Yafet Zecharias Weldeyesus

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘ . . . The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD’” (Job 1:20 and 21b ESV).

Yafet Zecharias Weldeyesus, follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and child of God, entered into glory on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and is now sitting at the feet of His Savior, worshiping our Triune God in perfection and holiness. Born in Asmara, Eritrea in 1999, Yafet (Jeff) lived a full and joyful life as a believer who knew, loved and worshiped the one living and true God. Yafet came to the United States in 2015 with his family, and graduated from Lakeside High School in 2019. He was a communicant member of Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church on Chamblee Tucker Road in Atlanta where his father, Zecharias Abraham Weldeyesus, is the pastor. Playing soccer, basketball and taking pictures were some of Jeff’s favorite pastimes. He was looking forward to attending college in the near future, and studying computer science.

His death, while seemingly sudden and tragic, was, from God’s perspective, precious and timely. Therefore, as his parents, Zecharias and Bethel Weldeyesus, grieve and mourn the current separation from their dear son, they do so confidently knowing and believing that this difficult separation is only temporary. Scripture tells us clearly that Jesus, the very Son of God, through His death, resurrection and ascension, has conquered sin and death. Thus, Zecharias and Bethel know that they will inherit eternal life rejoining their dear son to worship God in glory. Yafet is survived by his parents, his siblings, Jokabed, Josiah, Miriam, and Senay, and many grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1 ESV).

The funeral service will be held ChristChurch Presbyterian Church (PCA), located at 1740 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, this Saturday, March 14, 2020, beginning at 10:00am. The graveside service will follow at 12:30pm at Melwood Cemetery, 5170 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The family will receive friends and guests following the graveside service at the Eritrean Community Center, 720 Hambrick Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Deacon’s Fund, 3930 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30340.

The entire family gives thanks for the outpouring of love and care that they have received during the past two weeks. They have seen and felt the love, the light, the compassion and the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ shining in and through each of you as they have wept over their dear son. Please continue to pray for the comfort of the Spirit of God to be poured out upon each of them.