Get to Know the Yitbarek Family

Ministry Description

We serve as the Country Coordinators of Word of Life Fellowship Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa. Our passion is to see lives transformed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by equipping the next generation and strengthening the local church. As we lead the ministry, we have the privilege of serving teenagers, university students, church pastors, and ministry leaders through evangelism, discipleship, leadership conferences, and partnerships with local churches.

One of the greatest joys of our ministry is witnessing God save lives during our outreach events. Seeing young people place their faith in Christ and begin growing as His disciples reminds us that God is faithfully at work in Ethiopia. We are committed to raising biblical leaders who will influence their families, churches, communities, and nation for Christ.

We are grateful for everyone who stands with us. We invite you to partner with us through prayer, financial support, or even by visiting Ethiopia to serve alongside us. Please pray that God will continue to open new doors for ministry, provide the financial resources needed to expand His work, and use us to faithfully proclaim His Word. Thank you for being part of what God is doing in Ethiopia. May God richly bless you.

Learn more about the ministry in Ethiopia.

About

My name is Zelalem Dereje Yitbarek, PhD I was born in Gimbi, in western Ethiopia, and was raised in a Christian family. Although I grew up hearing about Christ, I made the personal decision to trust Jesus as my Savior when I was 14 years old while I was in Grade 8. That decision changed the direction of my life and began a lifelong journey of following Him.
Looking back, I can clearly see how God was preparing me for full-time ministry long before I recognized His plan. I worked as a journalist at a local television station, where I invested myself in developing my career in media and communication. At the same time, I was actively serving in my local church as an elder while completing my master's studies in leadership. Through these experiences, God was shaping my heart, developing my leadership, and teaching me that my greatest calling was not simply to communicate stories, but to proclaim His truth and invest in people for eternity.
In 2021, I joined Word of Life Fellowship Ethiopia as a Board Director then after a while became missionary. Today, it is a tremendous privilege to serve as the Country Coordinator, leading the ministry alongside an incredible team dedicated to reaching Ethiopia with the Gospel. I have also completed Word of Life leadership and ministry training programs, both online and in person, which continue to strengthen me for this calling. I also earned a Ph.D. in Leadership from Vision International University, a journey that has further equipped me to serve the Church and develop Christian leaders.
My wife, Elizabeth, and I first met while studying at Samara University, and we were married in 2013. we have three children. As a family, we count it a privilege to serve the Lord together and witness His faithfulness each day.
We would be honored to connect with you and share more about what God is doing in Ethiopia. Thank you for praying for our family and for considering partnering with us in reaching the next generation for Christ.

About Elizabeth

My name is Elizabeth Biru Diriba. Although I attended church from an early age through the influence of a member of my family, it was at the age of 15, while I was in Grade 9, that I personally accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. From that moment on, God began shaping my life and giving me a desire to serve Him wholeheartedly.
I met my husband, Zelalem, while we were both studying at Samara University. After our marriage in 2013, God has blessed us with three wonderful children: El Shalom, Abyismak, and Maraki. As a family, we count it a privilege to serve the Lord together and witness His faithfulness each day. God continued to lead us together into ministry. Today, we have the privilege of serving side by side as part of the leadership of Word of Life Fellowship Ethiopia.
My ministry focuses primarily on encouraging and discipling women while also serving through hospitality. It is a joy to welcome, care for, and encourage those God brings into our ministry. Whether through discipleship, fellowship, or simple acts of hospitality, my desire is that people experience the love of Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.
One of my favorite Bible passages is Job 26:2–3 (NIV), which reminds me of the importance of strengthening the weak, helping those in need, and offering godly wisdom and encouragement to others. It continually challenges me to be available for God's service wherever He leads.
Serving the Lord together as a family is one of our greatest blessings. We are thankful for His faithfulness and excited to see how He will continue to work in Ethiopia for His glory.

One passage that continually encourages me is Romans 8:35–39 (NIV), which reminds me that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This promise gives me confidence to serve Him faithfully, regardless of the challenges we may face.

Contact Information

zdereje@wol.org
Mobile Number +251 913290084