Eritrean police have arrested a Christian couple as they were getting married, dragging them and eighteen of the guests away to prison, according to a September 7 report from Compass Direct. The wedding was taking place at the home of the bride on September 4. They intentionally avoided any music or noticeable Christian activities to avoid attracting the attention of the authorities, but apparently the police were tipped off about the wedding. They arrived as the wedding was beginning, entering the traditional wedding tent and taking the groom, Mengesteab Tesfamariam, and his bride Berekti Keshi Almaze into custody, together with all those present to witness their vows.
Among those imprisoned are two key leaders of the Hallelujah Church, Aklilu Habteab and Kashay Imbaye, as well as Zerit Gebreneguse, an evangelist in the Philadelphia Church. Friends and relatives have been allowed no contact with the prisoners to this point.
Over one thousand Christians are presently imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea, including seventeen Protestant pastors.
Pray for physical and psychological strength for those arrested, as they face interrogation and possibly torture. Pray that those incarcerating these Christians will see the love and grace of God in their lives. Pray that the Eritrean authorities will stop their campaign against those who are not a part of the approved religious organizations.
For more information on Eritrea and the situation facing Christians there, click here or go to the Video section of https://www.vomcanada.com/ to view reports filmed on location by VOMC staff.
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