Ethiopia Update November 2024
The Remarkable Journey of Abera Dechasa
In a world where faith can sometimes lead to unimaginable trials, the story of Abera Dechasa stands as a powerful testimony to the strength of Believers and the transformative power of our Gospel of Jesus Christ. Abera, a young Christian man from Adama, Ethiopia, faced a shocking and painful suffering that could have easily put-out his Hope.
As a high school student, Abera’s unwavering faith in Christ put him at odds with his family, leading to a shocking moment when his own father attempted to shoot him. In a chilling act fueled by anger and hate , his father fired nine bullets at Abera, each one a representation of the conflict between faith in Christ and familial loyalty. Despite the danger he faced, Abera’s faith remained unshaken, and he emerged from that traumatic experience with a deepened commitment to his beliefs. After this tragic incident; he ran for his life from his village and came to the nearby town, Adama. Since he did not have a place to stay; he was moving from churches after churches every night to look for a church where there is overnight prayers so that he could spend the night there.
During this challenging time, our ministry stepped in to support Abera. We provided him with essential needs—blankets to keep him warm, food to nourish his body, and cooking oil to sustain him. These simple acts of love and kindness were not just about meeting physical needs; they were expressions of love and solidarity that reminded Abera that he was not alone in his struggle for the sake of Christ.
Fast forward ten years, and Abera has transformed his life in extraordinary ways. With determination and hard work, he graduated from college, defying the odds stacked against him. Today, Abera is not just a survivor; he is a prominent young Christian entrepreneur and investor making waves in Ethiopia. He proudly owns a number of businesses, contributing to the economy and inspiring countless others with his story of resilience. And currently, he is in the process of establishing an organization called ‘African Youth Innovation and Technology Center’ with the aim of training and developing young African entrepreneurs.
During his recent visit to Africa, Dr. Okongo met Abera. And Abera was so excited meeting him and even served Dr. Okongo by transporting all the luggage of our team with his new brand-new truck from Addis Ababa to Adama town. The process of mentoring, coaching and journeying with Abera still continues. And we believe that God will continue lifting up Abera to bless many for His Glory.
Rev. Samson Weldemariam and Abera Dechasa
Abera’s journey is a beautiful illustration of how the faith we have in Christ can triumph over adversity. As we reflect on his incredible transformation, we are filled with gratitude! We thank God for guiding Abera through his darkest days and for the blessings that have followed. His story is not just one of survival; it is a beacon of hope for many who may be facing their own struggles, challenges and sufferings because of their faith in Christ.
In celebrating Abera’s achievements, we are reminded of the power of community support and the importance of standing by those in need. His life serves as an encouragement that, with faith and perseverance, it is possible to rise above challenges and create a brighter future with Jesus.
A Journey of Faith: The Story of Pastor Abera Kumbi and His Son Keol
In the heart of Ethiopia, Pastor Abera Kumbi serves as a dedicated pastor and regional outreach coordinator, passionately spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hope and love in his community. However, his life and ministry have been marked by significant challenges, particularly in his role as a father to his 10-year-old son, Keol, who lives with autism.
Keol’s condition presents daily struggles for Pastor Abera, his wife Gete, and their three daughters. As a non-verbal child, Keol often experiences emotional instability and can display violent tendencies, sometimes biting family members during moments of distress. His unpredictable behavior has led to numerous incidents where he has run away from home, causing fear and concern for his parents as they search for him.
Pastor Abera, determined to provide Keol with the best opportunities for growth, takes on the daunting task of transporting him to school on his motorcycle. Each journey is fraught with anxiety, as Abera worries that Keol might jump off and injure himself. Meanwhile, Keol’s sisters find it difficult to focus on their studies at home. They often have to wait until Keol is settled in bed to complete their homework, as he sometimes disrupts their work by tearing pages from their exercise books and textbooks. The emotional toll on the family is significant, especially for Gete, who has endured physical injuries from Keol’s outbursts.
Despite these challenges, Pastor Abera and Gete remain steadfast in their love for their son. They trust in the Lord for healing and guidance, even as their worries grow with Keol entering his teenage years. His increasing strength and size present new challenges for the family, but their faith remains unshaken.
Our ministry has been privileged to walk alongside Pastor Abera and his family during this difficult journey. We provide psychological support and counseling sessions, helping them navigate the complexities of parenting an autistic child. We also assist with school fees, ensuring that Keol has access to education that can nurture his potential. Recently, we have been working to secure a sponsor to cover his annual school fees, a prospect that has brought excitement and gratitude to Pastor Abera and Gete.
Pastor Abera also finds encouragement through his close relationship with Dr. Okongo, who has been a source of support and wisdom during trying times. The bond they share has strengthened Abera’s resolve and provided him with much-needed guidance.
During a recent visit, I had the honor of spending time with Pastor Abera and Keol. As we gathered for prayer, Abera called on all our partners to lift up his son and the family in prayer, asking for grace and wisdom as they navigate the challenges of raising an autistic child. His heartfelt plea resonated deeply, reminding us all of the importance of community and the power of prayer.
The journey of Pastor Abera and his family is a testament to the strength of love, faith, and resilience. Despite the hurdles they face, they continue to trust in God’s plan, hopeful for the future and committed to raising Keol with the care and compassion he deserves. Together, they embody the spirit of perseverance and the belief that, with support and faith, even the most challenging circumstances can be met with grace.
Praise and Prayer items
The followings are praise and prayer request items to pray about with us:
- Praise God for the simple acts of faith and love that can impact many lives.
- Praise God for our young leaders like Abera Dechasa who are becoming the hope of the nation.
- Continue pray for Pst. Abera and his son Keol and for all the family that the Grace of God flows in their lives to go through in this hardship in their lives.
- Pray for our community works that God would continue using it to impact many lives in the future.
Samson Weldemariam /Rev./
Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A
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