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Our Story

Rooted in faith, sustained through persecution, growing by His grace.

Who We Are

Christ as Our Foundation

The name Meserete Kristos means "Whose Foundation is Christ" in Amharic, echoing the conviction of Menno Simons from 1Corinthians 3:11 that Jesus Christ is the one and only foundation. This name belongs to every congregation of the Meserete Kristos Church in all fourteen regions of Ethiopia, including our congregation here in Dire Dawa.

Our roots are in the evangelical Anabaptist church, part of a global family that values believers' baptism, the priesthood of all believers, community discernment, peacemaking, and discipleship. Our congregation in Dire Dawa was established in 1956G.C. and has grown through decades of faithful witness in this city.

We are members of Mennonite World Conference and the Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia, and we partner closely with MKC's national body based in Addis Ababa.

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Our Heritage

The MKC Story in Ethiopia

The story of the Meserete Kristos Church is one of the most remarkable church-growth narratives of the 20th century; a testimony of God working far beyond human prayers and expectations.

1945G.C. – 1948G.C.
Mennonites Arrive in Ethiopia
Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions, under the direction of Orie O. Miller, sends the first missionaries. Daniel and Blanche Sensenig arrive in December 1947, pioneering medical and educational work in Nazareth (now Adama) and later in Dire Dawa, Deder, and Bedeno.
1951G.C.
First Believers Baptised
On June 16, ten Ethiopian believers are baptised near Addis Ababa, marking the beginning of what will become the Meserete Kristos Church.
1959G.C. – 1965G.C.
Church Organised
The name Meserete Kristos Church is formally adopted. The Bible Academy opens in Nazareth. Ethiopian leaders progressively take full administrative responsibility from the missionaries.
1982G.C. – 1991G.C.
Underground Years
The Marxist Derg government closes all 14 MKC congregations in January 1982 and imprisons six church leaders. Far from dying, the church thrives underground through cell groups — growing from 5,000 to over 50,000 members in a decade.
1991G.C. – Present
Freedom & Rapid Growth
After the fall of the Marxist government, MKC worships openly. By 1997 there was 192 congregations across all 14 regions of Ethiopia. Today MKC is one of the fastest-growing Anabaptist churches in the Ethiopia.
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Dire Dawa and the MKC Story
Dire Dawa held a significant place in the early Mennonite mission in Ethiopia. The first Mennonite Mission conference was held in Dire Dawa in January 1950, and the bookstore operated here employed some of the earliest Ethiopian church leaders, including Kiros Bihon, who later served as a pastor and was imprisoned for four years for his faith.

The Dire Dawa congregation traces its roots to the evangelistic work of early missionaries and Ethiopian believers who carried the gospel eastward from Addis Ababa. The church was officially closed by the Derg government on February 17, 1982G.C. — and like all MKC congregations in Ethiopia, the church continued meeting in secret through house fellowships, prayer, and the unstoppable work of the Holy Spirit.

When freedom returned in 1991, the Dire Dawa congregation emerged strengthened. Today we are a congregation actively engaged in worship, discipleship, and community service, living out the legacy handed to us by those who suffered for their faith.

A Grateful Tribute to Our Founders

We honour with deep gratitude the Mennonite missionaries who answered God's call to serve in Ethiopia. People such as Daniel and Blanche Sensenig, Chester and Sara Jane Wenger, Robert and Alta Garber, Nathan and Arlene Hege, Paul and Ann Gingrich, Nevin and Blanche Horst, and many others; doctors, nurses, teachers, and evangelists; who willfully gave years of their lives to plant the gospel here.

They came not as masters but as servants, embracing the John the Baptist's principle, "He must increase, but I must decrease." They willingly transferred the church leadership to Ethiopian believers from the earliest years. Their faithfulness, and the faith of Ethiopian pioneers like Kelifa Ali, Kiros Bihon, Shamsudin Abdo, and Negash Kebede, who suffered imprisonment rather than denying Christ, is the foundation on which we stand.

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Leadership

Our Pastoral Team

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What We Believe

Core Convictions

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Scripture

We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God; our guide for faith, life, and church practice.

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Believers' Baptism

Baptism follows a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ, reflecting our Anabaptist heritage and the experience of the early church.

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Community

The church is the gathered community of disciples, called to mutual accountability, love, and the priesthood of all believers.

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Holy Spirit

We are a Spirit-filled congregation that welcomes prayer, healing, gifts of the Spirit, and the transforming power of God in everyday life.

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Peacemaking

We follow Jesus the Prince of Peace, seeking reconciliation and justice in our community and beyond.

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Mission

The Great Commission is not optional. Every member is a witness; and every household, a centre of discipleship and outreach.