The evangelical churches of Ethiopia reach some of the most remote areas of the country, providing education and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Two of these churches, the Ethiopian Kale Hiwot Church (EKHC) and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), began their work almost 100 years ago, opening schools at different levels to bring a high standard of education.
Biblica partners with these two churches to provide biblical training through programs such as Equipping Leaders, Children for Christ, and Reach4Life.
This school year, 750 students at Bole Kale Hiwot Junior and Secondary High School and Bethel High School (an EECMY school) began to study Reach4Life, a unique discipleship program for young people revealing God’s plan for identity, sexuality, and relationships. The program’s foundation is the Reach4Life Bible, which combines the full text of the New Testament with lessons and stories that guide young people to faith in Christ, belief in themselves, and the skills needed to overcome their unique challenges and temptations. Our partner Edify Ethiopia trained the student fellowship coordinators at these two schools.
At the Bole Kale Hiwot School, youth leaders shared that they are using Reach4Life as a study tool for 48 study groups with an average of seven students in each group. Their students feel comfortable and confident to carry this New Testament anywhere they go. They love it because it addresses their inner questions and challenges. Some have started reading Reach4Life with their families. Even non-believers are willing to receive these books. The content attracts youth, and the stories help to address those who are in similar situations. Those who saw the book but did not receive one are now requesting a copy.
The leaders also emphasized that as the students finish reading the Reach4Life New Testaments, they are seeing a need to have a full Bible of their own. Many students cannot afford to buy their own Bibles. Access to God’s Word is particularly difficult for those coming from non-believing families, which is why the continued support of our generous investors is so critical.
At Bethel Mekane Yesus School, leaders started the study this academic year. They teach Reach4Life to both believers and non-believers, giving priority to non-believers who willingly come to attend the fellowship meetings.
Some of the participants shared:
“I found it is a nice discipleship tool that addresses youth challenges, and it is not boring.”
“It touches many of the questions raised by students and helps us to speak about some taboos with the light of the Word of God.”
“This book helps us to be more like Jesus.”
“It encourages us to read the whole Bible.”
“I read Reach4Life every day since I received it.”
We thank God for the dedicated partners helping us bring this life-changing Bible ministry to more students in Africa!
