An Eritrean Christian woman, Azieb Simon (37), died of malaria in the Wi’a Military Training Centre last week after being imprisoned and tortured for months, according to a July 23 report from Compass Direct. Simon, a member of the Kale-Hiwet Church in Assab, was weakened by the mistreatment she had sustained since her arrest in December. Authorities reportedly refused to give her treatment for the disease, which she contracted only a week prior to her death. Other Christians imprisoned in the centre are under constant pressure to recant their faith. Compass also reported that eight Christian brothers held at the Adi-Quala prison were taken to the medical emergency facilities as a result of torture by military personnel at the camp. Moreover, in the port city of Assab, 32 Christians were imprisoned and taken to Wi'a earlier this month.
Ask God to fill those who mourn for Azieb with a peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of their grief (Philippians 4:7). Pray for the safety of those still in prison, and for their quick release. Pray that Eritrean Christians will remain faithful in the face of pressure to deny Christ.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea, go to the Eritrea Country Report.
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