In the heart of Ethiopia, a young boy named Bekele Shanko grew up in a village steeped in animism, with no access to formal education, healthcare, or even clean water. His family, like many others, lived in fear of the spirits they believed controlled their lives. By the age of five, Bekele was already apprenticed to a witchdoctor, engaging in rituals that included drinking alcohol and smoking. His father, serving a powerful witchdoctor, wielded influence through what they perceived as spiritual power.
Angels Visit His Father
One night, everything changed. Bekele's father experienced a divine encounter when two angels visited him. They revealed the truth about God's love and creation, showing him visions of heaven and the torments of hell. Confronted with a choice, Bekele's father was visited by two men who had recently embraced Christianity. They shared that the path to heaven was through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the powers he had known.
This revelation led Bekele, his family, and eventually their entire village to embrace Jesus. Bekele recalls, "...if my dad is going to stop beating my mom, I'll accept Jesus." His father's transformation was immediate and profound. Miraculously, he was able to read the Bible despite never having attended school. This newfound ability became a testament to the power of Jesus in their lives. Inviting the entire village, Bekele's father shared his story, reading from the Bible and encouraging others to abandon the old ways and embrace faith in Jesus. The whole village, about 400 people, converted, leading to a sweeping transformation of their community.
From Village to Global Ministry
As Bekele grew, he felt a calling to share the message of Jesus with others. "I've experienced the power of God. The Gospel has transformed me. And that's why I'm so passionate about reaching people who are lost without Christ and sharing the good news that has the power to transform lives," Bekele states. His journey took him from his small village to become a global leader with Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as Cru. Bekele's influence expanded as he took on roles such as National Director for Ethiopia and Global Vice President of Cru. In 2011, he helped launch the Global Alliance for Church Multiplication (GACX), a network dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus worldwide.
A Legacy of Transformation
Today, Bekele continues to live out his mission to empower the body of Christ for world evangelization, with the Kambaata tribe, his people, now predominantly followers of Jesus. Bekele's life is a testament to how Jesus can transform lives and communities, bringing light into the deepest darkness.