Ethiopia
Push for Sharia in Ethiopia
In ETHIOPIA, a group of Muslims distributed literature with their plans to make Ethiopia an Islamic country under the rule of Sharia law.
Pray for wisdom and courage for Christians in the region. “...she considered Him faithful who had promised.”
Evangelist’s Home Burned
On March 29, suspected Islamists burned down two thatched-grass homes and building supplies belonging to an evangelist in ETHIOPIA. He had received messages warning him to stop converting Muslims to Christ.
Thank God for protecting him and his family. Pray that God will provide for the family to rebuild. “Let the poor and needy praise Your name.”
Evangelist Beaten to Death
Four Muslims beat to death an evangelist and also beat his pregnant wife on April 26 in ETHIOPIA. The believers were told by their attackers, “You (Christians) are growing in number in our area. You are spreading your message (the Gospel). We will destroy you.”
Ask God to comfort the widow. Pray for protection for her, her child, and Christians in the region. “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
Christians Forced from Homes
UPDATE: Thousands of Muslims have systematically attacked Christians in five Muslim-majority districts in ETHIOPIA. Now as many as 10,000 believers have been displaced, and at least three have been killed. Area churches are overwhelmed as they attempt to care for the refugees.
Pray for provision and encouragement. “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.”
Congregation Attacked by Mob
On February 17, a church in EGYPT was attacked by a mob of Muslims. The congregation had gotten permission from the village elders and the mayor to replace a tarp with a roof, but the mob attacked when support beams were being installed.
Ask God to give the church members courage. Pray that they will be able to finish the roof to shelter worshipers. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…”
Christians in City Threatened
Muslims in ETHIOPIA posted notices on Christians’ doors, telling them to convert, flee, or die. Of the city’s approximately 30 believers, at least two have fled, and two have been forced to convert.
Pray that the Christians will stand strong in the Lord. “I love You, O LORD, my strength.”
Christian Attacked with Knife
Earlier this year in ETHIOPIA, Muslims attacked a Christian leader with a knife after he testified in court. He had told the court how a mob of nearly 100 Muslims assaulted him and several other Christian leaders.
Ask God to heal these leaders and give them boldness in sharing the Gospel. “...because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Not Allowed to Build Church or Cemetery
Muslims in a city in ETHIOPIA refuse to allow Christians to build a church or cemetery. Earlier this year, a believer whose daughter died was forced to bury the child over 20 miles away from home.
Pray that these Christians will be allowed to build a church and cemetery. “...You will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear...”
Believer Killed, Churches Burned
In ETHIOPIA this March, Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating the Koran. They killed one believer and injured others. They also set fire to 59 churches and 28 homes, displacing more than 4,000 Christians and causing over three million dollars in damage.
Pray for provision and comfort for these suffering saints. “And those who know Your name put their trust in You…”
College Students Attacked
During their missions trip in February, Christian college students in ETHIOPIA were attacked with stones and rods by a Muslim mob. The believers had been handing out Bibles in the Muslim village.
Ask God to heal the injured students. Pray for an open door for the Gospel in this community. “For the LORD is righteous…”
Believer Sentenced to Prison
UPDATE: The ETHIOPIAN believer accused of writing “Jesus is Lord” on the Koran has been sentenced to three years in prison—despite the lack of evidence against him. Two of his friends were fined for visiting him and taking food to him. After his sentencing in late November, he was transferred to a harsh Islamic jail.
Pray that God will sustain him during his imprisonment and hasten his release. “But the Word of God is not bound!”
Believer Imprisoned without Trial
An ETHIOPIAN believer has been imprisoned for several months without trial. A Muslim co-worker accused him of writing “Jesus is Lord” on the Koran. Others say that he wrote “Jesus is Lord” on a piece of wood, on a minibus, and then on the wall of a house. He and other Christians deny these accusations. Authorities offered to release him if he converted to Islam.
Pray for him, as he is weak physically but strong in his faith. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
Homes Burned, Believers Held Captive
In ETHIOPIA this summer, Muslims burned down 10 homes of Christians, killed their animals, destroyed their harvest, and held 80 believers captive in their own village for 16 days. One managed to escape and walk 16 hours to report the incident. The attackers have been released on bail, despite their threat to burn any Christians who reported the attack. Local Muslims are preventing Christians from rebuilding, forcing them to live under trees.
Pray that God will provide shelter and food for these believers. “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light.”
