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Gospel Light International Church
About Gospel Light
Learn who we are, our story, vision, beliefs, and commitment as the founding church and international headquarters.
Who we are
About Gospel Light
Gospel Light International Church – Aware Branch is the founding church and international headquarters of Gospel Light International Church. It stands as the fulfillment of the vision God entrusted to Apostle Daniel Makonnen to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, raise faithful disciples, and develop servant leaders who impact generations. Our church is committed to biblical teaching, passionate worship, prayer, evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and compassionate outreach. Every ministry we undertake is centered on the Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Today, the Aware Branch continues to serve as the heart of Gospel Light International Church, providing spiritual direction, leadership development, and ministry oversight for churches throughout Ethiopia and internationally.
Our history
The story of Gospel Light
Gospel Light Ministries Church (GLC) is a God-given vision to Pastor Daniel Makonnen, one of the most beloved and respected ministers in the Ethiopian Evangelical churches.
Early calling
The calling
Pastor Daniel was called of God at a young age to preach the gospel. He was appointed by God to bring the full message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to various churches and localities in Ethiopia.
1970s revival
Ethiopian revival
During the dark period of Ethiopian history, when communism was at its destructive peak, Pastor Daniel, a young visionary leader, publicly preached the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ to tens of thousands of people. Despite severe persecution and intense scrutiny from the communist regime, a revival broke out. This revival that broke out in the nineteen seventies had a dramatic effect on Ethiopian Christianity and played a major role in shaping the direction of the charismatic movement of the Ethiopian Evangelical churches.
Ministry abroad
Ministry in the United States
After the Lord brought Pastor Daniel to the United States, he continued to minister and bless the Ethiopians in the Diaspora, particularly those in the Washington DC area. Having made himself available to the Lord, Pastor Daniel is a servant of God whom the Lord continues to use as his faithful and yielding vessel.
Gospel Light
Gospel Light Ministries
The Lord has given the vision of Gospel Light Ministries to Pastor Daniel once again to reach multitudes throughout the nations. GLM produces literatures, audio and video materials to help churches, fellowships and individuals in their ministries and Christian walks with the Lord.
Aware / Addis Ababa
International headquarters
The newly planted Gospel Light church in Addis Ababa is now one among the fastest growing churches in Ethiopia. Gospel Light International Church – Aware Branch is the founding church and international headquarters of Gospel Light International Church.
The nations
Ethiopia and the nations
Visions of Gospel Light Ministries include further involvement in facilitating and funding of community projects, HIV/AIDS prevention related activities from Christian perspectives, establishment of Bible Schools, vocational training centers, clinics and creation of jobs through various schemes to achieve sustainable development. The leadership qualities shown by Pastor Daniel have earned him acclaim not only within the churches that he has founded, but also by ministers of other denominations.
Our vision
To glorify God by building a Christ-centered church that transforms lives, equips servant leaders, plants healthy churches, and shines the light of Christ throughout Ethiopia and the nations.
Our mission
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Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
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Make disciples who faithfully follow Christ.
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Equip and train leaders for the Kingdom of God.
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Build spiritually mature believers through biblical teaching.
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Demonstrate God's love through compassionate service.
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Support church planting and global missions.
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Raise generations that faithfully serve God and impact society.
Beliefs & values
What we believe
We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Jesus Christ as Savior; the Bible as God's inspired Word; salvation through faith in Christ alone; the empowering work of the Holy Spirit; the mission of the Church to worship, disciple, serve, and proclaim the Gospel; and the return of Jesus Christ.
Core values
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Christ-Centered Worship
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Prayer
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Excellence
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Integrity
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Compassion
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Leadership Development
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Evangelism
Our commitment
As the Mother Church
As the Mother Church, we are committed to influencing generations through biblical leadership, raising faithful disciples, empowering believers to fulfill their God-given calling, supporting pastors and churches, building healthy families, and advancing the Kingdom of God throughout Ethiopia and the world.