Ethiopia—Project Philip ignites passion for evangelism despite persecution

“Before taking part in the Project Philip Bible study, many believers don’t see the need for discipleship or evangelism. But now they have the direction. They understand what they believe and the destination they are going to. They are also boldly evangelising!” Bible League’s National Director for Ethiopia tells about the impact of the Project Philip Bible Study program in an area of Ethiopia where persecution of Christians occurs.

“After we started the Project Philip Bible study, we’ve seen big changes amongst the believers. God’s Word brought us unity and integrity,” says the National Director. He also reports how new converts helped the widows, fed the hungry and constructed homes for the needy in their village.

Seeing the testimonies of changed lives, some local church leaders requested Bible League-trained graduates to start the Project Philip Bible study in their churches. “That means this ministry helps church leaders to see the need for more leadership training and study,” concludes the National Director.

God’s Word also ignites in their hearts the passion to share the Good News in the midst of severe persecution.

Since mid 2006 there was religious aggression in some targeted places in Ethiopia led by Muslim extremists. Churches were destroyed, houses were burnt and believers were forced to convert to Islam. Recently, a Bible League-trained Church Planter was reported as being detained in Ethiopia because he tried to bring Bibles into an unreached community.

Despite this real threat of persecution, faithful believers are still boldly evangelising the lost. “In this particular region of Ethiopia, it is not easy for the church to promote evangelistic work. But the materials from the Project Philip Bible study help us to feel bold enough to say about Christ!” says the National Director. “So we need more Bibles and study materials for this area!” he requests.

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