My name is Ethan Imara Omukhango, and at home they call me Chef Etan. Over the past few years, my journey has grown from cooking with my family to writing books that share both my experiences and the lessons I am learning through faith and life.
My earlier nominee journeys told the story of how my allergies shaped my early childhood and how spending time in the kitchen with my mum helped me discover a love for cooking. Those experiences led to my first books, which focused on family, food, faith, and preserving legacy. In 2025, that journey continued through two new books: Hey! I Am Chef Ethan and Too Close for Comfort: The Danger of Playing with Sin.
Telling the Story Behind the Chef
Hey! I Am Chef Ethan is a personal book because it tells the story behind my love for cooking.
As a little boy, I could not eat many foods because of severe allergies. My meals had to be watched very carefully, and because of that, I spent a lot of time with my mum in the kitchen. What began as a necessity slowly became something much bigger. I watched her cook, helped where I could, and learned to enjoy the process of preparing food.
Over time, the kitchen became a place of discovery, learning, and joy. It was where I began to grow in confidence and creativity. This book captures that part of my life and shows how a difficult beginning became the foundation for something beautiful.
It is not only the story of how I became a young chef, but also a reminder that challenges can become part of the way God reveals purpose in our lives.
A Book Born from Family Conversation
My second nominated book for 2025, Too Close for Comfort: The Danger of Playing with Sin, came from a completely different kind of moment.
One day, while travelling somewhere as a family, we began talking about the Bible and how the devil can be sneaky. During that conversation, I said, “He is too close for comfort.” That sentence stayed with us, and from it the book was born.
My dad helped me develop the idea, and together we turned that family conversation into a message for children and families.
A Message About Spiritual Alertness
This book moves beyond my journey in the kitchen and speaks directly to the Christian life. It teaches that sin is not something to play with, because what looks small or harmless can quietly become dangerous.
The message encourages children to be careful, wise, and grounded in God’s Word. It reminds readers that the enemy often works subtly, which is why we must stay spiritually alert.
What makes this book especially meaningful to me is that it grew out of real life, real conversation, and real reflection within my family. Just as my mum has shaped my cooking journey, my dad has helped shape the way I think about biblical truth and everyday life.
Growing as an Author
These two books show how my writing is expanding.
One looks back and tells the story of how my journey began. The other takes a lesson from everyday life and turns it into a deeper biblical message. Together, they reflect both my personal story and my growing desire to write in ways that help other children and families.
I am thankful that my writing is becoming broader. I am still passionate about food, but I am also learning to write about faith, choices, character, and spiritual growth.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This growth is continuing. I now have six books with the publisher planned for release in 2026:
- Food in the Bible Part 2
- Silent Heroes
- Spiritual Growth
- Swept by the Culture
- Fruit of the Spirit Series
- Lead My People
Seeing these books take shape has made me very grateful to God. Each one represents a new area of learning and a new opportunity to share something meaningful with children and families.
The Strength of Family Support
One of the greatest gifts in my journey has been the support of my family.
My mum has nurtured my love for cooking and helped bring my books into the world. My dad has encouraged thoughtful conversations that have inspired new ideas and deeper lessons. My sisters, extended family, and friends continue to cheer me on as I grow.
Their support has taught me that creativity grows well where there is love, encouragement, and faith.
Conclusion
My 2025 nominee journey is both a continuation and a new chapter.
With Hey! I Am Chef Ethan, I tell the story of how my early struggles and time in the kitchen shaped me. With Too Close for Comfort: The Danger of Playing with Sin, I share a lesson about spiritual wisdom that grew from a simple but meaningful family conversation.
Together, these books show that my journey is no longer only about becoming a chef. It is also about becoming a young author who uses stories and lessons to encourage others.
I am thankful to God for the gift of creativity, for the family that keeps helping me grow, and for the opportunity to keep writing.
Chef Ethan
Aspiring Chef and Young Author
