What happens when a government locks church doors—and the church grows anyway? In this episode we sit down with, Rev. Dr. Girma Bekele, an Ethiopian scholar and missional leader who shares stories of prayer, perseverance and revival. From a call to preach at the age of 17, to helping plant eleven underground congregations, Pastor Girma has a testimony that blends lived experience with deep theological reflection.

Over the course of the conversation we unpack the long arc of Ethiopian Christianity—Orthodox heritage shaped by the Solomonic narrative, the legacy of the eunuch in Acts, and the third-century pivot under King Ezana—alongside the modern evangelical surge that accelerated under Marxist rule.

Pastor Girma also explains why pneumatology, fervent intercession and everyday evangelism fueled radical growth, and how diaspora churches now anchor vibrant communities across North America and Europe. The conversation also turns to discipleship, social ethics and the urgent need for contextual theology that holds Scripture and the Spirit together.

With the center of Christianity shifting and mission becoming polycentric, Ethiopia stands as both a sender and a learner—ready to partner with global churches and seminaries to cultivate depth, integrity and hope.

If you'd like to learn more from Girma Bekele you can purchase his book and follow him on Facebook.

And please don't forget to share this episode and join the conversation on YouTube!

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