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October 16
Butajira – South Regional State, Ethiopia
Ashewameda, Ethiopia
Today marked the first full day of training in Ethiopia, and it was a meaningful and impactful start. Blake co-led the training alongside Pastor Ashebir and Pastor Gezu (who also served as his interpreter), in partnership with the Ethiopian Gospel Believers Church Council.
The team met with 38 local pastors in the rural town of Ashewameda for a day focused on discipleship and evangelism. Blake taught the discipleship portion of the training, while the Ethiopian leaders emphasized the importance of developing disciples who make disciples. It was a powerful message of multiplication and spiritual growth.
What made today especially significant was the reach of those in attendance. Many of the leaders present oversee entire denominations—together, they represented more than 100 churches. These leaders plan to take the tools and principles from today’s training and bring them back to their own pastors, creating ripple effects across their regions.
Blake has had very little sleep since beginning his travels two days ago. Please be praying for deep rest and renewed strength as the training continues in the days ahead.
October 17
Debrezit – Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia
On the second day of training, the team gathered in the town of Debre Zeyit, where 32 pastors and church leaders came together for a powerful day of equipping and encouragement. Collectively, these leaders oversee more than 250 congregations, making the impact of this training both deep and far-reaching.
These leaders only have the opportunity to attend training at the local ministry center twice a year, making today’s session all the more significant. Pastor Ashebir led the morning with a teaching on servant leadership and visionary outreach, casting a compelling vision for reaching not only Ethiopia, but the predominantly Muslim, North African nations with the gospel.
Dr. Gezu followed with a session on Organic Outreach, helping the leaders envision practical ways to share the good news within their own cultural contexts. Blake then taught on personal discipleship and essential leadership principles for church evangelism and discipleship, encouraging the leaders to invest deeply in their own walk with Christ and in raising up others.
The setting for the day was a beautiful church perched above a peaceful lake—an inspiring backdrop for worship and learning. As a special expression of hospitality, the church community lovingly prepared and served lunch using vegetables and food grown right on the church grounds. It was a reminder of the deep generosity we have witnessed among the Ethiopian believers.
Please continue to lift up Blake and the team in prayer as they press on in this important work.
October 18
Butajira, Ethiopia
Saturday’s event went very well with 40 leading pastors in the Butajira area of Ethiopia. Just a couple of photos – Blake is out of service range but the local leaders managed to get us a few photos.
