From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.
Zephaniah 3:10
Growing up a Jew in Ethiopia was extremely difficult, and in those days young Tess had only one dream in his heart; to make the journey back to his ancient homeland Israel.
As a young boy, Tess grew up hearing stories about Jerusalem. The city of the Great King was always depicted as a piece of heaven where you will find God.
The reality was a bit more harsh. Shortly after making Aliyah, Tess was visiting Jerusalem for the first time and saw an image that clashed with an image of the holy Jerusalem he had in mind. He saw a young woman at a bus stop, smoking.
Having to reconcile the vision of a sacred Jerusalem he was told about in Ethiopia with the reality of the modern Jerusalem he came face to face with was very difficult.
Tess’ initial disappointment in Jerusalem was only one on the string of many more stressful events that would lead him to make bad decisions and spiral out of control.
Born and raised Jewish, whatever things Tess heard about Jesus in Ethiopia, he always brushed aside as something that didn’t pertain to him or his faith. However, Jesus unexpectedly came into Tess’ life, turning his life right side up.
Jesus redeemed people from different cultures, colors, backgrounds and languages. He broke the barrier that separated us and made us one in Him.
From a riveting road to Jesus to becoming a pastor of a growing Ethiopian congregation in Israel, pastor Tess shares his remarkable journey and testimony in a unique and profound way, proving God is Alive and moving in a mighty way to regather His scattered people from every corner of the earth.
