East Africa Trip Part 2: Faith and Opportunity in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt

As the East Africa ministry trip continued, the team traveled through Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt, encouraging churches, training leaders, and supporting growing ministries in each region. Pastor Fred Maduka returned to Malawi, and Pastor Mading Bol joined Danny and Danita Lee, along with Pastor Garfield Miller, for visits to Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The groups that were visited in Ethiopia and South Sudan are deeply connected through Nuer refugee communities that span national borders. These relationships have created meaningful opportunities for cooperation, mutual encouragement, and shared ministry across the region. Though the settings and challenges varied from country to country, a common theme emerged throughout the journey: God continues to build His Church through faithful local leaders and growing partnerships.

Ethiopia: Encouragement in the Midst of Challenges

In Addis Ababa and Gambella, the team spent time teaching, preaching, and encouraging church leaders. More than 100 people gave their lives to Christ, while hundreds more recommitted themselves to sharing the gospel and strengthening their churches.

The team participated in ordination services for church leaders and held leadership training for pastors and ministry workers. Churches also received Bibles, hymnals, and other practical ministry resources to support worship and discipleship.

In Gambella, conversations focused heavily on the future. Church leaders shared hopes of restarting a language school and expanding educational ministry opportunities that had previously served hundreds of students before unrest and tribal conflict disrupted the area. Leaders also discussed needed repairs to church facilities and ways to strengthen long-term ministry sustainability. Despite ongoing challenges in the region, the churches expressed strong faith, perseverance, and a desire to continue serving their communities.

South Sudan: Building for the Future

In South Sudan, ministry focused primarily on leadership development and encouraging churches to continue growing outward. More than 40 people gave their lives to Christ, and many others recommitted themselves to spiritual growth and evangelism.

The churches in Maiwut and Juba are still relatively young, but leaders expressed a strong desire to begin planting additional churches in surrounding communities. Leadership training sessions encouraged pastors and church members to think intentionally about discipleship, mentoring future leaders, and developing sustainable ministry opportunities.

The team also spent time discussing practical ideas to strengthen local ministry and provide long-term stability for churches in the region. These conversations reflected a growing vision not only for church growth but also for healthy, sustainable community impact.

Egypt: Celebrating New Life in Christ

The final portion of the trip brought the team to Cairo, Egypt, where they spent extended time teaching and encouraging the local church. One of the highlights of the visit was celebrating 18 baptisms along with the ordination of elders and deacons. Around 20 people gave their lives to Christ during the visit, and church members recommitted themselves to sharing the gospel and growing together in faith.

The church in Cairo continues to grow steadily, and its leaders are already facing the challenge of outgrowing their current meeting space! The congregation demonstrated joy, commitment, and a deep desire to continue reaching others.

Looking Ahead

Throughout Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt, leaders repeatedly expressed gratitude for the encouragement, training, and partnership they experienced during the visit. The trip strengthened existing relationships while also opening doors for future ministry development and support.

There are many opportunities ahead for continued discipleship, leadership development, education, and sustainable ministry growth. As these churches continue to mature, ongoing partnership and prayer will remain vital.

Reflection

Throughout Scripture, we see God working through ordinary people who remain faithful even in difficult circumstances. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” The churches across Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt are reminders that God continues to work powerfully through perseverance, faith, and a willingness to keep planting seeds for the future.

Prayer Point

Pray for the churches and leaders in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Egypt as they continue growing in faith and ministry. Ask God to strengthen local leaders, provide wisdom for future development opportunities, and bring lasting fruit from the many lives touched during this trip.

Reflection Question

Where have you seen God continue working through challenges or uncertainty, and how might He be inviting you to remain faithful in the work He has placed before you?

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