Church Planting: Pastor Gurmu

Pastor Gurmu, a senior pastor, is known for his bold evangelism and church planting. Despite threats from groups in the countryside, he has continued to lead and support new congregations, prioritizing both spiritual and practical growth.

After training with Possibilities Africa in Ethiopia,  he planted a church of 27 households with an additional 37 households participating in discipleship. He also used a loan to acquire chairs for the church and is helping 13 households start a fellowship group in their area. 

He actively encourages his church members to engage in income-generating activities alongside their ministry, fostering a growing culture of productivity within the church, rather than sitting idle amidst the adversity of poverty.  His people have since testified of tremendous development.

Pastor Gurmu expressed that he wishes he had encountered Possibilities Africa’s teaching earlier in his calling.  He now recognizes the value of integrating work with pastoring to earn an income and cover ministry costs. 

Business scaling: Pastor Bekalo & Aynalem

In the same area, Pastor Bekalo and his wife, Aynalem, have learned to balance household responsibilities, church ministry, and small-scale economic activities. Before the Possibilities Africa training, their efforts were modest, engaging in limited animal husbandry, while Aynalem ran a small business selling home appliances and kitchen supplies.

After training and gaining access to a loan, their vision and capacity significantly expanded. Aynalem grew her business beyond its initial scale, diversifying into both improved animal husbandry and milk production. She invested in additional cows for fattening and dairy, initiated a weekly merry-go-round to strengthen cash flow, and continued serving vulnerable community members by offering goods at reduced prices. Her willingness to serve the vulnerable demonstrates a beautiful spirit of generosity. 

Pastor Bekalo complements these efforts by actively supporting the family’s ventures while applying holistic ministry principles, resulting in a more diversified, resilient livelihood that strengthens both their household and their service to the church.  

Together, their shift in diversification is monumental for minimizing risk. These initiatives have significantly increased the family’s income and created sustainable sources of livelihood, making them ambassadors for Christ in service and stewardship in their community. 

Mindset Shifting: Pastor Tadesse

Before engaging with Possibilities Africa, Pastor Tadesse owned a sizable piece of land that he inherited from his mother. However, he chose to rent it out rather than farm it himself. Like many pastors in Ethiopia, he held the belief that engaging in income-generating activities was incompatible with pastoral ministry. As a result, while his family managed to survive, they struggled to progress, and even basic needs like clothing were considered a luxury. 

Through Possibilities Africa training, Pastor Tadesse experienced a significant shift in perspective. He came to understand that work is not separate from ministry but is, in fact, a biblical expression of it. He describes this insight as both surprising and transformative. Encouraged by this new understanding and support through the program, he began to see work as a means to both sustain his family and expand the Gospel.

In response to what he learned, he reclaimed his land and began farming, producing crops that now provide food for his household. He expanded into livestock, further strengthening his family’s financial stability. Over time, his efforts grew from small beginnings into a more extensive farming practice, increasing his productivity and confidence.

The impact has extended beyond his household into the life of the church. Pastor Tadesse helped his congregation acquire land, which they farm collectively to support church growth and expansion. As members embraced this holistic approach, the church has seen increased giving and participation as more individuals engage in productive work. What was once viewed as incompatible with faith is now embraced as an act of faith. In summary, Pastor Tadesse’s testimony is one of glorifying God through kingdom-building, life-changing ministry, business, and community.