BEDELE GOSPEL CRUSADE, ETHIOPIA // 19-22 FEB 2026

BEDELE Gospel Crusade, Ethiopia, DAY 1:

Our mass crusade in the town of Bedele began today with the first of seven services. Already, the Lord is working wonders! While not a large town, Bedele is an important hub in western Ethiopia. It was established in 1910 and is located at the intersection of roads leading to Nekemte, Gambela, and Jimma, all major centres.

Only around 20% of the inhabitants of Bedele are born again. The last crusade took place here in 2018 and the local churches, while led by wonderful pastors who are warm and hospitable, are not in the habit of holding evangelistic outreaches. Our team has laboured over the past weeks, training believers for evangelism and taking them out onto the streets and into the marketplaces to win the lost. We pray that, after this training and our crusade, the churches will grow increasingly zealous in their soul-winning efforts.

Opposing religious groups have challenged our coming here, but the Lord has been faithful. Permission to use the local stadium for our main event was revoked at the last minute, but we thank the Lord for giving us tremendous favour with the mayor—a wonderful, God-fearing man—who assisted us in clearing a ground alongside the stadium. While pipes and logs remain strewn about, they providentially serve as seating for the people.

This afternoon, our first service was glorious. I preached the Gospel—using Isaiah 61 as my text—with crystal-clear clarity. Thousands called on the name of Jesus, asking Him to wash away their sins with His precious blood. We worshipped together and prayed for the sick. Tomorrow, we will start hearing testimonies. The people are wonderfully attentive. It is going to be a spectacular weekend! Heartfelt thanks for your continued support and prayers.

GALLERY