About Us
Our Story: From the Margins to a Movement
Born on the Mission Field
Nu Numan International Ministry wasn't birthed in a boardroom—it was born on the dusty roads of Bale and Arsi in southern Ethiopia, on the back of a motorcycle, and in the hearts of two weary missionaries.
Aman Kuli, a dedicated missionary with Meserete Kristos Church (Ethiopia's Anabaptist-rooted Mennonite denomination), served faithfully alongside fellow missionary Desta Elimo. Their calling led them to minister among remote Muslim communities—work that was grueling, with long travel, poor roads, and little financial support. Although funds were often raised in their names, most were lost to administrative overhead. Yet Aman and Desta pressed on—not for money, but out of deep love for the people.
Initially, their ministry was called Namaan Ministry. But the Biblical reference to Naaman, a proud Syrian commander with leprosy, didn't sit well with Aman and Desta. To them, it evoked pride and impurity—traits they didn't want to represent. What they embodied was the opposite: humility, service, and sacrifice.
One day, after an exhausting mission, Aman turned to Desta and said in Oromo:
"Nu Numan"—"We do it by ourselves."
It wasn't a rejection of partnership but a declaration of spiritual independence—relying not on institutions, but on God. It became a mantra of simplicity, faith, and peace.
Over time, that phrase became more than a conviction.
It became a movement.
It became a ministry.
From Namaan to Nu Numan
The change from Namaan to Nu Numan wasn't just a new name—it marked a new identity, born out of struggle and rooted in the everyday faith of ordinary missionaries. "Nu Numan" captured the essence of the ministry's calling: led by God, not by systems.
Years later, Aman enrolled at Meserete Kristos Seminary in Bishoftu, where he met Workineh A. Yami, a professor of Bible and Leadership Formation. Aman's bold faith and insightful leadership stood out. Workineh, struck by Aman's spiritual depth and clarity of vision, recognized in him a leader forged in the fires of mission.
As Aman's vision for ministry began to grow, he invited Instructor Workineh to help shape what was then a budding grassroots movement. But at that time, Workineh had just been accepted into the Master of Arts in Theology and Peace Studies program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in the U.S., following his earlier graduate studies in Biblical and Theological Studies and Leadership and Management at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology. Respectfully, he declined—but the connection remained.
The Movement Grows
During this same season, Aman met Dawit Moges, a generous and mission-minded supporter who believed in Aman's calling and introduced him to Rick and Sheila Lamb, a philanthropic Canadian couple. Rick and Sheila became key partners in supporting Nu Numan's missionaries holistically. Sheila Lamb played a vital role in providing personal encouragement and advocacy for the ministry. Sheila Marsh, another important figure, actively mobilized resources and prayer support from international partners.
Later, Rick returned to Ethiopia with Pastor Art Hilderbrand, the pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, to lead a five-day session focused on prayer, discernment, and vision. It was during this transformative time that Nu Numan International Ministry was officially launched—quietly and faithfully amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Pastor Art's retirement, his son, Caleb Hilderbrand, joined the board supporting Nu Numan, continuing his father's legacy. The ministry remains deeply grateful to the many individuals at Faith Community Baptist Church who sponsor and support Nu Numan's pastors.
A Partnership Renewed
Three years later, now equipped with deep theological training and international peacebuilding experience, Workineh returned to Ethiopia with a renewed passion for leadership formation and reconciliation.
Aman didn't hesitate. This time, he invited Workineh again—not as a student seeking support from a professor, but as one visionary leader calling another. He asked Workineh to help lead Nu Numan—not just as a supporter, but as a strategic pillar in shaping its future.
Moved by Aman's faith, perseverance, and the clear alignment of their missions, Workineh accepted. Their partnership was not coincidental—it was providential.
Together, they redefined Nu Numan as a holistic ministry—rooted in mission, driven by leadership development, and committed to peacebuilding in the most overlooked corners of society.
By Ourselves—With God
"Nu Numan" is more than a name—it's a declaration of radical trust in God. It means walking by faith through deserts and uncertainty. It means planting seeds with no guarantee but prayer. It means trusting a God who works through the small, the forgotten, and the faithful.
