In Ethiopia, there is a plant called Chat (or Khat) that many people chew together in groups. Chewing Chat is a common way for friends and families to socialize, but it acts as a drug and can be addictive. Many young people in the area struggle with Chat addiction, as well as other challenges like unemployment, low wages, and alcohol use. Sadly, youth in the church often don’t get enough attention or support, and there are not enough programs to help them grow in their faith.
Youth in the area are still dealing with the effects of the recent internal war in which friends and family members were killed or wounded. There is a great need for appropriate trauma healing.
To help address some of these needs, Biblica NEA held a one-day Reach4Life (R4L) training on June 28, 2025. We worked together with the Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE) in Kombolcha Town. Forty-six youth leaders and ministers from ten local churches joined us for the training. Everyone was excited to learn and took part in all the activities. We were also happy to give each participant a free Amharic Reach4Life New Testament to help them in their ministry.
Here are a few testimonies from the people who attended the training:
1. Hiwot Gato (Female) from Kombolcha Meserete Kristos Church
“What (I took home)from the R4L training conducted in June is that holy life matters and honours God and unholy life glorifies Satan. I have learnt that sexual desire is created by God and if we use this desire in the right way, as stated in God’s Word, God will be glorified, if not this act will be fornication or adultery. So, I personally have decided to glorify and honour God in my sexual life.”
2. Bethelhem Abebe from Kombolcha Full Gospel Believers Church
“From the R4L training on the topic of Purity of Life, what I understand and acquire is that we should give due attention to a holy life. In holiness we partner and have fellowship with God. But when we sin it is like partnering with the devil, so holiness is now my choice. And if holiness is my choice all my ways of life should be according to the One who purchased us with His blood to live for Him only. This truth helped me to control myself from lustful thoughts. I have also learnt that I should not focus on temporary sensual things and instead to focus on Jesus and wait until marriage. “
3. Tewodros Tesfaye from Kombolcha Meserete Kristos Church
“I am giving this life testimony after attending a training focused on living a holy life for God. The takeaway I got from that training is to see the reality that the youth are exposed to many things that defile our holy life. So, I should protect myself from those things that have the potential to destroy my relationship with God. One of the major issues that captured my attention was the topic discussed on Relationship. I learnt that my relationship with the opposite sex should be pure and should keep my life and my body holy. This training is very nice, and it influenced me to change my life direction for better. I am blessed by it.”