Christian Beaten with Club
A Somali Muslim background believer who fled from Muslim persecution to ETHIOPIA was recently beaten near his new home. Muslims attacked him with a club in late August, beating his head and kicking his chest and stomach.
Pray that he will recover from his injuries. Ask God to protect all the Somali refugees in Ethiopia who are facing increasing persecution. “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by His power.”
Christian Beaten in Ethiopia
A Somali Muslim background believer living in ETHIOPIA was beaten mercilessly by five Muslim Somalis. This summer he was reading a book critical of Muhammad. They demanded that he give them the book, but he refused, saying that in Ethiopia he has religious freedom. They attacked him, even though they were in a crowded public place.
Pray that God will heal his broken leg and other injuries. Pray also that the Somali refugees in Ethiopia will not become discouraged. “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you.”
Believer Comforted after Arson
An ETHIOPIAN who was the only believer in his village lost his home to arson. Muslims had been taunting and threatening him. Two of his children died in the fire, and his neighbors thought he would never have joy again. By God’s grace, however, his home is rebuilt and he and his son have been comforted through other believers.
Pray that he will continue to be a testimony to his Muslim persecutors. “God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity.”
Testimony of Comfort
A man in Ethiopia suffered a great loss. His home was burned, and two of his children, ages 7 and 12, died in the flames. He had already experienced loneliness, being the only Christian in his village. Muslims taunted and threatened him, and finally, one day, they allegedly set his house on fire. When other Christians helped him rebuild his home and start work again, their love changed him. He told the believers, “By the love you have shown me, I am now comforted in my mourning.” His neighbors expected him never to have joy again, but by God’s grace, his whole demeanor changed.
Prisoner Beaten and Released
UPDATE (11/5): ETHIOPIAN authorities detained a MBB for almost a year without formal charges after he distributed Bibles. They beat him and recently brought baseless terrorism charges against him. But praise God, he has just been released! He confirmed that he was beaten but says that he is proud to suffer for his Lord.
Thank God for his release and for his testimony! “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions, the LORD alone guided him.”
While We Are yet Speaking
Just recently we were preparing the April prayer guide that is now going out to all of you. We had placed in it a prayer request for a man in Ethiopia who had been arrested last year and was now being threatened with charges of terrorism. But just as we were finalizing the prayer guide and prayer letter, we received exciting news—the man had just been released! Our prayer request suddenly turned into a praise report. We serve an amazing God!
Evangelists Accused of Bribing Converts
December 11, 2009
Two Christians in ETHIOPIA were accused of offering Muslims money to bribe them to convert. The charges were finally dropped--but only after the two evangelists spent time in prison and were forced to pay a fine. Now, on the eve of their release, their fellow inmates have filed new charges against them in an attempt to keep them in jail.
Missionaries Tortured by Police
November 18, 2009
Two missionaries in ETHIOPIA tried to start a church. For this, they were attacked and beaten by an angry Muslim mob. Their ordeal was only beginning. The police first detained them "for their own protection." Then, they were accused of offering bribes to Muslims to incite them to convert. They were sent to prison.
Evangelist Imprisoned
November 5, 2009
Local Muslims accused an ETHIOPIAN Christian of "malicious distribution of Bibles." They said he was handing out Bibles disguised as Korans--he was well-known as an evangelist and scholar. Despite imprisonment, his faith remains firm.
Pray that he will be able to preach in all circumstances. "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
Islamic extremists ambush church leader
Islamic extremists in Ethiopia ambushed a Somali church leader. They kicked and punched him till he collapsed, then beat him for at least 15 more minutes till police arrived.
Pray for healing and continued courage in the face of persecution. "But he gives more grace."
Ethiopian evangelists jailed
Two Ethiopian evangelists were arrested and imprisoned for "creating social unrest." After a week and a half of threat and insult they were released -- but the charges have not been dropped.
Pray that these men will be vindicated through their bold proclamation of the truth. "So you, son of man, I have made a watchman...."
Aid worker slain in Somalia
Militants had intercepted Mohammed -- an aid worker serving in Somalia -- earlier in the morning. That afternoon they gathered villagers, saying they would prepare a feast for them.
Five masked men emerged carrying guns, wielding Somali swords and dragging the handcuffed prisoner. One pulled back Mohammed's head, exposing his face, and scraped a sword against his short hair as if to sharpen it. Another recited the Koran as he proclaimed that Mohammed was a "murtid," an Arabic term for one who converts from Islam to Christianity.
