Historical Brief
The Mulu Wongel Believers movement started in Ethiopia almost at the same time in different parts of Ethiopia in mid 1960s. This historical move of the Holy Spirit affected all sectors of the Ethiopian society including the religious establishments, educational institutions, political leadership, peasantry, factory workers, traders, etc. Organized as Mulu Wongel Believers’ Association amidst fiery opposition in late 1960 to early 1970s, the movement evolved to a vibrant underground church by 1974. In 1976 the Church acquired quasi-legal status to construct a building at Qetena 2 in Addis Ababa.
The Present Situation of the church in Ethiopia
The church has grown beyond bounds of physical walls made by men. Throughout the country from Gindaa (Eritrea, now an independent country ) to Gidole in Gamo Gofa, from Metu to Mekele and Jijiga in Harar, the gospel movement has canvassed cities and villages like a wild fire. Prompted by call to the ministry, evangelists and apostles are organizing and planting churches everywhere. According to the latest Ethiopian Mulu Wongel Church’s figures, our members are 4.5 million strong now. This remarkable numerical growth needs to be incorporated, supported and maintained through proper organization which entails building physical churches and institutions. Thus, there is tremendous need for financial, material and human resources to build these institutions.
SITUATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF MWBC IN THE DIASPORA
MWBC former members in the Diaspora have been critical in the establishment of churches all around the world and many of them continue to serve the Lord. But they have not forgotten their mother church that planted the seeds in them and equipped them for such honor! Despite the fact that many of them have been out of the country and away from their mother church in Ethiopia for many years, even decades, their love for their church is still intact. They have been yearning to establish or rekindle their connection with their mother church at home while the church has also been praying for the same. Additionally, there exists a real need for these members to establish connection with each other and provide each other encouragement, support and fellowship. We believe the time has arrived for our prayers to be answered.
The Future
It is clear from the strategic plan and other papers that were issued in mid 2012 following the national MWBC leadership meeting, the church has developed a bold and unprecedented plan to embark on a work that is both aggressive and comprehensive. The work has begun in earnest. Each local Mulu Wongel church is trying to meet the strict building standards recently issued by the government. Local congregations have been able to acquire pieces of property in key locations in major cities on which they should build per the new standard. The current church locations are also required to be rebuilt to the new standards. Both existing and newly acquired sites will be lost permanently if the standards are not met by date certain. Unfortunately, the congregations are unable to build the churches to these standards. This issue, while critical to the local churches, creates opportunity for Mulu Wongel members in the Diaspora to partner in meeting the need and join in the ministry and mission of the church. Unlike other denominations in Ethiopia, Mulu Wongel Believers Church has not been and still is not subsidized or gets mission support outside our community. Its former members are its missionaries and its supporters! They can help shape the future of the church by their continued prayers and material support.
As for those in the Diaspora, it is in the interest of them all to re-connected to one another for spiritual, social and physical support. They will also be drawing strength from one another in their respective services for the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Mulu Wongel Believers Fellowship Network is hopeful to be instrumental in making a positive impact for the Glory of God.
The Mulu Wongel Believers movement started in Ethiopia almost at the same time in different parts of Ethiopia in mid 1960s. This historical move of the Holy Spirit affected all sectors of the Ethiopian society including the religious establishments, educational institutions, political leadership, peasantry, factory workers, traders, etc. Organized as Mulu Wongel Believers’ Association amidst fiery opposition in late 1960 to early 1970s, the movement evolved to a vibrant underground church by 1974. In 1976 the Church acquired quasi-legal status to construct a building at Qetena 2 in Addis Ababa.
The Present Situation of the church in Ethiopia
The church has grown beyond bounds of physical walls made by men. Throughout the country from Gindaa (Eritrea, now an independent country ) to Gidole in Gamo Gofa, from Metu to Mekele and Jijiga in Harar, the gospel movement has canvassed cities and villages like a wild fire. Prompted by call to the ministry, evangelists and apostles are organizing and planting churches everywhere. According to the latest Ethiopian Mulu Wongel Church’s figures, our members are 4.5 million strong now. This remarkable numerical growth needs to be incorporated, supported and maintained through proper organization which entails building physical churches and institutions. Thus, there is tremendous need for financial, material and human resources to build these institutions.
SITUATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF MWBC IN THE DIASPORA
MWBC former members in the Diaspora have been critical in the establishment of churches all around the world and many of them continue to serve the Lord. But they have not forgotten their mother church that planted the seeds in them and equipped them for such honor! Despite the fact that many of them have been out of the country and away from their mother church in Ethiopia for many years, even decades, their love for their church is still intact. They have been yearning to establish or rekindle their connection with their mother church at home while the church has also been praying for the same. Additionally, there exists a real need for these members to establish connection with each other and provide each other encouragement, support and fellowship. We believe the time has arrived for our prayers to be answered.
The Future
It is clear from the strategic plan and other papers that were issued in mid 2012 following the national MWBC leadership meeting, the church has developed a bold and unprecedented plan to embark on a work that is both aggressive and comprehensive. The work has begun in earnest. Each local Mulu Wongel church is trying to meet the strict building standards recently issued by the government. Local congregations have been able to acquire pieces of property in key locations in major cities on which they should build per the new standard. The current church locations are also required to be rebuilt to the new standards. Both existing and newly acquired sites will be lost permanently if the standards are not met by date certain. Unfortunately, the congregations are unable to build the churches to these standards. This issue, while critical to the local churches, creates opportunity for Mulu Wongel members in the Diaspora to partner in meeting the need and join in the ministry and mission of the church. Unlike other denominations in Ethiopia, Mulu Wongel Believers Church has not been and still is not subsidized or gets mission support outside our community. Its former members are its missionaries and its supporters! They can help shape the future of the church by their continued prayers and material support.
As for those in the Diaspora, it is in the interest of them all to re-connected to one another for spiritual, social and physical support. They will also be drawing strength from one another in their respective services for the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Mulu Wongel Believers Fellowship Network is hopeful to be instrumental in making a positive impact for the Glory of God.