An Ethiopian gospel singer, is determined to glorify the name of Christ in song, despite the dangers of doing so while living near the Ethiopian-Somali border
Teshome Getachew, is faced with fear, and threats consistently, after he converted from Islam to Christianity, and launched his music ministry. As he became more recognized for his music sung fluently in the Somali and Amharic languages, hostility increased affecting his family life and forcing him and his wife to flee his home, with their 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter
“Islamic extremists openly began to threaten me because of my Christian faith and witness,” he told Christian Advocacy group, International Christian Concern. “People started warning me that my life was in danger. Some said I had betrayed my community. Others said I deserved to die because I refused to stop preaching the gospel.”
“In July 2025, I fled with my family to Dire Dawa,” he disclosed. “Leaving behind everything I had. We left in fear, and I did not know where we would stay or how we would survive. I only knew we had to escape before something terrible happened.”
Despite relocating, there is still a lingering fear, one that he says prompts his family to tread lightly through their day to day activities. “We are not free from danger, and every time I hear unexpected news or see unfamiliar people around us, I become worried. My family lives with fear all the time,” he stated.
The fear of attack and the hardship of watching his children adjust to this major change has not dampened his faith. He continues to believe in Jesus, to worship and to bring words and comfort and encouragement to other believers.
“Jesus never abandoned me, even in fear. There are moments I feel weak, but my faith gives me strength to continue. I believe the gospel is worth suffering for,” he declared.
His situation is not a unique occurrence but the product of systematic oppression. According the Open Doors Watch List, it is illegal to convert from Islam to Christianity in Somalia. This reality is made possible by the 2012 Provisional Constitution. Sharia (Islamic) law, which is upheld in every area of the country, contributes to Christians having to secretly practise their faith.