Eritrea
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Eritrea
Persecuted Believer Escapes
Thank God for a believer who escaped captivity in ERITREA! During his 3-year imprisonment, he was confined in small spaces with nearly 300 other men, many of whom died. For part of the time they were in a metal shipping container, and for part of the time in a cave with metal bars over the entrance. He was beaten, told to renounce his faith, and given a mock execution. His captors fed him two pieces of bread and one cup of tea per day.
Underground Church Hunted
Security forces in ERITREA obtained a list of people involved in the underground church. In an “end of year purge” on Christians in a southern province, they arrested approximately 40 believers as of the last report.
Ask God to protect the Christians who are on the list. Pray also for the release of the 40 newly arrested Christians and the thousands already in Eritrean prisons. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?”
11 Christians Arrested
On October 20, eleven Christians were arrested in ERITREA. Their TVs, video players, and other electronic equipment were also confiscated.
Pray for the release of these believers and for others imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea. “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Imprisoned Pastor Released
A pastor imprisoned for five years in ERITREA has been released! At last report, he is recovering in a hospital. Thank God for his release.
Pray that his fellow prisoners will also be set free. “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
Christian Prisoner Dies
In ERITREA, a young Christian woman died after refusing to recant her faith. She and other university students had been imprisoned in a metal shipping container because they attended a Bible study. She suffered the freezing cold of night, the baking heat of day, and untreated illness.
Praise God for her faithfulness, and pray for her grieving friends. “You have given the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.”
Eleven Believers Arrested
In ERITREA, 11 believers from the same church were arrested. Four were women who had gathered for prayer in a private home. Four others were the pastor’s children.
Pray that God will fill their hearts with His peace that passes all understanding. “May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy.”
Eleven Christians Arrested
This week in Eritrea, eleven more Christians were added to the thousands who live imprisoned in underground dungeons, metal shipping containers, and military barracks. These thousands face no criminal charges, but a number have suffered paralysis, blinding, or death.
Believer Dies in Prison
In ERITREA a 37-year-old man died in a prison because officials refused to treat his malaria and pneumonia unless he renounced his faith in Christ. Having remained steadfast in his faith, he died in solitary confinement.
Pray that his testimony will turn the hearts of his captors to the Lord. “He will guard the feet of His faithful ones.”
Twelve Prisoner Released
Praise God! Twelve Christians have been released after two years of prison in an ERITREAN military camp. They still face danger, however, and could be executed if they are caught in religious activities again.
Pray that God will protect them and the other believers still suffering in captivity for the name of Christ. “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”
Letter from an Eritrean Prison
Thousands of Christians are in prison in Eritrea, and just days ago 17 more believers were arrested when they gathered for prayer. A pastor in Eritrea wrote this letter to his wife, describing how Christ has won the victory, even in a cold prison cell.