the hunger for spiritual growth among leaders serving in conflict-affected areas.

PRAYER ITEMS

• Pray that the spiritual seeds planted during the retreat will take deep root and produce lasting fruit.
• Ask God to protect these young people from distraction, compromise, and spiritual drift.
• Pray that they will clearly discern God’s calling and walk boldly in obedience.
• Ask the Lord to continue strengthening my family as a model of Christ-centered discipleship.
• Pray for protection, courage, and endurance for leaders serving in war-affected areas.
• Ask God to strengthen women leaders carrying heavy spiritual responsibilities.
• Pray for peace and stability in South Sudan amid ongoing conflict.
• Ask the Lord to provide for the urgent physical needs of displaced families (clothing, supplies, and daily essentials).
• Pray for provision of Audio Bibles in local languages so believers can access Scripture in their heart language.
• Ask God to multiply disciple-making movements throughout Gambella, South Sudan, and surrounding regions.

Rev. Samson W.M

Unite 4 Africa & Ethiopia Director