What Is The Gospel For Ethiopia Program?

This program seeks to equip Ethiopian pastors and ministry workers with Biblical resources and Biblical teaching so as to increase their effectiveness as shepherds of their flocks.

In Ethiopia as well as Africa in general, Christians are excited and fervent in their faith.  They are on fire for God, even in the face of persecution!  Unfortunately, many pastors lack the opportunities and resources to acquire in-depth knoledge of doctrine and theology.  As a result, the lay people they shepherd also lack these things. 

Pastors and church leaders are crying out for knowledge and training, but the materials available, especially in their native language, are expensive ans scarce.  A rural pastor may only have one book - his Bible.  He may have little or no training in how to shepherd, disciple or preach. 

What is the answer to this problem?  We believe the answer can be summed up in one word: Partnership.

Our partnership program will be accomplished in several ways:

  1. Appropriate biblical resources will be translated into Amharic by GFE's Ethiopian translation team.  These resources will then be printed, bound, and then distributed to participating pastors and ministry workers in target areas.  

  2. GFE will partner with like-minded churches and ministries to provide yearly conferences to reinforce and expand on the material presented in the books and resources provided to the pastors during the previous year.  Participating pastors will be encouraged and assisted to attend these conferences.

  3. An internet resource center for pastors will be developed in Hawassa.  This will allow English speaking pastors the ability to participate in online seminary classes as well as research for sermon preparation.  Our long-term goal is to establish resource centers throughout the country in all of the places where the GFE program is being implemented.

  4. An emergency fund will be established by GFE for food, shelter, medical, or clothing assistance to needy pastors.  This will be administered locally by Great Commission Ethiopia Ministries.

 The Lord can use each of us to facilitate this work and be a blessing in the lives of these pastors and ministry workers, their families, and those they influence.