Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)
Three Christian men were hospitalized after being brutally attacked on November 5th in Ashruba, a village located within the Minya province of Upper Egypt. This is only the latest incident to occur amid a recent surge of sectarian violence throughout the region.
The targeted Christians had been inside a local pharmacy when they were suddenly assaulted by four male Muslim militants armed with knives and machetes. Following the attack, the wounded victims were taken to the University Hospital in Minya, while a few of the perpetrators were arrested by police.
Christians in Ashruba report that they live in a constant state of fear amid tensions due to numerous other attacks on believers and their properties over the past year. Speaking anonymously for security reasons, one Egyptian Christian leader gave praise to God for the positive steps that the authorities have taken, as demonstrated in these recent arrests. Even so, he describes the situation in Ashruba as "a culture of threat and harassment [towards] Christians." For more on the persecution of believers in Egypt, go to our country profile.
Pray for the complete healing of the three believers who were physically injured in this recent violent attack. May these brothers in Christ, along with all the other Christians living within this community, be divinely protected and kept safe from those who wish them harm. Pray that the authorities will continue to take firm action against this type of sectarian violence, and that God's peace, courage and strength will reign within the hearts of believers throughout Egypt.
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