About Cross Legacy Church

Cross Legacy Church

Cross Legacy Church is a cross-cultural and cross-generational church serving the greater Denver, CO area. Our passion is to build a community rooted in love, transformed and equipped by the Gospel, and empowered by God’s Spirit to carry revival into our city, generation, and world.

Our Covering

Founded in 2024, Cross Legacy Church is a non-denominational church operating under the covering of One Mission Church—a joint ministry venture between EECD (Ethiopian Evangelical Church Denver) and Cross Legacy Church. The heart of One Mission Church is a shared devotion to unity—in Christ’s love and in the vision of, “Knowing God”and “Making God Known to the world”.

Our Lead Pastors

Pastor Sahle and Pastor Fitsum have been married for over 20 years and are experienced church planters. Before founding Cross Legacy Church in 2024, they played a pivotal role in planting and pastoring Beza International Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they served for nearly 18 years.Their shared passion for family led them to establish and lead the Family Ministries, equipping and strengthening families in their faith journey.They are dedicated to building a church that reflects the love, power, and unity of Christ. Pastor Sahle and Pastor Fitsum are proud parents to Deborah, Yohannah, and Benaiah.

Pastor Sahle Shiferaw

With over 30 years of ministry experience, Pastor Sahle has been a part of significant spiritual movements across North America and Africa. Before becoming the Lead Pastor of Cross Legacy Church in 2024, he served for nearly 18 years as Senior Associate Pastor and Co-Pastor of Beza International Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, alongside Senior Pastor Zerubbabel Mengistu.

Prior to that, he and Pastor Zerubbabel led Joel Generation Army (JGA), a youth ministry based in Washington, D.C., that ignited a movement impacting churches across North America.

Pastor Sahle has been married to his wife, Fitsum Bederu, for over 20 years and is the proud father of Deborah, Yohannah, and Benaiah. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, grilling, and spending time with his family.

Birthplace: Oklahoma City, OK Favorite Sport: Football Team: Green Bay Packers Favorite Thing to Grill: Smoked Brisket
Favorite Show: The West Wing Sense of Humor: Desert Dry!

Pastor Fitsum Bederu

With over 20 years of ministry experience, Pastor Fitsum is a passionate teacher of God’s Word, dedicated to equipping and discipling people in the life of Christ. She is also widely recognized as a gifted counselor, offering wisdom and guidance to those seeking spiritual and personal growth.

Before co-founding Cross Legacy Church, she served as a pastor at Beza International Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she played a vital role in Family Ministry, developing and leading the department alongside her husband. Her heart for the next generation was evident early on, as she was also involved in Joel Generation Army (JGA), a movement that impacted young people across North America.

Pastor Fitsum’s ministry continues to reflect her deep love for God’s Word, her commitment to discipleship, and her passion for strengthening families in Christ.

Pastor Fitsum has been married to her husband, Sahle Shiferaw, for over 20 years and is the proud mother of Deborah, Yohannah, and Benaiah. In her free time, she enjoys painting, spending time in nature and the outdoors, and being with her family.

Birthplace: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Hobby: Plant Mom Team: Green Bay Packers Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Show: The Crown Sense of Humor: Loves to Laugh!

Meet the Team

  • David Ndembe

    Worship Pastor

    If I had to describe myself in three things, I’d say I’d be in the mountains, eating a good steak, listening to jazz music—a perfect blend of adventure, richness, and rhythm.

    One thing that never fails to make my day better is playing board games with my family. Nothing beats the fun, competition, and laughter that comes with it.

    And if I could have dinner with any fictional character, it would be Huckleberry Finn. He’s a mastermind at turning tragedy into triumph, and I’d love to understand how his mind works.

  • Nathan Bamaw

    Executive Pastor

    If I had to describe myself in three things, I’d say I’m like eating NY-style pizza on a mountain lake while listening to Lofi Girl—a mix of comfort, adventure, and a chill vibe all in one.

    One thing that will always make my day is competitive quality time with friends!

    And if I could have dinner with any fictional character, it would be Luffy from One Piece. We’d feast on BBQ, laugh all night, and honestly, it would be the most fun, chaotic, and legendary dinner ever.

  • Jedidiyah Kassa

    Children's Lead

    If I had to describe myself in three things, I’d say my personality is a mix of Outer Space, Sour Patch Candy, and "Goodbye Yesterday" by Elevation Rhythm—a little bit of mystery, a little bit of sweet and sour, and always moving forward.

    One thing that never fails to make my day better is hanging out with my brothers. No matter what’s going on in life, time with them makes everything feel right.

    And if I could have dinner with any fictional character, it would be Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby. Since it’s one of my favorite books and movies, I’d love to hear the story firsthand—straight from Nick himself.

  • Deborah Assefa

    Middle School Lead

    If I had to describe myself in three things, I’d say I’m like shiro and jazz at a corner table in Barnes & Noble—warm, soulful, and always surrounded by good stories.

    One thing that never fails to make my day better is seeing flowers in random places. There’s something magical about beauty showing up where you least expect it.

    And if I could have dinner with any fictional character, it would be Zazu from The Lion King. I’d love to hear his perspective from a bird’s-eye view—how he really felt about everything that went down.