Ethiopia Updates – February 2026

1- Heartwarming Christmas Outreach Update from Wonji-Showa, Ethiopia

I’m thrilled to share a heartfelt update from our recent Christmas outreach at Wonji-Showa. This year, I sent my wife, Addis, to our school to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas with our orphans, vulnerable children, and the entire school community. Over 400 children gathered to joyfully commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ within our school compound.

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Addis, along with Pastor Tegene from the local church, delivered an inspiring message and led prayers for the children and their families. We provided delicious cakes and special meals, making the day even more festive. The event included Bible verse memorization, Gospel songs, and a variety of joyful activities that filled the air with laughter.

Witnessing these precious kids enjoy Christmas in such a memorable way was truly a blessing. We also distributed gifts to the children, many of whom had never received presents before, and they delighted in fresh bread from our Bread of Life bakery.

Looking ahead, we plan to continue this outreach twice a year—during Christmas and Easter. I want to extend my sincere gratitude for Rev. Dr. Okongo for helping us establish this cherished tradition over the years.

As we prepare for Easter in April, please continue to pray for our outreach efforts, that we may do even more to bless the children and the community.

2- Exciting Update: Launch of Our Third Module of DMM Training

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our third module of DMM training, titled “Vision,” taking place in Arbamich from January 15 – 19, in one of our key gateway cities in the southern region of Ethiopia. This module is a pivotal moment for us, as it brings together 38 passionate pastors and leaders from 12 diverse denominations and churches. Our goal is to equip these leaders with the vision of Jesus, empowering them to mobilize disciple-making movements across Africa. We use the training materials from our partner called J-life Africa.

During our time together, participants are actively engaging in meaningful exchanges, sharing best practices and insights collected from previous training modules. This collaborative environment allows them to delve deep into the person and purpose of Christ’s life, fostering both spiritual growth and community building among leaders in the region. It’s inspiring to witness how these conversations are igniting new ideas and strengthening connections among the leaders.

In addition to the training, I spent an extra day in Arbamich coaching and mentoring our regional key leaders. This focused time was invaluable, ensuring that our leaders are equipped with the necessary tools and insights to lead effectively within their communities. We believe that empowering these leaders will have a ripple effect, impacting countless lives in their congregations and neighborhoods.

We take this opportunity to thank Rev. Dr. Okongo for initiating this training years ago. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support as we continue this important work. Your involvement is crucial to the success of these initiatives, and together, we can make a lasting impact in the southern region of Ethiopia.

PRAISE ITEMS (Thanksgiving to God)

• Thank God for the incredible turnout of over 400 children who celebrated Christmas with us.
• Praise for the meaningful messages shared and the joy experienced by the children.
• Praise for the gifts and delicious meals provided, bringing smiles to the faces of vulnerable children.
• Thank God for the successful turnout of 38 pastors and leaders from diverse denominations.
• Praise for the collaborative spirit and openness during training sessions.
• Praise for the opportunity to coach and mentor key leaders, fostering growth and development.

PRAYER ITEMS

• Pray for the continued success of our outreach programs, especially as we prepare for Easter in April.
• Pray for blessings on the children and their families, that they may feel loved and supported throughout the year.
• Pray for the resources and volunteers needed to expand our programs and reach even more children in the community.
• Pray for the hearts and minds of the participants to be open to the vision of Jesus.
• Ask for wisdom and insight for the leaders as they implement what they’ve learned in their communities.
• Pray for continued unity among the diverse denominations represented in the training.
• Request God’s protection over all participants and their families during this time.

Rev. Samson W.M

Unite 4 Africa & Ethiopia Director