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Ethiopian Worship Service |
On January 3, The Voice of the Martyrs documented two disturbing reports in Ethiopia, demonstrating some of the continuing difficulties facing Christians there. On December 23, a Christian farmer named Adenew was returning from the market with the only ox he owned when he was attacked. His attackers beat him and then slaughtered his ox, offering the meat to those around. Though the attack took place in public, no one intervened to help. Adenew is still recovering from the assault. The local church provided for his medical expenses but asked if VOM could help replace his ox, as seeding time is approaching and the ox was needed to plough his land to provide food for his family.
Two days later, on December 25, Hassen, a Christian in the Muslim-dominated region of Alaba, had all of his property forcefully taken from him. The Muslim attackers took his furniture, cattle and a year's supply of grain needed to feed his family.
The Voice of the Martyrs has an emergency contingency fund in place for situations such as these in Ethiopia and was able to provide a new ox for Adenew, as well some funds for the needs of Hassen and his family. We thank God for the privilege of being able to stand with our Ethiopian brothers and sisters in this way. If you would be interested in helping VOM provide funds for such emergencies, online donations can be made to VOM's "Relief and Development Fund" (click here).
Pray for Hassen and Adenew as they rebuild their lives after these acts of violence against them. Pray for protection and strength for other Christians facing similar danger in Ethiopia.
For more information on Ethiopia and the challenges facing Christians there, click here. You can also view a video entitled "Gathering the Scattered" on the persecution facing Christians in Ethiopia and how VOM is standing with them in their affliction. Go to the Video section of our multimedia website, www.vomcanada.com. You must subscribe to the site to view these resources, but membership is free.
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