by Zelalem Eshete

I would like to share my story of how the STEP program became a turning point in my spiritual journey and changed my life for the better.

First, a brief background. I came to know the Lord early in life while I was in middle school in Ethiopia. At that time, the church was under intense persecution due to the communist regime. Our home became an underground church—a sacred refuge for believers in our town. That church became the soil where my faith took deep root. As a brand-new believer, I was thrust into ministry, sharing and teaching the Word of God. It was there I had my first encounter with God—not just as a distant deity, but as my Father. I was overwhelmed by His love and embraced my identity as His beloved child.

Later, in college, my understanding deepened. I came to know Him not only as Father but as Lord. True discipleship began to take shape. In those days, our dormitories became places of fellowship—open doors marked by quiet knocking codes where we gathered, studied the Bible, and encouraged one another in secret.

Almost four decades ago, I moved to the United States. That marked the beginning of a long season in the wilderness. In the depths of my brokenness—when I had nothing
and no one but Him—I discovered a profound truth: He is all I need. In that solitude, I fell in love with Him all over again. I came to know Him as my Lover, and His love
sustained me through the fire.

Emerging from that wilderness, I began to experience restoration and blessing. As I walked with Him, I came to know Him as my Shepherd, the One in whom I lack nothing. And as I stood in the richness of His grace, the old flame to serve Him blazed again in my heart.

That was the setting—the sacred backdrop of my journey—when I was introduced to the STEP program.

When I first joined STEP, I was advised to pray—and to ask others to pray for me. I didn’t realize at the time just how prophetic that advice was. Now I know it was exactly what I needed.

I’ve always had a deep desire to study the Bible. Over the years, I enrolled in several programs—even at the master’s level—but somehow, I never managed to complete any of them. Something always got in the way, and I carried the weight of unfinished steps in my spiritual growth.

So, when I began the STEP journey, the looming question in my mind was: Will I finish this one? I was excited after the first session in September—it felt different. But then, a storm came.

Within the first year of the program, I suffered the unimaginable loss of both my dear mother and sister. Grief struck deeply. I had to travel to Ethiopia twice, carrying the burden of sorrow, yet clinging to God’s sustaining grace through it all. Looking back, I know I wouldn’t have made it through without His help—and the prayers I was encouraged to seek from the beginning.

There’s one thing my mother said to me before she passed that I will never forget. She told me, “You will finish this one.” Her words echoed in my heart throughout the journey. They were more than encouragement—they were a blessing spoken into my destiny.

STEP became more than an educational program for me. It became the place where I finally discovered my calling. Even more, it gave me the grace to accept that calling. That’s no small thing.

STEP opened the door for me to become part of LMC, a community whose missional vision deeply resonates with my heart. Through this connection, I now serve under Bishop Glenn—someone the Lord has used in a powerful way to help bring all of this into reality. Yes, by God’s grace, I graduated from the STEP program, and I am now joyfully on track toward ordination. Praise be to the Lord!

Along the way, the Lord has remained faithful. My “tentmaking” ministry—serving bi-vocationally—has flourished in fellowship with brothers and sisters in small, vibrant communities modeled after the “Little Flock” vision. In particular, the partnership with Ethiopian Missionary Fellowship has become a place of authentic, Spirit-led community life.

The fruit of this season has not only impacted my life and family but also extended into the broader community. One such blessing has been the writing and publication of my book, Rediscovering Church: A Biblical Model for Restoration. This book is now becoming a blessing to others far beyond what I could have imagined.

And to think—it all began with a humble decision to join a program that, on the surface, carried no formal academic prestige. STEP doesn’t offer a degree, but what it offers is far more valuable: practical, Spirit-filled lessons taught by authentic, down-to earth teachers and mentors who live what they teach. The Holy Spirit has used them mightily in my life.

For that, I am forever grateful.

You can find Zelalem’s book on Amazon.