Ethiopia Updates – April 2025

1. The Power of Encouragement: Strengthening Local Churches and Leaders

Visiting local churches and their leaders is one of the most impactful ways to encourage and uplift them, especially those serving in challenging and persecuted areas. This practice was a key part of the early church’s ministry, as seen in the New Testament, where apostles and leaders made intentional visits to strengthen believers in their faith. And we have also learnt this from Dr. Okongo; he is dedicated and known by visiting leaders and their families and encouraging them in many ways.

Following this biblical model, our regional leader in the Southern Region of Ethiopia, Pastor Behailu Beraso, dedicated time this month to visit one of our local churches in Yirgalem town. During his visit, he met with church leaders, ministers, and members, offering them encouragement and support. He spent time in prayer with them, affirming their faith and dedication to the mission of the Gospel.

Pastor Behailu was deeply moved by what he witnessed. The church is not only growing in numbers but is also experiencing a spiritual revival through the work of the Holy Spirit. The passion and commitment of the leaders and believers in Yirgalem serve as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness in building His Church, even in the face of challenges.

These visits remind us of the importance of standing alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, offering them the strength and encouragement they need to continue their mission. Let us continue to pray for and support our churches in different towns and villages so that the Gospel may flourish, and communities may be transformed for the glory of God.

2. Raising a Generation of Disciples and Change-Makers in Southern Ethiopia

Pastor Wondimagegn Gezahegn (Wonde) is one of the emerging and promising young leaders we are coaching and mentoring in the Southern region of Ethiopia. Currently serving as a pastor at Arbaminch Emmanuel United Church, Pastor Wonde has demonstrated an incredible passion for discipling young people and bringing hope and transformation to his community.

God has granted him favor and the privilege of being elected as the Secretary of the Regional Evangelical Churches Council. Seizing this opportunity, he has launched a training program for 40 young disciple-makers representing eight different denominations in the city. These young leaders have already begun influencing university students in Arbaminch, creating a ripple effect that is extending far beyond the church walls. In addition to his discipleship ministry, Pastor Wonde has also initiated a kindergarten school to address the pressing educational needs of the community. With a humble beginning, he has constructed three classrooms and enrolled 30 children. His vision for the coming year is to expand the school from a kindergarten to a full-fledged primary school, ensuring more children in the area receive quality education. He has already started the primary school in the church Sunday school classrooms.

This initiative is designed to serve children from all backgrounds, regardless of religious affiliation, with special attention given to orphans and economically disadvantaged children in Arbaminch. The proposed school will be built on a 3,000-square-meter section of the church’s total 7,000-square-meter land, with the capacity to accommodate approximately 480 students.

Beyond academics, the school aims to instill strong character and ethical values in the students, shaping them into responsible and compassionate citizens. We invite you to join us in prayer for Pastor Wonde as he continues to serve, lead, and expand his impact in the community. May God bless and sustain his efforts for His glory!

3. Praise and Prayer Items

As we continue pressing forward in our mission this year, we invite you to join us in lifting up the following praises and prayer requests before the Lord:

• Praise God for the growing Disciple-Making Movement, which is expanding into various regions of the country, transforming lives and communities.
• Praise God for our leaders who are being equipped and bringing spiritual and social transformation to their communities.
• Pray for our young disciple-makers in universities—that God would grant them strength, wisdom, and courage as they disciple their fellow students.
• Pray for Pastor Wondemagegn (Wonde), his family, and his school project—that God would provide all the resources needed to sustain and expand this vital ministry.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and partnership. Your support is a great encouragement as we labor together for His glory. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

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