[Gudina Tumsa – Martyr and Thinker]- GUDINA TUMSA International Airport is Inagurated

Guidina Tumsa

The ‘GUDINA TUMSA International Airport Nekemte’ is indeed a well-chosen resonate and sounding name. It seems that Ethiopian Airlines is on the correct trajectory in naming airports within Ethiopia and internationally, although there is still room for improvement in its organizational structure. It remains ahead! Read More

• 21st century Infolibnet

Introduction:

It is worth mentioning that Gudina Tumsa was a prominent figure in Ethiopian history. He was a pastor and general secretary of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) who spoke out against the abuses of both the feudal regime of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Communist military regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam [1]. Gudina Tumsa was kidnapped in 1979 and his body was found 13 years later, highlighting the sacrifices he made for his beliefs [1].

1. Early Life and Education:

• Gudina Tumsa was born on May 5, 1929, in the Oromo village of Boojjii-Karkarroo, Wallaggaa, Oromia, Ethiopia [1].
• He attended a school founded by missionaries and was deeply influenced by the gospel preached there [1].
• Despite financial constraints, he worked at Tafari Makonnen Hospital and later studied at the Najjoo Swedish School [1].

2. Beliefs and Practice:

• Gudina Tumsa believed in the holistic nature of the gospel, emphasizing its impact on the whole person [1].
• He saw Christianity as distinct from social systems or ideologies, emphasizing the lordship of Christ [1].
• Gudina advocated for a balance between theological instruction and caring for people’s dignity and physical well-being [1].

3. Opposition to Abuses:

• Gudina Tumsa spoke out against the abuses of both Emperor Haile Selassie’s regime and the subsequent Communist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam [1].
• He was arrested multiple times and placed on a “black list” for refusing to work with the regime and raise foreign funds [1].
• Gudina’s predictions of persecution came true under Mengistu’s rule, leading to the imprisonment and execution of thousands of Ethiopians [1].

4. Martyrdom and Legacy:

• On July 28, 1979, Gudina Tumsa was kidnapped along with his wife, Tsehay Tolessa, after leading a Bible study [1].
• His body was found 13 years later, confirming his martyrdom [1].
• Gudina’s wife, Tsehay, also endured imprisonment and torture but continued his work after her release [1].
• The Gudina Tumsa Foundation, founded by their daughters, aims to preserve Gudina’s vision of a holistic church [1].

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Learn more:

1. Gudina Tumsa – Martyr and Thinker – Place For Truth
2. Forgiveness – Reformation 21
3. April 2005 Volume V – Gudina Tumsa Foundation
4. Oromia and Ethiopia | Film and Media