My Site
ደብረ ምጥማቅ ቅዱስ ዩሐንስ የኢ/ኦ/ተ/ቤ/ክ በቻርልስተን
Saint John The Baptist Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Charleston
Our
Story
Saint John The Baptist Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established in January 2016 in Charleston, South Carolina with a primary mission to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ as upheld by the Apostles, emphasizing the belief in one united nature of Christ—fully divine and fully human. The church strives to guide its members toward a life of faith and purity through the Church Sacraments while serving as a spiritual, moral, and cultural cornerstone for the community.
Since its founding, the church has faced significant challenges, particularly the lack of a permanent place of worship due to its small membership and limited financial resources. For several years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregation was graciously hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, where services were conducted for an hour after their Sunday worship. During the pandemic, and continuing to this day, services have transitioned to a virtual format, with a devoted Father Dr. Kesis Amsalu Tefera from Miami, Florida, delivering sermons via Zoom every other Sunday for parents and providing weekly Bible lessons for children.
Recently, the church achieved a major milestone by acquiring a 2.54-acre plot of land to build its own facility. However, the cost of construction exceeds its current financial capacity. Members are contributing through monthly donations, and the church organizes fundraising events such as food sales led by dedicated volunteers. Despite these efforts, additional resources are needed to fulfill this vision. The church is actively seeking diverse funding sources and, with the will and grace of God, remains committed to building a sanctuary that will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a center for community development and spiritual enrichment.
Let's Work
Together
Haggai 1:8 calls us to action: “Go up to the mountains and bring wood, and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. This verse reminds us that building for the Lord is not just physical work but a labor of love, devotion, and faith. Together, we are called to unite with purpose, strengthen our hearts, and create a place where God’s glory can dwell. Every nail, every beam, and every act of service is an opportunity to magnify His name and honor His presence.
Let us rally together, inspired by this divine command, and gather our resources, hearts, and hands to construct a sanctuary that glorifies Him. The Lord delights in our unity and efforts, and through this work, we create not just a building but a light of hope for all who seek His grace. The task of building the Lord's house, as Haggai 1:8 commands, is not a burden but a privilege to heed this call and make His name great. Together, we can rise to this sacred challenge and build a house where His glory will shine.