Though Ethiopia is a majority-Christian nation, many Ethiopians lack access to Bibles in their native languages. VOM is working with front-line ministers to give Bibles to every Ethiopian Christian, including Bibles in native languages such as Amharic, Omoro and Tigrinya.
Read MoreIn September 2022, Muslim extremists attacked the Bokore Full Gospel church in southeastern Ethiopia. Islamists set it on fire, destroying the building and everything inside; fortunately, no church members were hurt during the attack.
Read MoreTwo years ago, extremist Muslims launched attacks on Christians in the community where Isayas lives. They torched Christians’ crops, homes and possessions and destroyed the church where Isayas and others worshiped Christ. The Christians fled the area but later returned and bought land on which to rebuild their church.
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The Sheikh Who Became an Evangelist The pastor said, “This is Sheikh Semere,” introducing his guest to the believers assembled in a concrete-block church in Ethiopia. “He was a persecutor, and one who wanted to burn churches. I brought him here so you can beat him,” the pastor said jokingly, “because the Bible says you will reap what you sow.” The congregation roared with laughter. Less than two years earlier, a Muslim mob had destroyed their community, killing two evangelists and destroying the homes of 22 Christian families. But instead of fleeing or retaliating, the Christians chose to remain in the area as witnesses for Christ. And when they rebuilt their homes, they painted them vibrant blues and pinks so everyone would recognize the houses rebuilt after the violence. Semere, the target of the pastor’s good-natured joke, represented the very people who had attacked them. As the pastor introduced Semere, he continued using the title the former Muslim had gained as an Islamic scholar. “God has given Sheikh Semere favor,” the pastor said, “and [the sheikh] has done far more after he believed in Christ than the evil he did when he was a persecutor. After he believed, the Muslims
Read MoreOn December 23, 2020, armed groups attacked several villages in western Ethiopia, killing 42 Christians and two pastors.
Read MoreMuslim extremists across Ethiopia have waged a violent campaign against Christians in recent months.
Read MorePastor Dereje came to faith in Christ 20 years ago through his friends’ Christian witness. Once he became a Christian, Dereje felt called to serve the Lord. As he witnessed about Christ throughout his community, a church gradually formed.
Read MoreTilahun trusted in Christ eight years ago and became an active member in his church. Then, in 2020, his home was burned, and he was physically attacked by armed men because of his Christian faith. As a result of the attack, his leg had to be amputated.
Read MoreAfter visits to traditional healers and prayers from local sheikhs failed to heal her daughter from a mental illness, Makda decided to take her daughter to a Christian church for prayer. As the Christian leaders ministered to the girl and prayed for her, she gradually experienced full healing from her illness. Because of her daughter’s miraculous healing, Makda placed her faith in Jesus Christ.
Read MorePastors Kejela Mekonnen and Tole Geramu were killed by violent rebels in late 2021 because of their faith in Christ. Members of the Oromo Liberation Front rebel group threatened these pastors, telling them to stop preaching about Jesus and instead lead their congregations back to the traditional Oromo religion.
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