about us

            Ethiopia Lafto Emmanuel Church was established in 1990 EC when two sisters, fueled by a divine vision, opened their home for prayer and Bible study. The fellowship initially took place on Tuesdays at sister Alemtsehay’s house and on Thursdays at sister Elsa Mekonen’s residence. The sessions were characterized by genuine dedication.

Brother Mikru and brother Tade were appointed to serve from the main bureau. And God performed miraculous deeds and directly communicated with the attendees. As word spread, numerous individuals joined the fellowship. It was during this period that they fervently prayed for a more spacious location to accommodate the growing number of participants. Among those who joined during the gatherings at the sisters’ homes were sister Mestawat Worku, sister Selamawit Mengistu, brother Misgana Negero, sister Zenebework Tesfaye, sister Halelluya Negero, and others.

After six years of prayer and guided by God’s intervention, the fellowship sought a larger space. Through God’s wondrous works, they were provided with the current location. Sister Alemtsehay and sister Elsa Mekonen, as prominent visionaries, played a pivotal role in making this transition possible. Despite facing societal prejudices and even legal challenges due to their gender, they remained steadfast in their commitment to God’s vision.

With the establishment of the new church, people from various local churches were drawn to Ethiopia Lafto Emmanuel Church, leading to some conflicts with the local churches. Nevertheless, on a significant day—July X, 1996 EC—the first service was held at the new premises. Among the congregation members attending this service were sister Alemtsehay, sister Elsa, sister Se’ada, sister Selam, sister Mestewat, brother Ayele, sister Haleluya, and brother Misganaw.

While sister Elsa took on the role of evangelist appointed from the main bureau, sister Alemtsehay also served the Lord as an evangelist alongside her. Brother Ayele Eshetu, brother Misgana Negero, and brother Desta had the privilege of leading the church as elders for the first time.
Sister Zenebework, sister Mestawat, and sister Se’ada were the initial ushers in the recently inaugurated church. As the ministry expanded and more people began attending, Friday was included as a day of fasting, prayer, and evening sermons with healing sessions. This had an extraordinary impact on the community of Lafto, as God’s grace was revealed powerfully. People were delivered from demonic influences, witnessed visible healings, and experienced restoration from afflictions.
These miracles led many to receive the Lord as their Savior. Morning prayers became a regular occurrence, and individuals passing by the church on their way to hospitals would hear the prayers and enter the church, receiving healing in the process. God’s work was evident and miraculous throughout.
Additionally, small groups gathered for Bible studies in the homes of different congregation members. After Sunday services, nobody would leave alone. Instead, they would gather at a member’s house, dine together, pray together, and bid farewell at night.
As the house of God kept on flourishing the devil couldn’t stand still and started to destroy the fellowship through his lie. Through this tough time we have lost members dear to our heart who God has used in many ways to build his kingdom and his church. Those that were left behind had to suffer the loss and struggle to keep going but blessed be the God who never lets His house down they have managed to keep marching in the kingdom.
Brother Tariku, Brother Nigat, and Brother Misgana faithfully served as elders within the church. The establishment of a choir brought together Sister Hallelujah, Sister Zenebework, Sister Hana, Brother Elias, Brother Tolosa, and Brother Atnatios, who joined their voices in joyful harmony, accompanied by the traditional “ከበሮ” melody. Sister Tsedey Hailu, Sister Werkuaza, Sister Genet, and Brother Cheru served as dedicated ushers. Demesie, after receiving God’s calling that he would be blessed with work in this place, purchased a piano keyboard and selflessly gifted it to the church. Brother Misgana’s service extended beyond preaching, as he skillfully played the guitar and sang, serving as the worship leader. Sister Alem, Sister Beza, Sister Helen, Sister Mulu, Sister Feben, Brother Mozambique, Brother Cheru, Brother Tewodros, Brother Sami, and Brother Solomon

eagerly joined the group.

Sister Selamawit Mengestu and Sister Hallelujah devotedly served as Sunday school teachers for the children. Meanwhile, a vibrant and uplifting female small group organized exciting programs, initially hosted at Selam’s house. Sister Ayelech, Sister Tsege, Sister Selam, Sister Mestewat, and Sister Zenebech found both service and fellowship within this group. They organized various seminars and conferences that invigorated the participants.

Brother Tariku and Brother Nigat took on leadership roles within the youth ministry, guiding and inspiring young members under the umbrella of local churches. The church continued its steadfast commitment to fasting, prayer, and the late-night program held on Fridays, which grew even stronger with time. This spiritual atmosphere attracted numerous individuals, and God’s presence was revealed through miraculous wonders. Many experienced personal transformations and stepped into the purposes God had spoken over their lives. The church has witnessed significant growth and blessings over the past 25 years since its inauguration, and now God is beginning a new work within the younger generation. May God’s abundant blessings be upon all the individuals mentioned here.