Ethiopia Updates May 2026

From Vision to Reality: Training Leaders for Kingdom Impact

A few years ago, under the visionary leadership and initiative of Dr. Okongo, we launched Leadership Development and Disciple-Making Movement trainings in two strategic cities in Ethiopia: Wolayita Sodo and Arba-Minch. In collaboration of J-life Africa these trainings were designed to equip pastors and church leaders with a renewed, Christ-centered approach to leadership and disciple-making.

We are grateful to share that, just a few weeks ago, we successfully completed the full training cycle in Wolayita Sodo. Over the course of two years, key pastors and church leaders from more than 18 different denominations participated in four intensive training modules focused on disciple-making and leadership in the way of Jesus.

By God’s grace, 35 leaders completed the program. We celebrated this milestone with a meaningful graduation ceremony, where certificates of completion were presented. The event took place during a Sunday morning service at Full Gospel Church, creating a powerful moment of worship, thanksgiving, and commissioning within the broader church community.

During the service, I had the privilege of preaching, leading the graduation, and praying over the leaders as we commissioned them for continued ministry. I was joined by local leaders, including Pastor Chachi and Pastor George, whose partnership has been invaluable throughout this journey.

In his remarks, Pastor George, chairman of the Ethiopian Evangelical Curches Fellowship in the Southern – Central Region expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness and for opening the door for this training. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Okongo for initiating the program. He shared that the training has been truly transformative—challenging leaders to reflect on and realign their ministries with the life, priorities, and mission of Jesus, particularly the call to make disciples of all nations.

As we look ahead, our next step is to walk alongside these leaders through ongoing coaching, implementation support, and follow-up refresher trainings. Our desire is not only to see knowledge gained, but to see lasting fruit through faithful application in their ministries.

We thank God for His grace in bringing this important phase to completion and for the lives that have been impacted. We are expectant for the continued multiplication of disciples and leaders across the region.

Carrying the Fire: A Journey of Prayer, Power, and Kingdom Breakthrough in Ethiopia.

Prayer remains at the very heart of every breakthrough and the advancing of God’s Kingdom. It is through faithful intercession that doors open, lives are transformed, and communities encounter the power of God.

In Ethiopia, our Women Prayer Warrior Team—led by my wife, Addiskidan—has played a deeply significant role over the years. Their commitment has provided strong spiritual covering for our mission and team as we labor faithfully in God’s work.

Just a few weeks ago, in response to the leading of the Holy Spirit, this dedicated team embarked on a remarkable journey—traveling over 500 kilometers to the eastern part of the country, to the historic city of Harar, where more than 99% of the population is Muslim.

They journeyed through the night by train and spent an entire week in fasting and prayer—interceding for the city, for local churches, and for the ministry work in that region. Beyond prayer, they actively ministered to believers, encouraging and strengthening churches, and equipping many through teaching on the power and practice of prayer. Together, they stood in unity, crying out to God for transformation.

This prayer mission was truly impactful. As their first trip of this kind, the entire team returned filled with joy, gratitude, and renewed vision. They praised God for opening this door and are now prayerfully planning similar missions to other regions across the country.

We believe firmly that through such intercessory prayer, our land will be healed, peace will prevail, and a great Gospel revival will rise across the churches of Ethiopia.

PRAISE ITEMS – Praise God For

• We thank God for the successful completion of the two-year Leadership Development and Disciple-Making training in Wolayita Sodo.
• Praise God for the 35 pastors and church leaders who graduated and were commissioned for ministry.
• We are grateful for the unity among more than 18 denominations represented in the training.
• Thank God for transformed lives and renewed vision among leaders to align their ministries with the way of Jesus.
• We praise God for faithful partners, facilitators, and local church leaders who made this training possible.
• We give thanks to God for the successful prayer mission to Harar, where our Women Prayer Warrior Team faithfully interceded for the city, local churches, and ministry work.
• Praise God for His protection, strength, and provision throughout the long journey and week of fasting and prayer.
• We celebrate the encouragement and spiritual renewal experienced by the churches and believers who were ministered to during this visit.
• We thank God for opening new doors for prayer ministry in regions where the Gospel presence is limited.
• We rejoice in the unity, passion, and spiritual growth of our women’s prayer team as they step boldly into God’s calling.

PRAYER ITEMS – Pray For: –

• Pray for the 35 trained leaders, that they will faithfully implement what they have learned and bear lasting fruit.
• Pray for multiplication—that these leaders will raise and disciple others in their churches and communities.
• Pray for ongoing coaching, follow-up, and refresher trainings to be effective and impactful.
• Pray for continued unity and collaboration among churches across denominations.
• Pray for wisdom, strength, and provision as we expand and continue this ministry in other areas.
• Pray for lasting spiritual fruit from this mission—that hearts in Harar will be open to the Gospel and that seeds planted in prayer will bring transformation.
• Pray for strength, wisdom, and continued anointing for our Women Prayer Warrior Team as they prepare for future mission trips.
• Ask God to raise more intercessors and prayer partners to stand in the gap for Ethiopia.
• Pray for peace, healing, and unity across the nation, trusting God for a powerful spiritual revival.
• Lift up the churches in Harar—that they will be strengthened, encouraged, and bold in their witness.
• Pray for provision (financial, physical, and spiritual) for upcoming prayer missions to other regions of the country.

Rev. Samson W.M

   Unite 4 Africa & Ethiopia Director