About The Joel Generation Army

For over five years the Joel Generation Army (JGA) has proclaimed the awesome power of God to the world from the Washington, D.C. area. The JGA has inspired youth in North America to boldly serve God since January, 1999.

A prophetic word about the army was delivered by Pastor Dan Sileshi in 1998. “You are the army of Joel,” he declared, describing the mighty youth revival that would arise out of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church and shake the nation.

Just six months later, Pastor Teddy, after doing an in-depth study of the book of Joel in the Bible, preached about this army. He delivered this message at a Youth for Christ service and discussed several aspects of the army.

The Joel Generation describes the end times, and these are the end times, so the title of Joel Generation Army is fitting to use on the youth of the current age. It is based on Joel 2:2, “…A large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old, nor ever will be in ages to come.” This is a powerful army of God that stands out and whose soldiers know their direction.

Soon, Pastor Zerubbabel Mengistu (Pastor Z) came to lead the youth group at the church. He applied the name of JGA to the young people there and led the group for five years. Birukus, one of the earliest members of the army, said, “…Just spending time with [Pastor] Z. was inspiring. He truly is a blessed man of GOD.”

Pastor Z’s friend and partner, Sahle, shaped the outlooks of many young people and exemplified a holy life. “

He was a Spirit-led man,” David, a longtime member of the JGA, stated. Now, Pastor Z and Sahle have taken up ministry in Ethiopia, continuing to be lifelong members of the JGA as they serve God in Addis Ababa.

In June, 1999 the first JGA conference, in which youth from cities around the United States came to DC, was held. Since then, there were conferences in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Young people from every region of the United States and parts of Canada came to these gatherings. There were people from New York City, New York; Dallas, Texas; Seattle, Washington; San Jose, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Toronto, Ontario; just to name a few.

Numerous lives have been affected by the emergence of this army. One of the early members of the JGA, David Teshome, was greatly influenced by people in the army, especially the leaders. “Through Teddy,” David wrote, “I learned what righteousness truly means…and how to make it grow.”

Sam, who joined the army in 1999, was also powerfully impacted by God through the JGA. She wrote in a letter that “…It was at Monday Night Prayer that I got filled with the Holy Spirit, got blessed with a wonderful job, and got to witness the sacrificed love of my brothers and sisters in the Lord.”

To further its cause, the JGA continues in prayer, the sharing of its message through personal contact, producing videos from conferences, and using the internet as a medium for declaring the truth of the Word of God. Future plans include raising a youth ministry that is composed of many ethnicities, broadcasting sermons over the internet, and becoming united with other churches in fulfilling God’s purposes.