Ethiopia Updates – July 2025

Empowering the Next Generation: A Testimony from Kalu’s Journey to Kenya

One of the greatest joys in ministry is witnessing the fruit of long-term discipleship and mentorship. Our brother Kalu, a young Ethiopian leader and one of Dr. Okongo’s mentees for the past 10 years, is a living testimony of this impact.

As part of his leadership development, Dr. Okongo has been intentionally exposing Kalu to ministry experiences across Africa, including trips to Ghana and, most recently, Kenya. These opportunities are part of our broader commitment to raise up young leaders who are equipped for the work of the Kingdom of God. Below is Kalu’s personal reflection on his Kenya visit with the Unite 4 Africa team:

“I have been profoundly touched by how Unite 4 Africa works to transform communities. While I’ve encountered various teachings and literature on cultural transformation, the approach I witnessed with U4A truly stands apart.

Culture is the identity of a community, and navigating it—especially in the face of non-biblical practices—is never easy. Yet, Unite 4 Africa operates with intentional, biblically grounded strategies across the continent. During my recent trip to Kenya, I visited several community-based projects and saw firsthand how U4A engages with diverse cultural contexts.

What amazed me most is that the approach is not only theoretical but also deeply practical. Transformation does not begin by attacking or condemning cultural practices. Instead, U4A begins by recognizing the strengths within a community—affirming positive cultural values and leadership structures. By working alongside local leaders and respecting the community’s identity, transformation becomes a journey of trust, wisdom, and partnership.

I saw how U4A’s incarnational model—centered on the person and presence of Jesus—makes transformation not only possible but sustainable. This approach doesn’t impose change but invites communities into it. As a result, transformation becomes contagious, flowing from one community to another.

This experience challenged my thinking. I used to believe that transformation happens mostly through preaching the gospel from the pulpit alone. But now, I see that true transformation requires an embodied, holistic gospel—one that touches every area of life. It has given me hope:continental transformation is not just a dream; it’s possible. And by God’s grace, we can be part of it.”

Kalu’s testimony is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we invest in the next generation. Through intentional mentorship, real-world exposure, and spiritual formation, young leaders like him are rising up to carry the vision forward.

Let us continue to pray, empower, and equip more Kalus’ across Africa—for the glory of God and the transformation of nations.

Exciting Progress at Our Arbaminch School Project

We are thrilled to share encouraging updates from our new school project in Arbaminch—a vision that is quickly becoming a vibrant reality!

Recently, colorful and engaging playground equipment was installed, bringing joy and excitement to the children who will soon be learning and playing in a safe and nurturing environment. Our classrooms have also been beautifully painted and consecrated, creating an inspiring and welcoming space for both students and teachers.

In preparation for the school’s opening this September, we have successfully hired a team of dedicated teachers. In the coming days, we will begin their training to ensure they are fully equipped to provide quality, holistic education in alignment with our mission and values.

Additionally, we are grateful to have got a volunteer and have brought on board a highly experienced education consultant. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, particularly in the kindergarten sector and international school settings, she is now working closely with our leadership team to establish the full educational system and framework for the school.

This phase of the project marks a significant milestone, and we give glory to God for His provision and guidance every step of the way. We also thank you—our faithful partners—for your continued prayers and support, which make all of this possible.

As we approach the official opening of the school in September, we invite you to continue standing with us in prayer and support. There are still ongoing needs for classroom furnishings, learning materials, and the final phase of teacher development.

Your partnership makes a difference. Together, we are not just building a school—we are shaping lives, lifting communities, and raising up a generation of hope in Arbaminch.

Praise and Prayer Items

Praise Items

1. Praise God for Kalu’s fruitful learning experience in Kenya. The visit opened his eyes to the practical and incarnational ministry model of Unite 4 Africa.
2. We celebrate the transformation taking place in communities across Africa through holistic outreach—spiritually, socially, physically, and economically.
3. We praise God for raising up young leaders like Kalu who are stepping into key leadership roles with vision, passion, and a heart for the Kingdom.
4. We thank God for the safe and joyful environment now prepared in Arbaminch town for our children to play and grow.
5. We praise God for the beautiful, vibrant classrooms that have been painted and dedicated for God’s purpose.
6. We are grateful for the committed educators who have joined the school and are eager to serve the children of Arbaminch.
7. We thank God for bringing us a seasoned kindergarten education expert to help establish a solid school system.

Prayer Requests

1. Pray that more young leaders will be raised up through mentorship and intentional discipleship, just like Kalu. Ask for more mentors and resources to support this movement.
2. Pray for wisdom, unity, and spiritual growth as we train our newly hired staff in the coming days.
3. Pray for the remaining resources needed to furnish classrooms with desks, blackboards, teaching aids, and other essential materials.
4. Pray for a smooth and timely opening of the school, and for the children and families who will be part of this new chapter.
5. Ask God to use this school as a tool not only for education but for community transformation and Gospel witness.
6. Pray for safety, health, and spiritual covering over all team members and families as they serve in different parts of Africa.
7. Lift up the broader vision of transforming Africa through incarnational ministry. Pray that this dream becomes a reality as God continues to work through His people.

Samson Weldemariam /Rev./

Africa & Ethiopia director of U4A