Gudina Tumsa Legacy
Gudina Tumsa was an Ethiopian, evangelist and Church leader who lived from 1929-1979. Gudina is one of the most famous figures in the history of Protestant Churches in Ethiopia. During his ministry in the Church, Gudina was able to accomplish feats that completely changed the landscape of the Ethiopian Church
Not only that but, he was able to speak on African and Western Churches as well as the political and economic situation of the world. His influence did not remain just in his lifetime, but still influences this generation and future generations as well.If you have opened this website then you may ask why should I be interested in Gudina Tumsa? Well, Gudina’s historical life story offers topics of interest such as truth, faith, love, and persecution.
Everlasting Love
The theme of Gudina Tumsa’s life can be described as persecution due to his faith. Gudina’s life can be compared to that of the early Chrisitans, the Bible verse that can describe his journey of faith is found in Romans 8:26, “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” Gudina began facing persecution the moment he accepted Christ into his life. Living in a non-christian environment his new found faith was not welcomed by his family.
The first instance of persecution in his life came when he had to run away from his home– around the age of 10– to save himself. The second instance of Gudina facing persecution, is found in the part of his life where his own Church that he was pastoring turned against him, and removed him from pastorship. In that same time span someone was sent to assassinate Gudina for unknown reasons (most likely because of the disagreement he had with a wealthier member of the congregation). He faced persecution in the form of racism, during his time in the US and his notable visit to South Africa in the early 1970’s; where he refused to submit to the laws of apparthied. Gudina’s faith began and ended with persecution, for the sake of the Gospel that he protected, was faithful to and loved. He was arrested multiple times, spied on in his day to day life and most of all in the end he walked silently like a lamb and was slaughtered giving his life to Christ and concluding his time of persecution faithfully.