Today:
Aman Kuli serves as Executive Director
Workineh A. Yami serves as Communication and Training Director
Desta Elemo serves as Missionary Liaison Officer
Gemedo Bonso serves as Counselor and Trainer
Together—with supporters, trainers, and prayer partners around the globe—they lead Nu Numan forward. Not seeking power or praise, but to see hearts transformed, churches planted, and leaders raised across Ethiopia and beyond.
"We do it by ourselves—because we trust God will do it with us."
Our Leadership
Meet the visionary leaders guiding Nu Numan International Ministry in its mission of transformation, peace, and leadership development:
Aman Kuli
Executive Director
Help With Featured Cause
Educating & Rebuilding Communities Is Our Priority
At Nu Numan International Ministry, we believe that sustainable peace and transformation begin with informed communities. That's why we prioritize empowering leaders, reconciling communities, and building peace through access to education, dialogue, and opportunity.
Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of conflict while providing practical solutions for lasting change. Through faith-based initiatives, we create pathways for healing, understanding, and sustainable development across communities worldwide.
Why Choose Nu Numan?
When you partner with Nu Numan International Ministry, you're joining a movement that has been creating lasting change for over a decade. Here's what sets us apart.
Proven Track Record
Over 15 years of successful community transformation with measurable, lasting results across multiple nations.
Community-Centered Approach
We work with local leaders and communities, ensuring our programs are culturally relevant and sustainable.
Global Network
Part of an international network of partners, providing resources and expertise from around the world.
Excellence in Execution
Our programs are designed and implemented by experienced professionals with deep expertise in their fields.
Faith-Based Foundation
Rooted in Christian values, our approach addresses both spiritual and practical needs for holistic transformation.
Focused Impact
We concentrate on three core areas where we can make the most significant and lasting difference.
What You Get as a Nu Numan Family Member
When you become part of the Nu Numan family, you're not just supporting our mission – you're joining a community of changemakers with exclusive benefits and opportunities.
Exclusive Community Access
Join a global network of like-minded individuals committed to positive change and transformation.
Regular Impact Updates
Receive detailed reports and stories showing exactly how your support is creating real change.
Special Events & Workshops
Access to exclusive events, leadership workshops, and peacebuilding training sessions.
Recognition & Appreciation
Special recognition for your contributions and the opportunity to see your impact firsthand.
Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Participate in mission trips, prayer groups, and spiritual development programs.
Transparent Partnership
Complete transparency in how resources are used and the impact they create in communities.
Ready to Join Our Family?
Become part of a community that's making a real difference in the world. Your journey of impact starts with a single step.
Get Inspired And Help
Learn about our mission and discover how you can be part of transforming communities worldwide.
Read Our Stories
Explore real stories of transformation and impact from the communities we serve.
Join Our Community
Connect with like-minded individuals who share our vision for peace and transformation.
Support Our Vision – Tailored Plans for Our Partners
Choose the area that resonates most with your heart and make a targeted impact in communities that need it most.
Missions & Reconciliation Donor
Your support enables gospel missions, healing programs, and inter-community reconciliation workshops.
How Your Donation Helps:
Funds will be used for spiritual outreach programs, translation materials for local languages, peace camps for conflicted communities, and training materials for reconciliation facilitators.
Leadership Development Donor
Invest in emerging leaders through workshops, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
How Your Donation Helps:
Support leadership seminars, one-on-one mentorship programs, curriculum development for leadership training, and scholarships for promising community leaders.
Peacebuilding Donor
Help communities recover from conflict and build lasting peace.
How Your Donation Helps:
Enable community healing workshops, trauma support programs, inter-community dialogue forums, and conflict resolution training for local mediators.
What People Are Saying
Hear from the communities and individuals whose lives have been transformed through our work.
Grace Mukamana
Community Leader, Rwanda
"Nu Numan International Ministry transformed our community. Their peacebuilding workshops brought together families that had been divided for years."