Last month, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on violence in the region of Kemisse resulting in the burning of three churches and several other buildings (for details, click here). According to VOMC sources in the country, the World Vision office in Senbete, 25 km from Kemisse, was damaged by a bomb on April 10. It is believed that this attack was a continuation of the violence in Kemisse. Five church leaders in Kemisse were also reportedly arrested for spreading the Gospel (to read more, click here). Three of the five were released on April 15. Those still in custody are Tesfaye Negga and Abessa.
Turmoil Continues in Kemisse Region
- 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 republicLegal system
Civil law systemSource: 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.
