Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
(Heb. 13÷7-8)
Persecution and Unwavering Faith:
During the Italian occupation, Wandaro endured severe persecution, including beatings, imprisonment, and periods of hiding and hunger.
Despite these hardships, he was known for singing hymns during nights of suffering and boldly proclaiming the Gospel in public places.
His wife initially left him due to his faith but later returned as a believer herself.
Influence and Legacy:
Wandaro's unshakable faith and devotion inspired many, including Dana Maja, a powerful chief and former slave owner who later became a church leader.
Known as a prayer warrior and a model Christian, his life was marked by constant prayer, fasting, and Bible study despite opposition and persecution.
Wandaro’s legacy continues through the Ababa Wandaro Revival Ministry (AWRM), which seeks to preserve his story and continue his mission of spreading the Christian faith.
A Lasting Impact:
At his funeral, more than eight thousand people gathered, each carrying a flower in appreciation. Locals called the event “Bullacha” (meaning wedding in the local language), symbolizing the believer’s union with Christ after death.
His life and ministry remain a powerful example of faithfulness, courage, and dedication to the Gospel, inspiring believers in Ethiopia and beyond.
Key Principles of Ababa Wandaro:
1. Refusing to Say "Abet":
Wandaro never responded with "Abet" (which means "yes, your majesty" in old Amharic and just "yes" in modern Amharic) when called by others.
He believed that this honorific should be reserved only for God, the Most High.
2. Never Kneeling to Others:
He firmly believed that kneeling was an act of worship and should be directed only to the Highest God.
This conviction reflected his deep respect for God’s sovereignty.
3. Walking Instead of Riding:
Wandaro avoided using horses or vehicles for journeys up to 10 miles, choosing to walk instead.
His reason was to share the Gospel with those he met along the way, turning every journey into an opportunity for evangelism.
4. Prayer and Fasting:
Committed to prayer and fasting for at least one full day (24 hours) each week, typically on Thursdays.
This discipline was a cornerstone of his spiritual life and ministry.
5. Daily Bible Reading:
He never stopped reading the Bible, proclaiming the Good News, and praying regardless of government restrictions or persecution.
His devotion to Scripture was evident in every aspect of his life.
A Life of Principles and Sacrifice:
Ababa Wandaro was often compared to Daniel, Moses, and Paul for his courage and commitment to God’s truth.
Despite facing near-death experiences for upholding these principles, he remained steadfast and uncompromising.
Legacy and Departure:
He continued to preach and serve God faithfully until his death.
His ministry spanned from the Italian occupation through the Marxist revolution, leaving an indelible impact on the Christian community.
Local Christians view the death of their members as a wedding to meet Jesus Christ, a reflection of their hope and faith.
Ababa Wandaro’s life continues to inspire and guide believers today, emphasizing a faith that is not only professed but lived boldly and sacrificially. If you need anything else or want to expand on any part of his story, just let me know!
Ababa Wandaro Dabaro (1896–1990): A Brief Overview
Ababa Wandaro Dabaro, often revered as the "African, Ethiopian Apostle Paul," was a renowned missionary from Humbo, Wolaitta, Ethiopia. Born in 1896, he initially worked as a tenant farmer and weaver, following in his father's footsteps, who was also a religious figure in the community.
Spiritual Awakening and Conversion:
In 1924, after witnessing injustices in society—particularly the arrest of Prophet Esa Lale by government soldiers Wandaro began searching for spiritual truth.
This quest led him to the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) in Otona Soddo, where he embraced Christianity.
He was baptized in 1933 alongside the first group of Wolaitta believers and soon started preaching the Gospel in local markets.
Who we are and How do we work?
Vision
AWRM strives to see revived Disciples of Christ who are committed to prayer, reading the Bible and other scriptures, and spreading the gospel beginning with those nearby, then extending to the nation, and ultimately reaching the world.
Mission
AWRM exists to encourage, train, equip, and send believers on mission, offering holistic services that empower individuals to make nations Disciples of Christ. Through comprehensive support, AWRM aims to foster spiritual growth, inspire faithful living, and engage believers in global outreach, fulfilling the Great Commission by impacting communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Ababa Wandaro Revival Ministry (AWRM) was envisioned by the grandchildren of Ababa Wandaro—where 'Ababa' is a respected title meaning father or elder. The life and ministry of Ababa Wandaro served as a living witness of Jesus Christ and is intended to be a model for the current generation. AWRM seeks to revive and continue his great mission within the churches.
Ababa Wandaro Revival Ministry (AWRM): Serving Communities and Advancing God's Kingdom
Ababa Wandaro Revival Ministry (AWRM) is a nonprofit organization committed to serving both Christian and non-Christian communities in Ethiopia, East Africa. Inspired by the legacy of Ababa Wandaro Dabaro, AWRM focuses on supporting the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19:“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
AWRM is committed to three primary operational objectives in pursuit of its mission:
Evangelism and Discipleship
Spreading the gospel message and equipping believers to share Christ with others.
AWRM encourages a revival of prayer and the study of the Bible and other Scriptures, as well as promoting an evangelistic and missionary lifestyle.
This objective is inspired by the verse in Acts 2:42, which says:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Training and Empowerment
Providing resources, seminars, and workshops for church leaders, pastors, and congregants to build spiritual maturity and leadership.
AWRM seeks to inspire the current generation by reminding them of Ababa Wandaro’s missionary life and other true disciples of Christ as models of faith.
The ministry teaches that Christians should follow the example of these faithful leaders in their own walk with Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 13:7:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
Community Development and Charity
Engaging in social programs that meet the practical needs of the communities, including poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, while demonstrating Christ's love through action.
AWRM is dedicated to serving the poor and addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, believing that true religion is reflected in compassionate service to those in distress.
This objective is inspired by James 1:27:
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
These objectives guide the ministry as it seeks to fulfill its mission and bring about lasting transformation within the Church and the wider society.
Values
1. Faith:
We stand in consistency and truthfulness in both word and action, completely dependent on God for guidance and strength.
2. Commitment to Biblical Truth:
We believe that God changes history through people who are committed and available to His work, staying rooted in biblical truth.
3. Fair Management and Equality:
We promote fair service and equal treatment for all people, fostering a learning and growing community that reflects the Kingdom of God.
4. Teamwork/Strengthened Through Diversity:
"We are strong together." We believe that diversity strengthens us and enhances our ability to fulfill God's mission as a unified team.
5. Honesty:
We believe in openness, righteousness, and integrity in all of our actions and communications.
6. Humanitarianism/Concern for Human Needs:
We believe that all people are equal in the Kingdom of God and are called to serve all nations, using the resources provided by God in our time.
7. Servanthood:
We encourage a transforming community dedicated to becoming like Christ, through servanthood in love, holiness, and obedience to the Father.
Our team
ababawandarorm@gmail.com
