Continuing Persecution in Rural Ethiopia

29 June 2005

In February, The Voice of the Martyrs in Canada reported on the severe persecution of Christians in rural Ethiopia, particularly in the Alaba region (click here for more details). According to VOM reports received this week, the violence is continuing unabated.

The thirty-two believers expelled from the village of Besheno in January are still unable to return to their homes. Muslim leaders interrogate any stranger to ensure that no Christian enters the area.

VOM's contacts in the Alaba area reported that an eight-year-old girl named Denkenesh was stabbed to death on June 5 by a witch doctor who had repeatedly told her Christian family that their prayers hindered his contact with the spirits. As a result, the witch doctor lured the girl into his home and killed her. When blood-soaked cloths were found in his home, he admitted to the attack and was arrested. The Christians in the area are skeptical that the trial will bring about a fair verdict.

^{Home of Serkalem's family}

^{Serkalem's brother Adane (11) and friends}

Also in the Alaba region, in the village of Colicha, a government official led a mob in raiding a church service on June 12. Those present were forced from the home where they were meeting. The governor has written a letter to the owner of the house, forbidding further church services.

On June 19, eleven Muslim converts were late arriving for church. They and others had been accosted on their way to the service and beaten. These managed to escape and proceed to the service while the others were driven away.

While in Alaba, VOM met with the family of Serkalem, a young man martyred on February 1 (click here for more information). Since the attack in February, the family's house has been damaged by Muslim attackers and their crops ruined, but the family remains firm in their faith. VOM spoke Serkalem's 11-year-old brother, Adane, and his friends. The children freely spoke about discipleship and being prepared to pay the cost of following Christ.

Pray for Christians in Ethiopia who are facing continued persecution at the hands of those opposed to the Gospel. Pray for strength and the healing of those beaten or mourning the loss of a loved one. Pray for the safety of Christians working to spread the Gospel of Christ to those around them.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia, click here.

Ethiopia

Current Ministry Project
VOMC has partnered with a ministry to strengthen the witness of the local church by equipping evangelists with the means to build sustainability through the development of a small business in a tentmaker project.

Project Fund: Relief and Development
Country Information
Population
116,462,712 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Oromo (35.8), Amara (24.1), Somali (7.2), Tigray (5.7), Sidama (4.1), Guragie (2.6), Welaita (2.3), Afar (2.2), Silte (1.3), Kefficho (1,2), Other (13.5) (2022 est.)

Religion (%)
Ethiopian Orthodox (43.8), Muslim (31.3), Protestant (22.8), Catholic (0.7), traditional (0.6), other (0.8)

Leader
President Sahle-Work Zewde (2018)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Civil law system

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Ethiopia
Ask the Lord to direct Ethiopia's governmental leaders as they continue to work toward solutions to the ongoing religious tensions in the country. While this is taking place, pray that His people will not become weary in doing what is right. Rather, may they be further strengthened and encouraged to boldly proclaim the Gospel, overcoming hatred with the powerful love of Christ.