Onesimus Children Development Association (OCDA)

Historically, OCDA has focused on compassionate ministry to vulnerable street children—rescuing, rehabilitating, and restoring them to stable family environments. In 2023, the ministry expanded its vision to include pastoral training, launching a new initiative to equip Ethiopian pastors with sound biblical teaching and practical ministry preparation.

Street Children

OCDA rescues vulnerable Ethiopian children who are at risk, working to ensure they remain in—or are restored to—a loving family environment. Their primary focus is rehabilitating street children and reintegrating them with their families whenever possible. In addition, OCDA works proactively to prevent children from becoming homeless.
OCDA’s services include:

  • Education: OCDA pays school fees, provides school supplies and uniforms, operates a small library, and offers tutoring to help children succeed academically.

  • Family Support: OCDA partners closely with families, provides food assistance when needed, reunites street children with their families, and encourages income-generating activities to promote long-term stability.

  • Shelter and Care: OCDA operates day centers and orphanages that meet essential physical needs while also providing counseling, evangelism, daily devotions, and discipleship.

    • Two drop-in day centers for street children, offering education, sports, and a safe place where children can simply play and enjoy being kids in a loving environment. The centers also provide access to showers and clean clothing. 

    • Two full-time orphanages for children who have no other home, providing medical care, nutritious meals, clothing, and shoes.

Pastoral Training

In 2023, OCDA hosted a pastors’ conference for 60 pastors in Addis Ababa. This has grown into an annual event, and by 2026 the conference hosted 100 pastors in both Addis Ababa and Arba Minch. This area of ministry continues to expand, with plans to begin monthly pastoral training in the spring of 2026 using the Bible Training Center for Pastors (BTCP).