“You, Lord, are the lamp of Ethiopia; You turn its darkness into light!!”
You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.(2 Samuel 22:29,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 113.65 million
Area | 1,104,300㎢, Located in the mountainous plateau region of northeastern Africa.
Capital City | Addis Ababa (5.46 million people)
People Groups | Total 129 groups, Oromo 35.8%, Amhara 24.1%, Somali 7.2%, Tigray 5.7% Sidama 4.1%, Gamo 2.8%, Gurage 2.6%, Welayta 2.3%
Unreached People Groups | 38 (29% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Amharic, English
Total Languages | 98
Bible Translations | Completed 29, New Testament 23, Partial 21
Religion | Christianity 58.4% (20% Protestant, 37% Orthodox), Islam 32.7%, Ethnic religions 8.6%, Evangelical 18% (19.98 million people)
》 About Ethiopia 2
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the second-largest Orthodox Church in the world. As the second nation to officially embrace Christianity, Ethiopia has a long and deeply rooted Christian history. Christianity became firmly established in the early 4th century when King Ezana adopted it as the state religion. Initially, the church maintained close ties with the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, shaping its doctrine and structure. Many religious texts were translated from Greek and Aramaic, and the Bible and Christian literature were recorded in the Ethiopian language. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Zagwe Kingdom emerged as a powerful Christian state, leading to the construction of numerous churches and monasteries. Among these, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela remain a significant Christian heritage site from this period. Protestant Christianity was introduced in the late 19th century by missionaries from the United States and Europe, who worked primarily in education and healthcare while spreading the gospel. By the early 20th century, various missionary organizations had expanded their efforts, establishing schools, hospitals, and other institutions, which played a key role in broadening Protestantism’s social influence. In the 1970s, communist rule brought severe restrictions on religious activities, with many missionaries expelled and churches facing persecution. However, despite these hardships, the church continued to grow. Although the spread of Islam has led to continued persecution in some areas, the church has expanded significantly, even to the extent of engaging in overseas missions.
》 Scripture Focus
| 2 Samuel 22:28-36(NIV) 28 You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. 29 You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light. 30 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. 31 As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was the national religion for a long time, but due to political compromises by its leaders, it strayed from biblical truth. After enduring persecution under the communist regime, the church is experiencing renewal. Though some reforms have taken place within the Orthodox Church, tradition continues to be prioritized over Scripture, and its members display strong religious zeal and faith. A major challenge for converts to Protestantism is the risk of being forced to leave their families and communities. Let us pray that they clearly hear the truth of the gospel through the Bible and come to recognize that Jesus is the only Savior.
2. The rapid spread of the Bible has led to explosive growth in evangelical churches, with nearly 20 million believers. However, many Protestants rarely read the Bible, relying solely on Sunday sermons for spiritual nourishment. It is concerning that even among pastors, many read the Bible but lack true understanding of it. Protestant churches are also becoming more ritualistic, resembling Orthodox traditions. Despite this, many Protestants hold a false pride in believing that they understand biblical truth better than the Orthodox Church. Let us pray for humility, that they may truly obey God’s Word and live as faithful witnesses. Though Christian broadcasting and religious education in schools are illegal, the Evangelical Church Federation of Ethiopia (ECFE) has developed a long-term strategy to reach unreached people groups and extend missions beyond the Horn of Africa. Let us pray that leaders with a deep understanding of biblical missions will rise up and follow God’s call.
3. Islam is expanding rapidly in Ethiopia, with Muslim groups providing education, jobs, and financial support, as well as constructing new mosques. Muslims now make up 32% of the population, with the Oromo, the largest Muslim ethnic group, having only a few Protestant Bible schools. In the eastern regions, the Somali, Harari, and Afar peoples are predominantly Muslim. The Somali account for 7.2% of the population, numbering over 7.8 million, with around 3 million living as dual citizens along the Somalia border. In 2015, an Islamic extremist group released a video showing dozens of Christians being beheaded. Let us pray for the protection of believers and missionaries, asking God to shield them from Satan, who seeks to steal and destroy lives through radical Islam.
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