World Horizons member Akem*, originally from Northeast Africa and now living in Brazil with his family, recently returned from a visit to Ethiopia. What he experienced there left a deep impression.
Arriving in Addis Ababa for the first time in two years, Akem was struck by the transformation. The city was vibrant and full of life, far removed from the outdated images many still associate with Ethiopia. Over the course of his trip, he travelled to eight cities, carrying a strong sense that God is doing something significant across the nation.
Akem has a long-standing love for the Afar people. This visit brought a new depth to that connection.
“In the past, we mostly met Afar people who had moved into cities. This time, God opened the door for me to spend time in their communities. It was a unique and special opportunity.”
During his time there, conversations about faith came naturally.
“One day in a restaurant, I spoke with a man who was incredibly open to hearing about the gospel. I felt closer than ever to the Afar people."
Having lived in several African nations, Akem says he has never seen a move of God like the one unfolding in Ethiopia today.
Courageous Faith
While visiting a church in southern Ethiopia, Akem witnessed something striking. The pastor shared that around 80% of the congregation comes from a Muslim background. During the service, three people publicly declared their new faith in Christ.
‘In some countries, that would lead to immediate persecution. But here, even though it’s a largely Muslim area, people showed incredible courage.’
The church has faced opposition, with attempts made to shut it down. Yet despite this, it continues to grow. Many in the congregation are new believers, most having come to faith within the past year.
The church is marked by prayer and a powerful sense of God’s presence.
‘During worship, the Holy Spirit moves in remarkable ways. People are healed and encounter God, often without anyone even praying for them directly.’
Word has spread, and many come simply because they hear that God is at work.
During one gathering, Akem was invited to speak.
‘More than twelve people came forward that day, declaring they were choosing to follow Christ. It’s something you don’t see often, it’s clear God is moving.’
The Harvest Is Ready
Reflecting on what he saw, Akem was reminded of Isaiah 52:10:
‘The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.’
‘God is at work in a powerful and urgent way. The harvest is ready, we don’t need to wait, we need to respond.’
As he travelled west across Ethiopia, Akem encountered another community where believers, many from Muslim backgrounds, are gathering in homes. There, he spent time teaching and encouraging a growing house church.
‘It felt like the early church, people meeting in homes, seeing miracles, healing, and lives transformed.’
Looking Ahead
Now back with his family, Akem is praying about returning to Ethiopia long-term.
‘We feel called to go back, to serve alongside the church and help build a team. The invitation is there, and the need is clear.’
There are many practical opportunities for those willing to go, including:
- Teaching and discipling new believers
- Medical work
- Sports ministry
- Evangelism
There are also thousands of refugees in the region, representing a significant opportunity to share the love of Christ.
Akem also holds onto the promise of Isaiah 9:2:
‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…’
‘Many people are simply following what they’ve been taught. My prayer is that God will shine His light and reveal truth to them.’
‘It felt like the early church, people meeting in homes, seeing miracles, healing, and lives transformed.’
Prayer Requests
- For Akem and his family as they prepare for a possible return to Ethiopia.
- For a strong, unified team to be established.
- For teachers and disciplers to equip new believers.
- For God’s light to continue breaking into places of darkness.
*Akem (name changed for security reasons)
