VOMC sources in Ethiopia have received information on attacks in two Ethiopian villages on March 21-22. In the first incident, a large Muslim mob orchestrated an attack on Christians in Kemisse approximately 350 km north-east of Addis Ababa . Three churches were burned and the field office of World Vision was attacked. Businesses owned by Christians were vandalized and several Christians were injured. Intervention by the Ethiopian army prevented further destruction and there were no reports of deaths, though a guard at the Lutheran church was sent to the hospital in serious condition. Several believers have fled to a neighbouring village to escape further persecution.
On March 22, Nesero Abraraw was on duty as a guard of a Lutheran church in Arisi Negellie, 225 km south of Addis, when he was shot three times by an unidentified assailant. Abraraw, a Muslim convert to Christianity and father of seven, died at the scene. Local police have arrested some suspects but are facing pressure from wealthy Muslim businessmen to release them. The church has no doubts that this attack was orchestrated by area Muslims who regularly harass and intimidate local Christians.
Pray that the peace of Christ will rule in the hearts and minds of Ethiopia 's Christians. Pray that the Lord will provide safe meeting places for the believers who have lost their church buildings. Pray that the attacks will subside and that the authorities will have God's wisdom in dealing with the tensions. Ask God to sustain and comfort Nesero's family in their grief. Pray that authorities will not surrender to pressure, but will protect the rights of all Ethiopian citizens.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia , click here.
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